''What They Always Tell Us'' is the first novel by Martin Wilson, focusing on the relationship between two high school age brothers as one begins to embrace his homosexuality. The book was a finalist in the Children's/Young Adult category at the 2009 Lambda Literary Awards, but lost to ''Out of the Pocket'' by

Bill Konigsberg Bill Konigsberg (born November 11, 1970) is an American author, best known for his LGBT novels. He wrote ''Out of the Pocket'', '' Openly Straight'', ''The Porcupine of Truth'', ''Honestly Ben'', ''The Music of What Happens'', and ''The Bridge' ...

. ''What They Always Tell Us'' was also chosen for the ALA's 2009 Rainbow List.

Plot summary

''What They Always Tell Us'' is told from the perspective of two brothers, Alex and James. Alex is a high school junior who struggles with depression; the novel opens a few months after he drank Pine-Sol in an apparent suicide attempt. James is a senior who is presented as the exact opposite of Alex. James is ambitious, popular and athletic. The story takes place over the school year and chronicles the brothers fulfilling school and family obligations, befriending a lost and isolated neighborhood boy, and the brothers repairing their own relationship with one another. The chapters switch back and forth between Alex and James' perspective, giving readers access to both of their thoughts and desires.

Reception

''What They Always Tell Us'' was generally well received by critics. It was selected by Indie Bound (indiebound.org) for the Fall '08 Kids Next List. The ''Austin Chronicle'' recommended the book stating it was both ″uplifting″ and ″relevant″. The ''

School Library Journal ''School Library Journal'' (''SLJ'') is an American monthly magazine containing reviews and other articles for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people. Articles cover a wide variety of topics, wi ...

'' praised the book's realism, saying it would appeal "to teens who are grappling with decisions about the future, the frustrations of family, and the choices that relationships require of us". ''

Booklist ''Booklist'' is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. ''Booklist''s primary audience consists of libraries, educators, and booksellers. The magazine is ...

'' called the book a "strong debut" and that "Wilson shows admirable control of a complicated story that in less-accomplished hands could have spun out of control." ''

Publishers Weekly ''Publishers Weekly'' (''PW'') is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers, and literary agents. Published continuously since 1872, it has carried the tagline, "The International News Magazine of ...

'' also reviewed the book, stating it was "insightfully evoked".What They Always Tell Us
Publishers Weekly

References

External links

Official author site
2008 American novels 2000s LGBTQ novels American young adult novels American LGBTQ novels Novels set in Alabama 2008 debut novels LGBTQ-related young adult novels 2008 LGBTQ-related literary works {{2000s-LGBT-novel-stub