Michal Hoschan­der Malen, edi­tor of Jew­ish Book Coun­cil’s young adult and children’s book reviews, calls Somewhere in Nowhere “a reward­ing read­ing expe­ri­ence.” Read the full review here. 

Somewhere in Nowhere by Steven Gellman is a thoughtful, heartfelt coming of age story that tackles some heavy topics with an incredible amount of care.

Simon is struggling with panic attacks and desperately needs to understand where they're coming from. Getting to the root of them means facing a trauma from his past that he has worked hard to avoid. At the same time, Simon is realizing that he's gay and trying to figure out how and when to come out.

That's complicated enough on its own, but Simon has two moms, and he worries that people will assume he's gay because they are lesbians. His anxiety, overthinking, and the way he processes all of this felt incredibly real and relatable.

One of my favorite parts of the book is Simon's relationship with PJ. Their budding romance is such a wonderful portrayal of young queer love. Simon's thoughts and feelings throughout their relationship feel genuine, awkward, hopeful, and completely believable.

I also really appreciated the way Gellman handles the heavier subject matter.

The story gives you a real understanding of Simon's trauma and the impact it has on his panic attacks without relying on graphic, on page depictions of the trauma itself. You absolutely get to the bottom of what is happening with Simon, but the journey is handled thoughtfully and with care. I think that makes this a particularly meaningful read for young audiences, while also making it a valuable book for adults who want to better understand these experiences and learn how to be supportive, safe adults for LGBTQIA+ young people.

Somewhere in Nowhere is ultimately a story about figuring out who you are, learning to face the things that scare you, and discovering that you don't have to navigate it all alone. Simon is a character you can't help but root for, and his journey stayed with me.

A wonderful coming of age story with heart, humor, romance, and some important conversations handled exceptionally well.

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The Washington City Paper featured Somewhere in Nowhere in their Summer TBR Pile feature. 

Instagram's Read with Harlee featured Steven's Somewhere in Nowhere in the first episode of the new season of Clinically Speaking — a series where Harlee analyzes queer books through a social work and therapy lens. Check it out! 

Somewhere in Nowhere is now available in a special edition format with custom sprayed edges. Available while supplies last. Order here. 

Steven was one of only three recipients selected for the highly coveted ApollyCon Wordsmith Scholarship, an honor founded by #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout. The scholarship was created to empower and uplift historically marginalized members of the book community by providing invaluable access to ApollyCon's resources, networking opportunities, and professional development.

Supported by a dedicated board of directors, the ApollyCon Wordsmith Scholarship's mission is to foster an inclusive literary community where aspiring and established authors, readers, and industry professionals from historically marginalized backgrounds can thrive. By removing financial barriers, facilitating meaningful connections, and supporting creative growth, the scholarship helps talented storytellers pursue their literary careers while celebrating the transformative power of books.

The Alien Within, The Heart Beyond

Simon Bugg's senior year is turned upside down when his family moves, forcing him to leave behind his friends and start over at a new school. As he adjusts to an overworked mom, the return of his absent father, and growing feelings for a classmate named PJ, Simon secretly battles mysterious nightly "alien" attacks that convince him he's dying.

With the support of new friends, a rescue cat, and an unlikely mentor, Simon must confront the fears and hidden truths that have been holding him back before he loses his chance at love and the future he wants.

One of author Steven Gellman’s greatest strengths is the ability to tell an emotionally rich story that flows effortlessly from beginning to end. The pacing feels natural, allowing each scene to build on the last while drawing the reader deeper into Simon's world. Gellman also excels at character development, giving each relationship and emotional turning point the time it needs to evolve. Simon's growth feels genuine, making his journey believable and essential to the story's overall impact.

The writing is immersive and highly descriptive, making it easy to experience both the events unfolding around Simon and the emotions raging beneath the surface. His portrayal of a young man wrestling with life-changing decisions, first love, family expectations, and questions about his future—all while coping with circumstances that feel completely beyond his control—is authentic, relatable, and often heartbreaking. The dialogue is equally believable, capturing the awkwardness, humor, and vulnerability of teenagers without ever feeling forced.

Perhaps the most powerful element is the recurring image of the alien living inside Simon. The vivid descriptions of it scratching and fighting to get out create an unforgettable metaphor for the fear, anxiety, and emotional turmoil he carries. It is both unsettling and deeply moving, adding another layer of depth to an already compelling story.

The narrator, Michael Crouch, delivers a superb narration that brings Simon's story vividly to life. His performance captures each character's personality with authenticity, using subtle yet distinct vocal differences that make conversations easy to follow without ever sounding exaggerated. His clear diction, natural cadence, and impeccable timing enhance every scene, knowing exactly when to emphasize a word, heighten the tension, or allow an emotional moment to breathe.

What truly sets Crouch's narration apart is his ability to convey the full range of emotions with sincerity. Whether Simon is experiencing fear, uncertainty, humor, or the excitement of first love, Crouch's delivery allows listeners to feel every moment alongside him. His narration transforms an already compelling story into a deeply immersive listening experience, drawing listeners completely into Simon's world and leaving the characters and their journey lingering long after the final chapter.

This is a novel that doesn't simply tell Simon's story—it allows readers to experience every struggle, triumph, and emotion alongside him.

Somewhere in Nowhere was included in Bookstr's ten inspiring YA books that tackle real-life challenges while encouraging resilience, personal growth, and self discovery. Read more. 

“Perfect for fans of Heartstopper and The Perks of Being a Wallflower, this story offers a nuanced look at mental health while exploring what it means to come into your own.” Read more. 

Gellman has long championed authentic queer storytelling — first through his music and now through his debut novel. Read more.