The Dangerous Art of Blending In

By Angelo Surmelis

Evan must find his voice amidst family turmoil and unexpected love.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 9,482 ratings

336 pages· 65,310 words· Est. 6 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

Seventeen-year-old Evan Panos feels trapped by his mother's harsh expectations and his father's silence. His only solace is drawing in a lonely monastery. As his friendship with Henry turns into something more, Evan faces escalating abuse at home. Can he find his voice and embrace the love he deserves, or will silence continue to define him? This coming-of-age story explores the courage to step into one's own light.

From the publisher

Lambda Literary Award finalist for the best LGBT YA novel of 2018 A raw, powerful, but ultimately uplifting debut novel perfect for fans of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe from debut author Angelo Surmelis. Seventeen-year-old Evan Panos doesn’t know where he fits in. His strict immigrant Greek mother refuses to see him as anything but a disappointment. His quiet, workaholic father is a staunch believer in avoiding any kind of conflict. And his best friend, Henry, has somehow become distractingly attractive over the summer.Tired, isolated, scared–Evan finds that his only escape is to draw in an abandoned monastery that feels as lonely as he is. And yes, he kissed one guy over the summer. But it’s Henry who’s now proving to be irresistible. Henry, who suddenly seems interested in being more than friends. And it’s Henry who makes him believe that he deserves more than his mother’s harsh words and terrifying abuse.But as things with Henry heat up, and his mother’s abuse escalates, Evan has to decide how to find his voice in a world where he has survived so long by being silent.This is a powerful and revelatory coming-of-age novel based on the author’s own childhood, about a boy who learns to step into his light.

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