What They Always Tell Us [Hardcover]

Martin Wilson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 12, 2008

JAMES AND ALEX have barely anything in common anymore—least of all their experiences in high school, where James is a popular senior and Alex is suddenly an outcast. But at home, there is Henry, the precocious 10-year-old across the street, who eagerly befriends them both. And when Alex takes up running, there is James’s friend Nathen, who unites the brothers in moving and unexpected ways.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up—Alex and James are only one year apart, but the distance between these brothers is vast. James, a popular and talented senior, awaits news about his early admission to Duke, playing tennis and going to parties with his buddies on the weekends. Alex, a junior, is confused and disoriented after having chugged Pine-Sol at a party, lost all of his friends, and found himself secretly dating Nathen, one of his brother's best pals. The backdrop is Tuscaloosa, AL, where Alex knows his emerging sexual identity will never be accepted, and James fears he will be stuck forever if Duke turns him down. The boys wander their way through the school year fulfilling family obligations, befriending an odd and lonely neighbor boy, and navigating their way back to mutual affection after a period of mild estrangement. Wilson's novel offers a look inside the minds of both brothers, allowing readers to experience their parents, their school, and their town from two distinct points of view, confident and fearful, indifferent and melancholy, impatient and reflective. Some readers may feel that the book has a bit of a slow start, with some of the relationships only beginning to develop after page 100. They may come away wishing to have gotten to know the central characters more deeply, although the relationship between Alex and Nathen is touchingly realistic. In the end, this book may appeal to teens who are grappling with decisions about the future, the frustrations of family, and the choices that relationships require of us.—Nora G. Murphy, Los Angeles Academy Middle School
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From Booklist

*Starred Review* The story is told in alternating chapters by two brothers. James is a popular, smart senior who awaits his acceptance letter from Duke. But there are several dark folds in his smooth life. He is in the process of breaking up with Alice, whose only attraction for him was their sexual relationship. Then there’s his brother. What was he thinking when he swallowed Pine-Sol at a party? Alex is a junior and still trying to find his way back from an impetuous, potentially deadly act. His friends are gone, but one of James’ buddies, Nathen, gets Alex involved in running, and slowly Alex sees there might be a life left for him. Soon it becomes clear that the life he wants is with Nathen, who returns his feelings. The writing, which at first seems straightforward, almost bland, becomes increasingly layered as it dispenses its information, gradually and ever more movingly. Adding both texture to the story and an element of mystery is the inclusion of a young neighbor boy, whose problems draw both James and Alex to his side and to each other. This is a strong debut, and Wilson shows admirable control of a complicated story that in less-accomplished hands could have spun out of control. The structure literally allows readers to see both sides. Grades 9-12. --Ilene Cooper

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (August 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385735073
• ISBN-13: 978-0385735070
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.1 x 8.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #907,325 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible, beautiful story., August 28, 2008

By 

Phillip D. Kent "daphne22" (Northport, AL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What They Always Tell Us (Hardcover)

Wish this book had been around when I was a kid. Believable characters in real life situations. The author does not speak down to his target audience. He speaks to them on their level, using language that they would use, not the watered-down, sugar-sweet language that I remember reading. I also find it amazing how even secondary characters are so multidimensional. Cannot recommend this book enough, to people of all ages.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book, August 12, 2008

By 

W. Haggiagi (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What They Always Tell Us (Hardcover)

There is something very comforting about this book. Sitting down and reading it took me back to my own teenage years and the way with which Wilson captures that familiarity is very cool. I didn't grow up anywhere near Alabama and yet what these characters go through rang very true to me. Everything from the relationship between the two brothers to the storyline with the neighbor's kid. Very simply written and yet smart and complex. The fact that both the writer's sense of humor and connection to the material comes across so easily is only one of many great aspects about this book. I was very pleased.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, Relateable, Well-Written First Novel, September 17, 2008

By 

sn1752 - See all my reviews

This review is from: What They Always Tell Us (Hardcover)

Martin Wilson crafts a wonderful tale of teenage friendship, troubles & love (both familial & otherwise) among 4 boys that are growing up in suburban Alabama. "What They Always Tell Us" masterfully portrays today's teenage voice in a way to which almost anyone can relate. Much like an Altman film, Wilson creates characters that have their own disparate stories & then come together in a not unremarkable way. The writing style is also reminiscent of Louis de Bernières. Though the subject matter may rarely veer into the risque, it is never sensational nor is it used for anything other than logical plot advancement. (It is useful to keep in mind that Holden Caulfield's language was a bit racy, too.) Wilson's writing is ebullient without being pedantic, a rare trait in first-time authors. I would without reservation recommend this book for any person that enjoys a well-written, smart & relateable novel that cleverly and successfully explores teenage life.