Baby Self Hate (an earlier version appeared under the title of Toller) is a sultry but funny story of sex and infatuation. As always with Hartwell, the brilliance of the narrative voice shines brightest. Cam, like other Hartwell narrators, is angry but funny, purposeful but confused, and humorous but unexpectedly profound. Although sexy and sought after, Cam sees life darkly and takes solace in fishing. His relationship with a boy he meets in therapy is a wild, unpredictable ride. Hartwell's writing style provides the book the immediacy, honesty, passion, and tension that readers have come to expect. This story represents Hartwell at his best.