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bossman8680's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a really good look at the life of a young college age guy struggling with his sexuality. As someone who has been there i found it really relatable.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Outing, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Drug use
crtsjffrsn's review
3.0
Tom Grove is looking forward to his first year of college. Among many opportunities, the one he can't wait for the most is the chance to explore his sexuality. He's read online about how much easier it is to be gay and find a guy on a college campus. But things aren't exactly as easy as Tom expected. And for someone who isn't used to being out, the idea of when and how to tell those close to him has Tom thrown for a complete loop. Can Tom survive despite his hot but straight roommate, the campus gay club, his overbearing mother, and his best friend who seems to keep disappearing for weeks at time?
Talk about a wild ride. This went in so many directions that I never expected when I first picked it up. And the twists kept right on coming as I worked my way through the book. But every one of those twists seemed to work, and they helped bring the story to a great conclusion. Tom's journey feels authentic and I found myself engaged as a reader right to the end...
Talk about a wild ride. This went in so many directions that I never expected when I first picked it up. And the twists kept right on coming as I worked my way through the book. But every one of those twists seemed to work, and they helped bring the story to a great conclusion. Tom's journey feels authentic and I found myself engaged as a reader right to the end...
mlboyd20's review
4.0
I wish to thank the authors publicist, Liz Donatelli, for providing me a copy of this book for review.
This is a contemporary LGBT New Adult novel. It's the first I've really read that truly centered on more than just on one aspect of the community. The book started out a bit dry, college freshman, knows he's a homosexual but hasn't come out to anyone but his best friend. The first several chapters of the book were nearly monotone and I wasn't sure where it was going to go. As soon as he comes out to his family, BAM, the story picks up and cruises right along.
It was interesting to see the character development and evolution of Tom. From quiet Ivy League type to deciding that he had enough of not being able to be the person he is and breaking through the walls that he had put up around himself. The selfish mistakes he made, the friendships made and lost and renewed. Coming to grips with his sexuality full circle. Dealing with the ignorance and coming out a better person.
Getting to know Tom, I did feel that the author went completely off course with him at a point and don't feel that the Tom we are presented with and learn about and grow to care for would have treated himself as poorly as he did with a certain partner. I found that particular area a bit distasteful and totally unlike what this person would have done. It was completely out of character and just didn't jive right with the history and self respect I had been presented with as a reader.
Get past the monotone areas, the areas that just don't seem to flow and you will find that all in all, this is a good story and one that needs to be heard. It gives the straight reader an understanding of the hesitation of those who are LGBT have with society and hopefully opens the eyes of readers who are educating themselves into acceptance, understanding and caring. I recommend this to everyone 16 and older.
This is a contemporary LGBT New Adult novel. It's the first I've really read that truly centered on more than just on one aspect of the community. The book started out a bit dry, college freshman, knows he's a homosexual but hasn't come out to anyone but his best friend. The first several chapters of the book were nearly monotone and I wasn't sure where it was going to go. As soon as he comes out to his family, BAM, the story picks up and cruises right along.
It was interesting to see the character development and evolution of Tom. From quiet Ivy League type to deciding that he had enough of not being able to be the person he is and breaking through the walls that he had put up around himself. The selfish mistakes he made, the friendships made and lost and renewed. Coming to grips with his sexuality full circle. Dealing with the ignorance and coming out a better person.
Getting to know Tom, I did feel that the author went completely off course with him at a point and don't feel that the Tom we are presented with and learn about and grow to care for would have treated himself as poorly as he did with a certain partner. I found that particular area a bit distasteful and totally unlike what this person would have done. It was completely out of character and just didn't jive right with the history and self respect I had been presented with as a reader.
Get past the monotone areas, the areas that just don't seem to flow and you will find that all in all, this is a good story and one that needs to be heard. It gives the straight reader an understanding of the hesitation of those who are LGBT have with society and hopefully opens the eyes of readers who are educating themselves into acceptance, understanding and caring. I recommend this to everyone 16 and older.
amartinios's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I just finished this book, and I found it absolutely amazing. I was really absorbed by the story. It was quite the emotional roller coaster following Tom Groves first year at college, all his joys, his mistakes, his pain, his getting over it, and how he matured over the course of the year.
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