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Sailor on the Edge
Seventeen-year-old Sailor never imagined he'd spend his final year of high school on a remote farm in Bishop, Indiana. After losing his parents, he's been drifting—surviving his aunt and uncle's rigid household and trying not to take up too much space. But when they send him to live with his withdrawn grandfather, Sailor has no choice but to trade city life for watermelon fields, barn chores, and a town where he sacrifices being himself so he can fit in.
Sailor is determined to finish the school year, keep his head down, and move on. But Bishop has other plans. He forms an unexpected bond with Calvin, a neurodivergent neighbor whose quiet world of sketchbooks and insects draws Sailor in. Then there's Aspen—the reserved, frustratingly unreadable boy at school who won't talk to Sailor . . . until he does.
As the summer stretches on, love, heartbreak, and loss push Sailor to the edge of who he thought he was—and who he might become. Because sometimes the life you're running from is exactly where you're meant to be.
Perfect for fans of Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Adam Silvera, and Robbie Couch, Sailor on the Edge is a heartfelt young adult novel about first love, queer identity, and the quiet power of choosing your own path.
Sailor is determined to finish the school year, keep his head down, and move on. But Bishop has other plans. He forms an unexpected bond with Calvin, a neurodivergent neighbor whose quiet world of sketchbooks and insects draws Sailor in. Then there's Aspen—the reserved, frustratingly unreadable boy at school who won't talk to Sailor . . . until he does.
As the summer stretches on, love, heartbreak, and loss push Sailor to the edge of who he thought he was—and who he might become. Because sometimes the life you're running from is exactly where you're meant to be.
Perfect for fans of Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Adam Silvera, and Robbie Couch, Sailor on the Edge is a heartfelt young adult novel about first love, queer identity, and the quiet power of choosing your own path.
- GenresRomance
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2025
About the author
Christopher Renna
18 books63 followersChristopher Renna is an author. He's also a Developmental Editor with a focus on the work of young writers and indie authors. He lives in New York with his husband, two children, and their rescued dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 17, 2026
I received an ARC copy via the author and this is my unbiased voluntary review below.
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5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When I reached the end of this book I read the Author’s Note. The gist of it describes how he likes to plot and write his stories, what he wants to convey about his characters struggles, mentally and physically, through personal conflict and the wisdom discovered through ordinary and extraordinary events. In ‘Sailor on then Edge’ he has delivered all of that in spades.
I wanted to carry all of 17 year old Sailor’s anguish and pain like I was his mother watching over him. Two months ago he had lost both parents when a drunk driver crashed into them one night during a heavy rainstorm. On top of that, he was sent to live with his mother’s sister Marlee and her husband and two children in Pennsylvania. That didn’t work out too well. Several weeks later they bought him a ticket to Indiana to go live with his Grandpa.
On the 18 hour bus journey Sailor had plenty of time to dwell on his fears of moving from a city to a farm in a town with a few thousand inhabitants. All he could hope for was an improvement on what he was leaving behind, he’d try to make the best of whatever happened to him in Indiana. It was only for 18 months and then he would move off to College somewhere else.
Usually there are 2 MC’s in stories like this but I feel that Grandpa Winslow and deserves to be one also because of everything he did for his grandson. He treated Sailor with respect from the start and for everything else he did to support him through every step of his travails in Indiana. I was picturing a grumpy man, reluctantly taking on the burden of his grandson in his old age.He definitely wasn’t. WHat a welcome Sailor received from him immediately he stepped off that bus, including getting the keys to his own truck and the whole upper floor of the farmhouse when he arrived at the house.
I liked the way Grandpa delivered words of wisdom from experience which Sailor began to appreciate after struggling to accept them initially. Grandpa was quick to discipline too. When Sailor broke his promise not to drink when he was driving, he was grounded for a week and Grandpa took back the keys of the truck.
Sailor’s life in Bishop did become better, he still had vivid flashbacks about his parents death, but quickly made him self think of something else. Sailor impressed me for a boy so young, at 17 he sounded so mature the way he managed any negative thoughts as soon as they surfaced. His quick acceptance at school was largely down to Bentley, who took Sailor under his wing, everyone else followed when he introduced him at their table in the cafeteria. He noticed the guy who kept smiling at him each time he saw him, and then Aspen spoke to him for the first time. Sailor made another new friend in Calvin, his young autistic neighbour who searches for tiny insects and creatures that he then turned into art, they became good friends.
Sailor really got to know Aspen due to being grounded, with no truck he had to ask for rides to and from school. Bentley did the mornings and Aspen drove him home, and that’s how they eventually became an item and dated for months although Aspen hadn’t ’come out’ because of his father. When he did decide he was ready to tell his parents huge problems arose for Aspen and Sailor. Sailor had to face several problems all at once. Under the pressures of their relationship due to Aspen’s father, and having to prepare his parents home back in Philadelphia for sale, leaving all his memories of the life he had lived with his now deceased parents, plus having to give away most of his families possessions that he couldn’t take back to Indiana, it was all to much.
His meltdown in the arms of Aspen and Grandpa did prove cathartic in the end as it allowed Sailor to finally grieve properly for his parents and accept that they were gone. He and Aspen could now focus on whatever they needed to do to keep their relationship moving forward. Sailor told his Grandpa that he was going to stay in Indiana, it was now his home.
Given how Sailor was feeling when he got on that bus heading to Indiana, it was a joy to see him settling into the hope with his Grandpa, and building his own circle of new friends.
I’d only read one of Christopher Renna’s books before, ‘Drink the Wild Air’ which was another brilliant read for me, and after reading ‘Sailor on the Edge’ I’d like to try some more.
*******************************************************************
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When I reached the end of this book I read the Author’s Note. The gist of it describes how he likes to plot and write his stories, what he wants to convey about his characters struggles, mentally and physically, through personal conflict and the wisdom discovered through ordinary and extraordinary events. In ‘Sailor on then Edge’ he has delivered all of that in spades.
I wanted to carry all of 17 year old Sailor’s anguish and pain like I was his mother watching over him. Two months ago he had lost both parents when a drunk driver crashed into them one night during a heavy rainstorm. On top of that, he was sent to live with his mother’s sister Marlee and her husband and two children in Pennsylvania. That didn’t work out too well. Several weeks later they bought him a ticket to Indiana to go live with his Grandpa.
On the 18 hour bus journey Sailor had plenty of time to dwell on his fears of moving from a city to a farm in a town with a few thousand inhabitants. All he could hope for was an improvement on what he was leaving behind, he’d try to make the best of whatever happened to him in Indiana. It was only for 18 months and then he would move off to College somewhere else.
Usually there are 2 MC’s in stories like this but I feel that Grandpa Winslow and deserves to be one also because of everything he did for his grandson. He treated Sailor with respect from the start and for everything else he did to support him through every step of his travails in Indiana. I was picturing a grumpy man, reluctantly taking on the burden of his grandson in his old age.He definitely wasn’t. WHat a welcome Sailor received from him immediately he stepped off that bus, including getting the keys to his own truck and the whole upper floor of the farmhouse when he arrived at the house.
I liked the way Grandpa delivered words of wisdom from experience which Sailor began to appreciate after struggling to accept them initially. Grandpa was quick to discipline too. When Sailor broke his promise not to drink when he was driving, he was grounded for a week and Grandpa took back the keys of the truck.
Sailor’s life in Bishop did become better, he still had vivid flashbacks about his parents death, but quickly made him self think of something else. Sailor impressed me for a boy so young, at 17 he sounded so mature the way he managed any negative thoughts as soon as they surfaced. His quick acceptance at school was largely down to Bentley, who took Sailor under his wing, everyone else followed when he introduced him at their table in the cafeteria. He noticed the guy who kept smiling at him each time he saw him, and then Aspen spoke to him for the first time. Sailor made another new friend in Calvin, his young autistic neighbour who searches for tiny insects and creatures that he then turned into art, they became good friends.
Sailor really got to know Aspen due to being grounded, with no truck he had to ask for rides to and from school. Bentley did the mornings and Aspen drove him home, and that’s how they eventually became an item and dated for months although Aspen hadn’t ’come out’ because of his father. When he did decide he was ready to tell his parents huge problems arose for Aspen and Sailor. Sailor had to face several problems all at once. Under the pressures of their relationship due to Aspen’s father, and having to prepare his parents home back in Philadelphia for sale, leaving all his memories of the life he had lived with his now deceased parents, plus having to give away most of his families possessions that he couldn’t take back to Indiana, it was all to much.
His meltdown in the arms of Aspen and Grandpa did prove cathartic in the end as it allowed Sailor to finally grieve properly for his parents and accept that they were gone. He and Aspen could now focus on whatever they needed to do to keep their relationship moving forward. Sailor told his Grandpa that he was going to stay in Indiana, it was now his home.
Given how Sailor was feeling when he got on that bus heading to Indiana, it was a joy to see him settling into the hope with his Grandpa, and building his own circle of new friends.
I’d only read one of Christopher Renna’s books before, ‘Drink the Wild Air’ which was another brilliant read for me, and after reading ‘Sailor on the Edge’ I’d like to try some more.
March 30, 2026
It was fine, but kinda boring.
February 8, 2026
“For the first time since my parents died, a storm didn’t feel like a reminder of an ending; it felt like the start of something else.” Through the novel, Sailor on the Edge, by Christopher Renna, we experience the angst and hope of young love through the eyes of Sailor, the protagonist of a budding LGBTQ+ romance. Set in rural Midwestern America, the novel explores the lingering presence of homophobia while also capturing a sense of youthful acceptance that would have been nearly unimaginable decades ago. By highlighting the trials that come with the constant nervousness of revealing one’s identity, the novel occasionally brushes against familiar tropes. However, this feels less like a flaw in storytelling and more like a reflection of the often-lived realities LGBTQ+ youth continue to face. Through its emotional and deeply human portrayal, Sailor on the Edge is a recommended read, offering meaningful romantic visibility in an age that still too often seeks LGBTQ+ invisibility.
I received an advance complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an advance complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
January 8, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is not the first book I have read by this author. It is an interesting story. I particularly liked the sage advice and manner of Grandpa Douglas as the book explores the rapid maturation of Sailor, infuenced by the deaht of his parents.
There is a love story and it is unfortunate that Sailor's love interest had such a terrible experience with his parents. I do feel the author could have done more with that and particularly to show Sailor's maturity in empathy.
I also tried of Sailor reiterating the same thoughts over and over. I had recently read another book where the MC had lost his parents and six months later let it all out in one big collapse. Yes, I know grief affects us all differently but I did find the repititon tiring.
I still give it 4 stars as the writing is exceptional and the wisdom shared is excellent. It is a meaningful book.
This is not the first book I have read by this author. It is an interesting story. I particularly liked the sage advice and manner of Grandpa Douglas as the book explores the rapid maturation of Sailor, infuenced by the deaht of his parents.
There is a love story and it is unfortunate that Sailor's love interest had such a terrible experience with his parents. I do feel the author could have done more with that and particularly to show Sailor's maturity in empathy.
I also tried of Sailor reiterating the same thoughts over and over. I had recently read another book where the MC had lost his parents and six months later let it all out in one big collapse. Yes, I know grief affects us all differently but I did find the repititon tiring.
I still give it 4 stars as the writing is exceptional and the wisdom shared is excellent. It is a meaningful book.
May 9, 2026
This was a fairly sweet story, that mixed Sailor’s search for home, following his parent’s death, and a blossoming romance, with the cute guy from school.
Sailor was cute and his relationship with Aspen, the first guy he noticed, was pretty undramatic. The main jeopardy came from Aspen’s relationship with his father, but Sailor and Aspen remained strong throughout.
Calvin was a sweet character, although barely featured. I’d like to have seen more of him! His interactions with Sailor were heartwarming, and Sailor��s desire to make friends with him was really kind.
I liked the vibe of feeling lost and finding home, with a supportive grandparent, loyal new friends and boyfriend that makes everything a little easier. But there wasn’t much drama and, although sweet, not much happened!
🍉🐜🛻
Sailor was cute and his relationship with Aspen, the first guy he noticed, was pretty undramatic. The main jeopardy came from Aspen’s relationship with his father, but Sailor and Aspen remained strong throughout.
Calvin was a sweet character, although barely featured. I’d like to have seen more of him! His interactions with Sailor were heartwarming, and Sailor��s desire to make friends with him was really kind.
I liked the vibe of feeling lost and finding home, with a supportive grandparent, loyal new friends and boyfriend that makes everything a little easier. But there wasn’t much drama and, although sweet, not much happened!
🍉🐜🛻
December 26, 2025
Christopher Renna never fails to create a very atmospheric setting and make you feel you are right there in small town Indiana with Sailor and his inner world.
You could even say the setting felt a bit out of place for a contemporary romance, but this isn't really an issue.
The book is both romance and coming-of-age, and mostly succeeds in both, it is a pleasant story of growth and love - albeit with a kind of abrupt ending.
Thank you BookSirens for the ARC!
You could even say the setting felt a bit out of place for a contemporary romance, but this isn't really an issue.
The book is both romance and coming-of-age, and mostly succeeds in both, it is a pleasant story of growth and love - albeit with a kind of abrupt ending.
Thank you BookSirens for the ARC!
January 12, 2026
A well written YA story. Sailor is the new kid in town. After his parents are killed in a car accident Sailor's aunt sends him to stay with his grandfather. New town, new school Sailor is feeling a little misplaced but gets a welcoming hand. Among the people that welcome him is Aspen. They develop a great friendship that leads to something more. There is minor angst, you would expect from a small town & some small minded people. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 9, 2026
A very touching book
This was a very touching and heartwarming book. I loved all the characters and loved it that Saillor was comfortable with his sexuality. This book has nothing to do with the military or war. The main characters name is sailor and he will definitely warm your heart. I highly recommend this book
This was a very touching and heartwarming book. I loved all the characters and loved it that Saillor was comfortable with his sexuality. This book has nothing to do with the military or war. The main characters name is sailor and he will definitely warm your heart. I highly recommend this book
June 11, 2026
A very good book about a boy who, after his parents are tragically killed in a car crash, is sent to the Midwest to live with his grandfather, with whom he has had very little recent contact. But he adjusts well and soon finds a boyfriend. A certain Midwest charm permeates the whole book and it leaves one feeling satisfied that the book was worth the read.
December 28, 2025
life after death.
There are lots of things about this story that should make it sad. They don’t rule the story though. Happiness and a big smile with bright blue eyes is supreme. Great story and lots of good advice about life. Read and enjoy.
There are lots of things about this story that should make it sad. They don’t rule the story though. Happiness and a big smile with bright blue eyes is supreme. Great story and lots of good advice about life. Read and enjoy.
December 29, 2025
well written
Not exactly an original story but very well written. There was no mention of a sequel although I could see their being one. More more on Sailor’s and Aspen‘s life together for example and what happens to Aspen‘s life going forward.
Not exactly an original story but very well written. There was no mention of a sequel although I could see their being one. More more on Sailor’s and Aspen‘s life together for example and what happens to Aspen‘s life going forward.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews