The Backlot Gay Book Forum discussion

The Great American Whatever
By Tim Federle
Simon and Schuster, 2016
Five stars

Funny, heartbreaking, filled with teen angst, Tim Federle’s book made me a teenager again in the most bittersweet way. Quinn Roberts reveals himself to the reader bit by bit, and as the camera metaphorically pulls back, and we gradually see the big picture, we appreciate the tender, damaged resilience of this young man.

To some degree, all teen novels must be voyages of self-discovery. This book is no exception, but Federle’s wonderful writing and Quinn’s wry, endearing personality offer an intense reminder of what, to some degree, we all went through to survive into adulthood.

Quinn is gay, but that fact is more of an annoyance to him than a trauma. “It just seems like such a hassle to come out. I want to just be out.” Problem is, he’s still trying to cope with the sudden, tragic death of his sister Annabeth, which has thrown a monkey wrench into his family’s ability to cope. Fortunately, Tim has Geoff, his best friend forever. Geoff is the catalyst who ignites the sparks that set the ball rolling, as it were. Geoff is a remarkable character, and Quinn knows it as much as we do.

I don’t want to give things away. It’s not a long book, but it’s superbly crafted to wring every possible emotion out of us. I surely thought of Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” as I read this, but of course here the gay kid is the centerpiece, and to me that makes all the difference.

“The Great American Whatever” is unquestionably one of the best YA novels I’ve read. It touched me deeply and made me envious of Federle’s gift as a writer.