After a summer romance with a boy named Will, Ollie moves across the country only to find himself attending the same high school as his former flame. However, the Will he knew—affectionate and open—has been replaced by a closeted jock who treats Ollie like a stranger to maintain his social standing. As Ollie navigates this rejection, he also manages his family’s emotional strain while his aunt undergoes treatment for terminal cancer. The plot follows Ollie’s attempt to balance his self-respect with his lingering feelings for a version of Will that might not exist in public.
Fans of young adult contemporary fiction find in this book a realistic portrayal of the social pressures surrounding coming out and the messiness of teenage boundaries. It appeals to readers looking for a balance between romantic tension and the heavy realities of grief and caregiving. The audience walks away with a perspective on why people hide their identities and the importance of prioritizing one’s own well-being over a partner who is not ready to be honest.
Practical, clear-cut and escapist; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Escapist Adventurer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2020
- Language
- EN
