In Road Home, the heart-wrenching final book in his memoir trilogy that began with Free Lunch, Rex Ogle details the turbulent summer of 1998 after high school when he came out as gay and was forced out of the house by his father.
"I never thought I would have so little," Ogle writes of his 17-year-old self, "Not when I need so much." The young man, with nowhere else to go, packs a duffle bag and drives from Alabama to New Orleans to stay with an older man whom he met during a vacation. Their short, tumultuous relationship leads to domestic violence, and Ogle flees and lives on the streets. When he becomes unhoused, Ogle calls his religious abuela for help, but she doesn't answer. "I can't bring myself to leave a message. What would I even say? 'I'm gay. I'm homeless. I'm scared.' "
Detailed dialogue and short, punchy sentences are captivating and effortlessly convey Ogle's bleak experience. Throughout, Ogle vividly recounts his desperation and bouts with suicidal ideation while also highlighting shreds of hope, such as reminders of his childhood. For example, one evening, after obtaining enough money from panhandling to afford a McDonald's Happy Meal, Ogle delights in finding a red plastic dragon. The small toy goes on to serve as a companion and good luck charm during some of his darkest moments. Ogle eventually bravely reaches out to a family member and is given the opportunity to begin rebuilding his life--ultimately, Road Home is a story of queer survival and reclamation of self. --Kieran Slattery, freelance reviewer, teacher, co-creator of Gender Inclusive Classrooms