The world is shrinking and Ozzie is trying to convince everyone he isn’t crazy, that his boyfriend Tommy really did exist and has fallen victim to the shrinking universe. Not sure if it’s really happening or if is all in his head, this book, much like Hutchinson’s other novel We are the Ants, grapples with transition and belonging and figuring out one’s place in the world.
Publisher’s Description:
“Tommy and Ozzie have been best friends since second grade, and boyfriends since eighth. They spent countless days dreaming of escaping their small town—and then Tommy vanished.
More accurately, he ceased to exist, erased from the minds and memories of everyone who knew him. Everyone except Ozzie.
Ozzie doesn’t know how to navigate life without Tommy, and soon suspects that something else is going on: that the universe is shrinking.
When Ozzie is paired up with new student Calvin on a physics project, he begins to wonder if Calvin could somehow be involved. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is for him to deny the feelings developing between them, even if he still loves Tommy.
But Ozzie knows there isn’t much time left to find Tommy–that once the door closes, it can’t be opened again. And he’s determined to keep it open as long as possible.”
Genre: Contemporary/Science Fiction
Representation:
Gender:
Cis boys: Ozzie, Calvin, Tommy
Lua, a side character, is genderfluid and switches between pronouns throughout the book.
Sexual Orientation:
Ozzie and Tommy are gay.
Dustin, a side character describes being asexual.
Calvin is bisexual.
Romantic Orientation:
Homoromantic: Ozzie, Tommy
Biromantic: Calvin
Race/Ethnicity:
White: Ozzie, Calvin, Lua
Chinese-American: Dustin
Tommy is biracial, with one black and one white parent.
Trigger Warnings:
Childhood abuse
Molestation
Graphic scene that describes a character self-harming
Suicidal ideation
Transphobia (not supported by the narrative)
Ableism (supported by the narrative)
Additional Notes: