Wide awake, by David Levithan

I have to admit that I have become a bit of a David Levithan fan boy lately. There is a very good reason for this. The guy can write, and Wide awake is no exception. It is set in the not too distant future and describes events following the election of the first gay Jewish president in the United States. It is told from the perspective of Duncan, one of a group of students who had been working on his campaign.

They are over the moon with excitement about the change this means for the country until the election results are cast into doubt. The governor of Kansas, the state on which the result swings, has ordered a recount and all the celebrations may have been in vain. Then comes the chance for Duncan to take a stand. To join others, including his friends, in Kansas to try to make a difference. To face fears, to disregard his parents wishes, to stand up for what he believes. A decision that also begins to tear at the bond between Duncan and his boyfriend Jimmy. Duncan has to answer the question, “What are you willing to do for something you believe in?”

If you have liked David Levithan’s other books, then I have no doubt you will like Wide awake. If you have not read him before, but like really well written YA books with well developed characters and an honest emotional journey, then give this one a go.