Another First Chance

A grieving gay teen joins a mysterious research study in this worthwhile speculative novel by Couch (If I See You Again Tomorrow). Upon graduating from high school in Teawood, Mich., 18-year-old River Lang defaces a texting and driving PSA billboard featuring his best friend Dylan Cooper, who died in a car crash the year before. A classmate threatens to expose River’s actions and upend his college scholarship unless he takes part in the Affinity Trials, a weeklong social experiment for individuals struggling to connect with others. When River learns that his brain scans are logging unusual activity, the researchers inform him that the data indicates he just met somebody important—and secretly plan for a teen attending football camp at the facility to bunk with River. But when trial participants start noticing strange things—like Dylan’s ex-girlfriend Mavis Meyers, who’s certain she’s had conversations with River that he can’t recall—they pair up and covertly seek answers. Flashbacks to instances before Dylan’s death reveal what happened and serve as a powerful emotional ballast while distinct characters with strong presences, steady pacing, and a meaty mystery combine to deliver a rewarding experience. River is white; s upporting characters are racially diverse. Ages 12–up. Agent: Moe Ferrara, BookEnds Literary. (May)