Let Them Stare A Novel
Let Them Stare A Novel by Jonathan Van Ness, published by HarperCollins Publishers on May 20, 2025, is a vibrant exploration of friendship and self-discovery. This 336-page novel follows Sully, an eighteen-year-old gender-nonconforming individual eager to leave their small town of Hearst, Pennsylvania, for a fashion internship in the city. However, when their plans unravel, Sully finds themselves stuck in Hearst with no resources, leading them to a thrift store where they stumble upon a vintage bag that could change their fortunes.
As Sully investigates the bag’s history, they encounter the ghost of Rufus, a drag performer from the fifties, who has his own unresolved past. Together, they embark on a journey that intertwines Sully’s quest for a new life with the rich history of their hometown. This novel addresses themes of social issues and family dynamics, providing a unique lens on the complexities of growing up and finding one’s identity. Readers will find a blend of humor and heart as Sully navigates their summer filled with unexpected challenges and revelations.
Official synopsis Publisher
An instant New York Times and Indie bestseller!
From Emmy Award winner Jonathan Van Ness of Queer Eye and #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Murphy comes a bighearted story about friendship, love–and discovering the secrets and beauty of your own hometown.
Sully is ready to get out of Hearst, Pennsylvania. With a fashion internship secured, the gender-nonconforming eighteen-year-old is trading in their stifling small town for the big city. Sully even sells their beloved car, to Bread–er, Brad–the most boring (and maybe only other) gay kid in town.
When Sully’s internship goes up in smoke, they’re trapped in Hearst with no cash–and no car. Desperate, they go to the thrift store, their personal sanctuary. There, they discover a vintage bag–like “put this baby in an airtight case at the MET” vintage. If Sully can authenticate it, the resale value would be enough for a new life in the city.
But when they begin to investigate, Sully finds themself haunted. Literally. With the ghost of Rufus, a drag performer from the fifties with no memory of how he died standing–no, floating–in their bedroom, Sully’s summer has a new purpose: 1) help this ghostly honey unlock his past and move on and 2) make bank–after all, the Real Real doesn’t take poltergeist purses.
With Rufus in tow, and Brad–who’s looking pretty scrumptious these days–playing chauffeur, Sully delves into the history of the town they’re so desperate to escape. Only to discover that there might be more to Hearst than they ever knew.
“A quirky, passionate, rebellious, and quick-witted novel.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
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