Bodaciously True & Totally Awesome: Episode I, Bad Boy

By: Orcutt, Chris

First love is always hard, but it was even harder in 1986. Finally ... a bodaciously true story about teen life in the 1980s.

Bodaciously True & Totally Awesome is an authentic coming-of-age novel that captures the unfiltered experiences of teenage life in suburban America before the internet, algorithms and smartphones tracked our every move. More than mere nostalgia, it's an unapologetically honest look at Gen X adolescence.

In 1986, Avery "Ace" Craig is a high-school sophomore who seems to have it all: he's smart, athletic, and naturally charming. What he doesn't have is a clue: about girls, relationships, or manhood. On a school trip to Washington D.C., Avery shakes hands with President Reagan, gets a glimpse of his future, and has a sexual awakening, setting off a chain reaction of trouble. As Ace struggles with school, parents, hormones and growing up, his only guidance comes from his equally clueless friends, a Boy Scout Handbook, and a Princess Leia poster.

Bodaciously tells the story of a reluctant teen heartthrob who must navigate the perils of romantic relationships while working toward his dreams. Will Avery learn the nature of true love, or will his choices send him down a path of self-destruction?

Combining the humorous sexcapades of Fast Times at Ridgemont High, the introspective narrative of The Catcher in the Rye, and the exuberant adventure of Ferris Bueller's Day Off, with writing that is so choice, this first book in a series offers a righteous, heartfelt portrait of latchkey adolescence. In all, Bodaciously is a time machine back to an authentic 1980s experience, created by someone who actually lived it.

The Atmosphere: From page one, you'll experience the music, fashion, lingo, and everyday details of '80s teen life, like MTV, mixtapes, rotary dial telephones, and concert T-shirts.

The Drama: A fearless look at first love, teen sexuality, heartbreak and the grody path to adulthood.

The Freedom: Sneaking out at night, blasting your tunes, and testing your limits in an era of no adult supervision.

The Soundtrack: Echoing with bands from A-Ha to ZZ Top, it's the ultimate mixtape in book form. Episode "mixtapes" are available on Spotify as "Bodaciously" playlists.

So, if you want to go back to the greatest decade to be a teen in America, then buy the book.

Or don't. Whatever. It's all good.

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Bodaciously is a 9-book episodic novel, with new episodes every 12 weeks.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 196599900X
• ISBN13: 9781965999004
• Release Date: January 2026
• Publisher: Have Pen, Will Travel
• Length: 386 Pages
• Weight: 1.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"