Justin Deabler

Another outstanding debut novel this week. Deabler’s protagonist is a gay man who grew up in conservative Texas. Julian mother doted on him, recognized his intelligence, and homeschooled him for his early years. His father, a Vietnam veteran, had girlfriend after girlfriend and the marriage finally ended in divorce. Justin struggled with his sexual identity, but entering Harvard early, he could finally become the person he really was. In the introduction, we are introduced to Justin and his husband as they welcome a new baby to their home. The book, at times, was uncomfortable as the reader became emotionally involved with Julian, but in the end, it is a triumph on standing up for who you are.… (mehr)