Jeff Garvin crafts narratives that delve into the complexities of identity and the journey of self-discovery, particularly resonating with young adult readers. His writing is characterized by a sensitive and empathetic exploration of personal truths and societal pressures. Garvin's distinctive voice brings a unique blend of introspection and vivid storytelling to his compelling characters. His work offers a poignant look at the challenges and triumphs of understanding oneself and finding one's place in the world.
The narrative centers on a teenage girl grappling with bipolar II disorder who takes a bold step to support her family by getting her struggling magician father to perform a once-famous illusion on live television. This heartfelt coming-of-age tale explores themes of resilience, family dynamics, and the pursuit of dreams amidst personal challenges. It offers a unique blend of humor and emotional depth, appealing to readers who appreciate stories of growth and determination.
Starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist * YALSA Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers * ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults List * 2017 Rainbow List A sharply honest and moving debut perfect for fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Ask the Passengers. Riley Cavanaugh is many things: Punk rock. Snarky. Rebellious. And gender fluid. Some days Riley identifies as a boy, and others as a girl. But Riley isn't exactly out yet. And between starting a new school and having a congressman father running for reelection in über-conservative Orange County, the pressure—media and otherwise—is building up in Riley's life. On the advice of a therapist, Riley starts an anonymous blog to vent those pent-up feelings and tell the truth of what it's really like to be a gender fluid teenager. But just as Riley's starting to settle in at school—even developing feelings for a mysterious outcast—the blog goes viral, and an unnamed commenter discovers Riley's real identity, threatening exposure. And Riley must make a choice: walk away from what the blog has created—a lifeline, new friends, a cause to believe in—or stand up, come out, and risk everything. From debut author Jeff Garvin comes a powerful and uplifting portrait of a modern teen struggling with high school, relationships, and what it means to be human.
