The Gulf by Adam de Souza was an interesting read. However, since I have read several similar titles, the theme did not WOW or “Hit me powerfully.” However, it was a great coming of age story with some interesting twists and turns. The concepts might be a bit mature for some readers, but for the most part the content is fine for at least thirteen and up. And as always, older teens and adults should read it as it has an almost all age appeal.
Funky illustrations set the tone of how a couple of high school seniors run away from home to “find themselves.” They are looking for a family, connections, and not feeling as if they are useless in a world that does not make sense. The three people (two males, one female) go off into the forested area to look for an old commune that was in a pamphlet found on a shelf. The journey to getting there shows that sometimes you have people who will help, people who will hurt, and yet, you just do what you can.
The use of three does play out in a few different ways when it comes to Oli and her friends. At first it is always her, and her BFFs Liam and Milo. When she is finally leaving (it is her idea to find the commune) nothing goes right, and Liam has committed an act that she doesn’t feel he can ever redeem himself from. Therefore, Milo’s new crush, Alvin, is invited by Milo. Which turns out to be one of the better choices they made.
Sex is mentioned but not overly detailed, there is at least one less than ideal character and the attitude of the three teens can be modern so not everyone will like them. Still, overall, it is something that for the right reader will be a big hit. I probably would not read it again, but I will read other books by the creation team.