The Edge of Being

In this tender and heartfelt queer novel, a teenager sets out on a road trip to finally get some answers about his past—namely his absentee father—so he can finally look to the future.

“At once heartbreaking and joyful in its exploration of identity, love, friendship, and family.”—Booklist, starred review

“Demonstrates a deft understanding of the time period, making for a heartfelt road-trip romp that presents a strong message about fighting for what one believes in.”—Publishers Weekly

Seventeen-year-old Issac “Fig” Griffin has always felt something was missing from his life. And for good reason: Fig’s never met his dad. As his friends all look forward to graduation and their lives beyond, Fig can’t help but look back, becoming more and more fixated on the question mark that is his father. Fig has just started to believe that the scattered pieces of his life will never coalesce into something more when he discovers a box hidden deep in the attic with his father’s name on it.

The unexpected clue points Fig to San Francisco, and he sets off with his boyfriend, Christopher, to find the answers he’s been wanting his whole life. When his vintage station wagon breaks down en route (and possibly his relationship too), Fig and Christopher are rescued by Max—an unusual girl with familial pain of her own—who takes them the rest of the way.

As Fig’s family history is revealed, he finds himself drawing closer to Max. Using notes his dad had written decades ago, the two of them retrace his father’s steps during the weeks leading up to the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot in 1966. Isaac always thought that finding his dad would be how he found himself, but it turns out the truth is more complicated than that.