Thomas Cullen

PRAISE

“An engaging read, with a nostalgic tone that makes it ideal for young adults, new adults, and older adults alike.”
—Books Uplift

“Thomas Cullen’s Charlie-Man is a fine example of a YA novel that doubles as adult literary fiction. In this coming-of-age roman à clef, Charlie Stewart navigates his senior year at a Richmond prep school, still wounded from his father’s premature death. Somewhat of an outsider in this milieu of privileged southern families—his friends attend tennis academies at Hilton Head, plan on Ivy League admittances, would never venture into the poorer parts of Richmond—Charlie finds himself trying to make sense of everything, while dealing with a mother who’s in a downward spiral. This is a wonderful debut, with rich descriptions.”
—George Singleton, author of The Curious Lives of Non-Profit Martyrs

“Charlie-Man is an absolute masterpiece, the rare book that gets everything just right. It’s wise and genuine and poignant, but—and this is the magic—it also tells a remarkably entertaining story from start to finish. I very much enjoyed my time with Charlie, and I’m grateful for the trip through his world.”
—Martin Clark, author of The Plinko Bounce and The Substitution Order

“High school is supposed to be fun, stimulating, and transformational. It is often all that and more. Occasionally, however, it is the scene of tragedy too. In this first novel, Judge Thomas Cullen tells the compelling story of Charlie Stewart’s senior year at a prestigious prep school in Richmond, Virginia. Charlie and his best friend, Beau, navigate the social, academic, and athletic challenges of their senior year as a trusting team, a band of brothers, only to experience shocking misfortune. Cullen is a natural and colorful storyteller, and this absorbing story will warm your heart and renew your faith in the sanctity of authentic friendship.”
—Dr. David Emory Shi, historian, former Furman University president, and author of many books, including America: A Narrative History

“Cullen portrays Charlie and his classmates as authentic teenagers awkwardly but earnestly navigating the world, often to amusing effect, and he evokes the prep school world of 1990s Richmond, Virginia with both nostalgia and honesty. You root for the quiet but determined Charlie to get the girl, win the race, and find the confidence to make himself whole again. Insightful, heart-breaking, both tender and raucous, Charlie-Man is a moving tale of friendship, loss, hope, and the winding road to manhood.”
—Christopher Swann, author of Shadow of the Lions, A Fire in the Night, and the Faulkner Family Thriller series

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

• Writing a YA novel is an unusual pastime for a federal judge. Why did you want to write one? 

• How similar was your high school experience to those of the characters in Charlie-Man?  

• Do you see yourself in one (or more) of the characters?  

• What about the Southern prep school experience sets it apart from what goes on in public high schools (in the South or anywhere)?  

• During Charlie’s senior year, he faces anxiety, grief, and loss on several levels. How do you think his experiences can be instructive to readers?  

• Charlie and his teenage cohort are the stars of the book, but several adult characters are prominent as well, especially Coach Reeves, Charlie’s track coach and counselor. Why was it important to include a mentor like him in the story?  

• Why do you think coming-of-age novels remain so popular among American readers?  

• Did any classic examples of the genre influence your writing in Charlie-Man?