AT THE SPEED OF GUS

A young Canadian boy’s mind moves at lightning speed, and so does this heartfelt, hilarious tale.

Everyone daydreams, but as Gus’ older sister Ruby says, “Most of us have a big sign over the doorway of our mind: THIS WAY OUT.” Thirteen-year-old Gus has ADHD, and his maze of a brain definitely doesn’t have clearly marked exits. One morning while reading aloud the daily announcements on the school’s loudspeaker, he goes off script in the name of comedy. The secretary, Miss Funn, doesn’t find Gus’ improvisations amusing and instead serves him a two-day suspension. Gus’ adventure begins the moment he walks out of school and gets a call from Ruby, who requests his help moving out of her college dormitory on Vancouver Island. She gives him clear instructions on how to take the ferry and a bus to her school, but of course no journey is quite so linear for Gus. He must deal with his forgetfulness, his wandering thoughts, and even some incredibly realistic hallucinations, all of which lead to a thoughtful conversation with his doctors about the pros and cons of medication. Gus’ breakneck misadventure is both tender and entertaining—an ode to neurodiversity that speaks to the importance of forging one’s own path and serves as a much-needed reminder that all brains are awesome. Gus is white with Macedonian heritage.

A funny, whirlwind romp that embraces the beautiful buzz of a busy brain.