Book Review: The Invisibles

Book: The Invisibles by Francis Gideon

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Mike meets Johnny and Ray during the first week of high school just as 9/11 happens. When they can't deal with what's occurring in real life, the three boys skip class together and bond over comic books and movies instead.

From there, Johnny and Mike grow closer and end up forming a friendship. When Mike realizes that Johnny has his own "secret identity" like the superheroes he loves, the two become even closer. But in order for Johnny to truly open up about being gay, Mike has to figure out what's so special about the superheroes he loves, and why being invisible is the best superpower there can be.



Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Review:

The Invisibles is a short coming of age story set during the time of 9/11.

As Mike narrates the story, he spoke of feeling different. He's always been really smart and at his old school he was placed in gifted classes but at his new school he wanted to try to stay under the radar. He doesn't feel embarrassed about being smart he just doesn't want to feel different about it. He's also never really had any friends but the tragedy of 9/11 gave him a rare opportunity to make new friends, Johnny and Ray.

Johnny was in his math class and Ray was Johnny's good friend. At first he felt like a third wheel since Johnny and Ray have known each other for years but he soon found a connection with Johnny through comic books and superheroes. As a bond developed between them, it made Mike realize something else that him and Johnny had in common, their sexuality.

Although the story focused more on Johnny and Mike, each young man seems to be dealing with something from personal and family issues. Mike's parents seem a little controlling and place a lot of pressure on him, while Johnny seems lonely and has bouts of depression. I think his friendships with Ray and Mike are good for him, meanwhile, Ray's life seems a bit chaotic and tries to escape that through his growing interest in porn.

I wish this story was longer because I wanted to get to know more about these character. I feel like I only got to see a small part of who they are. I also wonder if the dynamics of Johnny and Ray's friendship would change if he finds out that both Johnny and Mike are gay. I would like to think that since they have been friends since they were little kids that nothing would change, but who knows.

As for the relationship between Mike and Johnny I like how it started out slow despite there already was an attraction between them but it was unspoken. The romance in the story was sweet and understated.

There was a lot of humor and heart in this touching story and I was pleasantly surprised by how well all the comic book stuff was woven perfectly into it. I found this to be well-written with very likeable characters. I like how everything unfolded, it starts out with the devastation then sort of morphed into something more.