Real Life is queer, realist science fiction that felt like a sociological character study. It follows an introverted and docile Wallace who left behind a traumatic childhood in Alabama to move to the American Midwest in pursuit of his studies in Biochemistry.

But life as the only black gay man on his lab team comes with its own set of challenges, such as the daily microaggressions, the open hostilities, not to mention the constant looks of suspicion he gets from his white counterparts as well as the predominantly black cleaners. During a late summer weekend, Wallace faces several confrontations with his peers that threaten to change the course of their friendships.

This book is very character focused in the way it looks at the relationships that exist between Wallace and his friends, the sense of disaffection between Wallace and his family and the growing tension between him and Miller.

Real Life is a sentient expression of raw emotion. I loved the dialogue, it was very believable (albeit with an insufferable amount of whitesplainning) and the way thoughts and emotions were described. I listened to the audiobook but this story felt so nuanced that I feel like I would appreciate it more if I read the physical book.