About This Book
"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.
Character Death
mental_health_themes
Romantic Content
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Mike's identity as a queer person influence her experiences in Coalton?
2
Discuss the different ways Mike and her mother cope with the father's suicide. How do their coping mechanisms affect their relationship?
3
What does Xanadu represent to Mike, and how does Mike's perception of Xanadu change throughout the story?
4
The book is described as "ultimately hopeful." What elements in the story contribute to this sense of hope?
5
How does the small town setting of Coalton impact the characters' lives and choices?
External Reviews
Google Books
4/5 (1 ratings)
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