"Far from Xanadu" is a powerful young adult novel that delves into the complex emotional landscape of Mike, a queer teenager living in a small Kansas town. Mike is dealing with the profound grief of her father's suicide and her mother's emotional withdrawal, all while navigating her own identity. Her life takes an unexpected turn when the glamorous and straight Xanadu arrives, sparking an intense, unrequited love. This book sensitively explores themes of loss, sexual identity, family dynamics, and the pain of loving someone who cannot reciprocate, ultimately offering a message of hope and resilience. It is best suited for mature young adult readers, approximately 14-18, due to its mature themes.
Every day in Coalton is pretty much the same. Mike pumps iron in the morning, drives her truck to school, plays softball in the afternoon, and fixes the neighbors' plumbing at night. But when an exotic new girl, Xanadu, arrives in the small Kansas town, Mike's world is turned upside down. Xanadu is everything Mike is not--cool, complicated, sexy, and...straight. This heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful novel will speak to anyone who has ever fallen in love with someone just out of reach.