Yes, on Brian's birthday! When Brian finds her, he realizes what has happened and calls 911. Brian's mom succumbs to depression and attempts suicide. Brian's dad resembles most pretty good dads. Often in books the criminal dad is misunderstood, abusive, or trying to change and gets caught.

On the morning of Brian's birthday, Brian's dad must leave suddenly and get ahead of the cops. Dad plays basketball with Brian and gives him frequent advice. They all love each other and pretty much accept each other, and yes, even annoy each other a bit. He really loves his mom, dad, and brother. He feels like his tough father believes Brian can just 'decide' not to be so anxious. He suffers from pretty severe anxiety which means he doesn't say much. I would say it's a middle of the road book, but then I think about not being bored and wanting to keep on reading. I read it in two nights, which is why I gave it four stars. I could have read Thanks a Lot, Universe straight through had it not been so late. But if they can be brave, they might just find theīest in themselves-and each other. Both boys have to decide if they’re willing to risk sharing parts of themselves they’d rather hide. Help, but he worries if he’s too nice to Brian, his friends will realize that he has a crush on him …īut when Brian and his brother run away, Ezra has no choice but to take the leap and reach out. But now, some of his friends have been acting differently, and Brian seems to be pulling away. He’s friends with most of the kids on his basketball team-even Brian, who usually keeps to himself. And he doesn’t know if things will ever be “normal” again …Įzra’s always been popular. His dad tries to get him to stand up for himself, and his mom helps as much as she can, but after he and his brother are placed into foster care,īrian starts having panic attacks. Because you’re my friend.īrian has always been anxious, whether at home or in class or on the basketball court. Why are you doing this? I took a breath before I replied. He went silent again, until he asked the question I knew was coming.

Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas