"To Be by John Blossom is a poignant and deeply personal coming-of-age YA novel about talent, identity, and resilience that is inspired by true events. Duncan Pepper, a gifted teenage actor cast as Hamlet, must navigate more than just the emotional complexity of the role. Behind his rising star lies a battle against health challenges and life-altering circumstances that threaten his future. Blossom tenderly explores Duncan's inner world as he grapples with the pressures of ambition, societal expectations, and the fragility of dreams. With the stage as both a literal and metaphorical backdrop, To Be is a powerful meditation on what it means to grow up, to fight for meaning, and to find purpose in the face of adversity.
Author John Blossom has a keen sense of character and attention to detail when bringing Duncan to life, and this has resulted in an emotionally resonant narrative that speaks to both the heart and intellect. It's a story that will certainly touch the hearts of YA theater fans in particular. The combination of dreams of stardom with crippling health issues is a big emotional punch that's never over-dramatized, but delivered with all the heartache and gravitas it deserves. The writing itself is gorgeously styled to honor that dramatic flair whilst also sounding authentically teenage. Blossom's lyrical prose captures the complexity of adolescence and artistic passion with quiet strength. It is inspiring and heartbreaking in equal measure, with a protagonist you'll never forget. Overall, I would certainly recommend To Be as a standout YA novel that honors theater, vulnerability, and inner strength that readers of all ages will appreciate." - K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
"John Blossom's To Be is a deeply effective and beautifully rendered look at one young man's journey to find himself in the time he has to do so. Blossom does an excellent job in his thoughtful examination of Duncan's internal tug-of-war between his ambitions and uncertainty, creating an authentic portrayal of teenage life. The writing stands out for its ability to lure the reader into Duncan's life in a way that, in the hands of a less skilled writer, might feel overly sentimental. That trap door never opens, and we are given a great story as a result. The characters, especially in Duncan's relationships with his teacher, Gale, and his girlfriend Beck, feel natural and relatable, and their interactions come across as an organic extension of Duncan's emotional world. I like Blossom's use of theater to mirror Duncan's decisions. This book will speak to those who have ever questioned their path, identity, or the roles they are expected to play in life." - Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
"To Be speaks to anyone who has faced adversity and chosen, against all odds, to move forward and truly live." - Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
