“Axel’s writing crackles with energy and hard-won insight, capturing Oscar’s inner monologue in a way that feels both authentic and deeply relatable.” — BookLife Reviews (Editor’s Pick)

Oscar Danielsson is eighteen, brilliantly ADHD, and about to ruin his life—again.

He'd rather hide in his room than face high school graduation. Between his spectacular mistakes, self-medicating, and overwhelming existential dread, getting out of bed feels harder than getting into Northwestern. His only friend? His aging spaniel. His biggest fear? Everyone discovering he's not as promising as they expect. Then, one hazy mistake too many launches Oscar on a mysterious cross-country road trip with his free-wheeling Grammy—who's done playing by the rules. Leaving behind his girl crush, beloved dog, and all his comforting vices is torture. But Oscar discovers that even a journey based on a lie can lead to the most honest destination.

Oscar is the defiant anti-hero you can't stop rooting for. Grammy is his unlikely wingman.
Together they'll melt, break, and then repair your heart.

Promising Young Man is a powerful exploration of belonging that doesn't shy away from the messy truth of growing up or growing older. Perfect for readers who loved The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Virgin Suicides, A Man Called Ove, or On the Road, and anyone - in high school, college, or deep in their career - who's ever felt like a square peg in a round world or watched someone they love struggle to fit in.