Under the Radar

Author: Judith Clark
Publisher: Cormorant Books

One more year. That’s all Gunnar has to wait until graduation. More importantly, it’s one more year until he’ll feel safe to come out. Gunnar has kept his sexuality a secret — only his twin sister knows he’s gay. Coming out now would make him the target of homophobic bullies at his school. But a year is a long time, especially when life starts moving at its own pace, and Gunnar meets guys he wants to date.

Set in rural Alberta, Under the Radar is the uplifting story of a teen who dreams of a life in which he can be himself.

What do you do when the one thing that you love more than anything else gets taken away from you? Kids throw tantrums, adults fight. Not Gunnar - Gunnar adapts!

Gunnar is the typical run-of-the-mill teen, eagerly anticipating the arrival of graduation so he can leave his small town (with its nosey neighbors) and live his life the way he chooses - far away from prying eyes. He has no plans for college and no definite plans for his future, but he also knows he doesn’t want to stay home - farming is definitely not for him.

Unforeseeable events turn the tables on him and he suddenly becomes ostracized by those close to him when he comes to the defense of a helpless schoolmate getting bullied. Shunned, despised and shut out, he basically withdraws into himself. It would have been so easy to cave, but he isn’t allowed to. He has a strong support system within his family, especially his twin sister who seems to know him more than he even knows himself.

A trip out of town opens his eyes to a whole new world and a plethora of new experiences. Shy, reserved Gunnar suddenly starts planning for his future, and trying new ventures without reservations. New wardrobe, new friends and a whole new lease on life. Find out what the future holds for our main character, and how he remains “under the radar” when all these dashingly handsome males keep crossing his path.

-N.S.