In many ways, Jason Peele is like any other teenager. He hits the books, hangs with his friends, flirts with girls, and omits the full truth of his life from his Aunt Audrey and Uncle Steve, who have raised him since his parents died. But there’s one way that Jason Peele is very different: when he dreams at night, it isn’t about girls; it’s about David Bowie. At sixteen-years-old, Jason is just beginning to understand that he might be gay.
The one place Jason feels comfortable is on the track where he can run fast and hard. He loves the feel of the wind at his back, of his legs propelling him furiously around, the roar of the crowd in his ears. But now, even his sanctuary feels threatening. It isn’t just the jerks who call him “faggot” in the locker room. A new guy has joined the team, and everything about him will challenge the way Jason sees life. From late-night showings of La Cage Aux Folles to reading Gandhi, he’s running a new race on an uncertain course, and only one thing’s for sure—his senior year is going to be unforgettable…
Coming of age and coming out stories have always been a staple of gay literature. Most of these are tiring and tell the same story in different words. Then we have Robin Reardon’s “A Secret Edge”. This is a surprise of a book. It is sensitive and real and tells of young love in a way I have not found in a very long time. It is a beautiful rendering of young gay love and it will warm even the blackest of hearts. It is fun and compelling. It is not just a coming of age story but it is also about ideas that are not usually discussed in young, new fiction. Some of the issues that are dealt with are family dynamics, honesty, friendship, cultural dynamics, morality and religion in a world where valence is kept to a minimum.
Jason is a 16 year old who as to deal with his feelings about being gay and falling in love at the same time. It is not enough that he has fallen in love but he has fallen in love with someone from a completely different background. The object of his affection is afraid to return the feelings even though he is somewhat out. The trials and tribulations f young love permeate the plot and this s a beautiful read.
Reardon’s prose is as sensitive as his characters are. He tells a beautiful story in a way that will not be easily forgotten. There is so much in this book to like that t is somewhat hard to even try to relate. I feel that we should keep our eyes on Robin Reardon. I believe he has what it takes to be a very serious author. If “Secret Edge” is indicative of more yet to come the we will have wonderful literary treats awaiting us. Reardon is one to watch but while you are watching, pick up a copy of “A Secret Edge”.
