Half-Life (novel)

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Half-Life
Author Aaron Krach
Country United States
Language English
Genre(s) Novel
Publisher Alyson Books
Publication date 2004
Media type Print (Hardback & Paperback)
ISBN ISBN 1-55583-854-5

Half-Life is a novel by Aaron Krach, his first, which was published in 2004 by Alyson Books. It discusses young love, coping with death and the issues facing gay youth. In 2005 it was nominated for both the Lambda Literary Award and the Violet Quill Award.

[edit] Plot introduction

Two weeks before high school graduation and the geography of 18 year-old Adam Westman's life is about to change dramatically. Many of the familiar landmarks will remain—his best friend Dart riding shotgun; the suburban house where he lives with his dad and younger sister; and the numerous on-ramps and off-ramps that connect him to his hometown of Angelito in the center of centerless Los Angeles. But when death and love, perhaps, arrive unexpectedly, Adam must learn that trouble sometimes has to rumble through a tidy world to make room for the kind of magical connections that make life worth living.

[edit] Literary significance & criticism

“Aaron’s writing glides like the camera in a Robert Altman ensemble piece, picking up and illuminating details to slowly, invisibly build a greater whole. There’s not a word, sentence or piece of dialogue out of place, or unnecessary, in this beautifully rendered meditation on human nature and relationships.” —Gay Times

“Krach’s engrossing tale offers much insight into various worlds —from that of gay teens who chill in 7-Eleven parking lots to the emotional landscapes of loss and mourning to young, fresh love.” —Beth Greenfield, Time Out New York

[edit] External links