First published 2025
Jonathan Van Ness's debut novel "Let Them Stare" is a searing exploration of identity and conformity. Meet Finn, a free-spirited young man who refuses to play by society's rules. When his flamboyant style and unapologetic self-expression draw the ire of his conservative small town, Finn must decide whether to compromise who he is or risk everything to live authentically. As the pressure mounts and the threats turn violent, Finn's journey becomes a battle for the right to be himself. At its core, "Let Them Stare" is a poignant testament to the power of self-love and the courage to defy expectations.
Genres: fiction, contemporary, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, nonconformity
Setting: Conservative Small Town
Period: Contemporary
333 pages · Kindle Edition · Storytide
Content warnings: violence