"The Porcupine of Truth" is a young adult novel written by Bill Konigsberg. It was published in 2015 and has received critical acclaim for its exploration of important themes, including identity, friendship, family, and the search for truth.
The story revolves around the lives of two teenagers, Carson Smith and Aisha Stinson. Carson, a white, openly gay teenager, is struggling with his sexuality and a strained relationship with his conservative Christian parents. Aisha, who is African American, is dealing with the recent death of her father and her mother's struggle with alcoholism.
The two teens cross paths when Carson is sent to Billings, Montana, to spend the summer with his estranged father, who is dying of cancer. Carson's arrival in Billings leads to an unexpected friendship with Aisha, as well as a quest to uncover the truth about a mysterious, centuries-old artifact known as the Porcupine of Truth.
As Carson and Aisha embark on a road trip to discover the artifact's origins, they encounter various challenges and meet a diverse cast of characters. Along the way, they discuss issues related to faith, identity, family, and love. The novel's themes are intertwined with moments of humor and heartwarming interactions between the two protagonists.
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