I thought Sara Alva's Social Skills was one of the best stories I'd read in a long time, but her latest release, Silent, is in an entirely different cI thought Sara Alva's Social Skills was one of the best stories I'd read in a long time, but her latest release, Silent, is in an entirely different category. As I was reading this gripping story, I felt intensely disappointed that the gay fiction genre is so small. A story as beautifully written and well-crafted as this deserves mainstream distribution. Though we often see reviews where the reader lauds the book as being a riveting page-turner, I can assure you, it is without hyperbole that I sing this story's praises. In fact, I almost don't know where to begin.
Let me share a quote from the book, a single line that hit me like a gut punch. "I tried not to think about all the horrible things that could happen to a little boy when no one could hear him scream."
Silent is the emotional story about this incredible foster kid named Alejandro. He prefers to be called Alex, and in the beginning he's facing a dilemma. He's fifteen, and he's outgrown his shoes. His mother will not buy him new ones and his mother's abusive boyfriend Hector hates him. Alex takes matters into his own hands and steals some of Hector's weed, then sells it on the street and uses the money for new shoes. When Hector discovers what Alex has done, he uses a lighter to burn Alex's arm, right after torching the new shoes. The injury is severe, and when a teacher at school discovers it, it sets in motion a chain of events that drastically change Alex's life.
He's taken into protective custody and placed in a foster home. Now, at this point in the story (about 20% into the book) I was ready to hurl my Kindle against the wall. I didn't like the social worker and I hated the foster parents. I couldn't believe how callous and unsympathetic they were to Alex after what he'd been through. Actually, I still sort of feel this way, at least about the foster parents. On the other hand, I think they did care about the boys they fostered and did the best they knew how.
The beauty within that environment wasn't so much the relationship any of those kids had with those foster parents, though. It was the relationship they developed with each other. They became a loving family, perhaps less dysfunctional than many conventional families. And it is at this point that the story really grabbed hold of my heart.
Alex becomes friends with one of his foster "brothers", a boy his age named Sebastian. Seb is mute, and everyone assumes he is mentally handicapped. Oddly enough, Alex bonds with him, and they become close. They become VERY close as Alex begins to discover a Seb that no one else knows exists. Alex learns to communicate with Seb, and he uncovers some secrets within Seb's past that are startling...and unbelievable.
There is so much more to this book than what I've shared in this review. It's an epic story that at times made me laugh. It also infuriated me at points and even made me cry. Silent is a book I really don't want to remain silent about it. It's one of those books that is going to stay with me a long, long time, and it very well may remain one of the best books I've read in my lifetime....more
5+++ This book was incredible! It contained every element of a story I love. It was a beautiful, heart-wrenching love story. It had a paranormal myster5+++ This book was incredible! It contained every element of a story I love. It was a beautiful, heart-wrenching love story. It had a paranormal mystery element. It was a friends-to-lovers story. It was a magnificent tale of overcoming hardship--rags to riches. It was tender and sweet and exciting, and it made my heart swell with emotion that bubbled right out of me as I turned the pages. Through laughter and tears, I devoured this incredible, endearing story. I think if I had a room full of books like this one, I'd hole myself up in the house and read non-stop for weeks on end.
Yeah, I know I shouldn't write a review immediately upon finishing a book because I just sound so ridiculous when I gush.
I have no idea who Jamie Sullivan is, but I guarantee this won't be the last of her books I read.
As a former born-again Baptist who attended a Christian parochial school and Bible college, and as a gay man who started to figure out while in my teeAs a former born-again Baptist who attended a Christian parochial school and Bible college, and as a gay man who started to figure out while in my teens that in spite of all I'd been taught to believe, I am homosexual, this story really resonated with me. The details contained within this story probably would be shocking to most readers. The attitudes and platitudes and unbelievable stupidity and prejudice that spews from the mouths of those who truly believe would seem absurd to most readers. The twisted, often cruel form of parenting depicted in this memoir would be viewed by most as being--at the very least--abusive.
All of these seemingly pointless rules and the doctrines that support them make perfect sense to those of us who've embraced or were raised in fundamentalist Christianity. I've no doubt whatsoever that Aaron's parents loved him and his siblings with all their hearts. Without question they sincerely believed they were doing what was best for their children.
The aspect of the story that struck a chord in my heart was the manner in which Aaron began questioning his beliefs. It felt almost as if he had a magical ability to read my mind for he repeatedly quoted verbatim the exact questions I asked. Questions about heaven and hell. Questions about God's plan, creating a species of beings who were condemned at birth and then selectively preordaining certain individuals for eternal happiness. The rest would ultimately suffer in the torment of everlasting flames.
As Aaron talked about the doctrines of eternal security, separation, atonement, eschatology, etc., I nodded knowingly. I understood all he was saying and why he was saying it. I knew what he meant by "preserving our testimony". I understood how he believed that every question within his mind was a temptation of Satan. I got it when he said his conscience had been seared--how he initially experienced excruciating guilt when he "sinned" then eventually was able to suppress or ignore those feelings.
But the one thing that was probably most meaningful to me was how he felt when he taught small children at camp and scared them with a story about hell. I too was Sunday school and junior church teacher. I too taught at vacation Bible school, and I felt this same guilt. It seemed so wrong to indoctrinate the young with fear and self-loathing. It seemed so horrible to instill in those impressionable minds the idea that they were already condemned to eternal suffering simply for being the individuals that God created.
I'm hopeful this story doesn't end with this book. I want to see the reaction of his family as he comes out. I want to see how his Nanny reacts, and I hope she provides an example for his parents. I want to know if his father ever realizes how much he hurt his son with his legalism and over-protective control. And most of all, I just want to see Aaron as a happy adult who loves himself for who he is.
I think this book should be required reading for all born-again Christians, regardless of how they feel about homosexuality.
And one other note: the meticulous editing gave this book a polished feel that is seldom matched nowadays....more
Memorizing You is the story of first love, and the opening chapters of this novel are achingly beautiful, written with both poetic and prosaic eloquenMemorizing You is the story of first love, and the opening chapters of this novel are achingly beautiful, written with both poetic and prosaic eloquence. The descriptions of emotions, and the inclusion of trivial-yet-meaningful detail, made my heart soar, all the while devastating me.
At one point in the story, Ryan (the love interest) says to young David, "You devastate me." And I took those words to heart, because the depth of their love was so graphically and masterfully presented, that it was utterly tangible.
Spoiler Alert: There is no happily-ever-after. There is heartbreaking, gut-wrenching tragedy. And if not for the magnificent way this talented author penned his story, I would be giving this a one star rating instead of five. The stars are for the writing, and for the love story...but certainly not the plot.
I swear to God I'm wounded from reading this. Devastated! Just be warned. It is so tender and so beautiful...yet so painful.
My Life as a Myth is the debut novel of author Huston Piner. The story is a realistic period piece, the diary of a gay high school freshman in 1969. EMy Life as a Myth is the debut novel of author Huston Piner. The story is a realistic period piece, the diary of a gay high school freshman in 1969. Each chapter is a journal entry, and it chronicles the entire 9th grade year of the main character, Nick Horton.
Approaching his first day of high school, Nick fears being targeted as an outcast. He's never been overly popular, athletic, or academically superior. He's just an ordinary kid, the youngest boy in his family. His two older brothers are gone, one of them killed in Vietnam, and the other a Hippie living communally out on the West Coast somewhere.
He suffers through a horrific first day of school, gets in trouble with a teacher and the principal, and accidentally establishes a reputation for himself as a rebel. For most of the school year, he simply rides the wave, allowing his own reputation to precede him. He becomes accepted by a group of guys and is regarded as being pretty cool. The other students at school look up to him and nickname him Napalm Nick.
One of the boys in Nick's group is Bobby Warren. I absolutely love the way this character is portrayed. He's a softer, more effeminate guy, and Nick thinks he's absolutely beautiful. They fall in love, and Nick must sort out what these feelings mean.
The interesting thing about this story is the setting. This was back when homosexuality was still considered a mental illness and a crime. Personally, these type of stories are often hard for me to read. They just break my heart.
But I did love this book. It made me laugh and cry, and I've got to warn you, there are some scenes that really tug on the heartstrings. Nick goes through some tragedy.
The ending is tough, too. I don't want to give it away, but it's not the typical fairy-tale happily ever after. I like to consider it a hopeful ending, and I'll leave it at that.
Overall a wonderful YA read which I highly recommend....more
Social Skills is the story of Connor, a college freshman who wages a constant battle against social anxiety. His shyness and introversion, added to hiSocial Skills is the story of Connor, a college freshman who wages a constant battle against social anxiety. His shyness and introversion, added to his diminutive stature and average looks, contribute to an extremely low self-esteem. Connor is also gay. When he begins tutoring Jared, a member of the school's football team, his same-sex attractions surface and a romance blossoms. Jared becomes Connor's security blanket, initially helping him overcome some of his anxiety but ultimately leading to an unbalanced, one-sided relationship in which Connor depends upon Jared to offer assurance, guidance, and a feeling of self-worth. It's when Jared, still in the closet, decides to end the relationship, that Connor finally has to develop the skills to conquer his own social challenges.
This beautifully crafted story was artfully presented, conveying a hopeful message of self-acceptance, forgiveness, and determination. The story was told in the third person narrative, entirely from Connor's point of view, and was in no way preachy or didactic. It was just a story, a slice of life. And by learning about this amazing young man, I felt I learned so much about myself and about others who struggle with self-esteem issues.
Yes, it pulled on my heartstrings, and in this sense I knew the author was manipulating my emotions. But I didn't feel it was in any way heavy handed. I felt Connor's pain because I got to know him. I got to see inside of his head and heart.
There were times I was frustrated. I wanted Connor to stand up to his overbearing mother. I wanted him to kick Jared to the curb on more than one occasion. I wanted him to speak up for himself and quit being a doormat. But who effin cares what I wanted?? The point is that this is a real story about a realistic character--one with limitations and flaws and challenges. As much as I wanted Connor to be stronger, I understood why he was the way he was.
One thing I especially appreciated about the story was that it did not seem to be making the case that introversion, in and of itself, was a bad thing. Connor was absolutely beautiful. He possessed amazing talent, above average intelligence, and a tremendous level of empathy. He was compassionate, loyal, generous, and humble. In a nutshell, he was a person I'd cherish with all my heart as a dear friend, and I'd be honored to have him in my life. None of these things--and especially not his sensitivity--were traits that needed to change.
But his social anxiety and low self esteem were his Achilles' heel. These were within the cards of the hand he was dealt, and it was up to him--and him alone--to overcome them. Of course he had support along the way, but ultimately it was his victory.
And one last thing about this story that I feel compelled to comment on is the relationship with Jared. A part of me was disappointed that Connor was so quick to forgive Jared for his transgressions, yet I felt this was spot-on accurate. There is absolutely no way, knowing who Connor is, that he could NOT forgive. And in the end, Connor receives his reward, and it's absolutely beautiful.
This book had me in tears at certain points and doubled over with laughter in other places. The little sister, Melissa, cracked me up. I loved Rebecca, the best friend. Even Jared's roommate Ben was comical. The ending of the story was just perfect, and the epilogue was exactly what I'd hoped it would be.
Although I've categorized Social Skills as a YA read, I think it's a book that would be beneficial and enjoyable to readers of all ages. It's a beautiful story with many important messages, and it's extremely well-written. Five stars is just not nearly enough.
If you had a chance to read Madison Parker's debut short story, "Sock It to Me, Santa," you already have an inkling of this burgeoning author's talentIf you had a chance to read Madison Parker's debut short story, "Sock It to Me, Santa," you already have an inkling of this burgeoning author's talent. Play Me, I'm Yours is her first full-length novel, and it is sure to be immensely successful.
Parker has a gift, not only when it comes to word crafting, but also with characterization. She's able to bring her characters to life in a realistic, memorable way that peels back layer after layer of their complex personalities. She avoids the pitfalls so many authors fall into of over dramatizing her villains and lionizing her protagonists. Instead, they are real people--flawed and complicated. You love them and hate them and sometimes want to smack them upside the head. But when it comes to her main character Lucas, you're going to want to pull him into an embrace and squeeze him so tightly you'll never let go.
Lucas is a doll. His tender heart and sensitivity make him the most sympathetic of characters, but he is also funny and talented. On every page he makes me smile and laugh and (several times) cry. I wanted him to have a protector, a hero, a knight in shining armor--not because Lucas appeared pathetic and weak, but because I loved him so very much.
And the love interest Zach...what can I say? Magnificently flawed. Every bit a man but 100% boy. Irritatingly sexy. Ridiculously romantic. I could go on, but the point is that he was absolutely perfect for Lucas.
Setting aside the dynamic of the romantic relationship, I think this young adult story is so amazing because of the realistic portrayal of Lucas's family life. There were times I really wanted to grab hold of his mother's shoulders and shake her. She did things that were utterly stupid, but don't all parents? Don't parents do things like this when they love their children...sometimes too much?
And I cringed every time Lucas's brother Mason made an appearance. He was so embarrassed by his sensitive, effeminate older brother. This was SO real to me. Seriously, siblings are embarrassed of each other all the time, even when there's nothing to be embarrassed about, and I totally get why Mason was such a jerk about having a gay brother. But the arc of this character was just beautiful. We saw Mason mature right before our eyes.
The cornerstone of this plot, though, in my humble opinion, is the relationship that Lucas has with his father. Finally a true-to-life YA GLBT novel that portrays a loving father/son relationship! I'm so thrilled that Parker did not succumb to the distant-father/dominant-mother stereotype. It was beautiful the way Lucas and his father connected, especially at the end of the story.
I share a connection with this author, so perhaps some will question my objectivity here. But I want to stress that every word of this review is sincere, and my feelings about the story are in no way related to my feelings for Madison Parker. The writing was spectacular, but more than that, the story struck a chord in my heart.
I honestly think this is THE book of the year--award worthy. Five stars PLUS....more
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