In the spring of 2018, David Yoon was called for jury duty.
His agent told him to expect responses in a week or two.
Would he get a few offers?
Credit: Corina Marie for EW
Fulfilling his civic duty was the perfect distraction for what could be a long wait.
Yoon reported to the Los Angeles courthouse, his phone tucked away.
But the notifications kept buzzing.
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
He pretended to take a bathroom break.
What came next, Yoon says, was one of the most exciting moments in my entire life.
(Yoon surreptitiously darted away from the jury room when he could.)
Its all been a bit surreal for Yoon, now 47, given the novels deeply personal roots.
He has books, short stories, and screenplays just sitting there.
But it took mining the depths of his own life to get the publishing worlds attention.
Its that last point that Yoon spins into a frothy alt-history.
I basically had to hide my entire love life from [my parents], the soft-spoken Yoon says.
(The only girlfriend he introduced them to was his now wife, Nicola, whos Jamaican-American.)
The resulting narrative contains echoes ofJohn GreenandTo All the Boys Ive Loved Before, but feels wholly its own.
Inevitably, Franks parents catch his lie, forcing an examination of its motivation.
Frank is the kid I wish I couldve been, Yoon says.
He has the conversations I wish I couldve had with my parents.
How do youlovethat person?'
Yoon always comes back to love.
Its in everything, even the generous food descriptions.
(I grew up with Korean dramas in the background.
The actors dont f around like American actors do.
Theyre always eating while theyre acting.)
Perhaps thats whyFranklyis set to be the next big YA smash.
YA always has a kernel of hope, Yoon explains.
And Im a hopeful person.
I think I have to be, to live in this world.
