Maybe by Brent Runyon

Available in the Swift Current Library: Yes

General Topics: Death, Family, Relationships

Rating out of 5: 3.5 out of 5

Summary: This is a story of Brian, a young man whose home life is haunted by his older brother’s death from drinking and driving. Brian and his parents have moved to a new location, yet they still preserve the older brother’s room. As Brian adjusts to a new high school, he begins to make friends and explores relationships with girls.
Maybe is written as if it were a journal, viewing a small slice of this young man’s life through his eyes. The author effectively relays the day-to-day life of today’s teens, including swearing, drugs, drinking and dating – however, these areas are handled tastefully and realistically. We see how impressionable youth are. For instance, when Brian is asked if he is gay, he begins an inner dialogue of “…am I gay? Do I look like I’m gay?…”
Readers watch Brian discover his inner self while he deals with raging hormones.

Good Points: -Thought-provoking

- Interesting characters

-Realistic view on humans and our society

Bad Points: -Very short

Overall review: I was pleased to see that Brian learns that there can be intimate relationships without tensions and sexual pressures involved. This book will appeal to teens because they won’t feel like they are being lied to with its realistic storyline and use of language that teenagers can relate to.

If you liked this book, also try: The Burn Journals by Brent Runyon

Visit the author's website at: http://www.randomhouse.com/author/results.pperl?authorid=52604