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belacbooks's review
3.0
The story was a bit spotty in places, but the overall plot was enjoyable. The flashbacks were welcome, but bungled in some areas. Nevertheless, the ending was sufficiently real and hopeful. Overall, a quick and satisfying read. Three stars.
mslaura's review against another edition
4.0
Jim Grimsley is one of my favorite authors. He has a way of cutting me to the emotional core yet making me feel somehow bettered for having read his books. Reflecting on his writing generally conjures in my mind terms like "raw", "gritty" and "disturbing", but never have I described one of his books as "lovely". This one is lovely. It is plain and simply a love story, not in the saccharin sense of a romance novel but in the authentic sense of what it takes for two imperfect people to make love work in a far from perfect world. It is the tale of Dan and Ford, two young men who find their way to one another through the miasma of family, self-doubt, and societal expectations. It is a beautiful reminder that love comes in many forms and none is less valid than another. As with all of Grimsley's books, I feel bettered for having read this. But this one left me with a smile on my face as well. Again, just lovely.
cqlanier's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
frenziedmaenad's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
jencameron's review
3.0
What’s good: the very real pain, confusion, and fear of admitting to oneself and loved ones about being gay. Excellent writing in that regard. Once again, this particular topic breaks my heart that any parent could not accept their child. I look forward to the day my son brings home a man he loves and the day I get two sons for the price of one....after college preferably :-)
What’s not so good: hints at storylines that never actually happen. Why bother bringing it up if it’s not going to be finessed in any significant manner? I admit that I was briefly afraid I had picked up a gay version of harlequin romance, which I cannot stomach no matter who the characters are. Fortunately it was not that at all.
What’s not so good: hints at storylines that never actually happen. Why bother bringing it up if it’s not going to be finessed in any significant manner? I admit that I was briefly afraid I had picked up a gay version of harlequin romance, which I cannot stomach no matter who the characters are. Fortunately it was not that at all.
jkh107's review
4.0
More literary than genre. Set in the 1980s, a gay couple's strained relationships with their families are intensified during the holidays.
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