Erryn reviews ‘When Everything is Blue’ by Laura Lascarso. The ebook was published September 28, 2019 and is 242 pages. The audiobook was narrated by Michael Mola. It was released August 13, 2018 and is 7 hrs and 1 mins long. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Why I read this book: I wanted something new.
Sometimes the people we need most aren’t bonded by blood but by something deeper.
When they were kids, golden boy Chris Mitcham rescued dweeby Theo Wooten from the neighborhood bullies and taught him how to “be cool.” Now, years later, Theo’s developed romantic feelings for his best friend that “arise” at the most inopportune times. Theo hates lying to Chris, but in coming out, he might lose the one person who understands him best, a risk he’s not willing to take.
When a relationship with another young man goes south, Theo is forced to confront his own sexuality along with his growing attraction to Chris and the stunted, tenuous relationship Theo has with his father. Will Chris abandon Theo when he learns the truth, or will he stand by him in this tumultuous season of self-discovery?
In this quirky coming-of-age romance, Theo’s path to manhood is fraught with several awkward firsts, a few haters, but also the tender comfort of an unexpected lover.
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My Review:
I don’t read a lot of young adult fiction. My teenage years are not a time I want to remember. New adult? Sure. High School? Oh hell no. That being said, I’m always willing to try a new-to-me author and this audio fit the bill.
The book is enjoyable. It’s a coming-of-age romance about a young man who sees himself as less than, and a young man who seems cocky and sure about himself. Very opposite – in more ways that one. Chris is rich, well-loved by his divorced parents, has a car, and is popular. Theo’s mother works hard but they are barely scraping by. His father’s indifference to him is disgusting, but nothing new. Why do some divorced men often walk away from previous children in favor of the shiny and new? (Note, I said some – there are plenty of great divorced dads who adore their kids…) Theo is working hard to save for a car. A car his father could easily afford to buy him – if he even noticed his son.
Chris has always been there for Theo. Theo has developed feelings for Chris, but he keeps them well-hidden. He doesn’t want to ruin what they have. When Theo starts spending time with another boy, it’s clear Chris isn’t pleased. When that boy betrays Theo’s trust, Chris is livid. I felt so bad for Theo. Teenagers can be so cruel.
But Theo has a talent for skateboarding that Chris has nurtured. That isn’t all Chris has nurtured. When the time is right, all the pieces fall into place. That’s not to say things come easy – because as much as we might wish to live on a secluded island, we have sisters, parents, and other teenagers to deal with. So, not always smooth sailing. But this is a romance and Theo gets a happy ending. Does teenage love endure? I sure hope so.
I’ll mention Michael Mola. He did a good job narrating the story and I enjoyed his voice. I’ll definitely listen to another book narrated by him or another book written by Ms. Lascarso.
My Rating:
9/10 Pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
Website | Twitter: @lauralascarso | Goodreads
Laura Lascarso wants you to stay up way past your bedtime reading her stories. She aims to inspire more questions than answers in her fiction and believes in the power of storytelling to heal and transform a society.
When not writing, Laura can be found screaming “finish” on the soccer fields, rewatching Avatar: The Last Airbender, and trying to convince politicians to act on climate change. She lives in North Florida with her darling husband and two kids. She loves hearing from readers, and she’d be delighted to hear from you.
Follow her on Twitter @lauralascarso
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