Promising Young Man by Elias Axel
"a simply fascinating, original, and exceptional 'coming of age' novel … especially and unreservedly recommended…”
— Midwest Book Review (Library Bookwatch, May 2026 )
Oscar Danielsson is eighteen, brilliantly ADHD, and about to ruin his life—again.
He looks like a promise waiting to be kept. His biggest fear is everyone discovering he's not what they expect at all. Between his spectacular mistakes, self-medicating, and overwhelming existential dread, hiding in his room feels safe, even if it means blowing high school graduation. Then, after one hazy mistake too many, Oscar gets a chance at redemption: a mysterious cross-country road trip with his free-wheeling Grammy, who's done playing by the rules. Leaving behind his girl crush, beloved dog, and all his comforting vices is torture. But Grammy’s secret changes everything—and Oscar discovers one of his own.
Oscar is the defiant anti-hero you can't stop rooting for.
Grammy is his unlikely wingman.
Together they're almost okay.
A modern Caulfield meets Harold and Maude with an ADHD twist
—Darkly witty, Achingly real.
Promising Young Man is a poignant, darkly witty work of contemporary Midwestern-American fiction about a disaffected teenager's extraordinary mind and his struggle to find his place in our confusing world. It’s a powerful exploration of belonging, societal expectations, and loss of innocence that doesn't shy away from the messy truth of growing up or growing older.
Perfect for readers who fell for Theodore Finch in All the Bright Places, Noah Sweetwine in I’ll Give You the Sun, or Charlie Kelmeckis in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and anyone - in high school, college, or deep in their career - who's ever felt like a square peg in a round world or watched someone they love struggle to fit in.
BlueInk Review Notable Book (Starred) | BookLife Reviews Editor’s Pick | Kirkus Reviews “Get it”
2026 In the Margins Top 10 Fiction
Finalist, 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards - Inspirational Fiction
Winner, 2026 IndieReader Discovery Awards - New Adult Fiction
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Custom crafted Fidget Bookmarks
They keep your place when you’re not reading and help you focus when you are. Handmade using durable leather and mostly metal materials.
To order, email: elias@eliasaxel.com
Praise
“Deftly edited by Julian Josip, “Promising Young Man” is a simply fascinating, original, and exceptional ‘coming of age’ novel by Elias Axel and showcases the author’s genuine flair for the kind of character and narrative driven storytelling style that makes for a great read. Laced throughout with satire and dark humor, “Promising Young Man” is a fun, deftly crafted, and thought-provoking novel that is especially and unreservedly recommended for highschool and community library Contemporary Fiction collections. ”
“You’ll skip the next episode of the series you like to squeeze in another chapter. You’ll bring it to the dentist’s office, hoping they’ll call your name late and you’ll be able to read a few more pages. You’ll hate youself for putting it down to go to bed, but you’ll remind yourself that you’re trying to make it last. I often wish books were a hundred pages shorter, and shake my fist at the ceiling as if the lazy editor could see me. I wish this one had been a hundred pages longer. I looked for other books by Elias Axel like one looks for other books by JD Salinger after reading Catcher in the Rye. This book isn’t just relatable to people with ADHD; it’s relatable to anyone who loves great storytelling. It’s not just a coming of age story; it’s raw, captivating, and reading it feels like a contact sport. You’ll flip the book and notice the faint outline of a man’s body on the back cover with a tattoo that reads “Madness And Wonder Feel The Same,” and you’ll be taken aback by the attention to detail, realizing this book was written with love. I want many of my friends to read it, but there’s no way I’m giving them my copy; I’ll buy more and mail them out instead. The writing and the editing are superb, and you can’t help but want more. Kirkus Reviews says “GET IT!” All I can add to that is “NOW!””
“The writing and dialogue are so on point readers might be tempted to think of the book as a memoir. Whether readers identify with Oscar, Grammy or Oscar’s well-meaning helicopter mother, the book is sweet and endearing with something for everyone.”
“(Henry Fielding’s])Tom Jones suggested that the world, no matter how messy, ultimately has answers. Promising Young Man does the same”
“Axel’s writing crackles with energy and hard-won insight, capturing Oscar’s inner monologue in a way that feels both authentic and deeply relatable.”
“Oscar is breathtakingly real and appealing, wrestling with his feeling of being “defective” as well as his past, while staring down a future that feels empty and volatile. His grandmother is a counterbalance to those dark themes, serving as a rollicking, entertaining prod for Oscar’s growth”
“… a deft portrait that sidesteps stereotypes with sensitivity and skill…”
“Books like Promising Young Man need to be on school curricula. This is a story of resilience, hope, understanding, and realization. Highly recommended.”
“I love this book. It’s a page turner. I found myself looking forward to bedtime when I could read it.”
“At times funny, at times raw, at times so poignant you’ll find yourself tearing up, ... It’s a story filled with wrong choices and thwarted dreams but also hope, resiliency, and redemption.”
“... a damn good read”
“Promising Young Man by Elias Axel is a quiet masterpiece that sneaks up on you—not with grand plot twists or loud declarations, but with deep emotional honesty, gentle humor, and a profoundly human perspective on neurodivergence.
At the heart of the story is a young man navigating the internal chaos of ADHD—an often misunderstood condition that Axel portrays with nuance, empathy, and refreshing clarity. The narrative unfolds through the deceptively simple premise of a car ride with his grandmother, but don’t be fooled: this is no ordinary road trip. It’s a tender, layered exploration of generational disconnects, invisible struggles, and the quiet moments that shape who we are.
The relationship between the protagonist and his grandmother is written with such authenticity that it often feels like you’re sitting in the backseat, eavesdropping on two lives in motion—both literally and emotionally. Their dialogue is sharp, often funny, and sometimes painfully raw. Axel resists the temptation to over-explain or sensationalize; instead, and lets the complexity of ADHD reveal itself through everyday frustrations, distracted thoughts, and small triumphs that feel monumental.
What makes this novel truly shine is how it balances its emotional weight with lightness. There’s humor, warmth, and a deep sense of humanity in every chapter. Axel’s prose is both lyrical and grounded, offering insight without preaching, and creating a story that feels personal without being self-indulgent.A Promising Young Man is not just a story about ADHD, or about a car ride, or about a grandmother and grandson—it’s about what it means to be seen and understood. It’s a book that lingers long after the last page, and one I’ll be recommending to anyone who values honest, character-driven storytelling.”
Read more reviews at Goodreads.
A contemporary literary fiction novel tracking an authentic journey of personal growth and self-acceptance, this character-driven and emotionally-driven narrative offers a powerful coming-of-age story featuring neurodiverse representation. It is an essential read for young adults, parents, educators, and mental health advocates alike."
“Axel is a natural who writes with a flow and energy that is absolutely compelling”
“... deeply moving, sharply observed, absorbing ... truly enjoyable.”
“Promising Young Man is a raw, compelling journey of self-discovery and connection… as humorous as it is heartfelt… the kind of book that sticks with you long after the final page.”
“a powerful story of survival, resilience, and hope … ”