Kyle knows the seemingly impossible chasm between him and Brad: A wide dresser supported a parade of gold-colored people all mounted on sports trophies, enough to populate their own country, it seemed, each one another log on the fire of differences between us. They could have strayed into stereotype, but the arguments and drink problems are sharply referenced, then focus brought back to the main characters. The respective families are barely touched on, but enough to show us the context of both boys’ lives. There’s obviously a budding romance, but I’m glad the author wasn’t tempted to push the study session with Brad too fast. Kyle knows he’s different, but the author cleverly lets us see how in reality he has far more in common with others than he thinks, including Brad the golden boy. The story wasn’t just about being gay, but also about being a teenager, wanting to fit in, coping with an unsupportive family and school. I strongly empathised with that fear, and it’s heartbreaking when we realize he’s hiding from attracting abuse, not just naturally shy. His strategy has always been to be “invisible”.
PE and watching normal guys get undressed was bad enough the thought of actual athletes getting naked, standing around snapping towels at each other, soaping up under hot showers…. Kyle’s background seeps out in his daily commentary on school and being gay. There’s a lot of description in comparison to dialogue, but I wasn’t tempted to skim. But we can see wit and passion in him, as well. The story is all from Kyle’s point of view, flavoured by his self-deprecation and caution. Review: A very charming story from the close point of view of a young man growing up and coming to terms with what he is, and what he’s *not*. When they bond over a night of history tutoring, can they discover the pieces in each other that will mend what is broken? Both boys are damaged in ways that the rest of the world can’t see. Brad is the baseball star at Foster High. Blurb: Kyle has worked hard at being the invisible student, toiling through high school and life in the middle of Nowhere, Texas.
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