A Perfect Playlist for John Corey Whaley’s Highly Illogical Behavior

John Corey Whaley’s third novel, Highly Illogical Behavior, is the story of Solomon, a 16-year-old agoraphobic trekkie, and Lisa, the girl who wants to cure him. Solomon hasn’t left his house for three years. It’s a little lonely, and a little quiet, but it’s safe, and safe is what he needs right now. When Lisa and her model-handsome boyfriend enter his life (by entering his house), Solomon’s world has to expand to let them in. Lisa is certain she can expand it further, to outside of the house, but Solomon is equally sure his home will be his world, for as far into the future as he can see.
Reading the book, I was particularly struck by the generosity of the writing, which is upfront about the things Solomon loses out on because of his condition, without ever painting him as a tragic, doomed, or pitiable character. To celebrate him, I made a cozy Highly Illogical playlist for listening to in your room. It starts with a sense of yearning: for something beyond the home, for someone or something far away. But as the playlist goes on it explores the comforts of home. The way bringing someone new into your world can transform the familiar into something extraordinary. The way dreams can take you anywhere you need to go.
https://open.spotify.com/user/nochshorn/playlist/5y97e9wfdFYZWlAzN8km0m