The Golden Boy's Guide to Bipolar: Chapters 9–16

by Sonido Reyes
In this novel, a teen boy's attempt to win back his ex-boyfriend is complicated by his bipolar disorder and his own internalized shame.

Here are links to our lists for the book: Chapters 1–8, Chapters 9–16, Chapters 17–24, Chapters 25–31, Chapters 32–42
15 words 8 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. irrational
    not consistent with or using reason
    This fear is definitely, most likely, probably, maybe irrational.
  2. gauge
    judge tentatively or form an estimate of
    I glance over at Jamal, trying to gauge if he already knew this was a Christian coffee shop.
  3. gloat
    gaze at or think about something with self-satisfaction
    I try not to visibly gloat at Jamal not picking up on what Sasha’s doing.
  4. monotony
    the quality of wearisome constancy and lack of variety
    I’m almost grateful to get called out of class and into the guidance counselor’s office on a Monday, if only because it breaks up the monotony for a bit.
  5. jeopardy
    a source of danger
    “I just wanted to remind you that your scholarship requires you to maintain your GPA at a certain threshold. I’m worried you might be putting your scholarship in jeopardy if your grades keep dropping like this.”
  6. curtly
    in an abrupt and discourteous manner
    “Got it,” I say curtly, then get up and walk away before she can ask any more questions.
  7. goad
    urge with or as if with a prod
    I feel like she’s goading me into apologizing to everyone, but what she doesn’t get is that I can’t.
  8. condescending
    characteristic of those who treat others with arrogance
    “Do you think you might be sending your loved ones mixed messages?” Dr. Lee asks, folding one condescending leg over the other.
  9. detonate
    cause to burst with a violent release of energy
    I don’t know what it is about the touch, but it’s like she detonated that bomb she was so afraid of setting off.
  10. nemesis
    a personal foe or rival that cannot be easily defeated
    “So, want to come? Your nemesis won’t be there.”
  11. seething
    in constant agitation
    Bo eventually manages to pull Yami away from a seething Bianca, but then her rage is turned toward me.
  12. furrow
    make or become wrinkled or creased
    Jamal’s eyebrows furrow in confusion.
  13. excruciating
    extremely painful
    The walk to Principal Cappa’s office is excruciating as I try to figure out what could be going on.
  14. facade
    a showy misrepresentation to conceal something unpleasant
    “Hey, Principal Cappa,” I say cheerily as I open the door and walk in, but the charming facade vanishes the second I see who’s in the room.
  15. save face
    avoid public embarrassment and maintain self-respect
    Maybe at least this way I can save face by going to the car alone.
Created on Thu Jul 23 08:35:43 EDT 2026 (updated Tue Aug 25 13:49:16 EDT 2026)

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