Destination Unknown

Bill Konigsberg's 'Destination Unknown' is a powerful historical fiction novel set in 1987 New York City, following two teen boys, Micah and C.J., as they discover friendship and romance. Against the backdrop of the AIDS epidemic, the story delves into themes of identity, community, and resilience within the LGBTQ+ community. It's a poignant and at times humorous look at finding connection and courage during a time of immense fear and loss. Parents should be aware of the mature themes surrounding the AIDS crisis and a developing romantic relationship, making it suitable for mature young adult readers.

From Stonewall Award winner Bill Konigsberg, a remarkable, funny, sexy, heartbreaking story of two teen boys finding each other in New York City at the height of the AIDS epidemic. The first thing I noticed about C.J. Gorman was his plexiglass bra. So begins Destination Unknown -- it's 1987 in New York City, and Micah is at a dance club, trying to pretend he's more out and outgoing than he really is. C.J. isn't just out -- he's complete out there, and Micah can't help but be both attracted to and afraid of someone who travels so loudly and proudly through the night. A connection occurs. Is it friendship? Romance? Is C.J. the one with all the answers... or does Micah bring more to the relationship that it first seems? As their lives become more and more entangled in the AIDS epidemic that's laying waste to their community, and the AIDS activism that will ultimately bring a strong voice to their demands, whatever Micah and C.J. have between them will be tested, strained, pushed, and pulled -- but it will also be a lifeline in a time of death, a bond that will determine the course of their futures. In Destination Unknown, Bill Konigsberg returns to a time he knew well as a teenager to tell a story of identity, connection, community, and survival.