Hard Love by Ellen Wittlinger (1999)

After starting to publish a zine in which he writes his secret feelings about his lonely life and his parents' divorce, sixteen-year-old John meets an unusual girl and begins to develop a healthier personality. Told from the first person perspective of an emotionally troubled junior in high school, the plot centers around a straight boy falling in love with a gay girl. Through their love of zines they become best friends only to lose each other due to conflicting feelings. At the heart of this well-written novel, however, is an emotionally damaged boy who feels nothing rather than bear the weight of his true feelings. Through this unlikely friendship, John begins to feel and express himself so that whatever healing is possible can begin. Ages: 15+