What They Always Tell Us by Martin Wilson

I'm rereading a few books because I was asked by a publisher to write a study guide for several of their books. So far, I've re-read Rage by Julie Anne Peters, Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan and What They Always Tell Us by Martin Wilson. All are stellar glbt-q books for young adults, but I am most touched by my re-reading of Wilson's tender coming of age story.

James and Alex are brothers, and even though they are only a year apart in age (junior and senior in high school), they are worlds apart in lifestyle and attitude. To add to the mix, Alex, the younger brother, tried to commit suicide by drinking Pine-Sol at a party. He's a pariah to everyone at school, as his brother struggles to understand why he tried to hurt himself that way. As the story progresses, Alex finds himself by joining the cross country team and becoming friends with Nathen, a friend of James's. Slowly, a touching relationship builds between Alex and Nathen, both boys tentatively exploring their sexuality and slowly revealing Alex's unhappiness at the time of the suicide attempt.

By hearing from both Alex and James in alternating chapters, the reader is privy to two distinct voices and perspectives of what is happening in the boy's lives. Added to this mix is Henry, the 10-year-old loner from across the street. Henry often seems more comfortable with himself than the older boys do.

If you're looking for a book which explores the perils of growing up and trying to escape either where you live physically or where you're at emotionally, Wilson's book is exactly what you are looking for. You will be touched by the relationship that Alex and Nathen form, initially charged by their love of running and ultimately powered by their realization of who each of them is. An exceptional story of growing up...gay, questioning or straight.