Be Good Be Real Be Crazy

Brothers Homer and Einstein were adopted by gay fathers years ago; their spirited, 19-year-old drifter-friend, Mia, is pregnant and on her own. Older brother Homer is in love with Mia, so he happily signs on to drive her from Florida to Cape Cod, with the aptly named Einstein in tow, peppering their journey with science facts from the backseat. Philpot (Even in Paradise) populates her novel with a quirky and diverse cast, which sticks to a familiar road trip formula with oddball pit stops and transitory characters, who lend bits of wisdom and instruction during the trio’s journey. Philpot repeatedly interjects fairy tale–esque parables intended to fill in the backstories of major and minor characters, but these interruptions slow momentum and keep this story from feeling entirely cohesive. This aside, the author has a talent for creating many-layered characters whose depth and vulnerability make for effortless and immediate connections with readers. Einstein, Mia, and Homer are easy and entertaining traveling companions, even if this story doesn’t pack quite the emotional punch of its predecessor. Ages 13–up. Agent: Stephen Barbara, Inkwell Management. (Oct.)