Promising Young Man

by Elias Axel, Julian Joisp (editor)

Multi-award winner and BookLife Reviews Editor's Pick, Promising Young Man by Elias Axel is a poignant yet laugh-out-loud work of contemporary Midwestern-American fiction about a disaffected teenager's extraordinary mind and his struggle to find his place in our confusing world. Praised for its distinctive narrative voice and vivid, lyrical prose, this witty intergenerational coming-of-age story is a powerful exploration of belonging, societal expectations, and loss of innocence that doesn't shy away from the messy truth of growing up.

Oscar Danielsson is eighteen, brilliantly ADHD, and about to ruin his life—again.

Oscar would rather hide in his room than face high school graduation. Between his spectacular mistakes, self-medicating for his ADHD, and an overwhelming case of existential dread, getting out of bed feels as hard as getting into Northwestern. His only real friend? His aging spaniel, Enzo. His biggest fear? Everyone finding out he's not nearly as promising as they expect.

After one mistake too many, everything goes sideways.

A scrape with the law he can barely remember launches Oscar on a bumpy cross-country road trip with an unlikely chaperone: his late-70s, free-wheeling Grammy, who's secretly done with playing by the rules. Leaving behind the girl he's falling for ("adorkable" Bette), his beloved dog, and all his comforting vices, Oscar discovers that even a journey based on a lie can lead to the most honest destination.

Raw, darkly witty, and achingly real—a modern Holden Caulfield meets Harold and Maude with an ADHD twist.

Perfect for readers who loved:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The Virgin Suicides
On the Road
Anyone - in high school, college, or deep in their career - who's ever felt like a square peg in a round world

BookLife Reviews Editor's Pick | Kirkus Reviews "Get It" | Readers' Favorite Five Stars | Winner 2025 Firebird Award | Silver Medalist Readers' Favorite Award | Finalist 2025 IAN Book of the Year

"Oscar is breathtakingly real and appealing, wrestling with his feeling of being 'defective' while staring down a future that feels empty and volatile." — The BookLife Prize

"Axel's writing crackles with energy and hard-won insight, capturing Oscar's inner monologue in a way that feels both authentic and deeply relatable." — BookLife Reviews (Editor's Pick)

"Books like Promising Young Man should be on school curricula." — Readers' Favorite (Five Stars)

"Bittersweet and revelatory... a deft portrait that sidesteps stereotypes with sensitivity and skill." — Kirkus Reviews ("Get it")

"A quiet masterpiece that sneaks up on you... Axel resists the temptation to over-explain or sensationalize; instead, lets the complexity of ADHD reveal itself through everyday frustrations, distracted thoughts, and small triumphs that feel monumental." — Samuel Durr, Learning Specialist, William C. Goudy Technology Academy (a 2025 Top Magnet School of Excellence)

"I love this book." — Jill Wine-Banks, MSNBC, The Watergate Girl

“Promising Young Man is an intimate portrait of a modern-day Holden Caulfield, drawn with intricate detail and insight into the mind and heart of one worthy to join the pantheon of unforgettable literary characters.” — QueSub

Dark humor ✓ Road trip adventure ✓ Intergenerational friendship ✓ ADHD representation done right

Genres: Adhd

240 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2025

About the author

Writer of Coming-of-Age Contemporary Realistic Fiction with elements of Dark Humor.


FIND ELIAS ONLINE:

Website ↠ https://eliasaxel.com
Book Trailer ↠ https://youtu.be/-ajgUHCq914
Audiobook Teaser ↠
https://youtu.be/AygBjkLproU?si=QTwaA...
Amazon Author Page ↠ https://www.amazon.com/author/eliasaxel
BookBub ↠ https://www.bookbub.com/profile/13276...
Instagram ↠ https://www.instagram.com/eliasaxelau...

Reviews

[Lindsey Eick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It is perfect for any teen, whether or not they have ADHD, who is unsure what to do in his future and struggling to survive and thrive.

[Peter Kaeding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad and hopeful and funny. I loved being along for the ride and it gave me insight into the struggle many kids and young adults have when they don't fit in the same "box" as their peers.

[Wisconsin Alumni]

Patricia Stankovic ’90
Author

From the author
Published under the pen name Elias Axel, Promising Young Man follows witty, defiant Oscar Danielsson as he tells an unforgettable story of a misunderstood, mistake-riddled boy who's afraid of becoming a man and his other-minded Grammy who's tired of living someone else's life as they drive readers on a delightfully bumpy American road trip.

ADHD-afflicted Oscar, a male protagonist with a refreshingly well-developed interiority and complex emotional life will melt, break, and then repair your heart as he bumps along rock bottom, searching for his place in modern America. Quirky Grammy, reminiscent of Colin Higgins' Maude (from Harold and Maude) doesn't have time to spare, and yet she does. Together, they make this laugh-out-loud, yet poignant story one to feel all the feels and leave you thinking.

Oscar isn’t ready for the real world—yet. But he’s 18 now, and everyone has expectations. The sharp-witted, mistake-prone teen struggles with self-doubt, his future, and an ADHD diagnosis he’d rather ignore. When a scrape with the law he’s too out of it to remember upends his life, Oscar embarks on a wild road trip with his eccentric Grammy, leaving behind his beloved dog Enzo, a budding romance with Bette, and self-destructive habits that kept him afloat. As they race across America to repay Oscar's debt, he discovers a family lie that forces him to decide whether to give up entirely or accept a painful truth that might keep them both going.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up, folks, because Oscar Danielsson is about to take you on a reckless, messy, heartbreaking, and somehow hilarious ride! 🚗💨 ADHD brain? Check. Questionable life choices? Oh, absolutely. Grammy as an unexpected road trip buddy? Heck yeah. Promising Young Man is what happens when you mix dark humor, raw emotions, and a teenage existential crisis into one unforgettable adventure. I laughed, I cringed, I may have teared up (don’t judge me). If you love underdog misfits who make every bad decision possible yet still make you root for them, this book is your next obsession. 🎢🔥✨

[Tara Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

PROMISING YOUNG MAN is unputdownable. You’ll fall in love with Oscar as he bumps along at rock bottom. It's a must read for anyone who loves someone with ADHD.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a ride! I loved this book. I’m not a teen anymore, but Oscar reminded me of so many young men I knew growing up. I think this story could really resonate with some people and help them feel less alone.

Oscar is such a compelling character. He keeps messing up—again and again—but you still root for him. I cringed at his bad decisions and cheered when he finally got something right. Grammy might be my favorite, though. She’s adorable, and it’s so sweet when Oscar starts to see her not just as his grandma, but as a real person with her own story. Their growing bond really moved me.

Axel’s writing flows effortlessly, pulling you from chapter to chapter. Oscar’s inner world is so vivid and honest.

This was a quick, enjoyable read that also deepened my understanding of people and the messiness of growing up.

[Mande Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg! Such a hard hitting book. Oscar an 18 year old boy; who suffers from ADHD; has to learn a hard lesson is life regarding his decisions. He always felt like a huge screw up and it kinda lead him to using drugs. It’s his was way of coping and trying to forget. On the brink of failing his his senior year in high school, he made a wrong choice of getting drunk at the senior party that led him to cover for a friend and losing his job at the same time. His family had lied to him and got him to go on a road trip with his grandma. He learned some hard life lessons and tried to run away. But ended up learning that he’s got to take things at his own pace.

Trigger warnings: mental health, self harm, drug use

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an advance copy.

I really enjoyed this YA novel about an emerging adult who seems to be sabotaging himself at every turn. It is told in the first person, so the reader can understand the character’s faulty thinking processes, as well as empathize with him. The best part of the book, in my opinion, is the relationship he develops with his grandmother along the way. The ending feels a little rushed and tied up too neatly, but the content of his path forward makes sense.

[Daiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming of age story. It's sad, funny and raw. Oscar somewhat reminds of Holden Caulfield, not caring about pretty much anything, trying to do better but messing up anyway. Advisory: ADHD, language, suicide, smoking and drinking, intimacy.
Very well written.

[JULIA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won this on LibraryThing! Great read! Many of the characters in this book reminded me of the poster of the kitten hanging at the end of the rope. And who hasn't felt that way at one time or another? Loved the main character, Oscar, the teen diagnosed with ADHD trying to "deal with it". How he once looked at the world, what turned him inside himself, prescribed medicine, self-medicating, parents trying to push their agendas on him, parents /grandparents trying to do the right things to fix him. The author does a fantastic job painting the story vividly with his words. This book would work well in a high school, especially for reluctant readers. The chapters are short, there is a lot of white space, and the story gets right to the point. Highly recommended for anyone teenage and older.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this coming-of-age book! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the characters were very relatable, and I laughed quite a few times. Oscar got me right in the feels a few times as well.

[Alissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read an ARC of this book by Elias Axel. While there were some elements of the story that felt a little unrealistic what I really appreciated about this book was how the the story was told - sometimes frenetic and sometimes deeply thoughtful, which mirrored, for me, exactly what i imagine the main character experiences on a daily basis given his ADHD. anytime a book can make me inhabit, through the writing, the feelings of a character, I am able to overlook some of the elements that might not be wholly believable.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from The Library Thing’s early reviewers. I really enjoyed this book and looked forward to getting back to it when I could read. I am over 60 and learned only in the last few years I probably have ADHD. I related to Oscar on several levels. I am very sensitive to kids who struggle and are different. I am patient and encouraging since I did not always receive the support I badly needed. I hope if a parent who has a child with a disability reads this book they will see how hard the inner struggle is and love their child unconditionally and give them their support.

[Jeff Siperly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an enjoyable read. Enjoyable in the sense that it played with my emotions a lot. I got sad, teared up at times, mad, relieved. Like a book is supposed to do. Very relatable characters. The story definitely kept me hooked. I pretty much had to find out what Nana’s secrets were.

That desert scene was making me anxious. I was, like, please let nothing happen to Fat Jack!
Nice to read a book with no histrionics
Was totally seeing Glenn Close (as Grandma) in my head.

I received this book as a LibraryThing early reviewer.

[Raven Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very voicey and fun! The characters feel real, and the portrayal of ADHD is really visceral. The story is paced well, and I found the ending to be particularly satisfying. It was hard to put down!

[Steven Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Promising Young Man” is a love story. Oscar, the adolescent, has more than the usual share of teenage problems, but he has the love of his parents, his brother, his grandma, and a few good friends. Oscar lives with the challenges with ADHD, clearly and fearlessly presented here in lively prose, but the reader comes to see that Oscar is going to get by, mostly in spite of himself, because he’s supported and guided by people who care.

Elias Axel seems to know all about this frustrating world, and you will be drawn to learn, too, in just a few pages. This is an extraordinary story of one person’s struggle with a misunderstood condition, and readers will join in the journey as Oscar’s closely-knit family works to understand, support, and redirect a young man who simply cannot redirect himself. Is it a true story? It could be. This narrative takes us right into Oscar’s home life, as everyone grapples with confusion, disappointment, and uncertainty about how to move ahead. It’s a tough, realistic tale – and the best path forward is neither obvious nor simple. Live for a while with Oscar and his problems, Oscar and his family, Oscar and his crew, and you’ll come away with a new view of humanity, and a few useful lessons.

Every chapter of “Promising Young Man” brings a surprise and a twist to this very active narrative. The well-intended but imperfect family interactions, the reminders of high school social drama that some of us have forgotten, an implausible road trip, and the colorful characters that enter Oscar’s life as he sorts out his identity and his future: this is a wildly dynamic story with something to draw the reader in, on every page.

Part of the appeal, from start to finish, is the dialog. Do teenagers really speak like that? I suppose they do – what fun! Can parents really express themselves – for better or worse – in such terms? Probably! Does a young man living with ADHD really have those thoughts, those attitudes, and those heady, gritty interactions with his parents and friends, his boss and his grandma? I don’t know, but I certainly hope so! This is an unusual story, but when people speak this way, it’s easy to believe that it’s real, and happening right now.

And here’s a bonus, an extra layer of fun. Axel offers a growing stack of little mysteries that neither the protagonists nor the reader – drawn personally into the Oscar’s world – can quite figure out. What was meant by those cryptic words? Who exactly was it that defused the crisis and then disappeared? The puzzling new girlfriend – what does she know, and what is she up to? On it goes, with masterful storytelling, Readers will wonder how this could possibly all play out by the last pages, but they won’t be able to guess.

As he approaches high school graduation, Oscar’s on a downhill slide that seems treacherous and possibly fatal. The good news is that he’s not alone with his clinical troubles, and the warm, unwavering support of the people who love him is the best medicine, the best therapy of all. “Promising Young Man” will carry you along on Oscar’s wild ride, and by the end, you will be one more person on his team, hoping for his success, and confident that he’ll prevail.

[Jennifer Rupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elias Axel has cooked up something truly inspiring in their debut novel, Promising Young Man. Begin with a stew of hormones known as an eighteen-year-old male. Combine liberally with the chemical qualities of ADHD and a creative mind. Next, set aside the doctor prescribed medications and replace with THC self-medication. Finally, blend everything with social awkwardness, insert into the pressure cooker that is senior year, and you have a recipe for disaster. High school is no picnic, not even for main stream kids. For a teen struggling emotionally and chemically, it’s a nightmare. Often, as with this story, a teen is presented with the unendurable pressure of “your entire future depends on this one final paper.” It’s a set-up for failure no matter how many second chances are on offer. In Promising Young Man, the main character, Oscar, fails spectacularly. Fortunately, he has people around him who care enough to help him limp out of his self-made chaos.
Promising Young Man will scoop you up and carry you along on what becomes a journey of discovery and healing. Like a Bing Crosby and Bob Hope road movie, Oscar and his grandmother take a road trip across country in her classic car. Along the way, they meet interesting people, learn new skills, encounter danger, uncover long held secrets, and discover love. But most importantly, Oscar sheds the fear that plagues all young adults, that fear of taking the first step out into the world on their own. What I find most compelling about Promising Young Man is the author’s ability to capture the voice, the mental gymnastics, and the hormonal logic of an eighteen-year-old young man without relying on slang or teen lingo. Yes, this novel will make you laugh and cry and cringe at times, but the story’s real gift is hope. Loads of hope. Without hesitation, five stars.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, hope that you have a chance to read it! I won iy from LibraryThing, Promising Young Man by Elias Axel.

I love this book, partly because like the main character, Oscar Danielsson, I have ADHD. He is in high school and put on an assortment of medicines, but the one for ADHD is not right for him, so his solution to his problems is terrible. He quits his meds and works for small breakfast place for money which he spends on his addiction for high level THC. It gives him a temporary high and escape from his depression but it ruins his life He messes up at school and in life in general, including thoughts of suicide.

After too much alcohol and THC, he trashes the small breakfast place that he loves, loses his chance to graduate, because he failed to produce an important paper for his favorite class and his failing grades in the others.

His grandmother has a plan, she and the family cook up a fake reason for a road trip to California. Granny is a gem, my age, quirky to the nth degree but wise and determined to complete her bucket list of places to see. I am halfway though this special book and now in Memphis, he has made a friend along the way who also has ADHD and I quote from her because, her view of life is mine:

Like a cloud covering the moon. Soon it will move on. Everything will work itself out. And then another cloud will come along. That is just how life is”.

[A · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a road-trip, coming of age story about 18-year-old Oscar, who is your typical teenager. He thinks about girls, procrastinates doing homework, smokes weed, sleeps late & wishes he could escape his parents and their expectations. He also has ADHD, (and I love that the author is trying to educate readers about ADHD through their book.) But other than the mentions of Oscar shaking his leg, his medications or his therapist’s advice, I didn’t feel his ADHD. Unfortunately, the self-described screw-up is also a jerk and not a very endearing one. It is hard to enjoy a book when you don’t like the main character. Many of the other characters are not particularly likable either. It was also slow-going. Not surprisingly, on Oscar’s journey, he meets a few folks and has experiences that lead him to be more considerate.
I would not have made the effort to finish the book had I not won a free copy of it, as I felt obliged to provide an honest review. Thanks to the author & publisher!

[Elias Axel]

I'm so excited for you all to read this book! As I wrote in my acknowledgments, looking back, writing a novel seems like an absurd endeavor for someone like me. I’m like a distracted driver with coffee jitters, navigating everywhere all at once. But now, at the precipice of "the end" after six long years, this book exists because I wasn’t traveling alone on the meandering highway in my head. Somewhere in my subconscious, I had a guide. A complex, troubled, flawed, generous, empathetic, and often lonely, pained soul trying to find his way in this world. My north star.

Not everyone will get Oscar, but I hope you will try because there are millions of beautiful souls like him out there in the world. And I definitely hope you'll enjoy the ride!

I love reading your reviews! I learn something from all of them. Thank you for giving his story a chance.

Love and hugs to you all!
XOXO
Elias

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oscar is a lovable character who you'll root for. My nephew has ADHD like Oscar, so it was a nice insight into his brain works. The shorter chapters made the book a quick read. The pacing in the beginning felt a little off, but considering the shorter length of a book it didn't negatively impact my reading. I really loved the relationship between Oscar and his grandmother, especially considering the strong relationship I had with my own grandmother. I appreciated seeing the negative side effects of weed on a young person and how there was no judgement in it, so it didn't come off preachy.

I personally would've preferred some content warnings at the beginning for the self-harm and suicidal ideation to be better prepared for it mentally.

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oscar Danielsson is a mess—but in the best, most heartbreakingly relatable way. Promising Young Man takes us on a chaotic, soul-searching road trip with an 18-year-old who’s trying to outrun his mistakes (and himself), only to find that second chances aren’t as impossible as they seem. With sharp humor and raw emotion, this book captures the confusion of young adulthood, the weight of mental health struggles, and the unpredictable beauty of human connection. Oscar’s voice felt so real—awkward, witty, reckless, and deeply vulnerable. I didn’t just read his story; I felt it. And honestly? I’m still thinking about it.

[Hollie Smurthwaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this raw, compelling journey of self-discovery and connection. Oscar’s cross-country trip with his grandmother is as humorous as it is heartfelt, shedding light on the challenges of ADHD, addiction, and finding one’s place in the modern world. It's the kind of book that sticks with you long after the final page.particularly the relationship between Old Man and Grammy. There aren't enough books with intergenerational connections. The story is almost Shakespearean in the way that it unfolds. Great read!

[Chava Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written story. Axel captures the characters in such a compelling way- I recognized them in my every day life - their personalities along with their struggles and dreams. The reader is put in the shoes of a teen with ADHD. It’s a realistic and shattering account of the challenges, worries and struggles of a teen with ADHD and the worries of his family. It’s heart breaking in its honesty. Hopeful as family try to understand and support on an epic journey.
Beautiful and thoughtful storytelling. A book I’ll be thinking about for a very long time.

[Emily Dangremond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I just finished it and want to read it again. I felt like I was right there with Oscar, making bad decisions next to him and hoping for the best. If you're a teenager or you ever were one, you will enjoy this book. I think it is especially helpful for parents and people who work with teenagers to see inside the head of an 18-year old with ADHD, but really the things he does to cope are relatable to everyone. The Grandmother is an important character who doesn't get top billing but is lovable and unpredictable, as is Oscar.

[Eileen Budde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a moving story of a struggling young man who learns to see himself in a new way. Like so many teenagers and adults who struggle with self-esteem, the protagonist is his own harshest critic and saboteur. Through a journey that is full of challenges and surprises, he learns to see the beauty in our imperfect world and in himself. I really enjoyed going on the journey with him. I recommend the book to anyone who appreciates an adventure with a hopeful message.

[A.K. Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always rate a book 5 stars if it makes me happy-cry.

This made me understand, and feel compassion for, people with ADHD. Oscar is engaging and relatable, and the journey he takes - both the literal road trip with his Grammy and the inner one to accepting himself - is a perfect blend of humour, nostalgia, and heartache.

[Karen M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting story about the pressure young people feel to make life decisions as their high school days come to an end. At times annoying, the protagonist eventually won me over during his road trip with Grandma. I look forward to this author's next book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slow burn in the best sense: growing in complexity and insight with each leg of Oscar’s road trip with his grandmother.

[Danijel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep and funny