You're in high school now - Softcover

Eldot

Softcover

ISBN 10: 189307577X ISBN 13: 9781893075771

Publisher: Q Press, 2015

Synopsis

When she held the large flower in front of Julian’s face, he thought the girl was checking to see if it matched his light blond hair—he ran into that a lot. Not this time: he had been tagged to attend the Sadie Hawkins Day Dance.This was the latest obstacle in his carefully planned secret strategy to gain the love of his life. It had to be secret: in 1962, life for a gay boy could be especially risky. Rule 1: pretend you’re “normal;” 2: evade the bullies; 3: keep busy.Mark Schaefer, Julian’s scoutmaster—the center of Julian’s romantic bulls eye—had problems of his own. His recent promotion at work, combined with a growing personal need to get out from under his past had his full attention. With reluctance, he allows a colleague of his wife to be his guide and mentor. Then there’s Randall… a new friend, or a complication?Eldot, author of the critically acclaimed Julian’s Private Scrapbook novels, presents a new and hilarious chapter in Julian’s poignant story: his first year of high school. Again, he weaves a comical tapestry for a very serious subject: who are these boys who get bullied? Eldot “gets inside the heads of the characters…” [BueInk Review] and shows how they should be accepted and celebrated for who they are.The pre digital world—when a milkshake cost 25 cents and Playboy was sold under the counter—lends charm and humor to the subject, and allows a frank and honest treatment of same sex discovery and activity. “… a nonchalant, playful tone that removes the stigma of queer intimacy that easily might have tormented teenaged American men in 1962.” [BlueInk Review]“…The only complaint this reader has is waiting for Part 2. Well-written, with engaging, likable characters, this book skillfully presents the challenges and pleasuresboys who love men face in growing up.” [BueInk Review]

About this title

Review

This charming novel continues the story of Julian, from author Eldot's series Julian's Private Scrapbook. Set in the early 1960s, it follows Julian's coming of age as a gay man through the first half of his first year in high school, as he makes new friends, learns about girls, and navigates this strange but exciting new world. Well-written, with engaging, likable characters, this book skillfully presents the challenges and pleasures boys who love men face in growing up. [BlueInk] Eldot's romantic comedy You're in High School Now follows Julian, a young gay man in who is getting to know himself while creating his place in the world. This particular world is high school in 1962, a microcosm fraught with prizes and pitfalls, where bullies abound and fitting in is a constant quest. This narrative reflects traditional coming-of-age themes, further complicated by issues of sexuality and identity. Readers should be aware it contains sexual content and adult themes layered throughout. Julian is a sympathetic character, thoughtful and comical in his observations about himself and those around him. His internal struggles and interactions with his peers will likely connect with young readers, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Self-acceptance rings as a universal desire and pursuit throughout these pages. [Foreword/Clarion] Humor is one of Eldot's strong suits; he has an impressive capacity for penning farcical, innocently disastrous moments. He also builds a good supporting cast... Eldot successfully taps into the experiences of gay youth with a believable blend of engaging characterization, humor, pathos, back story, and teenage angst. Fun, frolicsome series with good humor and a message of unity and equality; new readers may want to start at the beginning. [Kirkus]

Edition details

• Publisher: Q Press
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 189307577X
• ISBN 13: 9781893075771
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 626