J.H. TrumbleBesprekingen
Auteur van Don't Let Me Go
Besprekingen
Usually I'm not into student/teacher stories, because a lot of the time the age gap is more than a couple of years (and therefore the older guy must be tough, and the younger must be innocent, right? NOT), and there's always this cat and mouse game, where the student is running after the teacher, tries to pursue him, and when he finally does catch him, the teacher goes from shy and distant to kinky commander. (cliché much?)
But in this case there's only a couple of years separate Andrew and Robert from each other. And I didn't get the feeling that Andrew (the teacher) is more mature then Robert. In some ways yes, since he is a teacher, but emotionally I felt that they're on the same level. And yes! there is maybe a little pursuing from Robert's side, but it's more like he's trying to find something normal in Andrew' friendship while his mourning a father he never really had.
A got frustrated a couple of times, mostly with Andrew. Cause, you know, he's suppose to be the smarter one. He's a teacher but only 24 years old, he doesn't really have much experience, and he makes a lot of mistakes, but that's the beauty of it, they're both trying to navigate in this "relationship".
It does have a HEA, but it didn't actually felt like it, cause Andrew lost his job, which he enjoyed very much. And I did cry a little. :)
Aaand that's the longest review I wrote so far. :)
And then again when that little selfish prick took the flowers Andrew left and pretended they were his.
I could really relate to Robert, since I was in a similar situation a few years back (minus the overbearing aunts)
What bothered me is how the whole "hating your dying father" issue was dealt with. It all came down to "he was a bad father, and a selfish bastard, so it okay to hate him".
Robert's whole family on his father's side is painted very negative, as if to give the reader the permission to sympathise with him. When the fact of the matter is, when you have someone close to you dying, and doing it for a very long time, no matter how much you love them, and no matter how ashamed you might feel, and no matter how much you know how irrational it is, you will still hate them sometimes. But you're human and that's okay.
In my opinion this whole point was shot down when his father was made "the bad guy" with no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
Other than this issue, I liked the book. It was engaging and I liked the characters very much (Robert more than Andrew). I would like to see the story after they got together publicly and how they dealt with it.
1. J. H. Trumble isn’t a gay man. So? Are we really not beyond this yet? Men have been writing female characters forever!
2. Some people claim there are two many “tropes”. You know why? Partly because the book was written almost a decade ago. And because those tropes are true. I have a nephew who has been bullied mercilessly at school because some rotten kid decided he is gay. He isn’t gay, but that doesn’t change that fact that homophobia is real and violent. If you think “gay bashing” is a cliche that simply doesn’t happen anymore then you need to get your head out of your ass.
3. The main character, Nate is an unlikable character because he is too messed up. He’s “manipulative” and overly jealous. The criticisms are endless. And the criticisms must come from people with no experience with trauma or recovery. I have met “Nate”. Trumble’s character is raw and on the edge of likability because that’s what’s going on in the characters mind. He hates himself.
This book is good. If you have ever really wanted to try and understand someone who has suffered a trauma or wanted to know what was going on in their head then read.
No, it’s not pretty. That doesn’t mean it’s not accurate.
My only regret about the book is that it didn’t go into greater detail about how Nate and Adam resolved many of their issues.
If you don’t want to read books about homophobia and gay bashing because you think it’s “not a big deal” anymore .... read the news. 2018 hasn’t been all that great a year for the LGBTQ community in many places.
1. J. H. Trumble isn’t a gay man. So? Are we really not beyond this yet? Men have been writing female characters forever!
2. Some people claim there are two many “tropes”. You know why? Partly because the book was written almost a decade ago. And because those tropes are true. I have a nephew who has been bullied mercilessly at school because some rotten kid decided he is gay. He isn’t gay, but that doesn’t change that fact that homophobia is real and violent. If you think “gay bashing” is a cliche that simply doesn’t happen anymore then you need to get your head out of your ass.
3. The main character, Nate is an unlikable character because he is too messed up. He’s “manipulative” and overly jealous. The criticisms are endless. And the criticisms must come from people with no experience with trauma or recovery. I have met “Nate”. Trumble’s character is raw and on the edge of likability because that’s what’s going on in the characters mind. He hates himself.
This book is good. If you have ever really wanted to try and understand someone who has suffered a trauma or wanted to know what was going on in their head then read.
No, it’s not pretty. That doesn’t mean it’s not accurate.
My only regret about the book is that it didn’t go into greater detail about how Nate and Adam resolved many of their issues.
If you don’t want to read books about homophobia and gay bashing because you think it’s “not a big deal” anymore .... read the news. 2018 hasn’t been all that great a year for the LGBTQ community in many places.
Such a controversial subject, done in such a way where the sexual aspect of the forbidden (teacher/student theme) is secondary. Yet the story, the story is strong and realistic and oddly provocative without getting vulgar or trying too hard.
The book was an emotional roller coaster for me.
The strongest emotion: anger and disgust but not for the two main characters, 17 year old - Robert or 24 year old - Andrew. It was most of the women in their lives - Roberts' aunts- I seriously have never wanted to go through a book and rip out two women's entrails more. They disgust me. Their level of selfishness made me sick to my stomach. And the fact that I know there are people who actually are like that...I have no words.
Not in a good way.
I am so empathetic to Robert's home life. It's a sad home life. And that pathetic selfish excuse for a father...it's a wonder Robert was so normal. Well I guess under the circumstances.
Andrew, the handsome, single teacher...he's the one pursued by the teen. While both men fall victims to lust, they fall in love first. And it is believable. Andrew, he's been manipulated by an ex-wife (Maya) who I can't blame for trying. If I had an Andrew in my life, I'd want to hold on to his shine for just a little longer. But she had a difficult time dealing with the fact that he was gay and would not fall back into her arms.
The author did quite a bit of research about legalities and famous cases and it shows in the work. This story is strong. It's young adult but anyone could read it and be left mostly satisfied. (If you are looking for kink or sexy classroom antics - don't look for it here - the sex is glossed over)
And I find it wasn't necessary, this story is strong enough without being cheapened.
I hope this review makes sense because I'm still reeling from the last 20% of this book it is a head spinner. And the result is HEA but a realistic one if you can read between the lines.
This would be a great starter book for those who are curious about MM and like a strong story and tame sexual actions.
Wow.
I'm going to have a drink now. LOL
The flashbacks were done well; by that I mean that they usually had a logical jump off from the present day, and they informed and fleshed out the present storyline and characters. Nate's trauma was handled well. We get a terrifying sense of what he went through, without it being too much, or getting too close and personal. Nate's recovery is made possible by his support system, his friends and family, and it was heart-warming to read, even while showing the complexity of recovering from something like that.
The characters were VERY real in this book; relateable and likable while still having their flaws and quirks. I loved how we see Adam most of the time through Nate's eyes, so he's basically perfect, but there are hints of Adam's flaws, and when Nate realizes that Adam needs him as much as he needs Adam, it was an inevitable realization and totally great. And satisfying.
The supporting cast is fun, especially Daniel, a few years old who becomes Nate's straight BFF. He was totally impervious to drama that infects literally EVERYONE ELSE IN THE STORY, and his life experiences were another perspective on what happened to Nate; it all connected very well, in a believable way, instead of seeming contrived: he is trying to help others avoid what happened to his family, and that leads him to Nate. I also had a fondness for the Roommate of Temptation. Luke, a boy who is very similar to who Nate used to be, was really annoying. But Nate's rebound to him was believable drama.
BUT SERIOUSLY I JUST WANTED TO SLAP EVERYONE DURING THE WHOLE BOOK. I HAD A LOT OF FEELINGS.
I disliked the time jump near the end. If you read this, you will know which one I'm talking about. It gives a cliffhanger to the drama, skips forward a few years, and then spends a few pages drawing the suspense out of how the cliffhanger was resolved, and finally explains it all in a brief, reporter manner. ARGH. I have no idea who made that structure choice or why.
This book is kinda long, too. There was a LOT of drama, and it was sometimes painful to read. I liked the past stuff more just because those were more focused on what we needed to know, rather than spinning out the suspense of the drama. This is just one of those romantic books where you KNOW they're going to end up together, but that just makes you scream at them more every time they do dumb things or cause miscommunications or make bad choices or break up or whatever. However, it was still a jolly, well-written, character-driven story.
(review also posted on my blog, bahnree.blogspot.com)
The flashbacks were done well; by that I mean that they usually had a logical jump off from the present day, and they informed and fleshed out the present storyline and characters. Nate's trauma was handled well. We get a terrifying sense of what he went through, without it being too much, or getting too close and personal. Nate's recovery is made possible by his support system, his friends and family, and it was heart-warming to read, even while showing the complexity of recovering from something like that.
The characters were VERY real in this book; relateable and likable while still having their flaws and quirks. I loved how we see Adam most of the time through Nate's eyes, so he's basically perfect, but there are hints of Adam's flaws, and when Nate realizes that Adam needs him as much as he needs Adam, it was an inevitable realization and totally great. And satisfying.
The supporting cast is fun, especially Daniel, a few years old who becomes Nate's straight BFF. He was totally impervious to drama that infects literally EVERYONE ELSE IN THE STORY, and his life experiences were another perspective on what happened to Nate; it all connected very well, in a believable way, instead of seeming contrived: he is trying to help others avoid what happened to his family, and that leads him to Nate. I also had a fondness for the Roommate of Temptation. Luke, a boy who is very similar to who Nate used to be, was really annoying. But Nate's rebound to him was believable drama.
BUT SERIOUSLY I JUST WANTED TO SLAP EVERYONE DURING THE WHOLE BOOK. I HAD A LOT OF FEELINGS.
I disliked the time jump near the end. If you read this, you will know which one I'm talking about. It gives a cliffhanger to the drama, skips forward a few years, and then spends a few pages drawing the suspense out of how the cliffhanger was resolved, and finally explains it all in a brief, reporter manner. ARGH. I have no idea who made that structure choice or why.
This book is kinda long, too. There was a LOT of drama, and it was sometimes painful to read. I liked the past stuff more just because those were more focused on what we needed to know, rather than spinning out the suspense of the drama. This is just one of those romantic books where you KNOW they're going to end up together, but that just makes you scream at them more every time they do dumb things or cause miscommunications or make bad choices or break up or whatever. However, it was still a jolly, well-written, character-driven story.
(review also posted on my blog, bahnree.blogspot.com)
Set before Just Between Us, this is the story of Nate and Adam. Nate was assaulted because he was gay and had to undergo a lengthy trial (which we never really learn the fate of, except that there was a plea deal for one of his assailants). That was a year ago; now Adam is going to New York City to chase his dreams, leaving Nate to finish high school in their rather homophobic town. There's a lot of tension and drama between them, and we see the story in the "present time" intermingled with flashback scenes to how Adam and Nate first met, the assault, the trial, etc. If you're a fan of a completely linear story, this isn't the book for you.
I liked this book. Like in Just Between Us, the author packs an emotional wallop into this story. This is much more than a simple romance between two young men. Nate is an emotional volcano after what he endured, and for good reason; the author does a great job of showing the highs and lows of his life after the assault. I really felt like the character of Nate was genuine; I could see someone who had been through what he had endured behaving as he did.
My first main problem with this book is the character of Juliet, who seems to have no life outside of wanting to hook up with Nate, even though she is quite aware that he is gay AND dating her best friend, Adam (and yet still hits on him). I just disliked her character intensely.
The second problem is the ending, which was just way too abrupt.
Otherwise, the book was quite good, and I'll be reading the other book available by the author soon.
At first, I really didn't think that I was going to enjoy the story. The relationship between the two main characters, Luke and Curtis, starts off well enough, but it quickly devolves into a "oooh I really like him" (from Luke) and "oooh I really like him but he's still in high school" (from Curtis). But then shit hits the fan - and boy, let me tell you, the author gets into some deep stuff quickly. Curtis is diagnosed with HIV (I don't view this as a spoiler, since it's in the summary on the back of the book), and he spirals out of control, which is pretty realistic, I think. He keeps pushing Luke away without any explanation, which understandably pisses Luke off - especially since Luke is dealing with his own issues (abusive father, first and foremost). And there are a lot of feels. So many feels. Seriously, if you can get through the first quarter of the book, I think it's worth it. It definitely was for me.
And I am definitely picking up the author's other two books!
~But I know why. I can't help
myself. I can't let him go. I'm
as bound to him as the moon
to the earth. He keeps me in
orbit; and maybe I do the same
for him.
Since when the last time I
really cried over a book? Few
days ago? Weeks ago? But
honestly this story did a great
job to get all the freaking
emotions out of me. I smiled
so wide like a psycho killer
clown waiting for the next
victim. And I cried silently
crawling on my bed that hurt
my throat.
A very compelling and
heartbreaking novel that
spoke to my heart. That
opened my eyes wide to the
things that needed to be seen
and voicers needed to be
heard.
J. H Trumble perfectly filled
the book with great
characters. I felt so close to
everyone of them. That I
could feel their love, joy,
remorse, sadness, anger, fear.
Curtis and Luke taught me
everything not to stop fighting
a battle even there is no
assurance of winning. And the
worst part is fighting without
no one to hold on to. No one
to share the burdens that
weighing you down. Just fight.
You have to.
This is not just about those
people who have HIV/AIDS or
any sexually transmitted
diseases, it's also about us. An
us who can be their hope and
strength. Not to be those
people who do nothing but
judge.
I never thought I'm going to
be this emotional. This is an
awesome book. Go and read
it!
I still enjoyed the story as is. It's always an achievement when an author is able to explore an extremely controversial subject from a different perspective simply because she has managed to make the people engaging in the questionable behavior so likable.
High school junior Luke Chesser already has a crazy marching band schedule, intense training for drum major tryouts, and a dysfunctional family; the last thing he needs is boy troubles. But Curtis is so cute—and charming to no end—so when he discovers the attraction is mutual, there's no keeping the two apart.
Luke is passionate, determined, and everything Curtis wants, but he's also inexperienced, painfully naïve, and hopelessly romantic, which makes him everything Curtis can't have. When he receives a crippling diagnosis that might as well be his death sentence, he withdraws from the world—in self-pity, self-loathing, and shame—and slowly, painfully cuts himself off from those he loves most—his family and Luke included.
The fact that Trumble chose to write about both HIV and a gay couple in this young adult novel deserves its own category of praise; these are two of the most controversial topics that could appear in children's fiction, and she chose to tackle them simultaneously. Everyone hears about and fears HIV, but it's one of those diseases that "couldn't possibly happen to me," so following Curtis's frightening, completely agonizing journey, was both shocking and completely revealing of how it feels like, on an emotional level, to gradually cease to be a part of this world.
The story and characters are well-developed and very easy to keep up with and enjoy, but the style is rather meticulous, a bit too detail-oriented. For instance, there were entire paragraphs describing the process of cutting down lumber or preparing food, which I found exasperating at times; the superfluous attention to detail often made me want to skim. It's not impossible to get through, however; in fact, Trumble's writing will absorb you directly into the story, as though the lives and loves of each of the characters were your own.
Just Between Us is a powerful account of young love that, even when faced with life-altering obstacles, endures, and how to deal with the things in life we cannot control. I feel like this is kind of a milder, younger audience's version of RENT; think the emotional seclusion of Roger paired with the honeyed tone of David Levithan in this book.
Pros: Established visceral tone // Curtis and Luke are perfect for each other // Moving and affecting // Story is easy to follow // I'm curious about Luke's past now (Nate Schaper appears in J.H. Trumble's previous novels, so maybe I'll give them a try!)
Cons: Not that strong of a voice // Some parts highly unrealistic or too simple
Verdict: Tender and meltingly romantic, Just Between Us is a coming-of age novel that beautifully illustrates what it means to have the strength to accept yourself the way you are and carry on: to survive. By incorporating both HIV and gay youth—two very important, but very reluctant topics in children's literature—into this rocky, but ultimately triumphant love story, J.H. Trumble proves that she is one of the defining voices in gay YA fiction. Fans of the genre won't want to miss out.
Rating: 7 out of 10 hearts (4 stars): Not perfect, but overall enjoyable.
Source: Complimentary copy provided by publisher, via tour publicist, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Kensington and Lady Reader's Bookstuff!).
Lines are crossed a little at a time, and they fall for one another, and somehow I find myself rooting for them even though I know that it is against the law, and they both knew it was wrong, it was so hard not to wish that their love could work out. I think that I forgot why it was wrong until something was thrown in their face because of the depth of their love and how well it is described. At the bottom of it all is Andrew wanting to be there for Robert in his time of sorrow, guilt, and confusion. And Robert finding solace and love at the same time and both fighting hard to keep the rare treasure that they found.
Besides the forbidden romance that made my heart pound, there was also some great character depth. They both had things they were dealing with. Robert's dad was slowly dying from brain cancer, and he was struggling with feelings of loss and also that they were never all that close. He yearns for that relationship and wishes that it was there. He feels like a bad person that he just wishes his dad would pass instead of what they are going through and the pain he's in.
Andrew is dealing with an ex-wife and a daughter, and he made some bad decisions that compounded the already unique but strained relationship with Maya his ex wife. They are best friends, but Maya has always wanted that love relationship with him, and that puts stress on the relationship.
I also loved that I was put back in this world, since I read Just Between Us first, I already knew a bit about Robert, and knew so much about Luke and Curtis and the band dynamics, and that was so neat to be a part of that again.
This is emotional, powerful and makes you think. I had to see how far each would go for love, and if Andrew could risk or give up the career he loves and is good at for a chance at true love.
The ending was powerful and not completely happily ever after, because you know if a story like this is to be realistic that everything can't work out perfectly. But I think that Ms. Trumble handled that well and made it believable but still created something that I wanted to read.
Bottom Line: Emotional and wonderfully written book where the student teacher relationship is written so naturally and over time that made me think.
This is a timely book on HIV, and Curtis is just like everyone else, he made a few bad decisions, but they caught up to him. And it not only drastically changed his life, but the ones of his family and the boy Luke who fell in love with him, and stuck by his side even when he finds out the risk to him and what changed Curtis's life. The medical facts seem well researched but they don't beat you over the head with them, we learn as Curtis learns about it.
But if you think this is only an issues book you will be missing out, because at the core, it is a love story. Showing that love doesn't matter race, gender, illness, it just happens. There is a spark, and a lot of tension that preceded their relationship, but I loved every part of it. The stolen words and glances made this semi-slow build and finally into a ignition towards the end.
Another aspect about this that I loved was the family involvement. While neither family was perfect or whole, each had one supportive parent, and their relationships with their siblings made the story shine. While Luke deals with his dad who at first is not at all accepting, they later form a tentative relationship, and watching that grow and change as well as Matt's comments to spur their dad on was pretty awesome.
I should note there is an age difference. Its only three years but Luke is in high school and Curtis is in college. It didn't bother me because they had things in common and it's like a freshman with a senior to me. There are also some pretty steamy scenes, nothing too left field for the ya genre, but might make some uncomfortable. I personally loved every second of it, and it made me love the story even more.
Everything isn't all roses and chocolate between Curtis and Luke, they get in some pretty intense disagreements and they both do some pretty hurtful things to the other, but to me, it makes it more realistic. It is gritty, but I think that all that happens can be chalked up to hurting teens and not knowing how to handle such a huge thing in their life.
Bottom Line: Emotional and realistic journey of a young man who discovers he is HIV positive and the one who falls for him regardless.
That is probably where we really realize we are reading about teenager and not adult; at that age it’s not enough to tell I love you, it’s not enough to see you on a screen, or to have phone sex. You need you boyfriend near you, otherwise anything, or everyone, is able to put in question your security, that little safe nest you built, maybe to be able to cope what happened, because forgetting is not an option. And while Nate clearly needs reassurance, Adam has probably underestimated the problem, while on the other hand, being actually the one who never once questioned their love.
It’s not easy to say who was wrong and who was right because, actually, they both did wrongs and rights. Those are teenagers to you, ladies and sirs.
If I have to be sincere, I had a disappointment upon finishing this novel, the feeling that this was a trilogy of which I just read the central book. I do have the strong wish to read how Nate and Adam met and how their love evolved and how they came out to their families: some of these tidbits we have in the current novel, but they are just flashes, while I would like to read the whole story. But above all, I think I would love to read of Adam and Nate after this novel, of their adult selves, their life as a committed, long-term couple, the challenges but also the rewards. In this current novel, Nate is mostly the main character, Adam is afar, distant; we don’t really see his point of view if not in the end, when he basically rebels and snaps out; in a following story I think we could have the chance to know him better, and basically to read the story from his point of view.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0758269277/?tag=elimyrevandra-20
We see all sides to this relationship, the present and then different things in flashbacks throughout the book. We get to see the uncertainty, the flirting, an even that is traumatic for Nate, and pieces of Nate and Adam's healing as well as their happy times.
Nate is so vulnerable and brave all at the same time. You can clearly see the insecurities, but he also stands up for the injustices. I loved the T-shirt theme. He would wear something about gay pride and the teachers would make him repeatedly turn it inside out. Instead of stopping, he turned it into a "movement" at his school, where others would wear pride shirts or just wear inside out to support him.
It really highlights the cruelty, ignorance and intolerance of some people. I do not miss high school and this shows me many reasons why. It was painful to read about what Nate and Adam went through, and had to deal with because of who they love. As a christian, I feel bad that there was people that opposed and was so cruel to Nate. I am really close with Jesus, and in no way do I think that he would have treated someone that way or stood for it. I have my own things that I do that is against what the bible speaks for or against, and I agree with what was said that they needed to get the planks out of their eye before trying to judge someone else.
Danial is a great secondary character, and I loved every scene he was in. He is a straight guy, but he has ties to the gay community. I really appreciate how he stood up for and was a true friend to Nate. His back story is so touching, and it moved me so much.
I was so conflicted about Luke. His mere presence put Nate in a weird place. He is a guy who is ready to come out, but worried about the ramifications, and very worried that his parents won't be supportive. Since Nate's dad didn't support it and he felt much the same way, Nate took him in and wanted to help him.
This story of first and powerful love isn't perfect though. There are big misunderstandings that get in Adam and Nate's way. There is evidence that Adam is not being the guy that we believe him to be... the evidence just is not pointing his way. And then Nate does some stupid things too that made me want to smack some sense into him. But at the end of the day (or book, however you want to look at it) I felt for these characters, and I cared what happened to them. I could see where their mistakes come from, and usually the heart is in the right place, just not fully realizing what the consequences can be and who it could hurt.
This book should be for mature teens and up due to drugs, language and semi-descriptive sexual acts. Nothing is too gratuitous but still a bit more descriptive than most ya lit.
None of the above really bothered me though, it seemed realistic from a male pov.
The ending is abrupt, but the epilogue gives more closure, and it is sweet.
Bottom Line: Hardcore emotional but beautifully written story about a gay boy learning to love and accept himself, and taking others along for the ride.
Middle twenty Calculus high school teacher Andrew falls for his 17 years old student Robert. Said like that, many adults will already hate on the spot Andrew, especially if they have experience with teaching and with the ethic that comes with that. But this is not a story you can judge with prejudices; first of all, Robert is a troubled kid, his estranged father is dying of terminal cancer right in their home, and in a way, Robert is guilty he cannot feel the pain he should in such situation. From that side, this is not the story of a father and a son who manages to find each other before it’s too late, Robert has never had a relationship with his father since his father was a kid himself not ready to raising one. Right for this bad relationship with the father figure, I have never felt like Robert was searching a substitute to his father in Andrew.
If instead we took Andrew’s perspective, I see a man who would like to be still a young boy without commitments, and instead he is not only a teacher, with all the commitment it meant, but he is also the father of a little girl. Andrew is gay, always has been, and his daughter is the classical mistake of a drunken night. Not that Andrew is regretting the decision to have her, but he is probably feeling like all the world is on his shoulders, when in the end he is still a boy. That is a reason more why he is not a fatherly figure to Robert, and on the contrary, I think he sees himself more like a peer to Robert’s 17 years.
The novel is not easy because it’s clear we are heading towards a catastrophe; there is no possible happily ever after to Andrew and Robert, not if Andrew wants to continue being a teacher. At the same time, I was hoping for them to be able to find a solution, a solution that had to hurt someone, but I was hoping not them. My hope in the end was not fully met, but at least I can assure the potential reader that this drama will not turn into tragedy; there is a price to pay for happiness, but Andrew and Robert will be willing to pay it.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0758277164/?tag=elimyrevandra-20
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At the end of the day, I guess I just didn't buy it--that Robert was anything special enough to be worth the risk to a guy 6 years older, that their relationship transcended the normal teacher-student boundaries and was "worth fighting for."
I mean, it wasn't bad--everything with Robert's father hurt a lot to read, in a good way--Andrew's past trauma felt a little shoved in. But at the end of the day I don't feel like I can say that this was anything but harmful for both of them, really.