Synopsis
When she held the large flower in front of Julian’s face, he thought the girl was checking to see if it matched his light blond hair—he ran into that a lot. Not this time: he had been tagged to attend the Sadie Hawkins Day Dance.This was the latest obstacle in his carefully planned secret strategy to gain the love of his life. It had to be secret: in 1962, life for a gay boy could be especially risky. Rule 1: pretend you’re “normal;” 2: evade the bullies; 3: keep busy.Mark Schaefer, Julian’s scoutmaster—the center of Julian’s romantic bulls eye—had problems of his own. His recent promotion at work, combined with a growing personal need to get out from under his past had his full attention. With reluctance, he allows a colleague of his wife to be his guide and mentor. Then there’s Randall… a new friend, or a complication?Eldot, author of the critically acclaimed Julian’s Private Scrapbook novels, presents a new and hilarious chapter in Julian’s poignant story: his first year of high school. Again, he weaves a comical tapestry for a very serious subject: who are these boys who get bullied? Eldot “gets inside the heads of the characters…” [BueInk Review] and shows how they should be accepted and celebrated for who they are.The pre digital world—when a milkshake cost 25 cents and Playboy was sold under the counter—lends charm and humor to the subject, and allows a frank and honest treatment of same sex discovery and activity. “… a nonchalant, playful tone that removes the stigma of queer intimacy that easily might have tormented teenaged American men in 1962.” [BlueInk Review]“…The only complaint this reader has is waiting for Part 2. Well-written, with engaging, likable characters, this book skillfully presents the challenges and pleasuresboys who love men face in growing up.” [BueInk Review]
From the Author
Eldot is the nom de plume Leland Hall devised when he decided to take up writing. [Eldot = L.] The cipher is easy to decode because it is intended to clarify, not disguise. For thirty terrific years he was a classroom teacher and leader in his profession. Reserving that proud and distinguished heritage as its own chapter is important. The credentials and honors of those years belong to those years. Now retired, he has begun a new chapter--hence, the need for a new "handle." You're in high school now is his twelfth book.
Julian's story is his response to the failure of society and the media to deal honestly with the problems many young people face when it comes to sexual identity and development. It rises from years of observation and experience, and frustration. The vehicle he has chosen is unusual, if not unique: romantic comedy. The perspective is from within the characters: it is what they see, think, and feel--the view that is generally never allowed a voice.
The "system" fails to recognize or remember that individual human beings under the age of 18 are conscious beings: learning, setting goals, and making life direction decisions at every turn. That is the world readers enter in these pages. It is handled with humor and understanding--if there is a need for scolding, let someone else do it, somewhere else.
Eldot has lived in the Pacific Northwest most of his life. The novels are not autobiographical.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
