It’s not always easy being different; in PVHS alumnus Brandon Alvarado’s debut novel, “Please Fall In Love With Me (And Other High School Wishes)”, the reader is taken on a roller coaster ride throughout his life.

On Friday, Dec. 18, Alvarado was invited back to Pascack Valley to speak to two freshman classes about his book, which the students read in their course.

Alvarado’s book is a compilation of short essays. He wrote the novel for his senior project and self-published it on Amazon. Two of his former teachers, Mrs. Valerie Mattessich and Ms. Amy Maniscalco, presented the novel to their freshman classes knowing the strong, powerful messages it holds. According to Alvarado, it is 100% honest in every way possible.

“I think the idea of trying to make your high school experience sound wonderful all the time would just not be true and everyone knows that. That just wouldn’t be the truth,” Alvarado said.

Many of the students who participated in asking questions complimented Alvarado for his work and for the type of person he is.

“I thought you were brave to not hide yourself and just be so open,” said Nunzio Mazzone, a freshman here at PV.

Throughout Alvarado’s book, there are situations that many high schoolers can relate to. Alvarado knows that not everyone can relate to being gay and the additional problems that he had faced as a result. However, he still encountered many of the same problems as many other teens.

The students were fascinated with the book and really enjoyed the “journey” it took them on. From the beginning of the book to the end, an obvious growth could be seen as to the person Alvarado was to who he is today.

A favorite part of the story for the students was when Alvarado abandoned Allie, the little voice inside his head that he would think about and compare his life to. In doing so, he was owning up to who he truly was and is.

“When I finally said to myself that I love the way I am, I knew I could get rid of her,” Alvarado said.

He took the kids through the span of writing his book to publishing it. According to Alvarado, this book was really made with his blood, sweat, and tears.

“It’s hard for me to have to distance myself. I saw him starting to be a writer. Seeing him start to write for the Huffington Post, it was like a proud mom moment,” Mattessich said.

“Things don’t have to be perfect right now,” Alvarado said. “I think the biggest piece of advice for you guys is please don’t try to impress people all the time; allow yourself to be your real self at all times. Give it some time and it will all work out, I promise.”