Deposing Nathan

This is a really hard read in that it's visceral and real, with a lot of shocking moments and a twist at the end that I didn't see coming (though it's obvious in hindsight).
It's from the POV of a Catholic school boy (Nathan) who is befriended by a new student (Cam) that very literally changes his world - from his views of religion, sexuality, and life itself. It starts after the end with Nathan giving a deposition to a lawyer about his life since he met Cam in class until the event that landed Cam possibly going to prison. While Nathan gives off the fa??ade (that he himself seems to believe) of a perfect Catholic boy, what's behind it is a lot of family issues, abuse, and confusion that takes the reader on one hell of a dramatic rollercoaster. You want to reach in and really help Nathan out while also shaking some sense into him, because his life is trash and he just takes it because that's “just how it is.”
The only issues I had is that these are younger high school boys and some of the dialogue is definitely not within that age group's purview, even those well educated. Also, the ending isn't quite satisfying but then it's also more realistic, because there aren't happy endings in real life and that adds to the realism of the narrative. Overall, a really good read.

A hard hitting YA that probably hits closer to home for more youth than not considering the “average” kid life. Being in unstable homes and or getting involved with various crimes and having to know how to handle it especially when friendships are tangled up in it too. A good novel to have around especially for youth.

Do you ever finish a book that you ended up loving so much that you have a physical reaction to it? Like, you put the book down and feel your heart swell, stomach drop, and stare at the wall unsure of how to proceed with the evening? That was this my experience with Deposing Nathan.

I don't know where to begin with this book. It's been a long time since I've felt this way about a young adult novel and I am blown away by how good it was. To say this was a quick read is an understatement. With