The Thing I Didn't Know I Didn't Know
Russel Middlebrook: The Futon Years, no. 1
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4.3 • 52 Ratings
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Publisher Description
Book 1 in Russel Middlebrook: The Futon Years
"I guess this was what they meant by a loss of innocence. Who knew?"
Russel Middlebrook is twenty-three years old, gay, and living in trendy Seattle, but life isn't keeping up with the hype. Most of his friends have a direction in life—either ruthlessly pursuing their careers or passionately embracing their own aimlessness. But Russel is stuck in place. All he knows is that crappy jobs, horrible dates, and pointless hook-ups just aren't cutting it anymore.
What's the secret? What does everyone else know that he doesn't?
Enter Kevin, Russel's perfect high school boyfriend. Could rekindling an old flame be the thing Russel needs to get his life back on track? Or maybe the answer lies with a new friend, an eccentric screenwriter named Vernie Rose, who seems plenty wise. Or what the hell? Maybe Russel will find some answers by joining his best friend Gunnar's crazy search for the legendary Bigfoot!
One way or another, Russel is determined to learn the all-important secret to life, even if it's a thing he doesn't even know he doesn't know.
Author Brent Hartinger first made a splash writing books for teens. The Thing I Didn't Know I Didn't Know, Hartinger's first book for older readers, is just as much of a page-turner as his earlier works, with plenty of his trademark irreverent humor. But now his books have grown up along with his readers, exploring the issues of new adults, especially the complicated matter of love and sex.
REVIEWS
"A great read. Russel's narrative voice is engaging and unflinchingly honest. You can't help but love him … I finished the book smiling."
– ISRBR
"A real page turner and I laughed, I gasped, I cheered for Russel, and everything in between as I read it. Brent hits the nail on the head when describing adulthood for the new generation: how we have dreams, fears, and are lost."
– Sensible Reason Magazine
"Russel Middlebrook is an extremely engaging character, and I positively adored him…. For as little as Russel seems to think is going on in his life, he certainly kept me captivated with his story."
– Swept Away by Romance
"A success — and hopefully the first of many books of its genre."
– Gay City News
PRAISE FOR BRENT HARTINGER
"Hits the narrative sweet spot."- NPR's All Things Considered
"Downright refreshing."- USA Today
"I really think this guy could be the next Judy Blume." - Pop Candy
Customer Reviews
I love it, from the characters to the plot this story is just so good
I would definitely recommend this book as a romantic story, as a 17 year old asian guy who is still in the closet, this serie gave me hope and confidence that it’s okay to be gay. It also made me want to read more and more (which is quite surprising since I don’t read that much). I gave it a 4 star (Ehhh a 4.5 out of 5?) mainly because at some point during the conversation between the characters I have no idea who or what they’re talking about (lol) which is quite frustrating but hey this is a very good literature piece to read.
awesome
Totally love the tales of Russel and Kevin. Hoping there are more.
Wonderful!
Very true to the characters and perfectly captures the feelings that come with living through your twenties. Loved it!