When You Don't See Me

September 15, 2007
Self-described scrawny twink Nick leaves his parents Wisconsin home to live with Uncle Blaine and Blaines lover, finishes high school in the Big Apple, and moves out on his own at 19. He then ruefully learns that finding a New York apartment is as hard as finding a boyfriend. When he finally locates a vacancy, he grabs it, dingy and small though it is, without consulting roommates Roberto, a buddy of his; Kendra, whom he knows slightly; and her friend Morgan, whom he hasnt metalso Hugsie and Lucifer, Morgans two snakes. And that sets the scene for another lively Beck gay coming-of-age story, one in which he offers more than light fluff. Engaging and moving, his latest isnt only an enjoyable read, its also a meditation on the bonds of friendship and, when its suggested that it just might be possible to find oneself and go home again, one way or another, the pull of family.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)