Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle

     I've just had the privilege of reading Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle. Though it sounds as if it could be a highly personalized self-help book for Nates around the world revealing the secrets of becoming a better Nate than ever, it was actually the most delightful story I've read in a long while about Nate Foster, thirteen (nearly fourteen) year-old dreamer from a small town in Pennsylvania.

     Nate's stuck in a rut. His hometown doesn't seem to appreciate him, his talents are considered weird or "gay" by his peers he's often the target of bullying. Nothing dims the stage lights to the production of Nate's dream, however. Nate is going to be a star on Broadway. It all starts with a carefully-planned trip to New York to audition for the leading role in E.T.: The Musical...without his parents knowing about it.

     Nate's partner in crime (and most likely future agent) Libby helps him unlock his potential and fine tune his craft as an actor and singer. She encourages his love for Broadway and musicals and together they form an unbreakable bond of friendship that leads them through some pretty interesting situations in the book.

Author Tim Federle

     The characters in this book, particularly in New York where the majority of the story takes place, are fantastically and magically brought to life through Federle's writing. Throughout the book, I laughed, I cried, I was anxious then calm and finally overwhelmed with euphoria upon finishing the book. Federle will engage your senses, make a home for Nate in your heart and leave you inspired and uplifted.

     I also love that Nate hasn't quite figured out his sexuality - he's "undecided" and feels no pressure to declare or slap a label on himself. Though bullies throw their limited and cruel vernacular at Nate, he holds his head high. We are who we are and who we are is beautiful. He encounters hateful people, loving people, straight people and gay people and sees them all as equal individuals. When it comes to bullies, or a-holes, he speaks words of wisdom saying each day we all make a choice whether we're going to be a nice guy or an a-hole and Nate chooses to be a nice guy even in the face of bullying.

     I dare not spoil the events of the story. Will Nate make it to the audition? Will Nate make it back home undetected? Read it and find out but know that your heart will be engaged and you'll fall in love with Nate as you're cheering him on, admiring his courage. Nate's an inspiration for us all to follow our hearts and realize our dreams are always within our reach.

     Check out Better Nate Than Ever at your local library. You can purchase Better Nate Than Ever for Amazon Kindle or buy the hardcover book here. It is also available as an unabridged audio edition via Audible.