The Golden Boy's Guide to Bipolar

By Author / Illustrator

Sonora Reyes

Genre

LBGTQ+

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Faber & Faber

ISBN

9780571390625

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

15-01-2026

Synopsis

From bestselling author Sonora Reyes comes a poignant and searingly honest companion novel to the multi-award-winning The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School.

17-year-old Cesar Flores is finally ready to win back his ex-boyfriend. Since breaking up with Jamal in an attempt to stay in the closet, he's come out to his mother and his sister Yami, as well as their friends. He's been diligent in taking medication to help manage his bipolar. And after months of unpacking their relationship in their sessions, Cesar has his therapist's blessing to reunite with Jamal.

Everything would be perfect if it weren't for The Thoughts, the ones that won't let all his Catholic guilt and internalised homophobia stay buried. The louder they become, the more Cesar is once again convinced that he doesn't deserve someone like Jamal, or anyone for that matter.

Cesar might be able to conceal his shame behind lighthearted jokes and his gifted reputation, but when a manic episode makes his inner turmoil impossible to hide, he's faced with a stark choice. He can either burn every bridge he has left or, more frighteningly, ask for help. Is the vulnerability of being loved by the people he's hurt the most a risk he's willing to take?

Praise for The Golden Boy's Guide to Bipolar: 'This is Sonora Reyes at their absolute best.' Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys. 'The Golden Boy's Guide to Bipolar will make you shed a tear and tug at your heartstrings.' Adiba Jaigirdar, award-winning author of The Henna Wars. 'Sometimes you come across a book that speaks to you in a way that truly, fully, and uniquely gets you. For me, this is that book.' Jonny Garza Villa, Stonewall Award-winning author of Canto Contigo. 'An unapologetically real and necessary read.' Julian Winters, award-winning author of Right Where I Left You. 'Filled with endless compassion, this book can, and will, save lives.' Alechia Dow, author of The Sound of Stars. 'A heartachingly raw journey of introspection that threads together humor and authenticity.' A. M. Woody, author of They Hate Each Other.

Reviews

Clare

Riven with self-doubt, anger and Catholic guilt, Cesar finds it impossible to deal with his feelings for ex-boyfriend Jamal whilst still holding close to his family's ideals. Throw in being bipolar and bisexual, and life seems impossibly complicated.

In an effort to get a hold on his fragile mental state, Cesar stops taking his medication but friendships and family relations begin to splinter and spiralling anger leads to a serious altercation. Hospitalised and horribly vulnerable, Cesar has to finally confront everything he has been hiding from. Having worked his way through various therapists, it is not until his physical wounds have started to heal and he enters the Horizon Behavioural Centre that he can begin to unravel his complex mental and emotional health.

With chapters led by the rollercoaster of states and emotions that Cesar goes through, the reader gets a really candid insight into the character's deteriorating health. Family relations feel realistically complicated and Cesar's 'journey' to acceptance proves the worth of time, patience and understanding.

The Golden Boy's Guide to Bipolar is about a young person in their most vulnerable state. There are some weighty topics and difficult situations to navigate. Should appeal to readers who enjoy heartfelt, introspective reads.

384 pages / Reviewed by Clare Wilkins, school librarian