Mesmerized

Author(s): David-Matthew Barnes

Young Adult Fiction

While being punished for writing a controversial article in her high school paper, Serena Alright is befriended by enigmatic loner Brodie Wiles. Serena witnesses the first time that Brodie meets Lance Royal, who is secretly rehearsing to compete in The Showdown, the biggest dance contest of the year. immediately, Serena is drawn into their world, inspired by the love that she recognizes between them.


Through her close friendship with Brodie and Lance, Serena finds comfort for the grief and guilt she feels over the brutal death of her gay older brother, the victim of a hate crime. Frustrated that her deep-in-denial parents spend endless hours in front of the television and refuse to acknowledge the death of their son, Serena accepts the challenge to have a face-to-face meeting with the boy who killed her brother.


Set in the summer of 1986, this young adult novel explores the emotional aftershocks of a hate crime from the perspective of a young woman who finds renewed hope through two young men who are brave enough to love. 


Product Information

David-Matthew Barnes has written over forty stage plays that have been performed in three languages in eight countries. he is the writer and director of the motion picture Frozen Stars and the author of the literary novel Accidents Never Happen. His work has been featured in over one hundred publications. 

General Fields

  • : 9781602821910
  • : Bold Strokes Books
  • : Bold Strokes Books
  • : March 2010
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : 206
  • : English
  • : PAPERBACK
  • : David-Matthew Barnes