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.
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.
“The novels in this review focus on three different time periods: World War II, the early 1950s and contemporary times. However, they all have something in common: these young adults are looking for ways to live a meaningful life.” - Rabbi Rachel Esserman
Written by: Steven Gellman
Genre: YA LGBTQ+
Format: 🎧
4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Synopsis
Coming out is hard, especially when you have two gay moms. At least it is for Simon Bugg. It’s Simon’s senior year and his world just turned upside down. When his mom scores a dream job, Simon lands at a new school away from the only friends he has ever known. Now, his mom is overworked and chronically stressed, and his deadbeat dad is back on the scene. Navigating a new school and new friends is a challenge for a neurotic overthinker, and Simon finds himself turning to his rescue cat and a local barista for support.
Review
Somewhere In Nowhere is a beautifully written piece which places the reader into the world of Simon and takes you on their life changing journey of coming to terms with who they are.
The character experiences so much throughout the read and I felt that the way in which Gellman was able to capture the confusion of navigating love, sexuality, and family dynamics as a teenager moving towards adulthood were handled beautifully.
This read will hit you in the feels. I found myself being overjoyed in multiple chapters, sad and brought to tears in a cluster of others (sorry to the woman who had to sit next to me on the train ride where I ended up crying - but thank you for checking on me) and was rage filled at two specific chapters which I annoyingly can’t speak much about without giving away spoilers.
This is a true testament to the brilliant writing as I found myself fully immersed within the story telling.
Somewhere In Nowhere, is a read which packs a hard-hitting emotional punch and for me was a great debut from the author. I very much look forward to their next.
Written by: Steven Gellman
Genre: YA LGBTQ+
Format: 🎧
4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Synopsis
Coming out is hard, especially when you have two gay moms. At least it is for Simon Bugg. It’s Simon’s senior year and his world just turned upside down. When his mom scores a dream job, Simon lands at a new school away from the only friends he has ever known. Now, his mom is overworked and chronically stressed, and his deadbeat dad is back on the scene. Navigating a new school and new friends is a challenge for a neurotic overthinker, and Simon finds himself turning to his rescue cat and a local barista for support.
Review
Somewhere In Nowhere is a beautifully written piece which places the reader into the world of Simon and takes you on their life changing journey of coming to terms with who they are.
The character experiences so much throughout the read and I felt that the way in which Gellman was able to capture the confusion of navigating love, sexuality, and family dynamics as a teenager moving towards adulthood were handled beautifully.
This read will hit you in the feels. I found myself being overjoyed in multiple chapters, sad and brought to tears in a cluster of others (sorry to the woman who had to sit next to me on the train ride where I ended up crying - but thank you for checking on me) and was rage filled at two specific chapters which I annoyingly can’t speak much about without giving away spoilers.
This is a true testament to the brilliant writing as I found myself fully immersed within the story telling.
Somewhere In Nowhere, is a read which packs a hard-hitting emotional punch and for me was a great debut from the author. I very much look forward to their next.
The Gay Ass Book Club podcast featuring debut novelist Steven Gellman on writing queer YA fiction. Listen on Apple Podcasts.
