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A review by roryhix93
Golden Boys by Phil Stamper
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Phil Stamper’s Golden Boys is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, self-discovery, and the bittersweet process of growing up. Gabriel (Gabe), Reese, Sal, and Heath are a group of queer best friends navigating the transition from the tight-knit security of their small town to the big, wide world beyond. Each boy embarks on a summer journey to chase their dreams, and in doing so, they discover as much about themselves as they do about the bonds they share.
What makes Golden Boys truly shine is Stamper’s ability to craft characters that feel real, relatable, and deeply loveable. Gabe, Reese, Sal, and Heath are all on different paths, and yet their stories are woven together beautifully, demonstrating the strength of their friendship despite the physical and emotional distance. Watching these characters grow and evolve over the course of the novel is incredibly satisfying, and you can’t help but root for them every step of the way.
The book is a joy to read—fast-paced, engaging, and accessible without sacrificing depth. Its exploration of identity, ambition, and friendship is both universal and specific, making it easy to connect with regardless of your background.
The only reason this isn’t a full five-star review is that the book, while delightful, occasionally felt like it was setting up for the next installment rather than delivering a fully complete narrative. That said, it was so good I’ve already ordered book two!
If you’re looking for a quick, charming read filled with heart, humor, and authentic growth, Golden Boys is a perfect choice. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary YA fiction and stories about the power of friendship.
What makes Golden Boys truly shine is Stamper’s ability to craft characters that feel real, relatable, and deeply loveable. Gabe, Reese, Sal, and Heath are all on different paths, and yet their stories are woven together beautifully, demonstrating the strength of their friendship despite the physical and emotional distance. Watching these characters grow and evolve over the course of the novel is incredibly satisfying, and you can’t help but root for them every step of the way.
The book is a joy to read—fast-paced, engaging, and accessible without sacrificing depth. Its exploration of identity, ambition, and friendship is both universal and specific, making it easy to connect with regardless of your background.
The only reason this isn’t a full five-star review is that the book, while delightful, occasionally felt like it was setting up for the next installment rather than delivering a fully complete narrative. That said, it was so good I’ve already ordered book two!
If you’re looking for a quick, charming read filled with heart, humor, and authentic growth, Golden Boys is a perfect choice. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary YA fiction and stories about the power of friendship.