Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com

We all have read stories about two siblings who at first get along and then quickly drift apart... with their outcome up to the author. WHAT THEY ALWAYS TELL US has that similar outline; however, Martin Wilson puts his own spin on it and creates a novel more real and even more original than anything else on the shelf currently.

We are introduced to two brothers. First there is James, the older brother who excels in all areas, from academics to athletics. Then there is Alex, who is now considered to be the outsider. Because of an attempted suicide at a party, not only did his friends abandon him but also his brother.

With this incident, James drifts apart from Alex, unsure of what his brother has become. As their life continues, two unlikely people bring them closer together.

First is Henry, the boy next door, who is only ten but has family issues of his own as both parents are hardly there for him. For some odd reason, Alex is drawn to him, wanting to be a guardian toward Henry.

Then there is Nathen, James' friend who notices Alex's interest and potential in running. At first just helping him out, Nathen's bond with Alex turns into something that not even James could have guessed at.

WHAT THEY ALWAYS TELL US is full of heartwarming and breakout scenes that leaves the reader saying one thing: WOW! Certain scenes, such as when Alex confesses his actions and the reconciliation between the brothers, deserve an Oscar for such amazing writing. Martin Wilson develops all four characters in a way that is satisfying, and the chemistry between each of them is so heartfelt.

Words just can't describe how powerful of a read WHAT THEY ALWAYS TELL US is. The only advice I can give you is to pick up the novel and read it (just make sure you have a box of tissues right next to you and an entire free day, because you are not going to want to put this novel down once you start!). ( )

It's always a treat for me when I find a book like this one. What They Always Tell Us is a strong, moving story about growing up. James and Alex are brothers living in Alabama, James just wants to get out of the state, while Alex just wants his life to be normal again. The book begins in James' senior year and Alex's junior and we follow them throughout the school year. Martin Wilson splits his story between the two bothers by using alternating chapters with each brother's point of view. In many ways, Wilson's book reminded me of several other extremely well written and thought provoking gay YA books, especially Peter Cameron's Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You. Wilson doesn't try to sugar coat his story, which follows James as he struggles with his high school friendships, girlfriends and fears about college; and Alex, who must come to terms with his own budding sexuality, a deep depression he tries to overcome and the fears that accompany him when he goes to school. Wilson draws his characters as vivid, real people and I found both James and Alex to be sympathetic people that I identified with. I think that all parents, and teenagers, should read books like Wilson’s because it’s easy to forget that everyone gets depressed, especially in high school. What They Always Tell Us embraces this fact in an uncompromising manner and is better for it. I look forward to reading more of Wilson’s works. ( )

The Horn Book, v. 84 no5 (September/October 2008) p. 599-600.

Alex, a junior in high school, had a pretty decent social life until he decides to try to kill himself at a party. Now shunned by his friends and trying to live in the shadow of his perfect brother James, Alex slowly starts to get back into things when he befriends the 10 year old neighbor boy who doesn't have a father. He's also helped by one of James' friends, Nathen, who becomes his running partner. Soon their relationship develops into something more. ( )

Alex and his brother were always close, but since Alex tried to kill himself a few months ago, things have changed. Even in school, where James is a popular athlete, Alex's friends have abandoned him.

But there are changes in Alex's life: he befriends a new 10-year-old neighbor and, encouraged by one of his brother's friends, joins the track team and discovers things about himself. ( )