At Valdoro Prep, a prestigious boarding school where tradition and secrets intertwine, August, a reserved new student, finds his world disrupted when he discovers that his roommate for the year is James-the charismatic, sports-loving paradox of the campus. Set against the backdrop of the mid-20th century, before the digital age, "Sincerely Yours, August" unfolds a tale of unexpected friendship and the intricate dance between two hearts.
As August navigates the challenges of his new environment, he is thrust into the orbit of James, whose athletic skill conceals a complexity August never anticipated. The story traces the evolution of their relationship, from the initial dread of being roommates to the unspoken bond that grows between them over shared late-night talks, sports games, and secret hideouts.
The narrative gains momentum as the semester progresses, revealing the stark contrast between August's academic pursuits and James' athletic focus. Yet, amidst the differences, the boys discover common interests outside their expected roles, forging a friendship that transcends societal expectations.
"Sincerely Yours, August" is a timeless tale of friendship, self-discovery, and the enduring impact of those who leave an indelible mark on our lives. Against the backdrop of a bygone era, August and James navigate the complexities of teenagehood, love, and the bittersweet beauty of saying goodbye.
Geoff and Naomi are dead, and they're depressed, but when Geoff's cat Bernie dies as well, they embark on a wild journey to find it in the underworld.
*****
When Geoff dies, alongside his girlfriend Naomi, they end up sharing an apartment in the Underworld as skeletons. But after a few years, Geoff starts suffering a mid-death crisis. What's the purpose of going through the motions as a skeleton if you can't really live? Then he gets word that his cat, Bernie, just died and he can collect him and bring him home! Geoff and Naomi hurry to get Bernie only to discover that, due to a clerical error, their cat has been lost. With the hunt for Bernie giving new purpose to Geoff's un-life, he and Naomi begin a quest to get back their cat. Battling skeleton pirates, climbing the sky ladder and facing off against the villain who took Bernie, Geoff is determined to find his purpose - or die a second time trying!
[[2018 Wattys Winner - The Originals]]
[[word count: 30,000-40,000 words]]