Destination Unknown

By: Bill Konigsberg

Narrated by: Pete Cross

Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

The first thing I noticed about C.J. Gorman was his plexiglass bra.

So begins Destination Unknown—it's 1987 in New York City, and Micah is at a dance club, trying to pretend he's more out and outgoing than he really is. C.J. isn't just out—he’s completely out there, and Micah can't help but be both attracted to and afraid of someone who travels so loudly and proudly through the night.

A connection occurs. Is it friendship? Romance? Is C.J. the one with all the answers... or does Micah bring more to the relationship that it first seems? As their lives become more and more entangled in the AIDS epidemic that’s laying waste to their community, and the AIDS activism that will ultimately bring a strong voice to their demands, whatever Micah and C.J. have between them will be tested, strained, pushed, and pulled—but it will also be a lifeline in a time of death, a bond that will determine the course of their futures.

In Destination Unknown, Bill Konigsberg returns to a time he knew well as a teenager to tell a story of identity, connection, community, and survival.

©2022 Bill Konigsberg (P)2022 Scholastic Inc

Young love story in the AIDS crisis

Brought back so many memories about New York City. I came on vacation for the first time in 1989 but came back to stay for good in 1994 after meeting my partner the previous year. destination unknown gave me a sense of what I missed, thankfully, during the beginning of the eighth‘s crisis and I was moved to read again about the community form by act up in their demonstrations. but what I love the most was the portrayal of the love between two young men, clearly not a rosy picture of what love is, but very realistic for the time… Pete’s narration was outstanding, as usual, with different voice for each character!

An important book to read for all that wasnt hit by the Aids-epidemy

An important book to read for all that wasnt hit by the Aids-epidemy. I cried snd cried. And still cry. And I am so embarrased I did not act up! Thank you Bill Konigsberg for this book!

Thanks for ripping my heart out again Bill

Only in the best way a book can. Being of an age where this is my history landed this book even harder on my heart. Everyone should read this, no holding back but be ready with the box of tissues.

amazing

Konigsberg strikes at the heart of what it means to be human, to be in relationship, to love another person. Destination Unknown served jar me from my typical heteronormative existence to remind myself to rejoice in my gayness.

He spoke my truth!

I was 21y when I got my HTLV3 positive test. It was 1986. But I was alone, in a small Lutheran college outside of Chicago. I was propelled deeper into denial, loneliness and the closet.

Bill’s telling of the experiences of young gay teens resonated deeply with me. I longed to live those frightening years with more opportunities to be out and connected with others. His portrayal of hope & courage in the midst of fear is brilliant.

A wonderful story about a sad and shameful time in our history

I was a preteen during the time setting for this book, and I am not gay or a man, so I didn’t get it. Now I get it, and I wish more had been done, and I wonder what I can do now. I am a big fan of Bill Konigsberg specifically for his development of real relationships in prose. No one does it like him.

Heart Felt

Bill Konigsberg, brings you into the story. The characters are identifiable on all levels. This story brings out tears of joy and sadness it was an emotional roller coaster. A must read.