This is a hauntingly beautiful novel centered around 2 boys growing up in El Paso, Texas in the 1980's. At times I would forget that they were even in the 80's; it felt so relevant to the times now. Elements of this felt supernatural at times, though they may have been more akin to PTSD. Ari is so full of anger while Dante is full of discovery and their juxtaposition is pure perfection. This is a must read for anyone interested in LGBT issues and I can't wait to read the sequel! (Yes, a sequel is coming, eek!!)