Lamar Giles' Not So Pure and Simple offers a fresh, engaging perspective on teen relationships and societal expectations. Well-received for its humor and relatable protagonist, the novel effectively addresses complex themes such as consent and toxic masculinity. However, some readers felt the pacing was uneven, and a few characters could have been more developed. Overall, a compelling read.

Readers who enjoyed Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give or Jason Reynolds’s Long Way Down will find Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles captivating. This book appeals to those interested in timely social issues, coming-of-age narratives, and authentic teen voices imbued with humor and heart.

In Lamar Giles's Not So Pure and Simple, 17-year-old Del Rainey joins a purity pledge class at his church to get closer to his crush, Kiera Westing, discovering more about relationships, sexuality, and himself. As Del navigates church meetings and high school life, he challenges his assumptions about women and what it means to be a "real man." The book discusses sensitive topics related to sexual health, peer pressure, and societal expectations.

Lamar Giles

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Not So Pure and Simple reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Not So Pure and Simple | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Not So Pure and Simple and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Not So Pure and Simple Summary and Study Guide

Background

Not So Pure and Simple Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Not So Pure and Simple Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-12

Not So Pure and Simple Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-18

Not So Pure and Simple Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-24

Not So Pure and Simple Chapters 19-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-31

Not So Pure and Simple Chapters 25-31 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Not So Pure and Simple Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Not So Pure and Simple Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Not So Pure and Simple Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Not So Pure and Simple Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Not So Pure and Simple Essay Topics

Not So Pure and Simple

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Not So Pure and Simple?

Reading Age

Book Details