Genevieve Hudson

"A queer coming-of-age told with magical realism, Boys of Alabama guides us through 16-year-old Max's first year in America. Conflicted about leaving Germany, Max is in awe of his new 'home' - here, the heat is thick, the food is grossly delicious, and football and religion--seemingly intertwined--permeate everything. While his parents don't know what to make of an American South pining for the 'good ol' days', or the people who live there, shy Max thrives--he makes the football team, goes to church for the first time, and even makes friends. When Max meets Pan in Chemistry class, they embark on a quixotic, strange, and consuming relationship. They tell each other their secrets; Max tells Pan about his witchy powers, Pan tells Max about the snake poison initiations of a local church. But the boys aren't sure whose secrets are darker, or what is more frightening - their true selves, or staying true in an intolerant Alabama."--