Goodbye to Boyhood: A Collection of Stories

by Spencer Thomas

A tapestry of ten interconnected tales, Goodbye to Boyhood marks the evocative debut of Spencer Thomas. Delving into the intricate blend of fiction, reality, and the shades of childhood, this collection unfurls the world of boyhood. What does it mean to grow up? Tracing the arc from the tender moment of early childhood to the turbulence of teenage years and adulthood, these aren’t just narratives about adolescence—these are tales about self-discovery, the grappling of sexuality, and the ultimate quest for freedom. These are the stories of boyhood.

164 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2024

About the author

Spencer Thomas is the creator of “byspencerthomas,” a social media platform dedicated to lifestyle content, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and creative writing, with a combined following of over 260,000. Thomas is currently a senior at the NYU College of Arts and Sciences studying English on the Creative Writing Track with a minor in Journalism. Currently writing his debut novel, 'Goodbye to Boyhood' is the first published collection by Thomas. He lives in New York City with his cat, Edward.

Reviews

[whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautiful collection and a thrilling debut!

two stories in particular - My Mom's Boyfriends & Goodbye to Boyhood - stood out to me,, they were gripping and devastating.. i found myself hoping so badly for things to go right for the protagonists. additionally, the stories are interwoven impressively to form a tight narrative that makes for a very satisfying reader experience.

in conclusion, spencer thomas is going to be BIG!! i am so excited to see more of his work.

[zach thatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

the final two stories were my favorite.

[Roberto · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigh. Where to start. I've followed Spencer on TikTok for a few years now and was excited when he announced this book. Being so close to the material myself, I was excited to see how he explored themes of masculinity, queerness, loneliness, and childhood. I was left pretty disappointed, unfortunately. There was a lot that didn't work for me, but I'll try to summarize my big issues.

Most of the short stories have a black/white morality where the POV character is good and just suffers and the characters who cause his suffering are cartoonishly mean, as if they're bullies ripped out of an after school special. There's a lot of telling, especially when it came to what the reader should take away from the stories. There was a real lack of subtlety and trust in the reader that became annoying at times, especially since none of the story set-ups or progressions are particularly unique (sometimes even feeling cliché and generic). Speaking of, the stories overlapped too much and it sometimes felt like we were retreading the same ground with only slight deviations. I wished that some stories were longer so that we could have explored the themes in greater depth and breathed more life into these characters. I had issues with the narration as well as sometimes the register of the narrator or even of the characters would become more formal, utilizing more sophisticated language that felt unnatural in terms of dialogue and incohesive in terms of the narration. This isn't to say that I hated the book because I still finished it and felt drawn in by some of the stories. Ultimately, though, none of them really stick with me as a great short story that I would recommend a friend read.

[Franco Serrano · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was referred to this book by the author, Spencer, and I have to say—it’s an eye-opening read, especially for anyone who harbors animosity toward the LGBTQ+ community. After spending time in the world of "Heartstopper", "Goodbye to Boyhood" was a refreshing change of pace. It gave me a much-needed reality check and a more well-rounded perspective on the challenges and triumphs of being a queer youth.
While "Heartstopper" had its merits, this book dives deeper into the real struggles queer individuals face—both internal and external. One of the most impactful chapters for me was Spencer’s discussion about his relationship with his father after coming out. It really hit home because so many queer people go through that same painful process of seeking acceptance from loved ones.
I’m grateful for Spencer’s work because it highlights the complexity and beauty of navigating a queer life. To wrap this up, I want to share one of my favorite queer quotes:

"I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept." — Angela Davis

[Brady Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodbye to Boyhood was a beautiful collection of 10 stories all following an LGBT theme. Each story explored the complexities of growing up gay, all at different times and ages in life. Thomas is a debut author and I hope he keeps on writing and refining his craft!

I found that Thomas put a lot of emotion into his writing. You could feel the pain and suffering, but also joy the characters were experiencing. I often find it difficult to enjoy a short story collection as I usually either don't feel connected to the story or just start to become interested when it ends. While there were one of two that caused me to feel this way, I was thoroughly enthralled overall. Thomas made you sit in the climate of today, even the mundane moments, but it was so powerful as so many people have to live through that today.

The only thing that I didn't like was some of the dialogue and actions seemed flat or unrealistic. There was a few moments in stories where the conflict just ended or we jumped ahead in time completely avoiding the conflict. I wish we could have explored those complex situations a little bit more.

Overall I did really enjoy this book and would recommend it to people who want a short read. I found this author and book on TikTok and am glad I purchased it. It came signed and with a personal handwritten card which shows just how much Thomas appreciates his fans. I look forward to his next published work as it will be an auto buy!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is without a doubt one of my favourite books I’ve ever read. It was beautifully written and Spencer captured the queer coming of age experience the best that I’ve ever seen any author ever do.

This book was so touching, meaningful and emotional and I found myself in tears whilst reading almost every short story in this book because of how I felt so seen in the pages of this book and how emotionally raw Spencer was in his storytelling.

I couldn’t put this book down for so many reasons such as Spencer’s amazing style of writing where he writes with such warmth and relatability that brings you as the reader into the stories and accompanied with the way he describes the people, places and emotions in his stories you can really visualise what you’re reading down to the smallest detail. To put it simply Spencer’s style of writing feels like a warm hug.

This is an outstanding debut novel and I can’t wait to read everything else that Spencer releases because this book is truly amazing.

[Brady Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up queer means growing up with the internal battle between who you are and what people expect you to be. Through the stories in Goodbye to Boyhood, you see the glimpses of familiarity from all the boys who are navigating what it means to love and to be loved. Often cynical, the boys revert back to this place of isolation because they seek love in the wrong places. As queer people, we have this place inside of us that we used to hide ourselves, our optimistic, true selves, and too often as young adults, we let our fears, whether it’s rejection or loneliness, force that true self back into that dark place. Goodbye to Boyhood shows that rejection will always be a part of life, but it also shows that you can find love, even if it’s for a a few days. If you take away one thing from this book, remember that love looks different for everyone, and it’s important to find the parts of life that forces us to keep that optimism. It’s easy to hate the world, but its hard to love it, and that’s what makes this book, and life, exciting.

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly, I struggled with the rating. Because on one hand, this was a great book. A Great collection of Short Stories that delve into the Gay experience. But on the other hand, it brought back memories of my own growing up. My own struggle with my burgeoning attractions. And my own shame at being who I am.

However, I came to the realization that if a book can dredge up those memories in a way that was both sad but also fondness for a simpler time? It is worthy of the highest Rating. Overall, Thomas does a great job at creating these short stories that pack so much emotion, so much raw emotion, into so few pages. I can't wait to see what else he comes out with.

[Exactly · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the longest time I have looked for a book like this and I have finally found it. Something I can relate to with all my billions of struggles and traumas. ✨ And while I always hoped to find something so specific and representative of my experiences I never would have thought that I could find a book this perfect. I loved it, related to pretty much every part of it, went through all kinds of emotions reading it and I wish there was more.

This might be my favorite book now and I know it sounds silly but I feel like it understands me. 💀🙈 Everyone should read this imho. Thank you Spencer Thomas and whatever you'll release next I will definitely read it.

[Mike Franco · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautiful short story collection and a thrilling debut!

I couldn’t put this book down for so many reasons. Spencer’s beautiful writing style brings you as the reader into the stories, with the way he describes the characters, places, and emotions, you can truly visualize what you’re reading down to the smallest detail.

This is an outstanding debut novel and Spencer Thomas is going to be BIG!! New York Times Best Selling Author BIG!! i am so excited to see more of his work, especially book #2.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a sense of vulnerability that’s evident with Thomas’s writing. Is some of the prose and technical stuff a bit green? Sure. But such is the life of new author. I appreciate the fact that he went with the short story route and that some were connected, and others stood on their own; it makes for engaging reading.

A pretty solid start for this new author and he should feel good about what he did here. Hopefully he continues to build on this and finds a new story he can tell.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vulnerable, playful, and ultimately a journey of personal perseverance. Goodbye to Boyhood is full of familiar feelings and tableaus for so many of us- regardless if you grew up embracing your queerness or running away from it. Being a young adolescent boy comes with emotions that are hard to even find words to express accurately. Spencer takes a swing at capturing them- and achieves exactly that.

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good collection of short stories focusing on boys growing out of childhood into what comes next, along with their peers, family and potential partners.

It's especially worth checking out because the author is not some older guy looking back, he is a young guy looking back just a little bit over his shoulder. So it feels fresh and recent and evolving.

There were many situations that took me right back to what being a boy on the cusp of manhood felt like.

[Ashish Massey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had heard about this collection of short stories from various people and from social media. I purchased it off of social media and was pleasantly surprised and touched to receive a signed copy with a handwritten personalized note from the author. The collection has promise — some of the stories are quite amateurish (more at the start) but the later ones are quite strong and moving. Overall a 3.5/5. Looking forward to seeing what the author does with his craft in the future.

[Luca Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is the perfect choice for people who want to understand gay adolescence, growing up sideways and feeling forgotten by people around you.
this book is so poetically written and honest about everything it talks about that it just feels like a long hug, and it‘s everything I needed now that I turned 18 🤍

[Sarah Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas eloquently portrays several facets of adolescence and childhood through his collection of short stories. The stories are well-written, thought provoking, heartwarming, and humorous. I my personal favs are “Boy” and “Boobies”. Excellent read, and can’t wait to see what this up-and-coming author does next.

[Jonathan Kandell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read! Each story tapped into the important world of emotions young gay folks experience. It also extends to anyone who feels like an outsider or for those who didn't fit those rigid gender roles. Grateful for a smart, well-thought out book that brought me to a place of introspection. Recommend for anyone!

[Jayden Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book genuinely comforted me. I grew up in a very small town, and I was one of 4 openly gay people in the town, and it felt isolating for me, so to read this book made me reflect on how I felt and I realised that I wasn't alone in the world, there were always people like me who felt the same way.

[Henry Voter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely fantastic. The short stories truly elicit emotion from me; my eyes honestly nearly watered up several times throughout the book. It’s fascinating to read the stories of childhood and growing into manhood and to relate to them. Shoutout to Spencer for writing this and having the courage to put these stories out there. I look forward to his next book!

[Tito Andrade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! I wish it was out when I came out in 2022. It would have been so helpful. This book will be a light to anyone who is trying to find their identity in this confusing world we live in. Thanks Spencer Thomas for writing this book!

[Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually get emotional over books, but this one brought me to tears. Seriously, one of the best books I've ever read. Spencer did an amazing job capturing the feelings and struggles a gay person might face growing up.

[Vincenzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a young adult, still trying to navigate the ins and outs of the world of being gay, this is an incredible book filled with short stories that seem shockingly similar to the real world events we all go through. A must read for all coming of age LGBTQ+ members.

[Scott Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this collection of short stories. I found my self relating to each character in many different ways. Very well written.

[Robby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read in a while and I have loved every sentence in it. I would highly recommend “Goodbye To Boyhood” to anyone. 10/10. Thank you to Spencer for sharing your stories!!

[Kareem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book for anyone. The writing and the storytelling is phenomenal and I absolutely adored it

[mckenna! 💌 · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautiful book by my beautiful friend. you will go far!!

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

such an amazing read, would highly recommend reading. these collection of stories were very well written, heartfelt, and memorable.

[Shalev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find it magnificent how a book that’s main subject is loneliness can make you feel seen and heard and not lonely at all. Could not recommend more for any queer people finding their way in the world.

[Zachary Willockx · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book has no substance and has nothing to say, try something from a better author

[Marilia Tasxounidou · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5