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"The Vast Fields of Ordinary" is the story of Dade, a gay Midwestern teenager, whose journey of self-acceptance takes place during the summer before his first year of college. Dade grapples with coming out, his parents impending divorce, and his nascent sexual relationships.

First-time author Burd writes his characters with an authentic voice that realistically captures the teenage experience. He does not shy away from the realities of the lives of many teenagers. His characters unapologetically drink, smoke pot, and have sexual relationships, which makes them more realistic examples of 21st century adolescents.