High school senior Nate Whitby is not gay. Well, not really. Okay, so he’s only attracted to guys. And he’s had sex with several. But he knows it’s just a phase. He always figured that, along the road to becoming an adult, he’d mutate into someone who preferred Keira Knightley to Chris Hemsworth. It would just happen, like puberty. But as adulthood approaches and his transformation has yet to begin, he panics. Taking desperate measures to change his sexual orientation, Nate finds himself mired in surreal situations populated by, among others, his overbearing mom, current—and former—best friends, a dominatrix, and a muumuu-wearing psychic. Eventually, he’s not sure who’s trying to help and who’s doing more harm than good. But he’s determined to find himself—his true self. After all, where there’s a will, there’s a way… right? A Passing Phase is an absorbing, realistic exploration of a teen's realization that his sexuality is heading towards an inevitable, singular identity that doesn't fit with his perceptions of how his adult life will evolve. In some ways it's a typical teen coming-of-age story: picture Catcher in the Rye's grittiness with a heavier dose of sexual description. In other ways it's an in-depth story covering perceptions of right, wrong, social and religious expectations, and what happens when a teen's evolution doesn't fit into anticipated paradigms. At the heart of it is the question of whether sexuality is a choice or a pre-programmed, innate trait unique to every individual. The result is a vivid saga, especially recommended for readers of sexual coming-of-age stories open to the idea of a teen discovering who he really is and what constitutes a 'passing phase' versus a permanent, true direction. - Diane Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review ***4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS*** A Passing Phase is a touching and affectionate look at a young man's self-discovery, which, despite its serious subject matter, manages moments of wry wit and laugh-out-loud humor as well. Nate is an entirely likable protagonist, and his fears and self-doubts are thoroughly understandable. Watching him grow into a mature adult with the ability to stand up for himself and who he is and wants to be is heartwarming. And while the situations he finds himself in have a decidedly humorous side, in many cases they also bring a deeper emotional tone to the book, and to Nate's character. His encounters with the women he tries to date, each of whom has her own issues, and with his other friends, show him as the genuinely decent soul he is. A Passing Phase is a tender coming-of-age story about sexuality, identity, love and what defines a person's worth and moral value. - Ed Bennett, IndieReader A Passing Phase is an incredible story that is very well written and readers will experience a variety of emotions. This reviewer was laughing and crying, feeling enraged, and wanting to slap (Nate's) mother and therapist. It captures what many of our homosexual and/or straight individuals go through during their lives and how, for some, being straight is more accepting in society than being homosexual. Readers will definitely be able to relate to the characters in the story and identify with several of the situations Nate, his friends, and family experience. The author writes with a passion that shows he really loves what he is writing about and is willing to put it all out there, even though some may not agree with him. He allows readers into the mind of Nate and hope they will cheer him on as he finds his true self. From the beginning of the book until the very last page, readers will be captivated. I thoroughly enjoyed A Passing Phase and I hope to read more books from J. Paul Devlin. - Carol Hoyer, ReaderViews First-time author J. Paul Devlin wrote A Passing Phase while working as an assistant to a children's hospital executive, writing each morning and every weekend for nearly three years. He currently resides in Anaheim Hills, California. Visit his website at JPaulDevlin.com.