James Liddell’s written and actual live are two very different things. To anyone who knows him, James is a well-rounded, well liked athlete, dating the equally well liked Theresa. But when he’s alone, he tells a different story–he fills his drawers with letters to people that he never intends to send, about things that he could never say aloud. When these letters mysteriously start getting sent, he grows worried that everyone will find out his darkest secret: that he likes boys. Will James ever get to escape his life of fiction?
This book is much more lighthearted than most LGBTQ fiction that I’ve read, especially recently. I liked the concept of the story, as using fiction as an escape is a familiar notion for a fellow writer. James uses his letters to say things that he never thought he’d be able to say aloud–but, when they actually get out, they allow him to fully accept who he is.
Though he was the protagonist, James wasn’t my favorite character in the book. At times, he felt a little flat to me, despite his vivid inner life shown through his writing. Some of the side characters, like James’s love interest (the name is escaping me), I found to be more interesting, adding intrigue to the story.
Overall, I think this is a story that many teens will relate to, with heart-melting romantic moments that will please romance fans.
4/5 stars