Jack & Evan: in verse

Evan has spent most of his life chasing success, determined to avoid the fate of too many other young, Black men. After surviving a tumultuous childhood riddled with violence, drugs, and the uncertainty of Section 8 housing, he finally has it all: a corporate job, an apartment in the city, and a supportive girlfriend. But, when his mother dies, Evan's fragile grasp on stability begins to unravel.

Then Evan's therapist suggests that he do the one thing he never thought he'd do again: reach out to Jack.

"A poignant exploration of young adulthood, friendship, and identity. Hundley weaves a compelling coming-of-age narrative through experimental verse, capturing the complexities of finding one's place in the world. A powerful, timely debut that blends beautiful poetic form with weightier themes, challenging preconceptions that will resonate with readers who appreciate both literary innovation and emotional truth." - Jaclyn Westlake, Author of Dear Dotty

Jack never left the old neighborhood. He lives life hour-by-hour, day-by-day, plagued by gun violence and a searing resentment for his childhood best friend, Evan. After a decade since Jack has heard from his old friend, Evan's first attempts to reach out through text then emails are met with Jack's steely responses and in some cases no response at all. Though the emails persist and Jack eventually returns a lengthy email of his own.

As the two men explore long-forgotten childhood memories, confront old betrayals, and unpack the events that drove them apart, Evan recognizes his pattern of achievement and destruction on his road to success. Evan senses a dark secret buried deep below the surface, a reality he has fought to deny for most of his life. He suspects that Jack might hold the key to finally facing the truth.