Description

From bestselling author Sonido Reyes comes a poignant and searingly honest companion novel to the multi-award-winning The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School.

Seventeen-year-old Cesar Flores is finally ready to win back his ex-boyfriend. Since breaking up with Jamal in an attempt to stay in the closet, he’s come out to his mother and his sister Yami, as well as their friends. He’s been diligent in taking medication to help manage his bipolar. And after months of unpacking their relationship in their sessions, Cesar has his therapist’s blessing to reunite with Jamal.

Everything would be perfect if it weren’t for The Thoughts, the ones that won’t let all his Catholic guilt and internalised homophobia stay buried. The louder they become, the more Cesar is once again convinced that he doesn’t deserve someone like Jamal, or anyone for that matter.

Cesar might be able to conceal his shame behind lighthearted jokes and his gifted reputation, but when a manic episode makes his inner turmoil impossible to hide, he’s faced with a stark choice. He can either burn every bridge he has left or, more frighteningly, ask for help.

Is the vulnerability of being loved by the people he’s hurt the most a risk he’s willing to take?

Praise:
‘This is Sonido Reyes at their absolute best.’ Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys
‘The Golden Boy’s Guide to Bipolar will make you shed a tear and tug at your heartstrings.’ Adiba Jaigirdar, award-winning author of The Henna Wars
‘Sometimes you come across a book that speaks to you in a way that truly, fully, and uniquely gets you. For me, this is that book.’ Jonny Garza Villa, Stonewall Award-winning author of Canto Contigo
‘An unapologetically real and necessary read.’ Julian Winters, award-winning author of Right Where I Left You
‘Filled with endless compassion, this book can, and will, save lives.’ Alechia Dow, author of The Sound of Stars
‘A heartachingly raw journey of introspection that threads together humor and authenticity.’ A. M. Woody, author of They Hate Each Other