In this emotional, raw, and sexual novel, 16-year-old Sam falls hard in love and lust with Clay who works at a surf and skate shop. Clay proves maddeningly elusive and Sam drives himself crazy wanting to have sex with Clay and hear Clay say "I love you." Clay has issues of his own: he's constantly bouncing off the walls emotionally and is in denial or confusion about his own sexuality. He's indifferent to his girlfriend Tammy and plays mind games with Sam. Sam goes through an emotional wringer for Clay but Clay never does come around and Sam finally accepts the sad inevitable. Hawaii life is depicted very realistically; there is a real sense of the place and people. Lib notes: Graphic descriptions of drug and alcohol use, sex (straight and gay) and masturbation.

A rather graphic coming-of-age novel that deals with some typical issues connected with growing up and coming out. Mostly set on the island of Oahu, this book should be required reading for those on the brink or those who have recently come out because it shows us the sometimes harsh reality behind this momentous step. The book starts to come apart a bit toward the end, but otherwise it seems fairly realistic. ( )

This terrific debut novel turns the typical teenage coming out story on its ear by portraying its sixteen year old narrator, Sam, as completely self-loathing in every respect EXCEPT with regard to his sexuality (which he treats with extreme matter-of-factness). In many ways he is the typical rebellious teen, he hates his folks, his life, his appearance & is forever trying on different looks and identities in an awkward effort to express his individuality, but as the book follows his faltering romance and subsequent obsession with Clay, a hip and attractive local surfer, Sam turns into something more sinister. He goes beyond garden-variety teen stalking and, in a sense, actually attempts to become his lover. Clay is Sam's polar opposite in every way - he is completely comfortable in his own skin EXCEPT for his inablity to acknowledge his homosexuality.

Mastbaum has beautifully captured his teen narrator's voice; Sam is a fully realized, authentic character. Although you may find yourself cringing in places, it is difficult not to sympathize with him, even as he strays dangerously into Travis Bickle/Rupert Pupkin territory. I read this book in one day with very few breaks. On the one hand this is a testament to how quickly the writing engaged me but on the other, it also gave rise to my only complaint. Reading Sam's insistent, almost relentless, and highly emotive ranting in such concentration was a lot like taking a long train ride with a hopped up, loquacious youngster - completely exhausting.

I definitely recommend this one. ( )