The Vast Fields of Ordinary

Reader: Jessica P
Age: 16
Title: The Vast Fields of Ordinary
Author: Nick Burd
Publisher: Dial Books
Pub Date: 5/2009
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Life for a normal guy is hard enough after he graduates high school. But if that ordinary boy has a secret that only his new best friend knows it makes things more difficult. This
book unravels in front of your eyes always leaving you wanting more.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The Secret. The challenges this boy has to overcome by trying to fit in with the crowds and with his family. The boy is struggling to stay strong as his family is falling apart and his not so boyfriend doesn't even acknowledge his existence other than in the bedroom. Dade is holding a secret so close to not rip his family apart. But then this angelic drug dealer comes into Dade’s life and he is left with the ability to love someone.
Did you finish: Yes
Did the cover tempt you and/or reflect the contents: The cover interested me because of the boy in plaid and the title seemed random enough to catch my eye. I didn’t quite understand why there was another boy laying on the grass on the back side until I read the back blurb.
Age Range: 16-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal
Comments: It shows how keeping a secret of one’s sexuality can make one go crazy and have to spill.