The Golden Boy's Guide to Bipolar by Sonido Reyes

From bestselling author Sonido Reyes comes a poignant and searingly honest companion novel to the multi-award-winning The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School.

Seventeen-year-old Cesar Flores is finally ready to win back his ex-boyfriend. Since breaking up with Jamal in an attempt to stay in the closet, he's come out to his mother and his sister Yami, as well as their friends.

He's been diligent in taking medication to help manage his bipolar. And after months of unpacking their relationship in their sessions, Cesar has his therapist's blessing to reunite with Jamal. Everything would be perfect if it weren't for The Thoughts, the ones that won't let all his Catholic guilt and internalised homophobia stay buried.

The louder they become, the more Cesar is once again convinced that he doesn't deserve someone like Jamal, or anyone for that matter. Cesar might be able to conceal his shame behind lighthearted jokes and his gifted reputation, but when a manic episode makes his inner turmoil impossible to hide, he's faced with a stark choice. He can either burn every bridge he has left or, more frighteningly, ask for help.

Is the vulnerability of being loved by the people he's hurt the most a risk he's willing to take?

Paperback / 373 pages