At the Edge of the Universe

By: Shaun David Hutchinson

Narrated by: Gibson Frazier

From the author of We Are the Ants comes “another winner” (Booklist, starred review) about a boy who believes the universe is slowly shrinking as the things he remembers are being erased from others’ memories.

Tommy and Ozzie have been best friends since the second grade, and boyfriends since eighth. They spent countless days dreaming of escaping their small town—and then Tommy vanished.

More accurately, he ceased to exist, erased from the minds and memories of everyone who knew him. Everyone except Ozzie.

Ozzie doesn’t know how to navigate life without Tommy, and soon he suspects that something else is going on: that the universe is shrinking.

When Ozzie is paired up with the reclusive and secretive Calvin for a physics project, it’s hard for him to deny the feelings developing between them, even if he still loves Tommy.

But Ozzie knows there isn’t much time left to find Tommy—that once the door closes, it can’t be opened again. And he’s determined to keep it open as long as possible.

Fresh take on a coming of age story

I enjoyed listening to the end. Great character development and a great experience. I would have preferred a more cogent resolution to the central mystery.

One of my favorite books I’ve ever come across

I’ve never written a review on here before. I’ve felt compelled to, sure, but I’ve never actually decided to go through with it. This book, however, left me feeling absolutely required to leave a review. Everything about this was perfect. I don’t know why, but I feel like this book was meant to find me at exactly this point in my life. As if I called out into the universe for answers, and this just suddenly appeared. I related so deeply with the story and characters in this, I think I’ll remember this forever.

Modern Masterpiece

Hutchinson writes well written books with unique plots that center on gay youths. His characters are well developed and really interesting. Their quirkiness kept me interested in the book. This book also holds a deal of suspense as he loses his friends. The narration brings his world to life. This is an author to keep watching and I hope that he expands his writing universe.

Worth the read/ listen!

One of the most creatively written books I’ve read in a long time. It kept me guessing up until the end. Very well done, highly recommend. (As an fyi, however, it is a bit of a darker and heavier book. So although not necessarily a “feel good beach read”, I think its very well done and has an important and worthwhile message.)

Wow. Quirky little book that kept me guessing

I hate cookie cutter books and this is sure not one of them. A unique tale... Sort of a coming of age story of Ozzie in his senior year. I was captivated by his life, his loves, and his friends. And what the heck happened to Tommy? I sure wanted to find out. Great story, superb narrating.