An Ugly World for Beautiful Boys

  • “An astonishing novel of discovery, heartache, and redemption. Costello writes unapologetically about surviving in a broken world against all odds. Truly unforgettable.”

    —Erin Entrada Kelly, two-time Newbery Medalist and National Book Award Finalist

  • “Rob Costello has crafted an exquisitely haunting, gorgeously-written portrait of survival and resilience with AN UGLY WORLD FOR BEAUTIFUL BOYS. This story is necessary, especially for anyone who has ever felt alone or misunderstood. All too real, it is at once painful and gritty, yet brimming with hope and the profound power of love and understanding. Toby’s story will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.”

    -Amber Smith, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of THE WAY I USED TO BE and THE WAY I AM NOW

  • "Toby's coming-of-age trainwreck reads like the tensest of thrillers and hurts like your worst teenage memory. It's gorgeously written, ultimately healing, and absolutely unforgettable."

    —Nancy Werlin, author of the National Book Award finalist, THE RULES OF SURVIVAL

  • "If you’re looking for a raw, unfiltered journey into the heart of a difficult and complex queer experience, AN UGLY WORLD FOR BEAUTIFUL BOYS is a must-read. Rob Costello has crafted an unflinching coming-of-age story that dives headfirst into the chaos of self-discovery, loss, and redemption through Toby Ryerson: an imperfect, impulsive young man who is trying to survive when everything falls apart. An unforgettable debut novel."

    —Christopher Barzak, author of Stonewall Honor winning novel, WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD

  • "Gritty, lyrical, and refreshingly honest, Costello's debut novel pulses with realness, as raw and resilient as its oh-so-human protagonist. A triumph."

    —Nora Shalaway Carpenter, award-winning author of FAULT LINES & THE EDGE OF ANYTHING

  • "This novel shines in its exploration of the various ways masculinity manifests in the lives of young men, highlighting the damaging effects of toxic masculinity in every scenario. Costello has created multi-dimensional characters who are raw, imperfect, and utterly human. Readers will find themselves swept up in Toby’s joy, only to feel frustration when he makes mistakes… AN UGLY WORLD FOR BEAUTIFUL BOYS is a deeply moving novel about finding self-acceptance and communal joy amidst life’s messiness."

    —Samantha Hui, Independent Book Review

My debut novel from Lethe Press!

Self-styled “beautiful boy” Toby Ryerson dreams in stardust but lives in the dirt. Haunted by the specter of his mom’s overdose, he itches for a life of fun and fabulosity far from the MAGA hats of his backwoods Adirondack town. The only problem: his older brother Jimmy’s plans to polish him into a spotless “Disney gay” with college, career, and husband. Toby knows that Jimmy didn’t sacrifice everything to raise him just so he can waste his life on men and partying like Mom did. But why can’t Jimmy see that he is their mother’s son?

When Toby outs the boy who broke his heart in a fit of rage, the web of lies he’s spun to manage Jimmy’s expectations quickly unravels. A brutal beating leads to a campaign of cyberbullying, culminating in even greater disaster.

Worse: Toby knows it’s all his own fault.

Enter Gabe, a sexy stranger from Mom’s past who seduces Toby with the keys to the Big Apple. But when Toby’s dreams of a fabulous life in the city quickly turn into a nightmare, will Jimmy's love be enough to save him, or will he end up just like Mom?

AN UGLY WORLD FOR BEAUTIFUL BOYS is a gritty and harrowing queer coming-of-age novel as well as a love story between two mismatched brothers coping with the burden of secrets and a legacy of shame.

Audiobook coming soon from Tantor Audio!