The Honeys
Mars has always been the lesser twin, the shadow to his sister Caroline's radiance. But when Caroline dies under horrific circumstances, Mars is propelled to learn all he can about his once-inseparable sister who'd grown tragically distant.
Mars's genderfluidity means he's often excluded from the traditions -- and expectations -- of his politically-connected family. This includes attendance at the prestigious Aspen Conservancy Summer Academy where his sister poured so much of her time. But with his grief still fresh, he insists on attending in her place.
What Mars finds is a bucolic fairytale not meant for him. Folksy charm and sun-drenched festivities camouflage old-fashioned gender roles and a toxic preparatory rigor. Mars seeks out his sister's old friends: a group of girls dubbed the Honeys, named for the beehives they maintain behind their cabin. They are beautiful and terrifying -- and Mars is certain they're connected to Caroline's death.
But the longer he stays at Aspen, the more the sweet mountain breezes give way to hints of decay. Mars's memories begin to falter, bleached beneath the relentless summer sun. Something is hunting him in broad daylight, toying with his mind. If Mars can't find it soon, it will eat him alive.
Author: Ryan La Sala
Publisher: Push
Published: 08/16/2022
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.50w x 1.10d
ISBN: 9781338745313
Audience: Young Adult
Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2022
Booklist 06/01/2022 pg. 76
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2022
Publishers Weekly 07/18/2022
School Library Journal 08/01/2022 pg. 92
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2022 pg. 91
About the Author
Ryan La Sala writes about surreal things happening to queer people. He is the author of Reverie and Be Dazzled and lives in New York City. Visit him online at ryanlasala.com.