Hold My Hand

“Love abounds, heartache happens, and friendship endures in this hilarious and timely coming-of-age novel. Barakiva (One Man Guy, 2014) creates an engaging central couple whom readers will root for and smartly surrounds them with a flawless cast of three-dimensional supporting characters who round out the protagonists while standing out in their own rights … The novel is enriched with vividly textured Armenian cultural details. An honest and compelling teen romance.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Barakiva follows up One Man Guy with a highly satisfying sequel that continues to develop the authenticity and complexity of both Alek and Ethan. Alek’s story also delves realistically–and with some humor–into the stand he takes when his Orthodox pastor proves to be homophobic. This story shows the ways people can disappoint one another, break one another’s hearts, and get past such crises.VERDICT A delightful and important addition to collections serving teens, whether or not the first book is held.” –School Library Journal

Michael Barakiva is the artistic director of Hangar Theater in Ithaca, New York. He is a graduate of Vassar College and the Juilliard School, an avid cook and board-game player, and a soccer player with the New York Ramblers. He writes and lives in Manhattan with his husband.