The Way He Lived

Fiction - YA, Social Issues, Kids, Teen
Cover of the book The Way He Lived by Emily Wing Smith, Penguin Young Readers Group
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Author: Emily Wing Smith ISBN: 9780399187230
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group Publication: March 8, 2016
Imprint: Dutton Books for Young Readers Language: English
Author: Emily Wing Smith
ISBN: 9780399187230
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication: March 8, 2016
Imprint: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Language: English

A new edition of the raw and heartbreaking YA debut about one gay teen’s sacrifice and the community that can’t come to terms with the way he lived.

Sixteen-year-old Joel Espen died of thirst and heat exhaustion while on a hike in the Grand Canyon. He collapsed in a desperate attempt to get water for his friend. In the aftermath, everyone said was the strongest, bravest, and kindest young man anyone knew. But nobody really knew him.

The novel tells the story of Joel’s life and death through the memories of those who grew up around Joel. As each character presents a piece of the boy they knew, it becomes clear that however much people loved and admired Joel, there was something about him they could never quite admit—could never bring themselves to see. The heartbreaking tragedy was not only Joel’s death, but that in his life the people who loved him most, couldn’t accept him for what he was.

The Way He Lived is an unsparing story of a teen’s life and death and legacy in a small community told with nuance and subtlety.

“Powerful, funny, beautiful, and infinitely real. I love this book.”—Sara Zarr, National Book Award Finalist

“Compassionate and heartfelt.” —Ellen Wittlinger, Michael L. Printz Award Honoree

Winner of the 2009 Utah Book Award

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A new edition of the raw and heartbreaking YA debut about one gay teen’s sacrifice and the community that can’t come to terms with the way he lived.

Sixteen-year-old Joel Espen died of thirst and heat exhaustion while on a hike in the Grand Canyon. He collapsed in a desperate attempt to get water for his friend. In the aftermath, everyone said was the strongest, bravest, and kindest young man anyone knew. But nobody really knew him.

The novel tells the story of Joel’s life and death through the memories of those who grew up around Joel. As each character presents a piece of the boy they knew, it becomes clear that however much people loved and admired Joel, there was something about him they could never quite admit—could never bring themselves to see. The heartbreaking tragedy was not only Joel’s death, but that in his life the people who loved him most, couldn’t accept him for what he was.

The Way He Lived is an unsparing story of a teen’s life and death and legacy in a small community told with nuance and subtlety.

“Powerful, funny, beautiful, and infinitely real. I love this book.”—Sara Zarr, National Book Award Finalist

“Compassionate and heartfelt.” —Ellen Wittlinger, Michael L. Printz Award Honoree

Winner of the 2009 Utah Book Award

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