Confessions of a Pessimist

Seventeen and low self-esteem, Reuben has decided he can’t afford much hope. With an alcoholic mom, an absent dad, and a best friend who can’t determine if she loves him or not, Reuben barely manages to float above despair with a pessimistic sense of humor and music. The summer after his junior year of high school is no exception. Reuben doesn’t expect to win the Battle of the Bands he and his friends signed up for. He certainly doesn’t expect to form a friendship with the new kid. And when tragedy strikes amidst an already troubling summer, Reuben is forced to confront the fears he’s avoided all this time. Dive into the heart of an angst-filled teenage boy with this humorous and relatable story about finding truth and self-worth.