*Starred Review* Teens Charlie and Sam were best friends, until Sam stopped speaking to Charlie. In his first book for young people, Ryan (Send Me, 2006) slowly reveals the cause of the rift in chapters that alternate between the two boys' viewpoints. Over a Florida summer, each boy wrestles alone with problems. Following his mother's death, Charlie worries about his shut-in dad, who drinks too much. He escapes by smoking pot, a habit that's put him into deep debt to a threatening dealer. Sam's dad lives with his male lover, and Sam, who has been hiding his own male attractions, worries if he is gay, too. When each boy reaches a crisis point, he finally turns to the other. In a less-gifted author's hands, this novel could have felt crowded. But Ryan offers complex views of family lives, realistic language (including some anti-gay slurs), and convincing characters in Sam and Charlie. Sam's new romance with another guy is a buoyant subplot; just as welcome is the sensitive story of two teen boys forging a close, honest friendship. Engberg, Gillian
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
“[This] tightly wrought YA debut moves fast, and each boy’s voice is ragged, distinct and desperate enough to wrangle the hearts of most teen readers, both guys and girls.” (Kirkus Reviews )
“Poignant. An exploration of a deep friendship where friends truly support and encourage one another to do the right things.” (KLIATT )
“Teens will find both boys’ storylines thoroughly compelling right through to the end, which leaves many ends rightfully untied, underscoring the lingering effects of life’s messier moments.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review) )
“Ryan offers complex views of family lives, realistic language and convincing characters in Sam and Charlie.” (Booklist (starred review) )
“P.E. Ryan has created not one, but two complex, genuine main characters. One of the best books of the year.” (Young Adult Books Central )
