I’ve now read all of Adam Silvers books (except for Infinity’s Son) and had the unique perspective of tackling his collection in reverse publication order- Not done intentionally but it is what it is. It was interesting to see how much his writing has developed over the course of his publication. The beginning of this novel was a bit slow for me, but being from the Bronx myself, I was drawn into all of the references to location ( I have spent many summer days at Orchard beach) and the games he and the gang played (Manhunt got my friends and I through every summer). Once I read through Part Zero of the book, I immediately was sucked in even further. Reading through Aarons past traumas was hard to read. But I think the perspective this book offers on coming to terms with your own sexuality is gut wrenchingly real. Not everyone’s coming out story is all rainbows and sunshine. Many are not fortunate to be accepted and treated fairly early on. I deeply related to Aaron and his struggle to accept himself. Especially being from the Bronx, not everyone is as inclusive and accepting as we would think it to be. The beating on the train has been a real fear of mine for my entire life. In closing, I need to thank Adam Silvera for being so vulnerable and authentic in writing this story. It was very difficult for me to read through some of the traumas Aaron was forced to endure & I can only imagine what it was like having to write through those intense feelings.