A young adult gay coming-of-age story about finding your people, speaking your truth, and discovering the kind of bravery that can change everything.
What if the bravest thing you could do… was finally be yourself?
Seventeen-year-old Alex Garcia has always lived on the edge of his truth—quietly artistic, deeply observant, and afraid of what might happen if he let the world see the real him. He blends in, keeps his head down, and hides the truth about who he is—even from his closest friends. At Cedar Ridge High, fitting in feels like a survival strategy, not a choice. But when an outspoken new student named Ethan transfers in and lights a spark Alex didn’t expect, everything begins to shift.
Ethan walks into his life. Open, confident, and unapologetically himself, Ethan challenges Alex to question the fear holding him back. School dances, art projects, and everyday moments suddenly feel bigger, like the beginning of something real. This becomes a powerful journey of identity, friendship, and first love. As Alex wrestles with secrets, confronts prejudice, and discovers the fierce strength of his voice, he also finds allies in unexpected places—including Emma, his lifelong friend who has become a fearless advocate, and a growing circle of peers who learn to shine alongside him.
Alex is forced to choose: keep hiding in the shadows, or risk everything to live—and love—out loud. From whispered rumors in high school hallways to organizing a campus-wide diversity arts festival in college, Alex’s story is transformative. With every choice, he carves out a space for himself and others yearning to be seen.
The Courage to Shine is a poignant, heartfelt coming-of-age novel about embracing who you are, loving without shame, and finding the light within yourself—even when the world tells you to hide it.
Available on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle Ebook
