This concise but well-crafted novel deals sympathetically and with sensitivity important issues concerning teen relationships.Seventeen year old Noli, is astounded when TJ, a new boy at school, selects her to be his girlfriend. During their five-month involvement, TJ is the ideal companion, but Noli fails to comprehend why he does not seem to want a sexual relationship with her. One night, after a succinct endeavour at physical relationship, Noli realizes TJ is gay. When he discloses he forever has been that way but was trying to transform himself, Noli flies into a wrath. In the weeks that follow, Noli is anesthetized with angst and her hitch with drinking worsens. She is forced to join AA and manages to relinquish drinking, start new friendships, and move toward healing her damaged relationship with her mother. Noli refuses TJ’s attempt at a platonic friendship, realizing she needs more time to restore to health. In the end, Noli begins to forgive TJ, believing she might love again, and TJ is happy with a new boyfriend.TJ is an interesting character—excelling at everything but being true to himself. His struggles for self-acceptance and his grief over the loss of his friendship with Noli will touch readers. This is a novel with characters that are three-dimensional. The protagonist Noli is likeable, though given to cruel, angry outbursts. Teens will relate to her experience of falling in love and being hurt, the overwhelming joy and the sharp disappointment. It is almost effortless to empathize with both characters’ quandary, which is why this book is so advisable. The beautiful cover photograph of two teens walking in the woods reflects the emotional tone of the story.