Gap Life

October 3, 2016
There comes a time in virtually every young adult’s life when the decision is made to step away from one’s parents to become independent. For Cray Franklin, that decision comes on the heels of high school graduation as he sidesteps the path his parents have set for him—namely a premed track at the all-male Catholic college his father and grandfather attended—and begins a tumultuous journey into adulthood. Along the way, he meets and falls for free-spirited Rayne, who embodies the freedom he’s searching for, but who already has a boyfriend. With just a touch of romance, Coy’s narrative focuses on Cray’s thoughts and feelings as he takes a job in a group home, working with adults with developmental disabilities. A few threads are left dangling, particularly regarding Cray’s falling-out with a close friend, but Coy (Game Changer) captures the uncomfortable and even cringe-inducing actions and decisions of a teen trying to find his way, while also creating thoughtful parallels between Cray’s journey toward independence and the lives of four residents in the group home. Ages 12–up. Agent: Andrea Cascardi, Transatlantic Literary.

October 1, 2016

Gr 8 Up-Teens who don't know what they want to do with their lives will relate well to the protagonist of this fast-paced realistic novel. Cray Franklin is a 17-year-old high school graduate whose parents have mapped out his life-attend St. Luke's College and become a doctor. Those ambitions do not coincide with Cray's own. He doesn't know what he wants to be or what he wants to do after graduation. Enter Rayne, a wise, worldly fellow high school graduate who helps Cray get a job at a group home for adults with disabilities. Rayne is fascinating, complicated, and involved with a sophisticated Italian boyfriend/fiance. Cray's bid for a romantic relationship with her introduces palpable angst and creates tension with his best friend, whose girlfriend intensely dislikes Rayne and actively attempts to sabotage the budding romance. Cray's ways of dealing with the conflicts among his parents, sibling, friends, employer, and love interest are painfully authentic. The author tackles a number of problems that might have been resolved more effectively in a longer story. The superficial treatment of the issues moves the plot along quickly, which will appeal to reluctant readers, but still provides opportunities for discussion questions that elicit greater reflection about how Cray's obstacles might mirror students' own challenges. VERDICT A solid additional purchase for librarians seeking books about teens struggling to grow up in suburbia or to decide which path to take after high school.-Jodeana Kruse, R.A. Long High School, Longview, WA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.