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bnwolgamot's review against another edition
I haven’t been enjoying it up to the 30% mark (did NOT like the main character and plot was eh) and after reading other people’s reviews I do not think it will get better
jbalkovec's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
tecolote's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
matthiasdj's review against another edition
5.0
This book was... so good.
I have no words.
Just no.
I cried my eyes out.
5/5 stars. And deserved.
I have no words.
Just no.
I cried my eyes out.
5/5 stars. And deserved.
jsncnrd's review against another edition
5.0
A Mark on My Soul? More like “This book tore my soul apart like I was in the reboot of Evil Dead.” Okay but on the real … long review incoming, because I have a lot of thoughts on this book, and am deep in my feelings over it.
I finished this book a couple days ago and had to sit with it before writing a review. I also had to stop crying. Anyone who knows me knows I am notorious for crying to some degree with at least 80% of the books that I read. A Mark on My Soul was next level. I cried throughout the entire final hour of the book, long before the ending. And when the ending came, that was my final breaking point. I woke up the morning after finishing this book and was immediately overcome with sadness again all over again.
A Mark on My Soul mixed sadness with joy, beauty with tragedy, and insight with emotional whiplash. The book did so much within its 300 pages and I truly feel that it did leave a mark on my soul.
Commence Spoiler Alerts
The way in which Jordon conveyed Noah’s emotions was masterful and incredible. I deeply felt Noah’s emotions vicariously throughout the entire final act of the story. From when he got the news about Parker to when he left the cemetery. I felt how haunted he was for not picking up the phone call from Parker. I felt the survivor’s guilt. I felt the pain he put himself through while searching for some sort of closure / explanation -- and blaming himself in the process. I felt the despair when he visited Parker’s grave and reminded him that he’ll always love and remember him.
That final chapter completely did me in. Reading the note that Parker left for Noah ripped my heart apart. The letter had such beautiful sentiments written into it, but those were eclipsed by the realization of what the purpose of the note was. I read and re-read the note at least 10 times. It was just the final gut-punch in what was already an incredibly difficult story.
There are a few moments that I think will haunt me / stick with me for forever from the book:
-“Why’d you have to say you loved me?” Parker’s final interaction with Noah, knowing what he was going to do that night and how difficult that made it for him. They didn’t get a final hug, or kiss, or anything. Knowing this was the final time they’d see each other broke my heart.
-"I love you more than anything. I promise I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m so sorry.” Noah not picking up the phone when Parker called, and the final text he instead received from Parker.
-“Our letter was about what we did wrong. I hope yours is about what you did right.” Parker’s father realizing he failed his son.
-“Wasn’t I enough?” – Noah questioning what he meant to Parker. Jesus, this was rough.
So. This book was beautiful. It was also deeply sad & truly heart-breaking. I was rooting for Noah and Parker. For some sort of happy ending or hopeful resolution. Unfortunately, we didn’t get that.
I think what’s saddest about the book for me goes beyond the scope of the story of Noah and Parker -– what’s saddest is how true and accurate this story is -- and how often it happens in the real world. This could easily have been lifted from the diaries and stories of queer people from everywhere who have felt so low to the point of completing suicide.
Jordon -- Thank you for this work of art. It meant a whole lot to me. I cannot wait to read your other books.
And in closing, two of the most powerful quotes from the book:
"You were everything I woke up for each morning, what I breathed for, the one thing that got me this far."
“I need you to know that you were loved, Park. You’ll always be mine, and I’ll always be yours.”
Please -- if you are feeling low, or struggling, or suffering -- please, PLEASE remember you are not alone and that you are needed here. If you’re in the U.S., please call 1-800-273-8255 or 988 to be linked to a crisis hotline. The universe needs you, there are people who love you, and there is help out there. Please stay.
I finished this book a couple days ago and had to sit with it before writing a review. I also had to stop crying. Anyone who knows me knows I am notorious for crying to some degree with at least 80% of the books that I read. A Mark on My Soul was next level. I cried throughout the entire final hour of the book, long before the ending. And when the ending came, that was my final breaking point. I woke up the morning after finishing this book and was immediately overcome with sadness again all over again.
A Mark on My Soul mixed sadness with joy, beauty with tragedy, and insight with emotional whiplash. The book did so much within its 300 pages and I truly feel that it did leave a mark on my soul.
Commence Spoiler Alerts
The way in which Jordon conveyed Noah’s emotions was masterful and incredible. I deeply felt Noah’s emotions vicariously throughout the entire final act of the story. From when he got the news about Parker to when he left the cemetery. I felt how haunted he was for not picking up the phone call from Parker. I felt the survivor’s guilt. I felt the pain he put himself through while searching for some sort of closure / explanation -- and blaming himself in the process. I felt the despair when he visited Parker’s grave and reminded him that he’ll always love and remember him.
That final chapter completely did me in. Reading the note that Parker left for Noah ripped my heart apart. The letter had such beautiful sentiments written into it, but those were eclipsed by the realization of what the purpose of the note was. I read and re-read the note at least 10 times. It was just the final gut-punch in what was already an incredibly difficult story.
There are a few moments that I think will haunt me / stick with me for forever from the book:
-“Why’d you have to say you loved me?” Parker’s final interaction with Noah, knowing what he was going to do that night and how difficult that made it for him. They didn’t get a final hug, or kiss, or anything. Knowing this was the final time they’d see each other broke my heart.
-"I love you more than anything. I promise I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m so sorry.” Noah not picking up the phone when Parker called, and the final text he instead received from Parker.
-“Our letter was about what we did wrong. I hope yours is about what you did right.” Parker’s father realizing he failed his son.
-“Wasn’t I enough?” – Noah questioning what he meant to Parker. Jesus, this was rough.
So. This book was beautiful. It was also deeply sad & truly heart-breaking. I was rooting for Noah and Parker. For some sort of happy ending or hopeful resolution. Unfortunately, we didn’t get that.
I think what’s saddest about the book for me goes beyond the scope of the story of Noah and Parker -– what’s saddest is how true and accurate this story is -- and how often it happens in the real world. This could easily have been lifted from the diaries and stories of queer people from everywhere who have felt so low to the point of completing suicide.
Jordon -- Thank you for this work of art. It meant a whole lot to me. I cannot wait to read your other books.
And in closing, two of the most powerful quotes from the book:
"You were everything I woke up for each morning, what I breathed for, the one thing that got me this far."
“I need you to know that you were loved, Park. You’ll always be mine, and I’ll always be yours.”
Please -- if you are feeling low, or struggling, or suffering -- please, PLEASE remember you are not alone and that you are needed here. If you’re in the U.S., please call 1-800-273-8255 or 988 to be linked to a crisis hotline. The universe needs you, there are people who love you, and there is help out there. Please stay.
toneostrem's review against another edition
2.0
(2.5 stars)
Now, I don’t know exactly how I feel about this book but let’s get into it and maybe I’ll find the words.
First off it is very clear that this is the authors first book of this kind. I know he has written book earlier, and he’s not new to the game, but this book differs from his previous ones. It is incredibly stereotypical, almost dreadfully so. Even though the author does include some diversity it almost feels like it’s there just to be there, as if it’s an attempt to be more “modern”. Just modernity is also a thing I disliked in this book. It is incredibly dated, and even now when I read it in 2021 I feel like it’s out of touch with teenagers. It’s everything from how they talk to how he describes normal teenage activities. I think this book would’ve felt much more real if it had been placed in the 80’s, or even the 90’s. That would also make more sense to the general storyline of the book. The characters just doesn’t feel like teenagers at all. I do however think that the culture difference has something to do with this. As someone who grew up in northern Europe this whole American culture thing is difficult to relate to and fully understand. It feels almost as if the characters should’ve been 16 instead, and I honestly believed they were until it was mentioned that they were older. They feel too childish.
When it comes to the overall plot, it feels rushed while simultaneously being dragged out. I do like how we didn’t get to see every single thing that happened in Noah’s life, but we skipped every single big event. The only event that is really shown is when Noah comes out to his parents. That part I really liked actually. It felt heartwarming and supportive, and as someone who is queer and have very supporting parent it was nice to see that represented in a book instead of just taking the easy trope and giving them shit ones.
Talking about “easy tropes”, the ending. What a terrible ending. Some books needs a death in the end to feel real, and to feel like they actually finish it off, but this book did not need this. It feels cheep and obvious, as if the author wrote himself into a corner and didn’t know how to get himself out of it again. It almost feels as if there was another ending planned, but as the story was written that ending no longer fit. Overall the ending just made me mad, and it was the thing that tipped it off from a three star review.
I do understand what the author tried to do with this book, to show young queer people that things will work out, but it feels as if it’s Christian propaganda. The whole situation with Parker’s home life could’ve been much better done, and I felt as if the overall tone of Christianity in this book was too biased. I can definitely see how queer books with positive Christian support can be important, but this is not one of those books.
To finish my little rant off I just have to mention my absolute hate red towards Noah. What a bad main character. I feel no emotions towards him, and he just felt egoistic and self cantered throughout the whole book. The way he speaks to his friends, the way he joked, and his general thought process where he constantly blamed himself but simultaneously managed to make everyone else the bad guy, just tipped me off so bad.
I am going to read the authors other two queer books, Watching For Comets and Every Word You Never Said, and hope that the author improved and made those better.
Now, I don’t know exactly how I feel about this book but let’s get into it and maybe I’ll find the words.
First off it is very clear that this is the authors first book of this kind. I know he has written book earlier, and he’s not new to the game, but this book differs from his previous ones. It is incredibly stereotypical, almost dreadfully so. Even though the author does include some diversity it almost feels like it’s there just to be there, as if it’s an attempt to be more “modern”. Just modernity is also a thing I disliked in this book. It is incredibly dated, and even now when I read it in 2021 I feel like it’s out of touch with teenagers. It’s everything from how they talk to how he describes normal teenage activities. I think this book would’ve felt much more real if it had been placed in the 80’s, or even the 90’s. That would also make more sense to the general storyline of the book. The characters just doesn’t feel like teenagers at all. I do however think that the culture difference has something to do with this. As someone who grew up in northern Europe this whole American culture thing is difficult to relate to and fully understand. It feels almost as if the characters should’ve been 16 instead, and I honestly believed they were until it was mentioned that they were older. They feel too childish.
When it comes to the overall plot, it feels rushed while simultaneously being dragged out. I do like how we didn’t get to see every single thing that happened in Noah’s life, but we skipped every single big event. The only event that is really shown is when Noah comes out to his parents. That part I really liked actually. It felt heartwarming and supportive, and as someone who is queer and have very supporting parent it was nice to see that represented in a book instead of just taking the easy trope and giving them shit ones.
Talking about “easy tropes”, the ending. What a terrible ending. Some books needs a death in the end to feel real, and to feel like they actually finish it off, but this book did not need this. It feels cheep and obvious, as if the author wrote himself into a corner and didn’t know how to get himself out of it again. It almost feels as if there was another ending planned, but as the story was written that ending no longer fit. Overall the ending just made me mad, and it was the thing that tipped it off from a three star review.
I do understand what the author tried to do with this book, to show young queer people that things will work out, but it feels as if it’s Christian propaganda. The whole situation with Parker’s home life could’ve been much better done, and I felt as if the overall tone of Christianity in this book was too biased. I can definitely see how queer books with positive Christian support can be important, but this is not one of those books.
To finish my little rant off I just have to mention my absolute hate red towards Noah. What a bad main character. I feel no emotions towards him, and he just felt egoistic and self cantered throughout the whole book. The way he speaks to his friends, the way he joked, and his general thought process where he constantly blamed himself but simultaneously managed to make everyone else the bad guy, just tipped me off so bad.
I am going to read the authors other two queer books, Watching For Comets and Every Word You Never Said, and hope that the author improved and made those better.
skittlesnz's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Needs a Trigger Warning...
Had to roll my eyes at the beginning with the knock off of “Love Simon” by Becky Albertalli and the communication via emails. The book even references the book / movie! Run of the mill book about two boys falling in love with each other and dealing with homophobia, one family being heavily religious / christian and keeping their relationship secret. Was an okay read but needed big warnings. Read at own risk.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Outing, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Suicide and Suicidal thoughts
tankytoon's review
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I liked the book more than I expected, even though the beginning gave me whiplash with Noah's nervous thoughts going all over the place.
The first half of the book read like a rom-com as Noah navigates his first relationship as an out gay man.
It's all light and fluffy until it wasn't.
The second half of the book tackles with more serious issues, and the tone goes heavy and dramatic as Noah struggles with bigotry and hate from some of their peers and some of the parents.
After reading the conclusion, I keep wondering, that if I was in Noah's shoes, how I wish I could turn back time just so that I would have kept quiet and be satisfied with Parker being my best friend for 50 odd years than being my boyfriend just for one.
Like Noah, I would keep blaming myself: if I hadn't told him I liked him; if I didn't keep suggesting that I'd be happier if we could make our relationship public, basically forcing Parker to come out; if I just answered that last phone call; etc. . A lot of "should have"'s and "would have done"s, cannot erase the Mark on My Soul.
The first half of the book read like a rom-com as Noah navigates his first relationship as an out gay man.
It's all light and fluffy until it wasn't.
The second half of the book tackles with more serious issues, and the tone goes heavy and dramatic as Noah struggles with bigotry and hate from some of their peers and some of the parents.
After reading the conclusion, I keep wondering, that if I was in Noah's shoes, how I wish I could turn back time
Like Noah, I would keep blaming myself: if I hadn't told him I liked him; if I didn't keep suggesting that I'd be happier if we could make our relationship public, basically forcing Parker to come out; if I just answered that last phone call; etc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Religious bigotry, and Homophobia
Moderate: Suicide, Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, and Outing
lias_library_'s review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
oddsocksagain's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. It was great in some respects but it also felt a bit shockworthy for the sake of being shockworthy. Although the story itself is one that easily exists in reality.
I think I struggled with the age of the characters - some things made sense and some didn't. And the main character didn't get out of their own head for 2 minutes to contemplate things happening. Sure teenagers are like that but they're supposed to be older teenagers and to be more aware? Things seems to be contradictory in places like that and it's still a decent book and well written and some of the writing about feelings are well written and hit hard.
Main spoilers:
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Maybe I've just been reading queer joy for so long that something like this just isn't what I want any more.
I think I struggled with the age of the characters - some things made sense and some didn't. And the main character didn't get out of their own head for 2 minutes to contemplate things happening. Sure teenagers are like that but they're supposed to be older teenagers and to be more aware? Things seems to be contradictory in places like that and it's still a decent book and well written and some of the writing about feelings are well written and hit hard.
Main spoilers:
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...
...
...
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Maybe I've just been reading queer joy for so long that something like this just isn't what I want any more.