Brent Hartinger Books

Funny, openly gay high school junior Russel Middlebrook finds the adventure he is looking for when he falls for an anti-consumerist freegan who pops out of the school dumpster. Through Wade, Russel is exposed to new experiences (like eating roadkill) and challenging ideas ("When you don't spend your whole life looking at a television or a computer screen, you can't help but take a good look at the world"). But just as their relationship turns romantic, Russel's friend Gunnar suspects that Wade and his freegan friends may be taking their beliefs to a dangerous extreme.

The narrative explores the poignant theme of losing innocence, capturing the emotional journey of a character grappling with unexpected life experiences. Through introspection and reflection, the story delves into the complexities of growing up and the realizations that accompany such transformations. The protagonist’s journey reveals the bittersweet nature of maturity and the insights gained from confronting harsh realities.

Two books in one tell of sixteen-year-old friends Russel, who is gay, and Min, who is bisexual, as they face separate romantic troubles while working as extras on the set of a horror movie.

I knew that any wrong action, however slight, could reveal my true identity...Russel is still going on dates with girls. Kevin would do anything to prevent his teammates on the baseball team from finding out. Min and Terese tell everyone they're really just good friends. But after a while, the truth's too hard to hide - at least from each other - so they form the "Geography Club." Nobody else will come. Why would they want to? Their secret should be safe.

A weekend retreat spirals into chaos when a simple game of three truths and a lie takes a dark turn. This psychological thriller weaves together elements of romance and suspense, showcasing the unraveling of relationships and the hidden truths of the characters. The narrative is crafted by a Lambda Award-winning author, ensuring a gripping and thought-provoking experience that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.