The Way He Lived

An unsparing story of one gay teen’s life, sacrifice, and legacy and the community reeling from his death. Told in the voices of the six people who knew him best and felt his loss the most.

“Powerful, funny, beautiful, and infinitely real. I love this book.”—Sara Zarr, National Book Award Finalist and author of Story of a Girl

“Compassionate and heartfelt.”—Ellen Wittlinger, Michael L. Printz Award Honoree and author of Hard Love

Sixteen-year-old Joel Espen died of thirst and heat exhaustion while on a hike in the Grand Canyon. He collapsed in a desperate attempt to get water for his friend. In the aftermath, everyone said he was the strongest, bravest, and kindest young man anyone knew. Even the way he died—helping others before thinking of himself—reminded everyone of the way he lived. That was Joel.

But nobody really knew Joel Espen. Not quite.

As each of the six narrators present a piece of the boy they knew, it becomes clear that however much people loved and admired Joel, there was something about him they could never quite admit—could never bring themselves to see. The heartbreaking tragedy was not only Joel’s death, but that in his life the people who loved him most couldn’t accept him for what he was.