There is so much I dearly loved about this YA LGBT book. I'm going to try to write this review and not include any spoilers. Why you ask? Well, it's exactly as it says. Spoilers. I don't want to
ruin a moment of thie incredible read for anyone by letting any "cats out of the bag." I want the reader to experience the book through C. Kennedy's words, and not mine. I would, however, like to give my impression of a couple of the main characters. That's not really giving any of the story line away.
Michael-for a high school senior he is wise beyond his years. His capacity for compassion, understanding and love knows no bounds. He is emotionally strong and knows who he is and is proud of himself. His love for Christy is fierce and protective and heartwarming. I have to applaud the author, Michael is the absolute perfect person for Christy.
Christy-also wise beyond his years, but in a horrific way. Christy has suffered abuse that is so hard to fathom. (Not giving a spoiler away here, that he was abused is in the book blurb.) I give many kudos to the author for how Christy was written. We find out what has happened to Christy in his young life, but the telling is not over-done. Yes, we're give a lot of info on Christy's past, but I felt it was tastefully done, his character was in no way exploited. I
don't know if it makes any sense to anyone but me, but suffice it to say I think Christy must have been hard to write and Mr. Kennedy did such a wonderful job. Christy is fragile and strong all at the same time. He is one hell of a survivor. I love that he gets to be himself and he's accepted by most everyone. We should all be that lucky, huh?
Jacob-what a fabulous best friend. He is also loving and understanding and accepts people for who they are. The closeness and love between he and Michael is what I wish for in a best friend for my children.
There are many other supporting characters and each and every one adds a significant voice to the story. They too are people anyone would be proud to call mother, father, friend.
There are a couple of baddies. Excellently written, but I don't like them. At all. That's a testament to the writers ability to draw us in and make us feel for these kids that are being victimized.
This is pretty fast paced and action packed. I had to force myself to put it down and go to bed at night, lest I not wake up for work in the morning. Time and again I would catch myself looking at the clock counting down the hours until I could pick this book up again and be transported into these characters's lives.
There are some very troubling aspects of this book, but these are things that happen to people in real life. Everyday. I can't say enough the grace in which I feel the author approached each of Christy's situations and conveyed them to the reader.
Above all, this is a book of hope. There is so much more I want to say. I'd absolutely love to talk specifics of the story. I could probably do that for hours. But, like I said, I want the experience the readers have with the story to come from the author, not myself.
Congratulations C. Kennedy, this is one of the best books I've ever read. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
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