Young Adult Fiction

Miles Mukamal

     Sometimes when we have to do something we don't want to, or think to do, it can be beneficial. Such is the case with Finley and Russ's relationship in the book Boy 21.  Finley lives in a town called Bellmont that is ridden with gangs, drugs and violence. Finley's mom was murdered by an Irish gang and after that, he has had problems talking and making friends. Russ moved there from California after his parents. When Finley's coach nearly makes Finley befriend Russ so he will become a little saner, Finley and Russ develop a strong relationship. This includes Finley and Russ hanging out on Finley's roof, at school and how at the end, Russ invites Finley to go star gazing. This shows how Russ and Finley's relationship helps both of them, not just Russ.

     To begin, Russ and Finley often hang out on Finley's roof. "Can we go sit on your roof?" [Asked Russ]... I nod." This is just the start of their relationship and it is just by sitting on the roof. They also share Russ's birthday on the roof. "Once we are seated he opens the box and, surprisingly, a small package of birthday candles [and cupcakes]." This shows how they can be friends when neither of them have too many.

     Secondly, Russ and Finley spend a lot of time at school together. This is good for their relationship because they can protect each other from mean classmates. When someone tries to dump carrots and Russ and Finley's plate and call them rabbits, Russ gets up and says "WE ARE NOT RABBITS!". This is something Finley would have never done, but because Russ was there, they both avoided embarrassment. Also Finley and Russ are "in every class... lockets next to each other... next to each other in every class." This, even though done on purpose, will still help Russ and Finley's relationship grow.

     Finally, Russ invites Finley to come star gazing with him and his grandparents. This is their final phase in their relationship before Finley leaves. "This place is truly awesome, thanks for bringing me." This shows how Finley is thankful for Russ's kindness. Also when they talk about how their parents died it is very interesting because Finley has never told anyone in before and Russ responds with, "Is that when you stopped talking?" This shows how close they became and how they can share their deepest secrets.