Carver Goodman is an Afro-American student who has just turned seventeen, and while he nurtures the dream of one day becoming a successful photographer, he also struggles with the perennial stuff that teenagers have to deal with —taking the ACT, handling bullies, and falling in love. While these are common experiences for teenagers navigating high school, Carver has a deeper problem to face — he thinks he is gay. As he navigates his sexuality, Carver undertakes a journey of self-discovery that is as telling as it is immersive.

This beautifully crafted coming-of-age narrative captures the world of a teenage boy with brilliance, a fascinating portrait of self-discovery and a tale that depicts the inner world of a young man who must redefine himself and come to terms with who he really is. The future is promising for the young protagonist but he has battles of his own that must be fought — and with courage and honesty. Jaire Sims’ Getting By is an intelligently plotted story that is character-driven, filled with drama and insightful moments. The prose is crisp and the author writes characters that are real, immersing them in social dynamics that resonate powerfully with readers. This is a remarkable story with strong emotional and psychological impact. The ingenuity of the author in building a complex world and deeper layers of the personality of the young protagonist had me enthralled. The prose is exquisite and the characters are unforgettable; the author writes scenes that reflect human reality and skillfully develops themes of passion, self-discovery, identity, and the quest for success. Getting By is deft and balance, well-imagined and deeply moving.