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Somewhere in Nowhere
Coming out is hard, especially when you have two gay moms. At least it is for Simon Bugg. He doesn’t want the world to think that having gay parents has turned him gay. And he certainly doesn’t want anyone to know about the alien in his stomach that’s trying to kill him.
It’s Simon’s senior year and his world just turned upside down. When his mom scores a dream job, Simon lands at a new school away from the only friends he has ever known. Now, his mom is overworked and chronically stressed, and his deadbeat dad is back on the scene. Navigating a new school and new friends is a challenge for a neurotic overthinker, and Simon finds himself turning to his rescue cat and a local barista for support. But when Simon meets the handsome PJ in drama class, he gets talked into a date that he derails in spectacular fashion.
With a little help from his friends—new and old—Simon finds his way back to PJ. But how can he have a real relationship with the boy of his dreams when he’s convinced he’s going to die? No one knows about the nightly alien attacks at 11:22. Why then, and why do they keep getting worse? Simon must face a dark secret inside before he loses his chance with the boy he loves.
It’s Simon’s senior year and his world just turned upside down. When his mom scores a dream job, Simon lands at a new school away from the only friends he has ever known. Now, his mom is overworked and chronically stressed, and his deadbeat dad is back on the scene. Navigating a new school and new friends is a challenge for a neurotic overthinker, and Simon finds himself turning to his rescue cat and a local barista for support. But when Simon meets the handsome PJ in drama class, he gets talked into a date that he derails in spectacular fashion.
With a little help from his friends—new and old—Simon finds his way back to PJ. But how can he have a real relationship with the boy of his dreams when he’s convinced he’s going to die? No one knows about the nightly alien attacks at 11:22. Why then, and why do they keep getting worse? Simon must face a dark secret inside before he loses his chance with the boy he loves.
240 pages, Paperback
Published April 14, 2026
About the author
Steven Gellman
1 book16 followers“…moments of winning humor, and the sincerity of the diverse cast is endearing.”
—Kirkus Reviews
"[Somewhere in Nowhere] is impressively original, deftly crafted, fully engaging, and a fun read from start to finish."
—Midwest Book Review
Steven Gellman is an award-winning songwriter turned author. Inspired by his early reading of Judy Blume’s groundbreaking stories, Steven has found his passion for writing coming-of-age fiction that centers LGBTQ+voices and the real-life challenges of navigating adolescence in an ever-changing world.
Steven has long championed authentic queer storytelling — first through song, now through fiction. Billboard Magazine once praised him as one of the ‘out-queer tunesmiths [...] making waves along the coffeehouse circuit.’ His debut album Photobook was nominated for Debut Album of the Year by the Gay/Lesbian American Music Awards (GLAMA). His latest release, All You Need, was a finalist for four Wammie Awards and earned a silver from the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest for “Twenty-Nine.”
When he’s not writing, Steven can be found sipping a cup of Dark Rose tea and plotting new adventures for his book club, Tea & Peril. Now in its tenth year, the club has hosted a growing number of New York Times bestselling authors including Travis Baldree, Sarah Beth Durst, Emily X.R. Pan, Eleanor Brown, and William Kent Krueger.
Steven lives in Maryland’s Piedmont region with his husband and a houseful of rescued companion animals. Somewhere in Nowhere is his first novel.
—Kirkus Reviews
"[Somewhere in Nowhere] is impressively original, deftly crafted, fully engaging, and a fun read from start to finish."
—Midwest Book Review
Steven Gellman is an award-winning songwriter turned author. Inspired by his early reading of Judy Blume’s groundbreaking stories, Steven has found his passion for writing coming-of-age fiction that centers LGBTQ+voices and the real-life challenges of navigating adolescence in an ever-changing world.
Steven has long championed authentic queer storytelling — first through song, now through fiction. Billboard Magazine once praised him as one of the ‘out-queer tunesmiths [...] making waves along the coffeehouse circuit.’ His debut album Photobook was nominated for Debut Album of the Year by the Gay/Lesbian American Music Awards (GLAMA). His latest release, All You Need, was a finalist for four Wammie Awards and earned a silver from the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest for “Twenty-Nine.”
When he’s not writing, Steven can be found sipping a cup of Dark Rose tea and plotting new adventures for his book club, Tea & Peril. Now in its tenth year, the club has hosted a growing number of New York Times bestselling authors including Travis Baldree, Sarah Beth Durst, Emily X.R. Pan, Eleanor Brown, and William Kent Krueger.
Steven lives in Maryland’s Piedmont region with his husband and a houseful of rescued companion animals. Somewhere in Nowhere is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 16, 2026
I want to start by saying thank you to Steven for letting me be one of your arc readers, I feel really grateful.
I really enjoyed this read. There was a lot of big items talked about in this book, including the information we learn near the end. I personally felt like they were handled well. The way Simon’s anxiety is portrayed felt very real, it often does feel like an attack from the inside out and with what he is grappling with it makes so much more sense.
His senior year which is supposed to be the best year for Simon sure isn’t easy, although there are some extremely high moments he also has to deal with a lot of trauma and grief that some adults struggle to get through, thankfully he does have a pretty great support system
This book will have you feeling. Some thoughts happy, some sad and some furious but you will definitely feel. You should definitely pick it up if you enjoy young queer stories that feel like you could hear it from a friend as their real life story.
I also love that there are not only help line numbers for the USA but also for Canada and the UK
You also get two cute recipes from the book and I think that is just a really sweet touch
TW: there is a character death with no graphic details or anything though, also non graphic mention of CSA, there is also substance abuse from one character but it’s just briefly mentioned
Character breakdowns:
Simon: Simon is a young guy starting his senior year in a new place, he feels younger and more naive than I feel like fits a 16/17 year old but some kids really are that sheltered I guess. He doesn’t seem to understand stuff like anxiety which most kids at that age do seem to know about through other kids or tv or even parents, it’s hard to think he had never been around or met anyone with anxiety. As a character he’s simple, he loves his parents, his cat and his friends and a specific boy called pajamas.
PJ: PJ is a sweet young guy who is the first one to connect with Simon at his new school, he’s a seemingly out and proud kid who knows what he wants but unfortunately that doesn’t reflect his home life where his parents believe his queerness is a phase and don’t even allow him to talk about himself when he’s there. He’s struggled with bullies and losing friends over coming out which is an unfortunate reality for many people. He is very supportive of Simon and the people he cares for. He was a great character, probably my favourite if I’m being honest. I just wanted to scoop him up in my pocket and protect him from bad things.
Mags and Neel: I’m lumping these two together because they are a package deal, Simon’s original friends from Columbia. Neel seems pretty chill and laid back except for when he’s talking about girls then he’s like a rocket fuelled up with redbull. He doesn’t feel that significant to the story but he’s a good side side quest character. Mags is very bossy and opinionated and honestly other then an adult couple, mentioned below, she is my least favourite character. Shes just really unlikable imo, her family seems amazing so I’m not sure how they have such a self righteous kid but she really just rubbed me the wrong way the whole book.
Mom Lindsey and Carole: Simon’s sweet lesbian moms who love their son and each other very much. There is some conflict between them regarding Lindsey’s work life vs the basically nonexistent home life she now has since moving in the summer. Carole is a little bit of a health nut and she works at the library.
Dad Daniel: Simon’s dad, kind of a typical dead beat, doesn’t really see Simon much and hasn’t for a handful of years, basically since the divorce, he definitely is a redeeming character in the story which is really nice to see.
Paul and Laticia: A couple of weirdos that Simon meets at his new school, they start just hanging out as friends and by the end they are a part of the friend family. Paul is a very stereotypical autistic character, he’s never actually labeled as autistic but as an autistic person with autistic friends and family it’s kind of what you’d expect to see. Laticia is a very soft spoken shy girl still figuring out her life and her sexuality.
Aunt Sarah and Brian: Aunt Sarah seems like one of those housewives on lots of pills to deal with how her life turned out, she doesn’t seem like a very caring person unless it serves her but that’s just how I read her. Her husband Brian on the other hand can’t be read as anything other than a gross, creepy sleezeball loser from the first moment he is brought into this book. Brian is a straight to the garbage can, easy to loathe piece of excrement, be prepared to have such a fiery anger for this douche canoe.
I really enjoyed this read. There was a lot of big items talked about in this book, including the information we learn near the end. I personally felt like they were handled well. The way Simon’s anxiety is portrayed felt very real, it often does feel like an attack from the inside out and with what he is grappling with it makes so much more sense.
His senior year which is supposed to be the best year for Simon sure isn’t easy, although there are some extremely high moments he also has to deal with a lot of trauma and grief that some adults struggle to get through, thankfully he does have a pretty great support system
This book will have you feeling. Some thoughts happy, some sad and some furious but you will definitely feel. You should definitely pick it up if you enjoy young queer stories that feel like you could hear it from a friend as their real life story.
I also love that there are not only help line numbers for the USA but also for Canada and the UK
You also get two cute recipes from the book and I think that is just a really sweet touch
TW: there is a character death with no graphic details or anything though, also non graphic mention of CSA, there is also substance abuse from one character but it’s just briefly mentioned
Character breakdowns:
Simon: Simon is a young guy starting his senior year in a new place, he feels younger and more naive than I feel like fits a 16/17 year old but some kids really are that sheltered I guess. He doesn’t seem to understand stuff like anxiety which most kids at that age do seem to know about through other kids or tv or even parents, it’s hard to think he had never been around or met anyone with anxiety. As a character he’s simple, he loves his parents, his cat and his friends and a specific boy called pajamas.
PJ: PJ is a sweet young guy who is the first one to connect with Simon at his new school, he’s a seemingly out and proud kid who knows what he wants but unfortunately that doesn’t reflect his home life where his parents believe his queerness is a phase and don’t even allow him to talk about himself when he’s there. He’s struggled with bullies and losing friends over coming out which is an unfortunate reality for many people. He is very supportive of Simon and the people he cares for. He was a great character, probably my favourite if I’m being honest. I just wanted to scoop him up in my pocket and protect him from bad things.
Mags and Neel: I’m lumping these two together because they are a package deal, Simon’s original friends from Columbia. Neel seems pretty chill and laid back except for when he’s talking about girls then he’s like a rocket fuelled up with redbull. He doesn’t feel that significant to the story but he’s a good side side quest character. Mags is very bossy and opinionated and honestly other then an adult couple, mentioned below, she is my least favourite character. Shes just really unlikable imo, her family seems amazing so I’m not sure how they have such a self righteous kid but she really just rubbed me the wrong way the whole book.
Mom Lindsey and Carole: Simon’s sweet lesbian moms who love their son and each other very much. There is some conflict between them regarding Lindsey’s work life vs the basically nonexistent home life she now has since moving in the summer. Carole is a little bit of a health nut and she works at the library.
Dad Daniel: Simon’s dad, kind of a typical dead beat, doesn’t really see Simon much and hasn’t for a handful of years, basically since the divorce, he definitely is a redeeming character in the story which is really nice to see.
Paul and Laticia: A couple of weirdos that Simon meets at his new school, they start just hanging out as friends and by the end they are a part of the friend family. Paul is a very stereotypical autistic character, he’s never actually labeled as autistic but as an autistic person with autistic friends and family it’s kind of what you’d expect to see. Laticia is a very soft spoken shy girl still figuring out her life and her sexuality.
Aunt Sarah and Brian: Aunt Sarah seems like one of those housewives on lots of pills to deal with how her life turned out, she doesn’t seem like a very caring person unless it serves her but that’s just how I read her. Her husband Brian on the other hand can’t be read as anything other than a gross, creepy sleezeball loser from the first moment he is brought into this book. Brian is a straight to the garbage can, easy to loathe piece of excrement, be prepared to have such a fiery anger for this douche canoe.
May 10, 2026
BLURB:
Simon is a 16-year-old starting senior year at a new school while coming out and starting a new relationship. He experiences nightly episodes at 11:22 PM that he believes are alien attacks, leaving him exhausted and afraid. As major conflicts rise—his absent father reappearing and life with his two mothers changing—he’s forced to confront what’s really happening to him.
REVIEW:
This is such an original queer YA coming-of-age novel, as it blends sci-fi elements, romance, and emotional family drama. It’s also Steven Gellman’s debut novel and shows a lot of ambition—the synopsis makes it seem like a typical queer teen romance, but by the midpoint you’ll realize there’s a lot more going on. Woven into are compelling themes, including self-discovery, mental health issues, parent-child relationships, LGBTQ+ family representation, first love, and more!
The story is told in Simon’s 1st-person POV, and you get pulled into his anxious, often fearful mindset right from the opening chapter when he veers his car off the road after an “alien attack." He’s also very much an unreliable narrator (at times) as he’s often overwhelmed and his perception of things can be very off. But you’ll still root for him as he tries to cope with starting a new school for senior year and has so many things thrown at him, including the monster within!
His family life is very interesting—he has two lesbian mothers, Lindsay and Carol, whose gay relationship is wonderfully normalized in the story. But his biological mother is visibly overworked, and his absent father reappears during a very difficult time in the story, all causing Simon more inner turmoil that feels SO relatable and makes you want to give him a hug! The romance between Simon and PJ is sweet and has its own minor conflicts, but it's secondary to the coming-of-age and emotional family drama—which made the book stand out more for me! And a real highlight is Simon’s friendships—from lifelong friends Mags and Neil to new friendships with Paul and Letica, there’s a rich diversity of characters of different sexualities and genders, from shy introverts to eccentric extroverts—very engaging!
The only thing that held me back from giving this a five-star is the writing style. It’s noticeably straightforward and sometimes simple in how it describes characters’ emotions and reactions. The story got much more layered and emotional by the second half that I didn’t even notice anymore. Later on, there are a few emotional and disturbing reveals that you won’t be expecting, but you may predict the source of the “alien attacks.”
What I liked most is that the book didn’t end with a cheesy, typical HEA where everything feels so unrealistic. That wouldn’t have matched this story, and the author did a great job of emphasizing Simon’s emotional arc while leaving his future open-ended but optimistic! If you have access to the audiobook, there’s also an original song sung by the author at the end that shares the book’s title that will leave you both smiling and emotional.🥹
Simon is a 16-year-old starting senior year at a new school while coming out and starting a new relationship. He experiences nightly episodes at 11:22 PM that he believes are alien attacks, leaving him exhausted and afraid. As major conflicts rise—his absent father reappearing and life with his two mothers changing—he’s forced to confront what’s really happening to him.
REVIEW:
This is such an original queer YA coming-of-age novel, as it blends sci-fi elements, romance, and emotional family drama. It’s also Steven Gellman’s debut novel and shows a lot of ambition—the synopsis makes it seem like a typical queer teen romance, but by the midpoint you’ll realize there’s a lot more going on. Woven into are compelling themes, including self-discovery, mental health issues, parent-child relationships, LGBTQ+ family representation, first love, and more!
The story is told in Simon’s 1st-person POV, and you get pulled into his anxious, often fearful mindset right from the opening chapter when he veers his car off the road after an “alien attack." He’s also very much an unreliable narrator (at times) as he’s often overwhelmed and his perception of things can be very off. But you’ll still root for him as he tries to cope with starting a new school for senior year and has so many things thrown at him, including the monster within!
His family life is very interesting—he has two lesbian mothers, Lindsay and Carol, whose gay relationship is wonderfully normalized in the story. But his biological mother is visibly overworked, and his absent father reappears during a very difficult time in the story, all causing Simon more inner turmoil that feels SO relatable and makes you want to give him a hug! The romance between Simon and PJ is sweet and has its own minor conflicts, but it's secondary to the coming-of-age and emotional family drama—which made the book stand out more for me! And a real highlight is Simon’s friendships—from lifelong friends Mags and Neil to new friendships with Paul and Letica, there’s a rich diversity of characters of different sexualities and genders, from shy introverts to eccentric extroverts—very engaging!
The only thing that held me back from giving this a five-star is the writing style. It’s noticeably straightforward and sometimes simple in how it describes characters’ emotions and reactions. The story got much more layered and emotional by the second half that I didn’t even notice anymore. Later on, there are a few emotional and disturbing reveals that you won’t be expecting, but you may predict the source of the “alien attacks.”
What I liked most is that the book didn’t end with a cheesy, typical HEA where everything feels so unrealistic. That wouldn’t have matched this story, and the author did a great job of emphasizing Simon’s emotional arc while leaving his future open-ended but optimistic! If you have access to the audiobook, there’s also an original song sung by the author at the end that shares the book’s title that will leave you both smiling and emotional.🥹
February 11, 2026
WOW, what a great story, with a lot of heart. I was rooting for our main character right from the first sentences, and could relate to so much of what he had to navigate. I found the story so compelling that I essentially finished the book in two readings, which doesn't happen very often. I strongly recommend this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
June 4, 2026
Fantastic read, a bit hard as I saw myself in a lot of what Simon went through, but in on the other side of that now.
Simon is so sweet and I was routing for him from the start.
Friendship is an amazing thing to have and im glad Simon had a lot of friends.
I think i might have a new author to follow
Simon is so sweet and I was routing for him from the start.
Friendship is an amazing thing to have and im glad Simon had a lot of friends.
I think i might have a new author to follow
January 29, 2026
4.5 ⭐️s
‘To my surprise, he spoons in behind me, wrapping his arm across my chest, but the tears won’t stop. I shake, and he holds me tighter. I feel loved.’
A beautiful and heartfelt story about finding yourself and choosing to surround yourself with the people who will help you get there, and will choose you too. It was wonderful to follow Simon as he did this for himself, slowly building a bigger support network to lean on and then getting to see those people be there for him in a way that truly warmed my heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and NineStar Press for providing me with an ARC!
‘To my surprise, he spoons in behind me, wrapping his arm across my chest, but the tears won’t stop. I shake, and he holds me tighter. I feel loved.’
A beautiful and heartfelt story about finding yourself and choosing to surround yourself with the people who will help you get there, and will choose you too. It was wonderful to follow Simon as he did this for himself, slowly building a bigger support network to lean on and then getting to see those people be there for him in a way that truly warmed my heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and NineStar Press for providing me with an ARC!
June 10, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Somewhere in Nowhere by Steven Gellmen is a YA coming-of-age novel that follows Simon as he navigates a new school, life with his two moms, and the uncertainty of his own identity. The found family in this book is absolutely top-notch. I loved watching Simon maintain his friendships from his old school while integrating those friends into his new circle. The author does a wonderful job making you fall in love with every single one of them. The banter between characters is sharp and fun, and the character development across the board is truly amazing. You can feel how much care went into building each of these people.
This book is one of those rare gems that made me laugh, cry, and bite my nails all within the same chapter. Some moments absolutely devastated me, while others filled me with so much joy watching the support system around Simon come to life.
Without getting into spoilers, this book handles the complexities of anxiety and its relationship with grief, both past and present, in a way that felt deeply real and carefully done. Watching Simon navigate his mental health struggles and finally come to understand what his "alien" truly was is one of the most rewarding character journeys I have read in a long time. I also want to specifically appreciate the author for including mental health and LGBTQ+ resources at the end, because this book does not shy away from heavy topics. It addresses them with honesty and genuine care.
Overall, this one is an absolute gem and I would highly recommend it.
Somewhere in Nowhere by Steven Gellmen is a YA coming-of-age novel that follows Simon as he navigates a new school, life with his two moms, and the uncertainty of his own identity. The found family in this book is absolutely top-notch. I loved watching Simon maintain his friendships from his old school while integrating those friends into his new circle. The author does a wonderful job making you fall in love with every single one of them. The banter between characters is sharp and fun, and the character development across the board is truly amazing. You can feel how much care went into building each of these people.
This book is one of those rare gems that made me laugh, cry, and bite my nails all within the same chapter. Some moments absolutely devastated me, while others filled me with so much joy watching the support system around Simon come to life.
Without getting into spoilers, this book handles the complexities of anxiety and its relationship with grief, both past and present, in a way that felt deeply real and carefully done. Watching Simon navigate his mental health struggles and finally come to understand what his "alien" truly was is one of the most rewarding character journeys I have read in a long time. I also want to specifically appreciate the author for including mental health and LGBTQ+ resources at the end, because this book does not shy away from heavy topics. It addresses them with honesty and genuine care.
Overall, this one is an absolute gem and I would highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Somewhere in nowhere is an emotional YA of a teen and his struggles to "come out"
Having moved towns for his mum new job Simon struggles with moving schools for his final year and having to form new friends. We go on a journey with Simon, with the "Alien" in his tummy, making new friends, meeting PJ and realising he is gay. We see the moment he finally opens up to hes friends and comes out to his mum and step mum. We go through the heart ache of losing his mum. Life starts moving forward for Simon and then with PJ's help he gets help for the "alien" and finds out what is really going on.
I loved how moving this story was, how supportive everyone in Simons life is.
I loved how Hector instantly took on a big brother role for Simon giving him the relationship help and advice he needed.
While at first the "Alien" felt odd to me by the end it all made sense. Although I feel like that part of the story felt rushed for me. I can understand why the "event" wasn't dug to deep into, I would have loved to have seen justice and an understanding to the Aunts silence when told about the "event".
All in all it was still a very enjoyable story and would read more by Steven Gellman in the future.
Thank you to Steven Gellman and netgalley for a copy of this arc to review.
Having moved towns for his mum new job Simon struggles with moving schools for his final year and having to form new friends. We go on a journey with Simon, with the "Alien" in his tummy, making new friends, meeting PJ and realising he is gay. We see the moment he finally opens up to hes friends and comes out to his mum and step mum. We go through the heart ache of losing his mum. Life starts moving forward for Simon and then with PJ's help he gets help for the "alien" and finds out what is really going on.
I loved how moving this story was, how supportive everyone in Simons life is.
I loved how Hector instantly took on a big brother role for Simon giving him the relationship help and advice he needed.
While at first the "Alien" felt odd to me by the end it all made sense. Although I feel like that part of the story felt rushed for me. I can understand why the "event" wasn't dug to deep into, I would have loved to have seen justice and an understanding to the Aunts silence when told about the "event".
All in all it was still a very enjoyable story and would read more by Steven Gellman in the future.
Thank you to Steven Gellman and netgalley for a copy of this arc to review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2026
Simon is starting his senior year at a new school and really struggling with it-and that hit close to home for me. My father was in the military, so I changed schools about every two years. It's hard on a teenager. There comes a point where friendships are already formed, and when you come in that late, you're always a little on the outside looking in.
The author did a beautiful job creating complex, meaningful characters who truly shaped the story. I enjoyed Simon, and my heart went out to him many times, I also really enjoyed his two moms, who were also struggling with their own adult problems but managed to show Simon love no matter what was going on. I do have to say however that my favorite in the book is PJ. Despite the disastrous date him and Simon had, he stayed a true friend when Simon needed it and I cheered so hard for these two!
This book made me feel everything-happy, sad, and even frustrated at times. There is a heavy layer of trauma woven throughout, which could make it a difficult read for some, but what really stood out to me was the way support and connection were portrayed so thoughtfully.
Overall, this is a heartfelt story about becoming your true self-and you'll absolutely find yourself cheering for Simon from beginning to end.
The author did a beautiful job creating complex, meaningful characters who truly shaped the story. I enjoyed Simon, and my heart went out to him many times, I also really enjoyed his two moms, who were also struggling with their own adult problems but managed to show Simon love no matter what was going on. I do have to say however that my favorite in the book is PJ. Despite the disastrous date him and Simon had, he stayed a true friend when Simon needed it and I cheered so hard for these two!
This book made me feel everything-happy, sad, and even frustrated at times. There is a heavy layer of trauma woven throughout, which could make it a difficult read for some, but what really stood out to me was the way support and connection were portrayed so thoughtfully.
Overall, this is a heartfelt story about becoming your true self-and you'll absolutely find yourself cheering for Simon from beginning to end.
October 6, 2026
TLDR: Read This Book. It's amazing. I don't know what I expected when I bought this book. I'm a 58 year old, gay male and this appears to target young adult audiences, but I loved Heartstopper so I gave it a shot. It's more "grown up" than Heartstopper. The issues feel very relevant. I cried through a lot of the book. And, trigger warning - the topics that come up can be difficult to read ( why I cried through a lot of the book) - so be ready. I read this in two sittings. Lovely, amazing, read - all the more so given it's the author's first book. While it felt that most of the story was resolved I felt there was more story to tell, so I'm hoping for another installment from this talented author. I encourage you to give this a try.
June 20, 2026
"I no longer experience fear. This time, I experience something brand new, hope."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3.75 ⭐️
Somewhere in Nowhere by Steven Gellman is a coming-of-age, YA, contemporary LGBTQ+ romance. I read this with a small group of friends as a buddy-read, and we all definitely had fun with it. I had the opportunity to sit and do an interview with the author and, in speaking with him, I could truly tell how much of his heart went into writing this book.
While I had a few critiques such as some plot points feeling a bit rushed, and some of the dialogue feeling somewhat forced or unrealistic, I still really enjoyed the themes this story offered and found most of the characters to be memorable and likable.
This would be a great read for someone who is looking to move from books geared toward a younger audience, into something more mature, but still with that young adult spark to it.
All in all, I enjoyed this read. I would recommend it to a younger queer audience who may be dealing with similar struggles to Simon when it comes to anxiety, identity, and self-discovery.
Thank you to Steven Gellman for being willing to sit down and do an interview with our group, and speak on his experience during the writing process.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3.75 ⭐️
Somewhere in Nowhere by Steven Gellman is a coming-of-age, YA, contemporary LGBTQ+ romance. I read this with a small group of friends as a buddy-read, and we all definitely had fun with it. I had the opportunity to sit and do an interview with the author and, in speaking with him, I could truly tell how much of his heart went into writing this book.
While I had a few critiques such as some plot points feeling a bit rushed, and some of the dialogue feeling somewhat forced or unrealistic, I still really enjoyed the themes this story offered and found most of the characters to be memorable and likable.
This would be a great read for someone who is looking to move from books geared toward a younger audience, into something more mature, but still with that young adult spark to it.
All in all, I enjoyed this read. I would recommend it to a younger queer audience who may be dealing with similar struggles to Simon when it comes to anxiety, identity, and self-discovery.
Thank you to Steven Gellman for being willing to sit down and do an interview with our group, and speak on his experience during the writing process.
July 28, 2026
I really enjoyed the characters in this book and the way their relationships developed through their conversations and interactions. It’s a story about growing up discovering who you are, who you love and starting to figure out what that means. It’s also about moving and adjusting to new places and people and loss and family. I also liked reading a story set near to the place I grew up, it makes it feel more real in a way. I recommend this book to all readers of every age.
August 17, 2026
I enjoyed Somewhere in Nowhere and it kept me super engaged the whole time. There were some sad moments I didn't see coming in the book (not to give too much away), but they were balanced with funnier, lighter moments, which is what a good coming of age story is all about. I really liked Hector's character and his positive influence on Simon which helped him come out and feel comfortable about who he was. I definitely recommend this book and I look forward to reading more from this author!
June 21, 2026
I just loved this debut novel by Steven Gellman! Even though it’s marketed as young adult fiction, it should appeal to anyone of any age, especially those in the LGBTQ community such as myself. I really appreciated all the strong “supporting” characters in the story. I think some of the best TV shows and movies over the ages have been those with great supporting actors/roles. Speaking of TV or film, I’d love to see this story made into a movie or series. I read Steven’s book back to back with Heated Rivalry (the second book in Rachel Reid’s popular series) and have to say I enjoyed this book a lot more. The relationships and situations were just so relatable. I really didn’t want it to end…I kept slowing down near the end just to savor it before it was all over. Bravo!
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June 18, 2026The wide range of novels for Jewish teens and tweens in the 21st century feels amazing to those of us who grew up when there were little to no works for this age group that featured Jewish characters. The novels in this review focus on three different time periods: World War II, the early 1950s and contemporary times. However, they all have something in common: these young adults are looking for ways to live a meaningful life.
See the rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/feat...
See the rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/feat...
April 16, 2026
Please check trigger warnings before reading this one.
After reading this seemingly crazy synopsis, I took to the reviews and people have had mixed feelings with this books so far, probably because the synopsis is so odd...
However, this was such a thoughtful and engaging coming-of-age story that ended up being much deeper than I expected.
Going in, I was intrigued by the synopsis — it was so add. Especially the “alien” element...but pretty quickly it became clear that the alien is a metaphor for anxiety and panic attacks. As someone who deals with anxiety, I really appreciated how accurately and persistently it was portrayed. The author does a great job showing how all-consuming it can feel, and how it creeps into every part of life. The “alien” comparison is especially valid, as it captures that sense of fear, confusion, and not understanding what’s happening to your own body. It almost feels like the story might veer into sci-fi at times, but it stays grounded in a very real emotional and physical experience.
While Simon’s journey with coming out is definitely a central thread in the book, I liked that it wasn’t the only focus. The story also explores anxiety, trauma, grief, and the overwhelming feeling of everything changing at once. At its core, it’s really about Simon learning that he’s safe, that he’s loved, and that he doesn’t have to face everything alone. You have to get past a lot of him coming to terms with being gay and it might seem like he is able to do that pretty quickly - but there is so much here if you keep with it.
Simon was a strong main character, and I found myself rooting for him. That said, some of the dialogue felt a bit over-the-top to me, but that could very well just be a reflection of how teens talk now more than anything else and I am getting old.
Overall, this was a heartfelt and layered coming-of-age story that balances heavier themes with moments of warmth, connection, and growth. Definitely worth the read.
After reading this seemingly crazy synopsis, I took to the reviews and people have had mixed feelings with this books so far, probably because the synopsis is so odd...
However, this was such a thoughtful and engaging coming-of-age story that ended up being much deeper than I expected.
Going in, I was intrigued by the synopsis — it was so add. Especially the “alien” element...but pretty quickly it became clear that the alien is a metaphor for anxiety and panic attacks. As someone who deals with anxiety, I really appreciated how accurately and persistently it was portrayed. The author does a great job showing how all-consuming it can feel, and how it creeps into every part of life. The “alien” comparison is especially valid, as it captures that sense of fear, confusion, and not understanding what’s happening to your own body. It almost feels like the story might veer into sci-fi at times, but it stays grounded in a very real emotional and physical experience.
While Simon’s journey with coming out is definitely a central thread in the book, I liked that it wasn’t the only focus. The story also explores anxiety, trauma, grief, and the overwhelming feeling of everything changing at once. At its core, it’s really about Simon learning that he’s safe, that he’s loved, and that he doesn’t have to face everything alone. You have to get past a lot of him coming to terms with being gay and it might seem like he is able to do that pretty quickly - but there is so much here if you keep with it.
Simon was a strong main character, and I found myself rooting for him. That said, some of the dialogue felt a bit over-the-top to me, but that could very well just be a reflection of how teens talk now more than anything else and I am getting old.
Overall, this was a heartfelt and layered coming-of-age story that balances heavier themes with moments of warmth, connection, and growth. Definitely worth the read.
April 14, 2026
Somewhere in Nowhere by Steven Gellman is a moving, character-driven coming-of-age novel. It follows Simon as he starts senior year at a new school, separated from his closest friends after relocating for his mom’s demanding job. That loneliness sets the tone early, grounding the story in a very real sense of displacement and uncertainty.
What stands out most is the portrayal of Simon’s anxiety. Much of the novel unfolds before he even understands what he’s experiencing, and Gellman’s use of an “alien” in his stomach as a metaphor is both creative and strikingly accurate. When Simon begins to recognize his anxiety and seek help, it feels like a genuine, hard-won step forward rather than a quick fix.
Simon’s exploration of his identity is just as impactful. Though he’s surrounded by queer people, he struggles to fully acknowledge his own sexuality, creating an internal tension that feels honest and relatable. His journey toward self-acceptance is handled with nuance and care, making it one of the book’s emotional anchors.
The relationships are another highlight. Simon’s connection with PJ develops naturally, capturing the awkwardness and sincerity of teenage relationships without feeling forced or overly idealized. Beyond that, his support system; his mom, Carol, PJ, and his friends; adds warmth and reinforces the story’s strong “found family” theme.
The novel also addresses heavier topics, including grief, childhood trauma, homophobia, and panic attacks, with sensitivity and intention. Readers who connected with The Perks of Being a Wallflower will likely find a similar emotional resonance here.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and emotionally honest story about identity, mental health, and connection, with strong character development and a lot of heart.
What stands out most is the portrayal of Simon’s anxiety. Much of the novel unfolds before he even understands what he’s experiencing, and Gellman’s use of an “alien” in his stomach as a metaphor is both creative and strikingly accurate. When Simon begins to recognize his anxiety and seek help, it feels like a genuine, hard-won step forward rather than a quick fix.
Simon’s exploration of his identity is just as impactful. Though he’s surrounded by queer people, he struggles to fully acknowledge his own sexuality, creating an internal tension that feels honest and relatable. His journey toward self-acceptance is handled with nuance and care, making it one of the book’s emotional anchors.
The relationships are another highlight. Simon’s connection with PJ develops naturally, capturing the awkwardness and sincerity of teenage relationships without feeling forced or overly idealized. Beyond that, his support system; his mom, Carol, PJ, and his friends; adds warmth and reinforces the story’s strong “found family” theme.
The novel also addresses heavier topics, including grief, childhood trauma, homophobia, and panic attacks, with sensitivity and intention. Readers who connected with The Perks of Being a Wallflower will likely find a similar emotional resonance here.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and emotionally honest story about identity, mental health, and connection, with strong character development and a lot of heart.
May 27, 2026
This is a beautiful book that handles a number of difficult topics with care and understanding. I especially loved the friendships, both old and new, that supported Simon throughout the book. At the end of the book, there are valuable resources, as well. This book could literally be a life saver for a young adult.
April 26, 2026
A story that will open your eyes and touch your heart.
When I opened the cover of “Somewhere in Nowhere”, I had no idea the journey the pages would take me on. I smiled, chuckled, and cried as I turned the pages. This is not just a book for the young at heart but a story that took me through the emotions of my life and touched my soul. I am excited to read Steven’s next book.
When I opened the cover of “Somewhere in Nowhere”, I had no idea the journey the pages would take me on. I smiled, chuckled, and cried as I turned the pages. This is not just a book for the young at heart but a story that took me through the emotions of my life and touched my soul. I am excited to read Steven’s next book.
June 12, 2026
What a fun read! The story is lovely and moves quickly, which adds to the emotions of everything happening in the story. I'm left wanting to know more stories around all the characters and feel like I am now a silent member of the family.
April 22, 2026
An immensely readable debut from a fresh new voice in YA. This story was filled with love, humor, and memorable characters. I look forward to seeing what comes next from this author!
August 31, 2026
Somewhere in Nowhere by Steven Gellman is a thoughtful, heartfelt coming of age story that tackles some heavy topics with an incredible amount of care.
Simon is struggling with panic attacks and desperately needs to understand where they’re coming from. Getting to the root of them means facing a trauma from his past that he has worked hard to avoid. At the same time, Simon is realizing that he’s gay and trying to figure out how and when to come out. That’s complicated enough on its own, but Simon has two moms, and he worries that people will assume he’s gay because they are lesbians. His anxiety, overthinking, and the way he processes all of this felt incredibly real and relatable.
One of my favorite parts of the book is Simon’s relationship with PJ. Their budding romance is such a wonderful portrayal of young queer love. Simon’s thoughts and feelings throughout their relationship feel genuine, awkward, hopeful, and completely believable. 💜
I also really appreciated the way Gellman handles the heavier subject matter. The story gives you a real understanding of Simon’s trauma and the impact it has on his panic attacks without relying on graphic, on page depictions of the trauma itself. You absolutely get to the bottom of what is happening with Simon, but the journey is handled thoughtfully and with care. I think that makes this a particularly meaningful read for young audiences, while also making it a valuable book for adults who want to better understand these experiences and learn how to be supportive, safe adults for LGBTQIA+ young people.
Somewhere in Nowhere is ultimately a story about figuring out who you are, learning to face the things that scare you, and discovering that you don’t have to navigate it all alone. Simon is a character you can’t help but root for, and his journey stayed with me.
A wonderful coming of age story with heart, humor, romance, and some important conversations handled exceptionally well.
Michael Crouch’s narration of Somewhere in Nowhere is outstanding. His perfect expressive delivery brings the story to life and makes every character feel authentic and engaging. He captures the mood beautifully and keeps the listening experience compelling from beginning to end. A truly excellent performance.
Simon is struggling with panic attacks and desperately needs to understand where they’re coming from. Getting to the root of them means facing a trauma from his past that he has worked hard to avoid. At the same time, Simon is realizing that he’s gay and trying to figure out how and when to come out. That’s complicated enough on its own, but Simon has two moms, and he worries that people will assume he’s gay because they are lesbians. His anxiety, overthinking, and the way he processes all of this felt incredibly real and relatable.
One of my favorite parts of the book is Simon’s relationship with PJ. Their budding romance is such a wonderful portrayal of young queer love. Simon’s thoughts and feelings throughout their relationship feel genuine, awkward, hopeful, and completely believable. 💜
I also really appreciated the way Gellman handles the heavier subject matter. The story gives you a real understanding of Simon’s trauma and the impact it has on his panic attacks without relying on graphic, on page depictions of the trauma itself. You absolutely get to the bottom of what is happening with Simon, but the journey is handled thoughtfully and with care. I think that makes this a particularly meaningful read for young audiences, while also making it a valuable book for adults who want to better understand these experiences and learn how to be supportive, safe adults for LGBTQIA+ young people.
Somewhere in Nowhere is ultimately a story about figuring out who you are, learning to face the things that scare you, and discovering that you don’t have to navigate it all alone. Simon is a character you can’t help but root for, and his journey stayed with me.
A wonderful coming of age story with heart, humor, romance, and some important conversations handled exceptionally well.
Michael Crouch’s narration of Somewhere in Nowhere is outstanding. His perfect expressive delivery brings the story to life and makes every character feel authentic and engaging. He captures the mood beautifully and keeps the listening experience compelling from beginning to end. A truly excellent performance.
October 6, 2026
This story is a wondrous journey through so many wonderful and difficult topics. Two seniors in high school experience self-doubt, family struggles and self-acceptance. Simon and PJ meet and become infatuated with each other. Simon and PJ have to navigate through their personal fears regarding their sexuality, friendships, and past nightmares. Mr. Gellman provides a masterclass in writing as he leads these two young men through joy, fear, and self-acceptance. This is one of the finest coming of age stories I've ever read - but pay very close attention to trigger warnings. There is darkness that needs to have light shined on it. Be prepared for a great, great story.
July 28, 2026
This book is one of the best LGBTQ+ coming-of-age young adult novels that I have ever read! I loved all of the characters and could relate to wishing that I had a similar friend group when I was their age. The story was very compelling and I thought the author's treatment of anxiety was especially meaningful. If you live in the DC Metro area, you'll love all the local references. I strongly recommend it for anyone looking for a touching, humorous, and relatable coming-of-age LGBTQ+ young adult novel. Quite the masterpiece!
August 18, 2026
I purchased this book directly from the author when I attended one of his outdoor performances. He is a man of many talents! I've enjoyed his music for years now and I was so excited to learn he wrote a book; his storytelling through his music is inspiring, uplifting, sometimes funny, sometimes thought-provoking, sometimes heart-wrenching, and this book delivers nothing less. The characters are relatable and they take you into their stories. Loved it and highly recommend!
September 30, 2026
This was a wonderful book. I loved all the characters and the family dynamic and the ending.
Will definitely read more by this author. Check this one out, I'll bet you'll enjoy it!
Will definitely read more by this author. Check this one out, I'll bet you'll enjoy it!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I would like to personally thank whoever decided to put this story into the world), and I’m still carrying that weird mix of happy/sad/fearful-for-teen-boys-on-new-schedules.
This book is basically: what if senior year is already hard, you move towns, you’re figuring out your sexuality, and your anxiety… shows up as an actual alien in your stomach trying to murder you. Like, no pressure.
And somehow it’s not just a quirky gimmick—it’s *so* relatable that I felt my own stomach do that “ugh” drop whenever Simon’s stress ramps up.
Simon Bugg: the main character I wanted to put in my pocket
Simon Bugg starts senior year feeling like the universe is one wrong move away from humiliating him in front of everyone. He’s got anxiety that’s loud and physical, and on top of that his life is complicated in the most teenager way possible: he’s trying to stay “him” while also not letting people decide what his identity “means.”
The plot kicks off hard when his mom (Lindsey) lands a dream job and the family moves to Rockville. Simon is leaving behind the friends he actually knows how to be around. New school = new everything. New cafeteria energy. New awkward walkways. New people who don’t know your history and will absolutely judge you based on vibes alone.
And then Simon meets PJ in drama class, and—because this is a queer story and also because romance in teen brains is feral—things get intense fast.
Simon’s brain is the kind that overthinks everything: what people think, what he feels, whether he’s “allowed” to want things, whether his feelings make him too different from who he wants to be. Sometimes he’s a little sheltered in a way that made me go “buddy, you’ve never heard of anxiety before?” but honestly… that’s also real. Some people go through life without having language for what’s happening until it hits them in the face. Or in his case: 11:22 pm in the form of an alien attacker.
The alien in his stomach (aka anxiety, but make it sci-fi)
I actually loved how the book handles Simon’s anxiety as an alien. It’s funny, gross, and terrifying in that “why is my own body acting like this” way.
It also makes the stakes feel personal. This isn’t just “Simon is anxious.” It’s “Simon is being hunted from the inside, and he has to pretend he’s fine because everyone expects him to be fine.” That combination? Brutal. But it worked for me.
When the story starts revealing what’s really going on (and how the nightly attacks connect to everything), I felt like the book was taking Simon seriously—like his fear and panic weren’t random, they were information. Bad information, but still information.
PJ: sweet, supportive, and secretly dealing with a whole lot
PJ is the kind of character that makes you want to be like, “Okay, yes, I will be normal around you,” and then immediately realize that’s impossible because you’re a human who has feelings.
He’s out at school, he’s warm, he gets Simon’s nervous energy, and he shows up in a way that feels gentle instead of pushy. I also really liked that PJ isn’t just “the love interest.” He has his own real life problems, especially at home, where his queerness isn’t treated like it’s real. More like: phase until further notice.
And yes, there’s a part where Simon panics and derails a date in spectacular fashion. I felt that. Not the alien part. The other part. The “I like you and now I’m scared and I just made it weird” part. Simon’s reactions are messy but believable, and PJ’s feelings aren’t treated like they’re optional. That matters.
Honestly, if I’m being totally honest, PJ was probably my favorite character. I just wanted to scoop him up and protect him from the kind of disappointment that usually shows up in books when you’re rooting for someone.
Secondary characters: beautifully rendered, not just background noise
One of my biggest compliments for this book is that the secondary characters don’t feel like decorative NPCs. They feel like people.
- Hector is an early mentor figure for Simon (and yes, that “older gay barista who sees you” energy is *so* comforting). He becomes a big-brother-ish presence in a way that doesn’t feel fake or performative. You can tell he’s there because he cares, not because the plot needs him.
- Mags and Neel (Simon’s original friends) are memorable in different ways. Neel cracks me up because he’s got this… rocket-fueled energy whenever girls come up. Mags, though? I didn’t vibe with her as much. Her personality reads like “bossy and righteous” even when her family situation seems genuinely loving. It left me slightly side-eyeing her choices and attitudes the entire time.
- Lindsey and Carole (Simon’s moms) are the emotional center of a lot of the story. You can feel how much they love him, and you can also feel the stress and strain of adult life trying to land in a household with a teen who’s falling apart in slow motion. Lindsey’s work situation and Carole’s vibe are different flavors of caring, and I liked how the book let them both be complicated instead of turning them into perfect cardboard parents.
- Daniel (Simon’s dad) could’ve been a throwaway “deadbeat who magically improves” character, but the book gives him more texture. He shows up late and imperfect, but he’s also not totally absent—he’s part of what shaped Simon’s understanding of relationships and safety.
- Aunt Sarah and Brian? Yeah, Brian is exactly as gross as you think he is. Like, from first mention I was already ready to throw hands. Aunt Sarah felt harder to read—there’s a vibe of someone who’s coping in a way that doesn’t include being emotionally kind. The book hints at more, and I’ll admit I wanted a clearer explanation of some choices, especially around silence and what people refuse to say out loud.
- Paul and Laticia add a lot of warmth and realism. Paul especially feels like a character whose neurodivergence isn’t used as a “funny trait,” it’s part of his way of existing and connecting. Laticia is softer, shy, and still sorting herself out—which made her feel real instead of “perfect side character energy.”
And I really appreciated that the book doesn’t treat Simon like he’s the only person with a full interior life. Everybody else has history, opinions, tension, sweetness. It makes the whole world feel lived-in.
The pacing: some bits move fast, some bits slow down (and it’s noticeable)
Now, I’ll be fair: the pacing can feel a little uneven. There were sections where it felt like we were doing normal life stuff—laundry, conversations, everyday moments—and I could feel the plot chill for a second. Other times, once Simon realizes he’s into PJ, the emotions and obsession spiral so quickly it can feel like you’re getting sprinted into romance before your brain’s fully caught up.
But even with that, I didn’t stop reading. I was too invested in Simon’s emotional survival to bail.
What the book made me feel
This book really does the thing where you start out with humor and weirdness and then—surprise—you’re hit with grief and fear and the messy truth that “moving forward” is not a straight line.
It made me feel protective of Simon. It also made me angry on his behalf at the moments where people misread him or act like his identity is a convenience problem. There’s also a tenderness to the way the support system grows over time: different people, different types of help, and Simon learning how to accept it without feeling like he has to earn basic care.
Also: I loved that the book includes crisis resources not just for the USA, but for Canada and the UK too. That small detail told me the author/book team actually thought about real readers, not just imaginary “audience.”
My final take
Somewhere in Nowhere is a coming-of-age story with romance, friendship, grief, anxiety, and a genuinely creative way of making internal fear visible (the alien thing is honestly the best metaphor I’ve seen in a while). It’s funny in places, heartbreaking in others, and the secondary cast is one of its biggest strengths.
If you like queer YA that feels like it could’ve come from someone’s real life—like conversations you’d overhear in a hallway, panic you’d recognize, love that makes no sense but still matters—then I think you’ll have a good time here.
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January 12, 20263.5* Surprisingly heartwarming despite the sadness, though it skimps on some detail.
This is a tale that gives an impression of a rebellious teen at the start, only to show him as someone a little insecure; a little out of place; a little bit of a stranger to himself; and a decent boy, son, friend and boyfriend. He grows during this tale that feels like it takes place over a few weeks, 2-3 months at most, and we find out about the alien and the significance of 11:22pm and why he thinks he's going to die. The latter is where the book falls a little apart, as a bombshell is dropped, a visit to a place of...'potential reparation' - trying not to spoiler here - takes place, then the tale cuts out. I'm not too sure I believed that part of the tale, as the author didn't make it feel organic enough, maybe because of rushing? It felt like this couldn't be left on a cliffhanger.
What was nice, though, is that parents mostly lived and let live: the Hindu mum, the Italian doctor father, the English dad and the lesbian mums. Maybe because this book feels far away from the influence of the toxic tangoed twat that's currently supposedly in charge in the USA. The loss of someone close to the lead felt abbreviated, yet the traditions went on and on, almost as if the author was out to educate, but for me as a non-Jewish person, it was a bit 'lots of words and descriptions but not telling me about the whys'. I'd have liked to know more about the traditions, not just hear about the copious amounts of food. I'd have liked to learn about the job shrouded in secrecy that meant the lead's mum spent very little time at home, but there was only an anticlimactic partial reveal.
It felt like the tale needed a little fleshing out in parts and a little reining in in others. But it's got the bones of a feel-good one.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Ninestar Press for my reading pleasure.
This is a tale that gives an impression of a rebellious teen at the start, only to show him as someone a little insecure; a little out of place; a little bit of a stranger to himself; and a decent boy, son, friend and boyfriend. He grows during this tale that feels like it takes place over a few weeks, 2-3 months at most, and we find out about the alien and the significance of 11:22pm and why he thinks he's going to die. The latter is where the book falls a little apart, as a bombshell is dropped, a visit to a place of...'potential reparation' - trying not to spoiler here - takes place, then the tale cuts out. I'm not too sure I believed that part of the tale, as the author didn't make it feel organic enough, maybe because of rushing? It felt like this couldn't be left on a cliffhanger.
What was nice, though, is that parents mostly lived and let live: the Hindu mum, the Italian doctor father, the English dad and the lesbian mums. Maybe because this book feels far away from the influence of the toxic tangoed twat that's currently supposedly in charge in the USA. The loss of someone close to the lead felt abbreviated, yet the traditions went on and on, almost as if the author was out to educate, but for me as a non-Jewish person, it was a bit 'lots of words and descriptions but not telling me about the whys'. I'd have liked to know more about the traditions, not just hear about the copious amounts of food. I'd have liked to learn about the job shrouded in secrecy that meant the lead's mum spent very little time at home, but there was only an anticlimactic partial reveal.
It felt like the tale needed a little fleshing out in parts and a little reining in in others. But it's got the bones of a feel-good one.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Ninestar Press for my reading pleasure.
May 3, 2026
I was able to attend an author event and pick up this book, and while the premise sounds lovely, the execution felt very juvenile.
The synopsis of the book does not do an adequate job of explaining what the book was about - the main elements from the synopsis wrap up just a few chapters into the story, with the remaining portion of the novel taking a really weird turn.
My biggest challenge with this story was that it seemed very immature - the writing style was filled with exclamation marks and phrases that no high school student would be using. In hardly any elements were discoveries uncovered slowly, rather they were often just stated in dialogue or in Simon's inner thoughts all at once. The phrase, telling not showing comes to mind.
Additionally, everything happened in a blink. Simon falls in love with PJ after meeting him one time and spending probably 45 minutes together. Hector and Simon form this immediate bond after one Starbucks green tea. Everything felt rushed and unbelievable. Marry that with almost too many characters, you don't know anyone well.
I think this author has a lot of promise, but he should strongly consider his voice and how to show the natural strengthening of relationships over time.
The synopsis of the book does not do an adequate job of explaining what the book was about - the main elements from the synopsis wrap up just a few chapters into the story, with the remaining portion of the novel taking a really weird turn.
My biggest challenge with this story was that it seemed very immature - the writing style was filled with exclamation marks and phrases that no high school student would be using. In hardly any elements were discoveries uncovered slowly, rather they were often just stated in dialogue or in Simon's inner thoughts all at once. The phrase, telling not showing comes to mind.
Additionally, everything happened in a blink. Simon falls in love with PJ after meeting him one time and spending probably 45 minutes together. Hector and Simon form this immediate bond after one Starbucks green tea. Everything felt rushed and unbelievable. Marry that with almost too many characters, you don't know anyone well.
I think this author has a lot of promise, but he should strongly consider his voice and how to show the natural strengthening of relationships over time.
August 7, 2026
Warning: Full spoilers for the book follow.
I first heard about Steven Gellman’s work when I was invited to be a part of a conversation with him at Four Seasons Bookstore in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Well, I was of course going to do my due diligence, so I decided to give his debut Somewhere in Nowhere a read. Oh boy, was I not prepared for how beautiful, lovely, poignant, and devastating this novel could be. It reminded me of some of my favorite YA novels from the 1990s, and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible.
When the novel begins, young Simon Bugg’s life is in flux. His mom and stepmom have moved him to a new county, meaning he’s had to leave behind his best friends. Very soon, however, things get more complicated, in ways both uplifting and troubling. While he strikes up a friendship–and then a relationship–with PJ, he also has to deal with the fact that his absentee father wants back into his life. As the novel progresses, Simon experiences both great joy and great sorrow, and Gellman is remarkably adept at keeping the various emotional registers in careful balance from beginning to end.
There are some parts of this novel that will move you to tears, both of joy and of grief. The moment when PJ gets up and holds out his hand to Simon is the perfect expression of young love, and I immediately found myself cheering for these two delightful young men just trying to figure things out and snag a little bit of happiness in the midst of a world that can often be very confusing and alienating. After all, is there any experience quite as harrowing as being a teenager and also a queer person? I loved watching their relationship grow and change and mature, and I liked seeing two queer youths find their own little piece of utopia.
On the flip side of that, Simon’s mother’s death is a true emotional gut-punch. I literally can’t imagine what it would be like to lose your mother at such a young age, the tremendous psychological and emotional toll such a loss would take and the scars it would leave behind. Gellman, however, handles the scene with grace and dignity, packing an emotional punch without ever once giving in to something as simple as cheap sentimentality. Simon has to learn how to deal with grief the same way the rest of us do: by going on, even when it seems impossible.
It certainly helps that he has a remarkable support system. While this book doesn’t shy away from the more unpleasant aspects of life, it doesn’t dwell on them, either. Somewhere in Nowhere is filled with wonderful side characters who just jump off of the page, demanding we pay attention to them. There’s PJ, obviously, who really is a very cute, golden retriever type character. However, there’s also Hector, the Starbucks barista that befriends Simon and helps him along the path of being a responsible young gay man. However, there are also Simon’s best friends, both of whom are absolutely delightful. They all feel like real people that you might encounter in your own life, and while they’re all flawed and capable of doing silly and irresponsible things, you find yourself loving them for it.
Just when I thought that a mother’s death was going to be the most traumatic thing I was going to read in this novel, there’s that twist near the end. For most of the novel Simon suffers from an affliction–crippling stomach aches, hives, and various other symptoms of anxiety–that he frames as being an alien inside of him. It’s not until his symptoms get so bad that he can’t function that he’s taken to a psychological professional who at last allows him to reckon with the truth: he was sexually abused by his uncle.
In less capable hands than Gellman’s this would feel like a cop-out, but we’ve known from the beginning that something wasn’t quite right. I mean, it says a lot that he’s a young man who is absolutely convinced there’s an alien inside of him and that he’s going to die. We’ve also known that his uncle is weird, unsettling, and deeply unstable, so it’s not that much of a surprise. More importantly, Gellman treats the entire situation with the sensitivity and nuance it deserves, and I appreciate his ability to be both emotionally honest without being exploitative. I think it’s fair to say that this book should be necessary reading.
Throughout the novel, we experience the world through Simon’s point of view, and we thus get a front-row seat to his various struggles as he comes to terms with who he is and what he’s been through. In Gellman’s capable hands Simon becomes a funny and sarcastic and messy teenager, and while he’s not perfect by any means, he’s someone that you genuinely come to love. More to the point, you want him to come to love himself and to see himself as worthy of love. I’m not afraid to admit that I cried more than a little in this book, as this lovely young man finally gets the happily ever after that he deserves.
To say that I loved Somewhere in Nowhere would be a bit of an understatement. It’s just such a sweet and funny and lovely book, and I’m so glad that my paths crossed with Gellman, so that I could get the chance to read this book. It really is a gem, and it reminds us of the importance of telling these kinds of stories for younger audiences. Young queer folks deserve to see their lives and experiences reflected on the page in all of their complexity. While such stories aren’t always easy to read, it’s worth noting that these lived experiences are even more harrowing for those who endure them.
Somewhere in Nowhere, however, gives us reason to hope. In these dark and perilous hopes, where far too many people seem to be like the nefarious uncle, this is a very precious commodity, indeed.
I first heard about Steven Gellman’s work when I was invited to be a part of a conversation with him at Four Seasons Bookstore in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Well, I was of course going to do my due diligence, so I decided to give his debut Somewhere in Nowhere a read. Oh boy, was I not prepared for how beautiful, lovely, poignant, and devastating this novel could be. It reminded me of some of my favorite YA novels from the 1990s, and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible.
When the novel begins, young Simon Bugg’s life is in flux. His mom and stepmom have moved him to a new county, meaning he’s had to leave behind his best friends. Very soon, however, things get more complicated, in ways both uplifting and troubling. While he strikes up a friendship–and then a relationship–with PJ, he also has to deal with the fact that his absentee father wants back into his life. As the novel progresses, Simon experiences both great joy and great sorrow, and Gellman is remarkably adept at keeping the various emotional registers in careful balance from beginning to end.
There are some parts of this novel that will move you to tears, both of joy and of grief. The moment when PJ gets up and holds out his hand to Simon is the perfect expression of young love, and I immediately found myself cheering for these two delightful young men just trying to figure things out and snag a little bit of happiness in the midst of a world that can often be very confusing and alienating. After all, is there any experience quite as harrowing as being a teenager and also a queer person? I loved watching their relationship grow and change and mature, and I liked seeing two queer youths find their own little piece of utopia.
On the flip side of that, Simon’s mother’s death is a true emotional gut-punch. I literally can’t imagine what it would be like to lose your mother at such a young age, the tremendous psychological and emotional toll such a loss would take and the scars it would leave behind. Gellman, however, handles the scene with grace and dignity, packing an emotional punch without ever once giving in to something as simple as cheap sentimentality. Simon has to learn how to deal with grief the same way the rest of us do: by going on, even when it seems impossible.
It certainly helps that he has a remarkable support system. While this book doesn’t shy away from the more unpleasant aspects of life, it doesn’t dwell on them, either. Somewhere in Nowhere is filled with wonderful side characters who just jump off of the page, demanding we pay attention to them. There’s PJ, obviously, who really is a very cute, golden retriever type character. However, there’s also Hector, the Starbucks barista that befriends Simon and helps him along the path of being a responsible young gay man. However, there are also Simon’s best friends, both of whom are absolutely delightful. They all feel like real people that you might encounter in your own life, and while they’re all flawed and capable of doing silly and irresponsible things, you find yourself loving them for it.
Just when I thought that a mother’s death was going to be the most traumatic thing I was going to read in this novel, there’s that twist near the end. For most of the novel Simon suffers from an affliction–crippling stomach aches, hives, and various other symptoms of anxiety–that he frames as being an alien inside of him. It’s not until his symptoms get so bad that he can’t function that he’s taken to a psychological professional who at last allows him to reckon with the truth: he was sexually abused by his uncle.
In less capable hands than Gellman’s this would feel like a cop-out, but we’ve known from the beginning that something wasn’t quite right. I mean, it says a lot that he’s a young man who is absolutely convinced there’s an alien inside of him and that he’s going to die. We’ve also known that his uncle is weird, unsettling, and deeply unstable, so it’s not that much of a surprise. More importantly, Gellman treats the entire situation with the sensitivity and nuance it deserves, and I appreciate his ability to be both emotionally honest without being exploitative. I think it’s fair to say that this book should be necessary reading.
Throughout the novel, we experience the world through Simon’s point of view, and we thus get a front-row seat to his various struggles as he comes to terms with who he is and what he’s been through. In Gellman’s capable hands Simon becomes a funny and sarcastic and messy teenager, and while he’s not perfect by any means, he’s someone that you genuinely come to love. More to the point, you want him to come to love himself and to see himself as worthy of love. I’m not afraid to admit that I cried more than a little in this book, as this lovely young man finally gets the happily ever after that he deserves.
To say that I loved Somewhere in Nowhere would be a bit of an understatement. It’s just such a sweet and funny and lovely book, and I’m so glad that my paths crossed with Gellman, so that I could get the chance to read this book. It really is a gem, and it reminds us of the importance of telling these kinds of stories for younger audiences. Young queer folks deserve to see their lives and experiences reflected on the page in all of their complexity. While such stories aren’t always easy to read, it’s worth noting that these lived experiences are even more harrowing for those who endure them.
Somewhere in Nowhere, however, gives us reason to hope. In these dark and perilous hopes, where far too many people seem to be like the nefarious uncle, this is a very precious commodity, indeed.
May 9, 2026
i enjoyed the writing very similar Mason Deaver! I think important scenes were to rushed and the description did not do the book justice. loved the diversity
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