Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Coming out is hard, especially when you have two gay moms. At least it is for Simon Bugg. He doesn’t want the world to think that having gay parents has turned him gay. And he certainly doesn’t want anyone to know about the alien in his stomach that’s trying to kill him.

It’s Simon’s senior year and his world just turned upside down. When his mom scores a dream job, Simon lands at a new school away from the only friends he has ever known. Now, his mom is overworked and chronically stressed, and his deadbeat dad is back on the scene. Navigating a new school and new friends is a challenge for a neurotic overthinker, and Simon finds himself turning to his rescue cat and a local barista for support. But when Simon meets the handsome PJ in drama class, he gets talked into a date that he derails in spectacular fashion.

With a little help from his friends—new and old—Simon finds his way back to PJ. But how can he have a real relationship with the boy of his dreams when he’s convinced he’s going to die? No one knows about the nightly alien attacks at 11:22. Why then, and why do they keep getting worse? Simon must face a dark secret inside before he loses his chance with the boy he loves.

 

 

Warning: This book contains references to the abuse of a child by an adult, deceased parent, grief, homophobic assault (recounted), homophobic slurs, domestic abuse, alcohol/drug use, past trauma, sexual abuse

 

Book Review

‘Somewhere in Nowhere’ is a coming-of-age story that captures the essence of searching for meaning in the midst of upheaval and uncertainty. Simon is facing a new school his senior year, he’s suffering from anxiety attacks but doesn’t know it, his relationship with his dad is strained, he’s coming out of the closet, one of his moms is struggling with the demands of a new job which is stressing the whole family unit, he develops a crush on a boy, his body is doing weird things, and tragedy hits. How much can a stressed-out senior stand without breaking? 

 

I read this in one sitting. I admit to almost putting the book down after the first couple of chapters. Simon’s anxiety was palpable and I wasn’t in the best frame of mind to take on teen angst. Then something shifted in the story and the feelings of isolation (not knowing anyone in the new school), hope (possible new friends), and self-discovery (the meaning behind 11:22pm) meshed into a compelling story which captured those angst-filled teen years. And just when the reader thinks Simon’s got thing under control (as much as any teen has control over anything) the author drops not one, but two! bombshells on the reader. Talk about a tailspin. I won’t elaborate, I know there are reviews where you can get the details, but Simon’s journey will have more impact if you skip the spoilers.

 

I quite enjoyed ALL the supporting characters – colorful and quirky in their own way, the simple acceptance of close friends have and their different personalities meshing so well, making new friends that help Simon grown – everyone balanced Simon’s character perfectly. 

 

Overall, I found ‘Somewhere in Nowhere’ to be a thought-provoking coming-of-age read. It’s a story of trust, of resilience in the face of tragedy, of making new friends and repairing broken relationships. Is it an easy read? No. But it’s a story that will stick with you after it’s done and those are sometimes the most fulfilling.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 74115 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	14-April-2026
Price	$5.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://ninestarpress.com/product/somewhere-in-nowhere/