True Letters From a Fictional Life

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2016

Review

James lives in a small Vermont town where everyone knows everyone. He is a junior in high school and he, along with his friends and classmates, have always plagued anyone who seems different. Of course this includes gay boys. The problem is James is struggling with his sexual identity, wonders why he can't really connect with his 'girlfriend' and what does it mean that he is attracted to boys. He wants to come out in his own time and way, but circumstances conspire to force his hand sooner rather than later. He writes letters to people and has for years, letters he never sends, but someone finds those letters and mails some of them. His 'fictional life' is now revealed. This will make a good choice for young people trying to deal with coming out to friends and family and will also appeal to all ages who are attempting to understand issues around homosexuality. It makes the reader come to terms with how difficult society often makes life for those who are different and just trying to live their own 'normal' lives. Let's all take a lesson from this story.

Overall Book Score: very good