Coming of age in 1962 was tricky for a gay teen. With comical twists of fate, Julian more than meets the challenges. Though his first date ended awkwardly, the dance was a huge success; he and his date were honored as the best L'il Abner and Daisy Mae at the Sadie Hawkins Day Dance. Thanks to the costume and his natural good looks, her flamboyant embrace and kiss in the spotlight made him look like a movie star. He was invited to have lunch with some of her friends, where his talent as a portrait artist was discovered, instantly doubling his popularity.
His new friend Randall has become a sidekick; his photographic skills soon add to the mix. Their friendship is developed and explored, and supports his rapidly developing artistic skill.
Several scout friends activities are followed; stories begun the previous summer are developed as companion story lines, making this segment of Julian's saga interwoven and antiphonal-at times more emotional.
Julian's innate ability to accept and relate to people of all ages, regardless of sex, orientation, or race, is discovered and put into use. That, combined with his artistic growth, is the primary story; those elements get his attention and focus while he waits impatiently to "come of age." His goal has remained fixed and constant from the evening he met Mark two years ago.
New characters emerge and several from previous books reappear; Julian is a part of their growth. Humorous scenes with some farcical elements mingle with a few sentimental moments and surprises; for those that expect completeness, a little spice. Most of all, it is meant to be fun, leave you with a smile on your face and a good memory for your own scrapbook.
It is not a quick read, but a fun place to be without having to worry about wearing a mask. The usual back of the book companions are present-a glossary for those too young to know what it was like in 1962, and an index of names and places to help keep track of the whos and wheres.
