Review - What They Always Tell Us

What They Always Tell Us by Martin Wilson

(293 pages)
Pub. date: 08/12/08

My rating: 4/5 stars

Series: N/A

About the book:

JAMES AND ALEX have barely anything in common anymore—least of all their experiences in high school, where James is a popular senior and Alex is suddenly an outcast. But at home, there is Henry, the precocious 10-year-old across the street, who eagerly befriends them both. And when Alex takes up running, there is James’s friend Nathen, who unites the brothers in moving and unexpected ways.

 

My thoughts:

James and Alex are two brothers who really don't know one another anymore. James doesn't know why Alex tried to kill himself and doesn't know how to act around his brother anymore. Alex is hiding a secret which causes him to become distant from his family and friends. Both brothers are rather lost, and are untied by Henry, the strange little boy on their street, and Nathan, James' friend who also befriends Alex. 

Alex feels comfortable around Nathan. Nathan doesn't treat him like a ticking time bomb or a loser or a freak. He doesn't ask Alex about Alex's breakdown, and encourages him to join the cross country team with him. As the two continue to work out together feelings develop and the two eventually become a couple. James has no clue that his friend and his brother are gay, much less a couple, although he knows the two are close. James isn't sure if he likes the fact that Nathan would rather hang out with his brother than him, but sees the change in Alex and knows it is a good thing.

Henry is such a sweet addition to the novel, helping to unite the brothers as well. He was one of my favorite characters, and I really got into his story. I felt bad for the kid most times, but was happy with his outcome. 

Akex was my favorite of the brothers, mostly because I felt James was a little shallow sometimes. Alex had more depth than James, and had a much more interesting story than James. James' story was mostly about accepting his brother and had a lot of stupid girl trouble. Alex's story was about his suicide attempt and accepting him for who he was. 

I felt Alex's coming out story was just beginning as the book came to a close, and I felt like it was still unfinished. I was left wanting more, and sadly, there is no more. James's story was a bit more finished and satisfying. All in all, a great coming of age story, but I would have liked a more finished ending and a more likable James.