Invisible (Hautman novel)

Invisible is a young adult novel written by Pete Hautman, published in 2005. The story revolves around Doug Hanson, an extremely intelligent but socially awkward high school student who is considered "invisible" by his peers.

Doug's life changes when he encounters Andy Morrow, a troubled and charismatic newcomer to their small Minnesota town. Andy immediately sees something special in Doug's intelligence and recruits him to participate in increasingly dangerous and illegal schemes. Doug, initially drawn to Andy's attention and the allure of rebellion, finds himself grappling with the moral implications of their actions and the potential consequences.

The novel explores themes of friendship, isolation, morality, and the desire for acceptance. Doug's "invisibility" serves as a metaphor for the feelings of alienation and loneliness that many teenagers experience, while Andy's character represents the temptation to compromise one's values for social validation. The narrative is driven by the escalating tension of their criminal activities and Doug's internal struggle to determine the right course of action. The book is known for its unflinching portrayal of adolescent anxieties and the complexities of human relationships.