Boy

April 17, 2017
Popularity isn’t something Gavin Meeks sought; it’s the byproduct of where he lives, how he dresses and looks, his athletic skills, and the fact that his tennis partner is the most popular guy in their class. But he hasn’t thought much about his status—until he grows interested in a new girl who’s unimpressed by (and unqualified for) the golden circle. As Gavin moves from sophomore to senior year, Nelson (Girl) shows him shifting from passively accepting what he’s been given to really thinking about what he wants. The process isn’t direct or quick—Gavin’s happy to accept a consensus girlfriend who makes sense in his social group—though it gathers momentum as he makes friends with people on the margins and gets serious about photography. But in covering three years, Nelson ends up telling more than he shows, often relying on abrupt transitions like “later,” “the next day,” “then one day.” Readers may feel that they’re seeing Gavin from a distance rather than up close. 14–up. Agent: Jodi Reamer, Writers House.

Gavin is one of the cool kids at Evergreen High who is drawn to Antoinette, a somber girl who lost her brother to suicide. Narrator Vikas Adam has an impressive diverse delivery that makes Gavin sound relatable and Antionette mysterious. He strongly differentiates between the other characters in the story as well. Gavin is transitioning into adulthood and is trying to figure out who he is all the while being affected by others. Nelson captures the feeling of being a teenager in today's world. There is a sense of realism in the narration, with Adam demonstrating both the uniqueness and youthfulness of the characters. BOY is another gem from Blake Nelson. D.Z. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine