Overview

A heartbreaking story of suicide, addiction, and hard truths from acclaimed author Jay Coles, for fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, You've Reached Sam, They Both Die at the End, and Tiffany D. Jackson. Hakeem goes to Narcotics Anonymous meetings to keep his addictions in check. But when his best friend Miles kills himself, Hakeem finds the days harder and harder to get through. He loved Miles -- maybe even loved loved him -- and he's haunted by the fact that there might have been something he could have done to ease his friend's pain. He meets a girl named Eliza in his NA meetings, and she is there for him when something truly out-there happens... Hakeem calls Miles's old phone number. And Miles not only calls back from beyond the grave, but has news to share: He didn't kill himself. He was murdered. Finding out the truth about Miles might end up helping Hakeem find his way to his own truth... and further strength to stay alive himself. But as his relationship with Eliza grows, other cracks begin to show... and holding his world together may be even harder than he thought it would be.

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9781546125563

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Reviews

"Praise for Things We Couldn't Say: ""I cannot even explain how excited I am about having a new Jay Coles book in my life."" -- Buzzfeed ""Jay Coles' new novel is a touching coming-of-age story about a bi Black teen navigating the treacherous waters of high school, sports, and first love -- just as his estranged mother returns from a years-long absence."" -- Bustle * ""A candid look at the deep-seated trauma left behind by an absent parent and the importance of found family, this is ultimately a warm, genuine read. A first choice for high school libraries and highly recommended for fans of Nic Stone."" -- School Library Journal, starred review ""An emotional coming-out, coming-of-age, and coming-to-terms story... A realistic depiction of challenging circumstances and first love."" -- Kirkus Reviews ""Sublime... Coles's beautifully written bildungsroman encompasses topics such as identity, grief, love, alcoholism, socioeconomics, depression, sexuality, family, race and racial injustices. It creates a safe space for queer Black boys to see themselves where they aren't always portrayed, while also offering a window and sliding glass door for readers who identify differently from Gio. As readers are invited into Gio's life, they watch him maneuver his age, race, sexuality in all their realms and learn how important it is for young adults to find an understanding of the self as well as a definition of what family and love really means... In this superbly written coming-of-age novel, a teenage boy struggles to stay afloat and be brave despite his world crumbling."" -- Shelf Awareness ""Gio's personal journey offers a welcome intersection of identities and experiences that is sweetened by the love shown him and the love that he learns to give."" -- Booklist"

Author Information

Jay Coles is a graduate of Vincennes University and Ball State University. When he's not writing diverse books, he's advocating for them, teaching middle school students, and composing for various music publishers. His debut novel Tyler Johnson Was Here is based on true events in his life and inspired by police brutality in America. He resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, and invites you to visit his website at jaycoleswrites.com.

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