Highly Illogical Behavior

Solomon is a 16-year-old who hasn't left his house since eighth grade, when panic led him to strip to his underwear and immerse himself in the school fountain. Narrator Robbie Daymond emphasizes Solomon's upbeat and agreeable outlook and his solid, loving family. In contrast, Julia Whelan portrays Lisa as an irritating, insecure manipulator who targets Solomon to feature in an essay that will win her a scholarship to a college far from home. Whelan's portrayal of Lisa's boyfriend, Clark, is warm and genuine. Both narrators reflect marked changes as relationships deepen and the characters take risks and become more honest with each other and themselves. Mental illness is merely a backdrop. Well-rendered characters; witty, intriguing conversations; and complex friendships are center stage. S.W. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

Starred review from February 29, 2016
Solomon Reed, 16, suffers from acute anxiety and agoraphobia. He hasn’t left his house since a panic attack in seventh grade, during which he stripped to his underwear seeking calm in the waters of a fountain outside his school. Former classmate Lisa—an ambitious, straight-A type who “believed in herself maybe more than other people believed in God”—hasn’t forgotten him. In need of a subject for a scholarship essay about mental illness, she thrusts herself into Solomon’s existence with a plan to “cure” him using some armchair cognitive behavior therapy. Solomon doesn’t think he needs saving (or know about the essay), but he lets Lisa in, followed by her handsome boyfriend, Clark, who shares his interest in comic books, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and card games. Heartbreak ensues when Solomon falls for Clark. Printz Award–winner Whaley (Where Things Come Back) again tackles heavy, heady topics with a light touch, populating his perceptive and quick-witted story with endearing, believably flawed teens. Solomon’s parents and grandmother are refreshingly supportive, letting Solomon take the lead as he tests the possibility of re-entry. Ages 14–up. Agent: Stephen Barr, Writers House.

August 29, 2016
Solomon Reed, 16, suffers from acute anxiety and agoraphobia and hasn’t left his house since a panic attack in seventh grade. His former classmate Lisa—an ambitious straight-A student, in need of a subject for a scholarship essay about mental illness, thrusts herself into Solomon’s life with a plan to “cure” him using some armchair cognitive behavior therapy. Solomon doesn’t think he needs saving (and doesn’t know about the essay), but he lets Lisa in, followed by her handsome boyfriend, Clark, who shares his interest in comic books, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and card games. Heartbreak ensues when Solomon falls for Clark. Voice actors Daymon and Whelan alternate reading chapters that focus on Solomon and those that focus on Lisa. Daymon captures Solomon’s awkward and eccentric personality, while Whelan adeptly communicates Lisa’s arrogance. Both actors add charm to Printz Award–winner Whaley’s quick-witted story with endearing, believably flawed teens. Ages 14–up. A Dial hardcover.