World Hovering Around Me

In France's sophomore novel, The World Hovering Around Me, a young teen must fight his way off the streets after he reveals he is gay and is disowned by his parents. Readers are brought to tears as they witness, on one side, the depraved indifference to human life, while on the opposite, a true love for and service to humanity. The story follows the young protagonist as he navigates dumpsters, long lines for stale bacon and runny eggs, and the sparse social service resources available to the homeless. Over time, he gets back into college and then spends the next few years dealing with memories of life on the streets and his identity as a gay man. In due course, he finds a partner, learns to embrace his past, and dedicates himself to serving others.