Last Exit to Normal by Michael Harmon

When Ben is a young teen his father tells both him and his mom that he is gay. Bens mom splits and Ben is left with his father, feeling like his very existence is a result of his dads lie. Now Ben is 17, and after he has been acting out with drugs, drinking, etc, for the last few years His father with his boyfriend Edward, also known as Ben's "Momdad", make the decision to move the family out of Spokane to rural Montana so they can live with Edwards rather strict mother, in the hopes that a new life will help straighten Ben out. Unfortunately the whole family sticks out like a sore thumb and Ben does not really fit in very well as the only skateboard punk in a town full of cowboys. As if this is not enough, he soon starts to realize that there are some dark secrets involved with his 11 year old neighbor Billy. Now Ben has to try and come to grips with his own situation all the while trying to fit in to his new surroundings and try to help his young neighbor.

I really loved this book. One of the reviews on the back said that this novel was very similar to a Crutcher novel, which is very high praise. The book lived up to it and more. The characters were well developed and the story flowed both quickly and effortlessly. In addition to being well written and a good story, it was absolutely hilarious and it should have great teen appeal. I also think it would be a very good read for any teens experiencing similar issues because you really start to understand where all the characters involved are coming from and a person in a similar situation would be given a lot to think about. I would give this book a very enthusiastic Thumbs Up!