Terrific. A poignant, brave and important book. (S J WATSON, author of Before I Go to Sleep)
A gripping read. [Tarttelin] is a natural storyteller. (Matt Haig METRO)
A warmly human coming-of-age story... [Max's] desperate search for identity is gripping, emotionally engaging, and genuinely unforgettable, as, indeed, is this accomplished first novel. (BOOKLIST (USA))
a coming-of-age story worth seeking out from a young author widely tipped for great things (DIVA)
I knew I was really into this when I missed my stop on the bus! It's about gold-star pupil, Max, and his MP dad, who have to deal with a hidden family secret surfacing. (COMPANY)
If a book with literary ambition should both inform and entertain, as well as make you see the world in a different way, if only slightly, then Tarttelin has certainly achieved that. (Peter Raynard LITRO)
An original read about a young person in an extraordinary situation... Unlike anything you will have read before... Brave, unique and utterly compelling. This is a book that will certainly make you think about life. (HEAT MAGAZINE)
Tarttelin broaches the topic of intersexuality bravely, describes the crimes committed against Max intensely, and evokes his ensuing emotions poignantly. A highly praised new author, her fresh, modern approach and contemporary writing style result in an inimitably of-the-moment novel which is beautifully matter-of-fact, eloquently meditative and fearlessly action-packed, all at once. (WE LOVE THIS BOOK)
Golden Boy is an undeniably one of the most incredible books I have ever read...Such an important novel, one I wish everyone would read, one I feel should be read in schools. It's perfect, and I am so, so glad I've had the opportunity to read it. (www.onceuponabookcase.co.uk)
An astonishingly good novel covering a rarely touched topic. (SO SO GAY)
Max Walker is a golden boy. Tanned, blonde, attractive and athletic, he's the perfect son, the perfect sportsman, and a perfect crush for the girls in his school. He's even really nice to his little brother. His seemingly flawless family is about to get even more enviable: his Dad is running for election to Parliament. The spotlight of the media is about
to encircle their lives.
But when the enigmatic Hunter steps out of Max's past and threatens to make public the secret that Max's family has been keeping quiet for so long, Max is forced to consider the nature of the secret. Why won't his parents talk about it? Who is Max Walker really? Will his friends accept him if he is no longer the Golden Boy?
As Max and his family face these life-changing questions, revelations and the fall out that ensues, Max falls in love. He might be flawed, but could he be the perfect imperfect boyfriend for wildcard Sylvie Clark, the oddball loner in his class?