"In the case of my book, I don't think it's really the coming-out gay novel that everyone really needed, even though it was received as such. The boy is too creepy, he betrays his teacher, the only adult man with whom he's enjoyed a sexual experience, etc"

Edmund White's quote suggests that his book, although gotten as a coming-out gay novel, is not necessarily the one that everyone needed. He indicates that the protagonist of guide is not a positive representation of the gay neighborhood, as he is portrayed as a scary personality that betrays his teacher, the only adult guy with whom he has had a sexual experience. This might be taken a review of the depiction of the gay community in literature, as White recommends that guide does not precisely depict the experiences of the gay neighborhood. It could also be viewed as an alerting to readers to be careful of the depiction of the gay community in literary works, as it might not constantly be an exact reflection of truth.