This is the story of one summer in the life of James Sveck, aged eighteen. James is a sophisticated, vulnerable young man with a deep appreciation for the world, and no idea how to live in it. His parents are suspect, his sister is pretentious, and the world that awaits him in the form of college and a career looks frightening and bleak. It's the story of a moment in adolescence when the next step seems too momentous to even contemplate, when the mere prospect of love is overwhelming, when the mysteries of the adult world seem both terrifying and irresistible.

Reviews

"His best work--it's terrific, piercing, and funny. The novel demonstrates every kind of strength."--David Lipsky, "The New York Times Book Review
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"James Sveck is a brilliant wit of a character whose voice will echo long after his story ends."--Kristin Kloberdanz, "Chicago Tribune"

"Deliciously vital right from the start . . . a piece of vocal virtuosity and possibly Cameron's best book . . . It is a bravura performance, and "Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You" is a stunning little book. "--Lorrie Moore, "The New York Review of Books"

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"Cameron's prose handily marries the tangled logic of adolescence to simple, beautiful language."--Peter Terzian, "Newsday
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"Beautifully conceived and written . . . funny, sad, tender, and sophisticated."--Michael Cart, "Booklist"