{"title":"James Brandon","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the captivating world of James Brandon, an acclaimed author celebrated for his poignant storytelling and heartfelt narratives within the \u003cem\u003eYoung Adult\u003c\/em\u003e genre. Brandon's writing seamlessly fuses personal growth, identity exploration, and the profound impact of friendship and love, resonating deeply with readers from all walks of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA standout in his collection is \u003cem\u003eZiggy, Stardust and Me\u003c\/em\u003e, a deeply evocative tale set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1970s. This novel invites readers on an unforgettable journey through the eyes of a young protagonist grappling with self-acceptance and the complexities of adolescence. Brandon's vivid descriptions and engaging prose paint a compelling picture of a bygone era while tackling timeless themes of belonging and courage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're a long-time fan of Young Adult fiction or newly discovering this genre, James Brandon's works offer an insightful and immersive reading experience that promises to both challenge and inspire. Dive into his collection and discover narratives that are rich in emotion and authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"ziggy-stardust-and-me-by-james-brandon-9780525517665","title":"Ziggy, Stardust and Me","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this tender-hearted debut, set against the tumultuous backdrop of life in 1973, when homosexuality is still considered a mental illness, two boys defy all the odds and fall in love. Now in paperback.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe year is 1973. The Watergate hearings are in full swing. The Vietnam War is still raging. And homosexuality is still officially considered a mental illness. In the midst of these trying times is sixteen-year-old Jonathan Collins, a bullied, anxious, asthmatic kid, who aside from an alcoholic father and his sympathetic neighbour and friend Starla, is completely alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo cope, Jonathan escapes to the safe haven of his imagination, where his hero David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust and dead relatives, including his mother, guide him through the rough terrain of his life. In his alternate reality, Jonathan can be anything— a superhero, an astronaut, Ziggy Stardust, himself, or completely \"normal\" and not a boy who likes other boys. When he completes his treatments, he will be normal—at least he hopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut before that can happen, Web stumbles into his life. Web is everything Jonathan wishes he could be—fearless, fearsome and, most importantly, not ashamed of being gay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJonathan doesn't want to like brooding Web, who has secrets all his own. Jonathan wants nothing more than to be \"fixed\" once and for all. But he's drawn to Web anyway. Web is the first person in the real world to see Jonathan completely and think he's perfect. Web is a kind of escape Jonathan has never known. For the first time in his life, he may finally feel free enough to love and accept himself as he is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eZiggy, Stardust and Me\u003c\/em\u003e tells a poignant story of self-discovery and acceptance, as Jonathan navigates the struggles of his time and identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46512387555564,"sku":"9780525517665","price":38.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/2225403482375.jpg?v=1748845767"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/james-brandon.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}