The Vast Fields of Ordinary

May 11, 2009
This debut novel is deceptively quiet—the story of a recent high school graduate, Dade, struggling to come out and yearning to get to college and away from his parents' marital troubles and stifling suburban peers. Yet in the same way that Sarah Dessen allows readers to lose themselves in the ordinary, Burd takes a familiar plot—boy struggles with his sexuality, then meets a love interest who changes everything—and makes it fresh. Dade's inner monologues and interactions with others feel real, and bear a poignant honesty (after shopping for college: “It occurred to me that these things made of plastic, glass, and metal would become the foundation for my new life”). With the arrival of Alex, Dade's first real boyfriend and one catalyst behind Dade's coming out, the story moves into sweet, romantic territory, which balances some of the deeper, more painful issues brewing in Dade's life (including his father's affair and his friend/ex-hookup Pablo's inner turmoil). The novel's one flaw is its unsatisfying ending, which feels both melodramatic and abrupt. Aside from this, Burd is an author to watch. Ages 14–up.

Starred review from June 1, 2009
Gr 9 Up-Dade Hamilton is off to college in August, but until then, he must deal with a boring job in a dull city, his parents' failing marriage, and a rocky relationship with Pablo, a boy who publicly denies his homosexuality and doesn't seem to care for Dade except when they are alone. When Dade meets Alex, however, the summer begins to improve. Alex is handsome and mysterious; most importantly, he adores Dade and isn't afraid to show it. With Alex in the picture, Pablo slowly tries to regain Dade's attention. What results is a series of dramatic interactions and events that force Dade to examine his emotions, his life, and the people in it. Burd addresses the themes of family, unrequited love, bullying, and sexuality in a fresh and believable manner. His use of language is beautiful; his words paint clear pictures of Dade's deep and complex psyche. While his homosexuality is an important element of the story, it isn't the main focus. It's just a part of his character that readers accept without question. "The Vast Fields of Ordinary" is a refreshingly honest, sometimes funny, and often tender novel."Sarah K. Allen, Thetford Academy, VT"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 21, 2010
Dade Hamilton spent prom night in the men's room drawing hearts while his lover Pablo danced with his girlfriend in the gym. Dade is sure it is going to be one more boring summer (and his last) in his small Iowa town until he meets fellow misfit Lucy and drug-dealer Alex Kincaid, the boy built to win his heart. Love-o-meter: Smokin'. Alex's comfort with his sexuality and himself is just what Dade needed after Pablo. Alex and Dade's first date starts with fireflies and ends with graveyard sex. It is the start of one hot and humid summer. This first book from a promising new author earned three starred reviews.-Angelina Benedetti, King Cty. Lib. Syst., WA

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from May 15, 2009
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* Its Dades last summer at home before college and things are looking bleak: his parents marriage is disintegrating; his father has a girlfriend; his mother is self-medicating with pills and booze; his sorta boyfriend, Pablo, refuses to acknowledge the nature of their friendship; the local media are obsessed with the mysterious disappearance of an autistic little girl; and Dade himself is feeling pretty lost and invisible, too. But then he meets the dangerous yet fascinating (and unapologetically gay) Alex, and things take a turn for the better . . . for a while. Burds first novel has some of the trappings of the traditional coming-out-while-coming-of-age story, and his ending seems more willful than artful. Also, some readers may find the subplot abouta missing girl more distracting than symbolically resonant. That said, Burd is a terrific writer with a special gift for creating teenage characters who are vital, plausible, and always engaging (even when theyre being mean and menacing). His take on the complications in Dades life is sophisticated and thoughtful, especially on the ambiguities of that relationship with Pablo, while his limning of the growing friendship with Alex is deeply satisfying, never striking a discordant emotional note. Clearly, Burd is a new talent to watch.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2009
The summer after senior year, Dade learns a lot about love, loss, and himself. While struggling to get over closeted football player Pablo, he opens himself up to new friendships and the possibility of first love with openly gay Alex. Though the dialogue can be clunky and some characters are underdeveloped, Dade's poetic moments of self-reflection give the story appeal.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)