I couldn't grok the outbursts of rage in this tale. I'm not sure whether they were intended by the author or added in by the narrator as it was reallyI couldn't grok the outbursts of rage in this tale. I'm not sure whether they were intended by the author or added in by the narrator as it was really just a matter of emphasis but it seemed in the audio-book like both Wade's mom & grandpa and even Ben got too overwrought about what was happening at various points.
While this tale is appealing enough, it's a bit awkward in its delivery. And while the plot covers the basics there are no epiphany evoking moments. It wasn't a hardship to get through but not one I'm likely to revisit. ...more
This novella was the best discovery I made this month. Perhaps it would be more accurate/less menacing to call this one The Boy (in the Photo) at the This novella was the best discovery I made this month. Perhaps it would be more accurate/less menacing to call this one The Boy (in the Photo) at the Bottom of the Fountain. The title and the book cover image are actually a bit misleading. Since it's revealed in the first ten minutes, it's not MUCH of a spoiler to admit this.
The book is basically angst-free and yet there is a dramatic storyline that builds gradually and benignantly from segment to segment. We encounter several likable and quirky characters whose stories intermingle in a way that author Jay Bell seems to have perfected. There's an amazing and surprising HFN ending with an absolutely unique build-up of a type that I've never encountered before in all my years of reading. It's romantic and perhaps the sweetest thing I've read this year, while at the same time being a bit of a surprise ending and eureka moment combined.
Bell spent some time in Kansas, went to college there, and met his future husband there. This book, like many of his best, is a reflection of that time and is based there. While the location is a minor aspect of this story, it adds yet another facet to the tale and was a fun discovery for this fan of his earlier work.
This is the first novel by Jay Bell that Charlie David narrates and he was a good choice for this. He does his usual yeoman-like job with the narration. And this time he did it without once invoking the "If he mispronounces that word one more time I'm gonna have to hunt him down and end him" reactions that I've had to some of his earlier voice narration efforts.
Amos was gay boy who had a two-year-long thing in high school for a closeted ⚽️soccer jock⚽️ who got cold feet about coming out at prom and broke AmosAmos was gay boy who had a two-year-long thing in high school for a closeted ⚽️soccer jock⚽️ who got cold feet about coming out at prom and broke Amos's heart ...more
Following five years away, still-closeted Rowan Harvey returns to his small town, his strict Catholic family, and Harvey's Burger Hut, the family's eaFollowing five years away, still-closeted Rowan Harvey returns to his small town, his strict Catholic family, and Harvey's Burger Hut, the family's eatery. He's there seeking forgiveness (and possibly closure?) after gay panic caused him to destroy his friendship with Kelly 'Circus' Atkins. Meanwhile, Circus has become a very successful social media influencer and he's openly pansexual despite the small town's cluelessness to his online fame.
I love coming home stories and seeing Rowan trying to come-out reads as very realistic to this former small-town boy. This one seemed much more relatable than the first book in the series where the miscommunication aspects just felt too contrived. This book has the same potential plot weakness but given his whole denial issue, it seems more believable. It's actually a bit entertaining to notice how in some ways he's a lot wiser than Circus.
This book is again read by Kirt Graves and Alexander Cendese and the lads are different enough that their chapters are always distinct. Both also do justice to the prose and can enact the dialogue of the other characters in their chapters as well.
Piper Harvey is pretty likable as well. I'm glad to see her in the other books in this series.
Slow exposition in the first chapter but really engaging by chapter 2.
A redemption tale of a small-town guy discovering that his teenage tormentor hadSlow exposition in the first chapter but really engaging by chapter 2.
A redemption tale of a small-town guy discovering that his teenage tormentor had problems of his own. (view spoiler)[After some rocky moments, the two come together in a HEA ending in which together they confront the real villain of the piece. (hide spoiler)] ...more
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