by Wally Lamb
First published 2009
It's 1964 in Three Rivers, Connecticut, and 5th grader Felix Funicello is smitten with the new girl next door, Suzanna Calucci. As Christmas approaches, Felix schemes to win Suzanna's affections, navigating his quirky family and the social politics of the school playground. But when a shocking secret is revealed, Felix must decide whether to tell the truth or keep a promise - with his heart on the line.
Genres: fiction, romance, 20th-century, coming-of-age, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Connecticut, Three Rivers
Period: 1964
HarperCollins