LitPick Review
Forever Boy by Michael J. Bowler ushered me into a world where fantasy meets reality. The book tells the story of Isaac Foster, a 14-year-old high school student in the local town of Millwood. Isaac is a lonely student who had no friends and was at the bottom of the social ladder. But everything changed when he encountered Drágan Albescu, a handsome young model and orphan visiting Millwood for a short time. With nowhere to stay, Isaac invited him to live in his home, and Isaac's mother, Penelope Foster, accepted him warmly. From that moment, everything changed. Drágan's looks and physique made the girls in school swoon, and his strength made the bullies cower. Because of Drágan, Isaac was able to mend old relationships and form new ones. As Isaac got more acquainted with Drágan, they grew closer, but Isaac had so many unanswered questions about his new friend. Where was Dragan always wandering off to on his own? What was he hiding in his valise that he always carried around? Who exactly is Drágan Albescu? Despite all these questions, Isaac is afraid to ask them for fear of losing his new and best friend. But is this friendship worth keeping with all the secrecy?
Opinion:
Forever Boy kept me on my seat until I finished reading it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fiction and supernatural stories. The author portrays how anything, even dark secrets, can be sacrificed for the sake of friendship. I personally love how Drágan's character stimulates Isaac's growth. The dynamic of their duo is empowering, and it shows how complex and intentional friendships can be. One scene that stood out to me was when Drágan addressed the class, talking about people with insecurities who mock others with similar insecurities to deflect attention from their own ordeals. The author skillfully passes a message in that scene that made me reflect on my relationship with others. Penelope's kindness and understanding melted my heart. Her readiness to make her son happy made me feel a touch of comfort and motherly warmth. This book is action-packed, yet moved me in ways I never expected. How much are we willing to cling to the people who are important to us? Are we willing to speak the truth, and are we willing to accept the truth? What is it about this new boy in town that makes this book so unique? Your heart will definitely long to read this book.
