Where to Start with Angelo Surmelis
For readers looking to dive into the writing of Angelo Surmelis, the starting point is straightforward: his standalone debut novel, The Dangerous Art of Blending In (2018). As a prominent interior designer, television host, and lifestyle brand creator, Surmelis surprised and moved the literary community by releasing a raw, semi-autobiographical young adult novel. Because this is his primary published book to date, new readers do not have to worry about complex chronologies, spin-offs, or reading orders. Instead, the focus is entirely on understanding the rich, heavy, and ultimately hopeful story he presents.
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Angelo Surmelis's literary catalog consists of his single landmark release. Below is the publication detail for his novel:
- The Dangerous Art of Blending In (2018) – Published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins.
Deep Dive: The Dangerous Art of Blending In
The novel follows seventeen-year-old Evan Panos, a Greek-American teenager living in a strict immigrant household. On the surface, Evan tries to be the perfect, quiet son, but behind closed doors, he is subjected to severe physical and emotional abuse by his mother. His father, a passive workaholic, refuses to intervene, leaving Evan isolated in his trauma. To cope, Evan finds sanctuary in an abandoned local monastery, using drawing and art as a way to express his inner turmoil and escape his reality.
The narrative shifts dynamically when his childhood best friend, Henry, begins to show romantic interest. As their relationship evolves from close friendship into a secret romance, Evan is forced to confront the clash between his emerging queer identity, his family’s strict religious expectations, and the escalating danger at home. The story is a powerful exploration of how a young person finds their voice and steps into the light after years of surviving by blending in.
The Intersection of Space, Art, and Design
One of the most unique aspects of Surmelis's writing is how it reflects his background as an interior designer and TV host (known for HGTV shows like 24 Hour Design and Rate My Space). Throughout the novel, physical spaces carry immense psychological weight. The contrast between the oppressive, unsafe environment of the Panos household and the open, quiet sanctity of the abandoned monastery highlight a designer’s understanding of how physical environments shape our emotional well-being. For Evan, rearranging his internal world is mirrored by how he seeks out and claims safe physical spaces. Art is not just a hobby for Evan; it is a structural lifeline that allows him to rebuild his sense of self when his home environment threatens to tear it down.
Critical Reading Caveats: What to Know Before You Start
Because The Dangerous Art of Blending In is an "Own Voices" novel drawing heavily from Surmelis's own childhood experiences with abuse and homophobia, it handles highly sensitive topics. Readers should approach the book with the following caveats in mind:
- Content Warnings: The book features graphic and frequent depictions of parental abuse, including physical violence and severe verbal degradation. It also addresses religious guilt, homophobia, and self-harm ideation.
- Thematic Balance: Some readers and critics have noted a stark contrast between the heavy, painful reality of the domestic abuse scenes and the sweet, contemporary YA romance arc with Henry. Surmelis intentionally structures the book this way to show that even in the darkest circumstances, moments of joy, love, and connection are possible.
- Strict Diaspora Context: The book portrays a very specific, traditional Greek immigrant household. The cultural expectations, pressure to conform, and fear of community gossip play central roles in the family dynamic, providing context for the father's passivity and the mother's volatile behavior.
Who Should Read This Book (and What to Read Next)
This novel is highly recommended for fans of realistic, character-driven young adult fiction that does not shy away from difficult topics. If you appreciate authors who write with raw vulnerability, Surmelis's work will resonate with you. Once you finish The Dangerous Art of Blending In, you might enjoy these companion reads that cover similar thematic ground:
- Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz – For a beautiful, atmospheric look at queer identity, family dynamics, and self-acceptance.
- Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian – For a historical YA novel dealing with queer identity, art, and finding one's voice in a challenging environment.
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky – For an intimate first-person narrative exploring trauma, friendship, and the path to healing.