{"product_id":"9780966061505","title":"Two Paths to Now","description":"The scarring effects of a family7#39;s secrets on an adolescent boy is the    focus of \u003ci\u003eTwo Paths to Now\u003c\/i\u003e, a novel by Dann Hazel, just released by The    Original Press.\u003cp\u003eSeventeen-year-old Rusty, struggling with his sexual identity, finally discovers that Gloria, his mother, has been lying to him for most of his    young life. She has told him that his father, Erik, is dead, when in    fact he is very much alive and residing in a city only one hundred miles    away. However, the disclosure of the secret only begins a dramatic    outpouring of other cover-ups which are revealed in a subtly played    story. The novel culminates in a thunderous climax which transforms and    ultimately reunites a family whose survival depends on its ability to    cut through years of lies and deceptions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eTwo Paths to Now\u003c\/i\u003e defies labeling. On one level, it works as a rite of passage novel, but such categorization short changes its scope and impact. It is also a riveting psychological study of a family in turmoil that belies the political rhetoric of \"family values\" through its    sensitive portrayal of a modern southern family coming to grips with    homosexuality. The characters' ghostly encounters toward the end are so    realistically crafted that readers may find themselves nervously looking    over their shoulders. Ultimately, Hazel's story works as a mystery as it    meticulously follows Rusty's efforts to discover both his history and    his identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile large publishing houses often seem convinced that no cross-over market exists for novels which deal honestly with homosexuality, Hazel's novel proves otherwise. His gay characters are very much part of    mainstream culture, and as in reality, live among gay, lesbian and    straight citizens. But don't misunderstand. The novel certainly deals    with homophobia and prejudice, but not in a way that casts any    particular group as villains. In \u003ci\u003eTwo Paths to Now\u003c\/i\u003e, everyone has a chance    for growth and redemption-a chance that most of Hazel's characters take.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, readers should beware. In the novel's deceptively simple plot, the most poignant moments take readers quite by surprise. They will    experiences, in turn, anger, indignation, amusement and sadness. Only    the most jaded readers will finish the novel without reaching for their    handkerchiefs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTwo Paths to Now is a novel you won't easily forget. Without moralizing, it takes a refreshingly honest look at the celebration of    human diversity, sexuality and family values.  It is a thoroughly    satisfying read.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Press, The","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47009625669872,"sku":"9780966061505","price":7.45,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9780966061505_p0.gif?v=1763883927","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9780966061505","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}