Shepherdstown Author Matthew Kushin Releases Debut Novel
Local professor publishes debut novel, 'Beware the Smart Kids'
The Journal | Thursday, December 26, 2024
In a recent feature by The Journal, Shepherdstown's own Matthew Kushin, a communications professor at Shepherd University, has published his debut novel, 'Beware the Smart Kids.' This coming-of-age story, inspired by societal perceptions of happiness and the rising mental health concerns among youth, follows a troubled high school student in an Appalachian town reinvented by the return of an ex-convict. Kushin, who previously authored a guide on social media for teachers, aims to engage younger audiences with lessons on happiness derived from his class experiences. The novel resonates with both teens and 'former teenagers,' drawing local interest and now available at Four Seasons Books and major retailers online.