My Most Excellent Year by Steven Kluger

Knowledge of famous divas, show tunes, and the Red Sox, although not necessary, will probably make this book a lot more enjoyable. Steven Kluger has managed to put together a book that is not only well written, but entertaining as well. The novel swtiches points of view among friends, Ale, Anthony and Augie, who write in their diary for an eleventh grade English project, narrating the events from freshman through junior year.

When conflicts come up, the trio attempts to solve them in this coming-of-age novel with a spunky disposition that keeps you captivated from start to finish. Although all three are confronted with very different issues, such as grieving over a lost parent, parents who are unsupportive of their passion, and revealing that they are gay, with the help of Hucky, a deaf six year old whom they befriend, they learn that they have more people to support them than they realize. With a little faith in Mary Poppins and themselves, Anthony, Ale and Augie learn to face their problems straight on and to go after their dreams; they just may reach them.

From first dates, kisses, and hand holding, many scenes are gauranteed to have you smiling to yourself as you read along. Although a bit idealistic, My Most Excellent Year is an overall uplifting novel.