REVIEWS
Starred review of FANS in Publishers Weekly
"Scelsa debuts with an evocative novel about finding friendship, love, and oneself, as well as the pain that often accompanies the journey."
"Scelsa debuts with an evocative novel about finding friendship, love, and oneself, as well as the pain that often accompanies the journey."
Lambda Literary review of FANS
"You’re in capable hands reading Kate Scelsa’s phenomenal debut novel in which love makes everything possible."
"You’re in capable hands reading Kate Scelsa’s phenomenal debut novel in which love makes everything possible."
RT Book Review of FANS
"With a well done and relevant release, Scelsa understands today’s teens. Whether it be from a fleeting, perfectly described moment, or thanks to the well-developed characters, you will see yourself in this book. With flawed characters to root for, you will appreciate this one."
"With a well done and relevant release, Scelsa understands today’s teens. Whether it be from a fleeting, perfectly described moment, or thanks to the well-developed characters, you will see yourself in this book. With flawed characters to root for, you will appreciate this one."
Kirkus review of FANS
"Buoyant writing and wry humor balance the pathos in this powerful debut, a moving tale of friendship as refuge and shield against a hostile world."
"Buoyant writing and wry humor balance the pathos in this powerful debut, a moving tale of friendship as refuge and shield against a hostile world."
FANS is an American Booksellers Association "Indies Introduce" Summer/Fall pick
"I could not put this book down and absolutely devoured it. I found the characters to be endearingly real and their interactions and heartaches flowed with the expected angst of teenage hormones and uncertainty. This is a real book for real teens and adults, who will find themselves happily lost in this story from first page to last."
– Jesica Sweedler DeHart, BookPeople of Moscow (Moscow, ID)
"I could not put this book down and absolutely devoured it. I found the characters to be endearingly real and their interactions and heartaches flowed with the expected angst of teenage hormones and uncertainty. This is a real book for real teens and adults, who will find themselves happily lost in this story from first page to last."
– Jesica Sweedler DeHart, BookPeople of Moscow (Moscow, ID)
Review of FANS by Blogger Bookishandawesome
"As eloquent as it is heartfelt, Fans of the Impossible Life takes storytelling to a higher class and diversity higher still. Let me be the first to say that this is a novel—if not the novel—champions of the We Need Diverse Books campaign should be talking about."
"As eloquent as it is heartfelt, Fans of the Impossible Life takes storytelling to a higher class and diversity higher still. Let me be the first to say that this is a novel—if not the novel—champions of the We Need Diverse Books campaign should be talking about."
Review of FANS by Blogger Kathy Coe on "A Glass of Wine" Blog
"A bold, heartfelt book filled with self discovery and friendship. This novel is not just beautifully written, but is filled with characters who will capture your heart. Kate Scelsa has announced herself as a bright new voice in YA and I cannot wait to see what she writes next."
"A bold, heartfelt book filled with self discovery and friendship. This novel is not just beautifully written, but is filled with characters who will capture your heart. Kate Scelsa has announced herself as a bright new voice in YA and I cannot wait to see what she writes next."
INTERVIEWS
Teen Vogue: Meet YA Author Kate Scelsa, Whose Whimsical Debut Novel Tackles Depression and Sexuality
By Kate Dwyer
By Kate Dwyer
Germ Magazine: ‘Fans of the Impossible Life’ Is Kate Scelsa’s Answer to Lack of Queer YA Characters
By Alaina Leary
By Alaina Leary
Lambda Literary: "Kate Scelsa - On 'Fans of the Impossible Life' and New Approaches to Young Adult Literature"
By Sarah Sawyers-Lovett
By Sarah Sawyers-Lovett
Must-read YA: 'Fans of the Impossible Life' by Kate Scelsa (and interview!)
Interview with Jessie Potts for the USA Today Happy Ever After Blog
Interview with Jessie Potts for the USA Today Happy Ever After Blog
The Debut Club: An interview with Kate Scelsa, author of FANS OF THE IMPOSSIBLE LIFE
Interview with Evelyn Skye for the Sweet Sixteens Blog
Interview with Evelyn Skye for the Sweet Sixteens Blog
#MeetTheNewbs Kate Scelsa Author of Fans of the Impossible Life (10 Facts + Giveaway)
10 Facts about FANS OF THE IMPOSSIBLE LIFE
10 Facts about FANS OF THE IMPOSSIBLE LIFE
Kara Lee Corthron's "Q & A's with Writers about things OTHER than writing!"
"Because writers are interesting people, which is probably why they write."
"Because writers are interesting people, which is probably why they write."
FANS is picked as a 2015 "Most Anticipated" read by A Glass Of Wine Blog
My first interview about FANS OF THE IMPOSSIBLE LIFE - find out what flavor of ice cream FANS would be (I cheated and added toppings)
My first interview about FANS OF THE IMPOSSIBLE LIFE - find out what flavor of ice cream FANS would be (I cheated and added toppings)
RADIO AND PODCAST INTERVIEWS
What Book Hooked You
In this episode author Kate Scelsa tells how the book that hooked her was an inspiration to her debut release "Fans of the Impossible Life" and how her performance in an 8 hour play helped her finish writing "Fans." With host Brock Shelley
In this episode author Kate Scelsa tells how the book that hooked her was an inspiration to her debut release "Fans of the Impossible Life" and how her performance in an 8 hour play helped her finish writing "Fans." With host Brock Shelley
Coming Out With Jeffrey Marsh: Come Out to Yourself First
Jeffrey (@thejeffreymarsh) and Danny (IG @dannycoeyman) talk to Kate Scelsa about coming out to ourselves first, then telling the rest of the world.
Jeffrey (@thejeffreymarsh) and Danny (IG @dannycoeyman) talk to Kate Scelsa about coming out to ourselves first, then telling the rest of the world.
"Evidence of our Tribes: A Conversation About Queer YA with Kate Scelsa"
Kate guests on the Book Jawn Podcast with Sarah Sawyers-Lovett
Kate guests on the Book Jawn Podcast with Sarah Sawyers-Lovett
LISTS
FANS is included in "The Best Young Adult Books of 2015" and "16 YAs That Get it RIght: Teen Edition"
On the Barnes and Noble Teen Blog
On the Barnes and Noble Teen Blog
Paste Magazine: "21 of the Best New YA Books in September"
"Why You’ll Love It: Foster homes. Depression. Misfit teenagers. Fans of the Impossible Life promises to be a contemporary read that just hits everything I really adore in a solid YA novel, and then some. Diverse characters and a story that touches on mental health and sexuality? It’s definitely at the top of my to-read list when it comes out this month. "
"Why You’ll Love It: Foster homes. Depression. Misfit teenagers. Fans of the Impossible Life promises to be a contemporary read that just hits everything I really adore in a solid YA novel, and then some. Diverse characters and a story that touches on mental health and sexuality? It’s definitely at the top of my to-read list when it comes out this month. "
"20 of Our Most Anticipated September YAs" from The B&N Teen Blog
"Sebby and Mira are best friends and soul mates, clinging together in a world that continually disappoints them. Friendless Jeremy, traumatized after being outed by school bullies, can hardly believe his luck when they take him under their wing—and when Sebby maybe, possibly, starts becoming his boyfriend. But not all damage is created equal, and even Mira’s quicksand depression and Jeremy’s past can’t help them understand foster child Sebby’s hunger for annihilation, which threatens to tear their three-person world apart. Scelsa has created a gorgeous portrait of an all-consuming friendship touched by magic and ritual and mutual need. It’s told in alternating perspectives between the three friends, with dialogue so funny and true you’ll want to read it aloud." - Melissa Albert
"Sebby and Mira are best friends and soul mates, clinging together in a world that continually disappoints them. Friendless Jeremy, traumatized after being outed by school bullies, can hardly believe his luck when they take him under their wing—and when Sebby maybe, possibly, starts becoming his boyfriend. But not all damage is created equal, and even Mira’s quicksand depression and Jeremy’s past can’t help them understand foster child Sebby’s hunger for annihilation, which threatens to tear their three-person world apart. Scelsa has created a gorgeous portrait of an all-consuming friendship touched by magic and ritual and mutual need. It’s told in alternating perspectives between the three friends, with dialogue so funny and true you’ll want to read it aloud." - Melissa Albert
FANS on the Fall 2015 Indie Next List
“Jeremy, Mira, and Sebby are three of the most interesting and authentic Young Adult voices I have ever read. Life as a teenager is rarely as simple as the world might have us believe, and these three characters and their stories are a wonderful illustration of just how hard it feels some days to simply get out of bed in the morning and march out into your day as if everything is fine. Scelsa reminds readers that it's OK to feel unsure or afraid, and that true friends will accept you as you are and walk with you while you find your way.”
—Laura Donohoe (M), Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe, Asheville, NC
“Jeremy, Mira, and Sebby are three of the most interesting and authentic Young Adult voices I have ever read. Life as a teenager is rarely as simple as the world might have us believe, and these three characters and their stories are a wonderful illustration of just how hard it feels some days to simply get out of bed in the morning and march out into your day as if everything is fine. Scelsa reminds readers that it's OK to feel unsure or afraid, and that true friends will accept you as you are and walk with you while you find your way.”
—Laura Donohoe (M), Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe, Asheville, NC
"Five YA Novels that Channel The Breakfast Club" from the B&N Teen Blog
"Misfits who can’t find acceptance elsewhere band together to survive high school. Sound familiar? Mira is trying to prove to her parents that she can move past the depression that put her in the hospital. Sebby is Mira’s gay best friend, whose outward confidence masks the troubles he faces at his foster home. And Jeremy is the art nerd who meets and falls in love with both of them. They’re like their own mini Breakfast Club!"
"Misfits who can’t find acceptance elsewhere band together to survive high school. Sound familiar? Mira is trying to prove to her parents that she can move past the depression that put her in the hospital. Sebby is Mira’s gay best friend, whose outward confidence masks the troubles he faces at his foster home. And Jeremy is the art nerd who meets and falls in love with both of them. They’re like their own mini Breakfast Club!"
FANS on the PopCrush list "10 Best New YA Books That Explore Sexuality" by Emily Maas
Mira struggles with depression and is attempting to start over at a new prep school. Sebby is her gay foster kid BFF. Jeremy is a super shy artist who'd prefer to be left alone, but finds himself drawn to both Mira and Sebby. What you get is a heartfelt debut that shows there are more ways than one to love.
Mira struggles with depression and is attempting to start over at a new prep school. Sebby is her gay foster kid BFF. Jeremy is a super shy artist who'd prefer to be left alone, but finds himself drawn to both Mira and Sebby. What you get is a heartfelt debut that shows there are more ways than one to love.