Title: Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
Author: Jonny Garza Villa
First published June 8, 2021
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.2
Overview
Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun is a heartwarming and witty novel about self-discovery, first love, and the courage to be true to oneself. Julián Luna had always felt trapped in the suffocating expectations of his hometown Corpus Christi, Texas.
But when he accidentally comes out to the world through a reckless tweet, Jules’ plans for a quiet life are thrown out the window. While he prepares himself for rejection, a charming Twitter crush named Mat comes into his life, offering support and understanding from across the country.
But when Jules’ fears become a reality, he must face them alone, fifteen hundred miles away from Mat. With newfound freedom to be himself, Jules must navigate his path forward and decide what he wants from life.
This touching and relatable story is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.
Editoral Review
Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun by Jonny Garza Villa is a beautifully written debut novel that explores themes of identity, acceptance, and first love. It was published on June 8, 2021.
Villa’s writing style is vivid, evocative, and emotionally charged, making this coming-of-age story a truly memorable reading experience. The novel tells the story of Julián Luna, a gay teenager from a small town in Texas, who falls in love with a popular football player, Matt.
The story explores the complexities of their relationship, as well as the challenges they face as they navigate their way through a conservative and prejudiced world. Set against the backdrop of a small Texas town, Villa’s novel is a poignant and captivating tale of youth, love, and self-discovery.
Villa’s portrayal of Julián is sensitive, nuanced, and authentic. His struggles with his identity, his relationship with his family, and his journey towards self-acceptance are rendered with empathetic precision.
Matt, on the other hand, is a character full of contradictions. He is popular, charismatic, and athletic, but also deeply conflicted about his feelings for Julián.
Villa’s portrayal of Matt is equally sensitive, exploring the intersection of sexuality, masculinity, and societal pressure. One of the strengths of Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun is Villa’s attention to detail.
He captures the essence of small-town life, the dynamics of high school cliques, and the complexities of family relationships with unwavering precision. The novel also deals with broader societal issues, such as homophobia, racism, and toxic masculinity, making it a timely and relevant read in today’s world.
Despite its many strengths, the novel is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing can feel slow, and some of the secondary characters are not fully fleshed out.
However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise impressive debut. In conclusion, Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
It is a powerful testament to the enduring nature of love, the importance of acceptance, and the beauty of self-discovery. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling and emotionally resonant read.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
