11 must-read new YA book releases to snuggle up with in February
By Lacy Baugher
As Far As You’ll Take Me – Phil Stamper
The latest book from the author of The Gravity of Us, As Far As You’ll Take Me is a heartwarming coming of age story about finding your family – even when they aren’t the one you were born with.
The story follows seventeen-year-old Marty Pierce, who goes to London seeking a way out of his suffocating life in Kentucky, where he is a closeted, shy kid who must keep his sexuality secret from his homophobic parents. His dream is to become a professional oboe player, but he’s struggling to make ends meet, manage his anxiety, navigate complicated new relationships – and maybe even fall in love – while still being true to his authentic self.
The official synopsis describes the story in more detail.
"Marty arrives in London with nothing but his oboe and some savings from his summer job, but he’s excited to start his new life–where he’s no longer the closeted, shy kid who slips under the radar and is free to explore his sexuality without his parents’ disapproval. From the outside, Marty’s life looks like a perfect fantasy: in the span of a few weeks, he’s made new friends, he’s getting closer with his first ever boyfriend, and he’s even traveling around Europe. But Marty knows he can’t keep up the facade. He hasn’t spoken to his parents since he arrived, he’s tearing through his meager savings, his homesickness and anxiety are getting worse and worse, and he hasn’t even come close to landing the job of his dreams. Will Marty be able to find a place that feels like home?"
As Far As You’ll Take Me is available on February 9.