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a_reader_obsessed's review
5.0
On principle alone, this garners a well deserved 5 Stars!!
There’s not much to say except that if you haven’t started this series, then go do so right now. I think this really puts into perspective that even though social views and beliefs have progressed leaps and bounds, there’s so much more needed to be done, to just realize how much further we all need to go regarding basic decent humanity and the acceptance of every single person who exists.
For those of you who are caught up, this is not an installment to miss nor to put off either. Kyle and Brad are all grown up, and although they’re still trying to find some solid footing in their lives (they themselves are rock solid), this is a great story seeing them come into their own as adults with limitless potential that is destined to make a huge difference. At the center of that is their love which gives them so much strength to do the amazing things that they do, and it’s quite beautiful to witness.
Goode never ever skimps on harsh reality, but he eases the way with plenty of snark, fun, and emotional weight that is just so impactful. Our strife here on earth, basically everywhere, is because we cannot accept others for who they are, who they worship, and who they love, and it’s a sad sad reality that breaks my heart. Goode shows this tragedy but also gives hope. Please spread the word and be moved and inspired by his works to fight bigotry and hate. This is not an easy series to read by far, but it’s a damn good necessary one.
There’s not much to say except that if you haven’t started this series, then go do so right now. I think this really puts into perspective that even though social views and beliefs have progressed leaps and bounds, there’s so much more needed to be done, to just realize how much further we all need to go regarding basic decent humanity and the acceptance of every single person who exists.
For those of you who are caught up, this is not an installment to miss nor to put off either. Kyle and Brad are all grown up, and although they’re still trying to find some solid footing in their lives (they themselves are rock solid), this is a great story seeing them come into their own as adults with limitless potential that is destined to make a huge difference. At the center of that is their love which gives them so much strength to do the amazing things that they do, and it’s quite beautiful to witness.
Goode never ever skimps on harsh reality, but he eases the way with plenty of snark, fun, and emotional weight that is just so impactful. Our strife here on earth, basically everywhere, is because we cannot accept others for who they are, who they worship, and who they love, and it’s a sad sad reality that breaks my heart. Goode shows this tragedy but also gives hope. Please spread the word and be moved and inspired by his works to fight bigotry and hate. This is not an easy series to read by far, but it’s a damn good necessary one.
stevia333k's review
5.0
So I read the last ⅜ of the book in one night. I'll go on about why I love these stories later. the editing is kind of bad towards the beginning, but definitely better towards to the end. (I read from a PDF file)
I don't really want to go into plotlines because that'd be spoiler some, but let's say there's a value of safety in conciseness & brevity when dealing with problems.
also Kyle's grandmother is basically like my idol. I see my own grandma in her. I wish to become like them, but my tires been stuck in mud for many a season & finding a shovel's just been an accelerator.
John Goode's like a preacher? like when I read his books I feel like I'm getting educated about opinions, ethics etc. and I see points made by others these days in like non-fiction stuff. basically John Goode's works with the foster high universe (especially Kyle/Brad) allow me to explore these topics that usually trigger me too much, and that's extremely valuable.
peace & love be with you
Eve
5 stars. -1 for editing, but since the book is that valuable to me, I forgive that & give 5.
also the note at the end of the book is awesome.
I don't really want to go into plotlines because that'd be spoiler some, but let's say there's a value of safety in conciseness & brevity when dealing with problems.
also Kyle's grandmother is basically like my idol. I see my own grandma in her. I wish to become like them, but my tires been stuck in mud for many a season & finding a shovel's just been an accelerator.
John Goode's like a preacher? like when I read his books I feel like I'm getting educated about opinions, ethics etc. and I see points made by others these days in like non-fiction stuff. basically John Goode's works with the foster high universe (especially Kyle/Brad) allow me to explore these topics that usually trigger me too much, and that's extremely valuable.
peace & love be with you
Eve
5 stars. -1 for editing, but since the book is that valuable to me, I forgive that & give 5.
also the note at the end of the book is awesome.
eitan's review
2.0
Y ya está, doy por "terminado" mi viaje por esta saga. Lo que empezó con un par de libros muy cortos, intensos y bonitos ha terminado en algo más bien distinto. OJO, lo que diré a continuación no implica que sea un libro malo, pero no me ha llegado como a otros y eso lo llevo notando desde los anteriores.
Si buscas tema de representación, discursos y situaciones tensas... Igual lo disfrutáis. Lo que he sacado en claro con Dream of a Waking Man es lo regular que son llevados la mayoría de personajes. Y no digo esto a la ligera.
Sin entrar en spoilers, parece que no pasa el tiempo en la novela. Uno espera que después de la universidad la gente cambie, crezca... Pero no he visto nada de eso en este libro. Kyle sigue siendo el mismo neurótico con inseguridades después de llevar AÑOS con Brad. Todos tenemos traumas, problemas, pero una cosa es eso y otra es basar el drama de cualquier historia en eso. Si fuera solo en una vale, puedo comprenderlo. ¿Pero tantas? Brad es un encanto, Jen también, pero que solo ellos salven una historia llena de discursos que parecen un mazazo en la cabeza ha conseguido que no lo disfrute tanto.
¿Tiene sus cosas buenas? Desde luego, pero yo al menos necesito un poco de consistencia con los personajes y si me dejas verlos crecer, que se les note leñe <_>
Si buscas tema de representación, discursos y situaciones tensas... Igual lo disfrutáis. Lo que he sacado en claro con Dream of a Waking Man es lo regular que son llevados la mayoría de personajes. Y no digo esto a la ligera.
Sin entrar en spoilers, parece que no pasa el tiempo en la novela. Uno espera que después de la universidad la gente cambie, crezca... Pero no he visto nada de eso en este libro. Kyle sigue siendo el mismo neurótico con inseguridades después de llevar AÑOS con Brad. Todos tenemos traumas, problemas, pero una cosa es eso y otra es basar el drama de cualquier historia en eso. Si fuera solo en una vale, puedo comprenderlo. ¿Pero tantas? Brad es un encanto, Jen también, pero que solo ellos salven una historia llena de discursos que parecen un mazazo en la cabeza ha conseguido que no lo disfrute tanto.
¿Tiene sus cosas buenas? Desde luego, pero yo al menos necesito un poco de consistencia con los personajes y si me dejas verlos crecer, que se les note leñe <_>
the_novel_approach's review
5.0
Dream of a Waking Man, book ten in John Goode’s Foster High series, picks up after Brad completes his military service and returns home to surprise Kyle. We knew from the last installment that Kyle left his internship at the law firm to be with Brad, and it was just delightful how we got to relive that moment this time from Brad’s perspective. Now Brad and Kyle have a home of heir own, Kyle has left the law firm and is on his own, working from home, and Brad is back in school studying to be an athletics coach. All is pretty hunky-dory, and a bit too safe, until Kyle gets an email from a fourteen-year old boy who has been denied the right to start a Gay/Straight Alliance in his high school in, you guessed it, a small town in Texas. At first Kyle is set on not responding, using the lame fact that the boy needs a more experienced trial lawyer, but Brad is smart and lets his boy stew while deliberately not applying any pressure and, of course, Kyle folds and takes the case.
This novel is definitely Brad’s coming out story, not as gay,no; those who follow the series (and you SHOULD be following this series) know that happened many books ago. What I mean is this book really focuses on showing how much Brad has grown. He’s a man now and he is solidly in love with Kyle, which allows him to step up in ways we’ve never really seen from him before. These two are all grown up, and while their humor still has plenty of snark, and Brad can still be the most naïve boy on the block, there’s now a definite edge to their interactions that had never been there before. Brad is still unsure of his own keen insightfulness, but he wields it with a greater ease. I loved watching this boy become a man in this novel, loved seeing the hidden depth in Brad that has always been there but never fully realized till now. To use his own sports analogies, he stepped up to the plate and brought it home in this novel, and did it with such perfect “Brad-ness”.
Kyle, who had grown more inward since graduating, even more doubtful as to his own abilities, had also become quietly safe in his work. He had most assuredly lost some of that spark that made him the fierce person that took on the Foster High School board and won some years ago. It takes Brad carefully reading Kyle’s inner fears to draw the man out of his stupor and get him back to fighting form, and when that happens, it is glorious to read. Above all else it is the strength of their relationship that shines in this story. They are no longer tentative about being absolutely sure of each other, they are strong together and nigh on impossible to stop when they stand united.
Dream of a Waking Man takes us one step further in the lives of two boys who have somehow grown into the finest of men right before our eyes. Once again, John Goode does not spare us from the hate and bigotry that exists in this world, but he tempers it with love, friendship and a passion to do the right thing despite how flawed those attempting to right injustice may be. I love this series and I highly recommend this latest book to you.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
This novel is definitely Brad’s coming out story, not as gay,no; those who follow the series (and you SHOULD be following this series) know that happened many books ago. What I mean is this book really focuses on showing how much Brad has grown. He’s a man now and he is solidly in love with Kyle, which allows him to step up in ways we’ve never really seen from him before. These two are all grown up, and while their humor still has plenty of snark, and Brad can still be the most naïve boy on the block, there’s now a definite edge to their interactions that had never been there before. Brad is still unsure of his own keen insightfulness, but he wields it with a greater ease. I loved watching this boy become a man in this novel, loved seeing the hidden depth in Brad that has always been there but never fully realized till now. To use his own sports analogies, he stepped up to the plate and brought it home in this novel, and did it with such perfect “Brad-ness”.
Kyle, who had grown more inward since graduating, even more doubtful as to his own abilities, had also become quietly safe in his work. He had most assuredly lost some of that spark that made him the fierce person that took on the Foster High School board and won some years ago. It takes Brad carefully reading Kyle’s inner fears to draw the man out of his stupor and get him back to fighting form, and when that happens, it is glorious to read. Above all else it is the strength of their relationship that shines in this story. They are no longer tentative about being absolutely sure of each other, they are strong together and nigh on impossible to stop when they stand united.
Dream of a Waking Man takes us one step further in the lives of two boys who have somehow grown into the finest of men right before our eyes. Once again, John Goode does not spare us from the hate and bigotry that exists in this world, but he tempers it with love, friendship and a passion to do the right thing despite how flawed those attempting to right injustice may be. I love this series and I highly recommend this latest book to you.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
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