The World of Normal Boys by Soehnlein, K.M - 2000

NY: Kensington Publishing, 2000 282 pp. Light wear. Text clean. A novel about New Jersey suburban life in the 1970s. Robin MacKenzie, a 13-year-old gay kid, gets caught up in in a triangular relationship with next-door neighbor Todd Spicer and classmate Scott Schatz. Debut novel by Soehnlein. Robin develops a fascination for 17-year-old neighbor Todd who, despite often teasing him, initiates a sexual relationship with the younger boy, whom Todd invites to a party after which they go swimming on a golf course. Robin further forms a close bond with fellow freshman Scott Schatz, whose father is physically abusive. Robin learns that, two years earlier, Todd and Scott were involved in a sexual relationship. Robin is troubled by this, but his relationship with Scott is ultimately unaffected. During the novel, Robin's younger brother Jackson dies some time after falling from a slide and breaking his neck, an incident Robin blames himself for although it isn't anyone's fault. As a result Robin's family begins to break down: his father becomes violent towards Robin, and Robin's longstanding bond with his mother begins to be affected. His younger sister Ruby becomes religious and also closer to Robin. Size: 8vo -- 9 in. Tall