Title: The Other Boy
Author: Hailey Abbott
First published May 27, 2008
260 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780061253836 (ISBN10: 0061253839)
Rating: 3.79
Overview
Maddy has two choices: Brian or David. Brian is her perfect match, but David is the irresistible bad boy who constantly challenges her.
Maddy’s summer begins with non-stop parties and fun until she gets in trouble for throwing an unauthorized beach party. Her parents decide to send her to the countryside to work on their vineyard.
Despite being miles away from Brian, Maddy discovers that the vineyard is a beautiful and romantic place. But when David shows up, Maddy is torn between her loyal boyfriend and the bad boy with the mesmerizing blue eyes.
Who will win her heart this summer?
About the Author
Hailey Abbott spent her childhood in Southern California, dividing her time between writing and soaking up the sun on the beach. She has authored several books including Summer Boys, Next Summer: A Summer Boys Novel, The Bridesmaid, Getting Lost with Boys, and The Secrets of Boys.
After growing up in California, Hailey now resides in New York City.
In 2004, Hailey published her debut novel, Summer Boys, which marked the beginning of a series. Critics hailed it as “perfect for a beach getaway,” providing readers with an escape from reality.
Editoral Review
Hailey Abbotts 2008 novel, The Other Boy, is a compelling work of young adult fiction that explores themes of identity, friendship, and acceptance. Set in present-day suburbia, the novel follows the experiences of 16-year-old Robin and his group of high school friends as they navigate the complexities of adolescence and the challenges that come with discovering ones true self.
Abbott is a seasoned author of young adult fiction, with over 20 published works to her name. Her writing style is accessible and engaging, with a knack for capturing the nuances of teenage dialogue and interpersonal relationships.
This is no different in The Other Boy, where Abbotts skillful storytelling draws readers in from the outset, compelling them to follow Robins journey of self-discovery. At the heart of the novel is the question of identity, as Robin comes to terms with the fact that he may be gay, despite wanting to keep this part of himself hidden from his closest friends.
Abbott handles this delicate subject matter with sensitivity and nuance, portraying Robins fears and anxieties in a realistic and heartfelt way. The novels other characters are also deftly drawn, with each member of Robins friend group having their own distinct personality and backstory.
The plot of The Other Boy is simple yet effective, with occasional twists and turns that keep the story moving along at a satisfying pace. The novel takes place over the course of a school year, with Robin and his friends dealing with typical teenage concerns, such as homecoming dances, exams, and relationship drama.
However, underneath these everyday struggles lie deeper issues of self-acceptance and societal pressure, which Abbott handles with a deft touch. Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of The Other Boy is its ability to relate to current events and issues.
While the novel was first published over a decade ago, its themes of acceptance and inclusivity remain as relevant as ever. In a time when teens are increasingly grappling with issues of identity and discrimination, The Other Boy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding.
If there are any limitations to The Other Boy, they lie in its genre. Young adult fiction can sometimes be seen as formulaic or simplistic, and while Abbotts novel certainly doesnt fall into these traps, it may not appeal to readers who prefer more complex, literary works.
Additionally, some readers may find the novels resolution to be overly tidy or predictable. Overall, however, The Other Boy is a well-written and engaging work of young adult fiction, one that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
Whether youre a teenager struggling with issues of identity, or an adult looking for a heartfelt and uplifting read, Hailey Abbotts The Other Boy is a novel that is worth your attention.
Rating: 4/5
