Bill Konigsberg Releases Destination Unknown

Published: Dec. 19, 2022, 3 p.m.

Bill Konigsberg, author of six books, the latest being Destination Unknown, a YA book from Scholastic, which Kirkus Reviews calls “Historical fiction at its finest.” In fact, the review is so great, here are some excerpts that say it better than I can: “Two drastically different gay teens meet in New York City in 1987 at the height of the AIDS pandemic…… What ensues is a tour de force: an exploration of a relationship that pulls back the curtains on queer 1980s New York City to reveal a community wrestling with life and death. With care, emotional depth, and a myriad of period music references, Konigsberg expertly balances Micah’s wonder, fear, despair, and outrage at coming out during the AIDS crisis. Strong characterizations of Micah and CJ are buoyed by excellent dialogue and believable secondary characters—…propelling this exhilarating page-turner. It’s sure to be an emotional eye-opener for those who did not live through this time and a resonant picture of resilience, community, and activism for those who did.”