Phil Stamper

Gabriel, Reese, Sal and Heath are best friends, bonded in their small rural town by their queerness, their good grades and their big dreams. But now it's the summer before their last year of high school, and each of them is going on a huge new adventure. Reese has a design internship in Paris, Gabriel is going to Boston for an internship with a charity organisation and Sal is volunteering on Capitol Hill for a senator - while Heath is stuck going to Florida to help his aunt's business. What will this summer of new experiences and world-expanding travel mean for each of them - and for their friendship? A sweet and compelling coming-of-age story that explores identity, the importance of found family and the complexities of falling for your best friend.

Golden Boys

Mary

"In my experience, it's much harder to go from friends lovers than it is to go from strangers to lovers."

I'm dying 😭 When did this become so sad?

"I was at the table on the first day, making my name tag, and I thought about who I wanted to be. And that person was... the person you see me as."

He's everywhere around me, he's my relief and my protection.

And I get to see my worst nightmare play out in front of my eyes.

I smile, knowing that there's someone out there who's willing to get up at seven a.m. for me.

National bestselling author Phil Stamper crafts the perfect summer friendship story, starring four queer boys with big hearts and even bigger dreams. It's the summer before senior year. Gabriel, Reese, Sal, and Heath are best friends, bonded in their small, rural town by their queerness, their good grades, and their big dreams. But they have plans for the summer, each about to embark on a new adventure. Gabriel is interning at an environmental nonprofit in Boston. Reese is attending design school in Paris. Sal is volunteering on Capitol Hill for a senator. Heath is heading to Florida, to help out at his aunt's boardwalk arcade. What will this season of world-expanding travel and life-changing experiences mean for each of them--and for their friendship? Phil Stamper treats readers to an emotionally resonant summer story, full of aspirational experiences, sweet romance, and joyously affirming friendship.

Ryan 

if i read this back in high school, i would've love this book more. it had the queer representation i need that isn't centered on mlm romance (tho there are romance subplots here and there) and involves numerous coming-of-age storylines that for those who enjoyed sisterhood of the traveling pants, you'll like this one. for that itself, it's a good starter book for those who are looking for queer joy and is in need of a light-hearted summer/beach read.

however, there were a few things that was left underdeveloped that made me bump this down to 3 stars. for one, the writing felt more tell than show and if it weren't for that, i would have a hard time distinguishing each of the four main characters. i was also expecting for this book to bring atmospheric settings, as each of the characters embark on a new city/country. yet i felt a little more disappointed with stamper's writing where the settings could've been more detailed outside from mentioning typical landmarks. lastly—and this could be a question that can brought up to the conversation, but does every side character that hooks up with the same sex need to justify their sexuality? there wasn't much of an explanation involving one of the characters and it didn't rubbed me off well.

Sparrow Hall

4.75 stars from me, which is the highest I've given a contemporary in a while (I think). More to come soon.

Ouarda 

C’était si cool ! J’ai adoré comment les perso ont évolué tout du long, chacun sur différent aspect de leur personnalité et avec les uns et les autres, trop trop bien !

l.h.

Once again, Phil Stamper connects his readers to a cast of young queer characters with an engaging storyline and characters that hit different. Golden Boys follows four queer friends as they each take on their own summer holiday adventures before kicking off their senior year. 

While it presents as a straight forward plot, this is a book that draws on the importance of interpersonal relationships and how differences between individuals truly build relationships. But it also focuses on the crucial coming-of-age era in which one must create themselves as an individual. Each character arc has its own strength and tackled their own important themes. And while romance is definitely woven in, this is very much a book focusing on the journey into making adult decisions. 

The first book in a duology, I am no doubt planning on picking up the sequel. 


Golden Boys

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