"Darkly comic narrative... perfectly paced." —School Library Journal
"For any kid who thinks no one else gets it, this is the book you want. Hunter and Corin are two kids simultaneously leading each other to the edge and pulling each other back. Friendship, defiance, dark humor—all the tools of survival and escape are in Kyle T. Cowan's novel. Sunshine is Forever wryly shows that happiness isn't just in the bright spots. It's there to be found in the midst of hard times, too." —Anthony Breznican, author of Brutal Youth
"Savagely entertaining. It's The Bell Jar meets Chuck Palahniuk—Cowan tackles teen angst with his own unforgettable brand of dark humor." —Helena Echlin, author of Gone and co-author of Sparked
"There are summer camp stories and then there are summer camp stories. Cowan has managed to rip off the Band-Aid to show us the darker side of being a teen in today's world. At times hilarious and heartbreaking, Sunshine is Forever is a powerful YA debut." —Kari Luna, award-winning author of The Theory of Everything
"Cowan has the guts to take teen suicide and turn it into a darkly comic page turner in an unexpected camp setting." —Malena Watrous, author of If You Follow Me and co-author of Sparked
"Deep, truthful, and raw, Sunshine is Forever is a book that every school library should carry. This is my favorite book so far of 2017." —Dave Barrett, author of It's All Fun and Games, winner of the Nerdist Collection Contest
"Sunshine is Forever is surprisingly relatable. Keeps you on the edge of your seat! Very suspenseful." —Amber Portwood, author of Never Too Late, reality star of Teen Mom OG
"Kyle T. Cowan's Sunshine is Forever bravely reveals the story we all must hear, but are all too often afraid to tell: the human experience. Using humor and pain, Cowan bares the emotional essence of his writing with such honesty, that we are moved to self-revelation in the end." —Lew Temple, actor in The Walking Dead
"Kyle T. Cowan's Sunshine is Forever is a powerful examination of teenage angst, sort of a One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest for young Millennials. This is a tough story, but it's also one that's filled with hope. A wholly impressive debut." —Jason Pomerance, author of Women Like Us
"Sunshine is Forever is a beautifully raw depiction of the human condition, unabashedly showing the heart's ability to not just survive, but truly thrive. Cowan teaches us that no matter the depths of our darkest depression, so long as we have an open heart of honesty, forgiveness, and self-accountability, light and love will return—for sunshine is, indeed, forever." —Jamison Stone, author of Rune of the Apprentice
"The greatest strength of Sunshine is Forever is author Kyle T. Cowan's dedication to unflinching honesty. Every single one of his characters is raw and flawed and the more relatable for it. Through this lens, Cowan is able to capture the doubts, desires, and dizzying heights that come with youth. Sunshine is Forever is a tale of self-discovery that reminds us all that we are whole, ever-changing, and perfectly imperfect." —Brooke Wylie, critic at We Write Things
"Sunshine is Forever is a book I could not put down... Kyle T. Cowan does an excellent job of keeping you on the edge of your seat." —Ashley D., critic at TeenReads.com
08/01/2017
Gr 10 Up—A fast-paced, darkly comic narrative. When a tragic accident changes everything, Hunter S. Thompson (not the famous author) is sent to Camp Sunshine, a camp for teenagers with depression. At first, he is determined never to discuss "The Incident" which led to his suicide attempts. Once he meets a beautiful and confident fellow camper, Corin, he decides that he must reveal his past in order to forge a true connection with her. But Corin has her own secret history, one which Hunter has been warned about cryptically by the counselors. Cowan's narrative is perfectly paced. He keeps readers guessing about what will happen, and what has already happened, to Hunter and Corin. Unfortunately, though the author conveys several positive messages—lying is wrong; take responsibility for your actions—there are problematic messages as well. The only major female character, Corin, is highly manipulative and unempathetic, traits that Cowan explains as being a direct result of the trauma she has experienced. The author tries to emphasize the importance of putting trust in helpful adults, such as therapists and counselors, yet this advice is undermined by the disturbing incompetence of many adult characters. The writing style is repetitive at times, which may put off advanced audiences but could appeal to reluctant or struggling readers. Sexual content and drug use make this more appropriate for older teens. VERDICT Though this is a fast, entertaining read, it could send mixed messages to teens living with mental illness.—Emily Butler, Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, Easthampton, MA
