Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
Publication Date: December 27, 2011
Source: Part of Book Tour for The Naughty Book Kitties
The Summary
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Some people spend their whole lives looking for the right partner. Nate Schaper found his in high school. In the eight months since their cautious flirting became a real, honest, tell-the-parents relationship, Nate and Adam have been inseparable. Even when local kids take their homophobia to brutal levels, Nate is undaunted. He and Adam are rock solid. Two parts of a whole. Yin and yang.
But when Adam graduates and takes an Off-Broadway job in New York—at Nate’s insistence—that certainty begins to flicker. Nate starts a blog to vent his frustrations and becomes the center of a school controversy, drawing ire and support in equal amounts. But it is the attention of a new boy who is looking for more than guidance that forces him to confront who and what he really wants.
(Goodreads)
My Opinion
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This book was an amazing, heartfelt, intense, hilarious read, and it couldn't come at a better time. With the surge of GLBT-related suicide plaguing our country, a book which empowers GLBT kids is very needed. J. H. Trumble has written such a book.
This is a contemporary novel following the relationship of Nate and Adam, the ups and downs, the good times and the bad times, everything a relationship goes through. These boys aren't in the sidelines but front and center, and make me wish for a relationship as full of love as their's. I don't want to constantly say "Wow this is such a rare book", but it really is, and that's what makes it so important and amazing, because it shouldn't be a rare book. The relationship trials that Nate and Adam go through has aspects that everyone can relate to, not just GLBT kids. That's what makes it work so well, because it is a book about love.
As you move through the book, you find out some harsh realities about the world Nate and Adam live in. A terrible thing has been down to Nate, but he is working through it the best he can with the love and support from Adam and his friends. But when Adam moves to Manhatten for a chance to work on an Off-Broadway play, they have to deal with a long-distance relationship, and Nate has a hard time dealing with it. It develops organically, and nothing ever feels forced or fake. I can see this happening exactly as it did in real life.
The relationships between the supporting characters are all very organic as well. I loved the side romances going on, and I think that this really helps complete the story. There is so much love throughout that when there is violence (and there is violence) it makes it so much more stark and harsh. This forces you to really examine the rights and wrongs of the characters actions. I think this book would help people see that being gay doesn't mean you deserve to be punished.
The ending was super sweet, and wove the story arch up very nicely, but I don't know if it was too sweet. If I had a problem with any part of the book it would have been the epilogue. But it was a small problem, and one I still liked, just like the ending of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Overall this was fantastic. I can't say how much! I really really loved it, and if you like to read contemporary romances then you will love it too!
This is a contemporary novel following the relationship of Nate and Adam, the ups and downs, the good times and the bad times, everything a relationship goes through. These boys aren't in the sidelines but front and center, and make me wish for a relationship as full of love as their's. I don't want to constantly say "Wow this is such a rare book", but it really is, and that's what makes it so important and amazing, because it shouldn't be a rare book. The relationship trials that Nate and Adam go through has aspects that everyone can relate to, not just GLBT kids. That's what makes it work so well, because it is a book about love.
As you move through the book, you find out some harsh realities about the world Nate and Adam live in. A terrible thing has been down to Nate, but he is working through it the best he can with the love and support from Adam and his friends. But when Adam moves to Manhatten for a chance to work on an Off-Broadway play, they have to deal with a long-distance relationship, and Nate has a hard time dealing with it. It develops organically, and nothing ever feels forced or fake. I can see this happening exactly as it did in real life.
The relationships between the supporting characters are all very organic as well. I loved the side romances going on, and I think that this really helps complete the story. There is so much love throughout that when there is violence (and there is violence) it makes it so much more stark and harsh. This forces you to really examine the rights and wrongs of the characters actions. I think this book would help people see that being gay doesn't mean you deserve to be punished.
The ending was super sweet, and wove the story arch up very nicely, but I don't know if it was too sweet. If I had a problem with any part of the book it would have been the epilogue. But it was a small problem, and one I still liked, just like the ending of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Overall this was fantastic. I can't say how much! I really really loved it, and if you like to read contemporary romances then you will love it too!
Extras
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Music is super important in the book. J. H. Trumble made a playlist of the songs either referenced in the book or important to the feel of a scene. You can listen to it for free on his website, or download the songs from iTunes!
Final Rating
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Book Cover: 3/5
Book Title: 4/5
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 9.5/10
Writing: 9/10
Ending: 8/10
Overall: 42.5/50: B
Eli, thank you for your thorough and thoughtful review. I think you really got the book. And funny you should mention Deathly Hallows. :) I'm glad you enjoyed it. --J.H. Trumble
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