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Eight Seconds
Rodeo camp is pure heaven for John, especially since he is free from the pack at school, his mother, and the rest of the gang back home, yet when he discovers that his friend at camp, Kit, is gay, John has a hard time knowing how to handle it as the rumors about it start to spread around.
186 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2000
12 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Jean Ferris
29 books208 followersThis author is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects: living with a deaf parent (Of Sound Mind), facing the consequences of a criminal act (Bad), or questioning one's sexuality (Eight Seconds). But Jean Ferris is also adept at writing comedy, historical fiction, and romance. What's most interesting is that she didn't publish her first novel until she was in her mid-40s. Yet she's never forgotten the intense feelings and changes of her own teenage years. Critics as well as teen readers have seen the evidence of that in her writing and have honored her novels with a number of awards, from Best Books for Young Adults to various state and National Book Award nominations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 12, 2017
During the summer before his senior year, John who lives on a Texas ranch goes to a rodeo school and learns to become a bull-rider. There he meets Kit a 19 year old college student who happens to be a politically active Gay guy, unknown to John and his friends.
John and Kit click in a friendship in a way John has never experienced before. This all sets John into an intense personal re-examination and self-discovery. This conflict drives the novel which becomes even more intense when John and his friends learn Kit is Gay. John can't deal and explodes, damaging friendships.
What I find special about this book is that it seems so real and not idealized. There is an open ending which allows readers to put themselves into the interpretation of the story and its continuance. I quite identified with John through events in my own life. While it is promoted as a YA novel, it is much more I think. It had meaning and remembrances for me 5 decades after my own coming of age.
Highly recommended for YA's and adults of any age. A solid 8 of 10 stars,
John and Kit click in a friendship in a way John has never experienced before. This all sets John into an intense personal re-examination and self-discovery. This conflict drives the novel which becomes even more intense when John and his friends learn Kit is Gay. John can't deal and explodes, damaging friendships.
What I find special about this book is that it seems so real and not idealized. There is an open ending which allows readers to put themselves into the interpretation of the story and its continuance. I quite identified with John through events in my own life. While it is promoted as a YA novel, it is much more I think. It had meaning and remembrances for me 5 decades after my own coming of age.
Highly recommended for YA's and adults of any age. A solid 8 of 10 stars,
November 18, 2010
I wanted to give this book 4 stars originally just because it didn't have the ending I wanted, but in the end I couldn't justify that. I loved this book. It may not have had the happy ending I love, but it was so realistic because of that. Both Kit and John were excellent characters and I was able to connect with both. Some of the things Kit said made me stop to think, and I really felt for what John was going through on his journey to discover himself. Really a great read.
October 6, 2008
High-school cowboy (John) figures out he is gay when he falls in love with Kit, a slightly older gay rodeo cowboy. John doesn't end up in a romance with Kit, which feels realistic, though not satisfying if the reader is looking for a romance. Clunky writing in some parts, unfortunately. I guess I would rate it 3 stars for a reader looking for a teen gay relationship novel.
February 23, 2009
I really liked the counrty story about a young bull rider. It did however take me for a loop, and one that some people may not be okay with for a young person. I thought that it shows that not everyone is the same and that it is okay, too.
December 16, 2021
I'm really pleased this book ended with John and Kit not being friends. The happy ending happens so often in media no matter what happens in the story. John messed up and Kit didn't want to be friends anymore. No amount of apologizing was going to make Kit trust him anymore. Sometimes that's how it goes - trust is just broken and you don't want to see someone anymore.
John learned something about himself and as much as he wanted to share that with Kit, their time was finished. People come in and out of our lives, touching and changing us in many ways. I'm glad to see that kind of ending here.
John learned something about himself and as much as he wanted to share that with Kit, their time was finished. People come in and out of our lives, touching and changing us in many ways. I'm glad to see that kind of ending here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2021
I love this book. Read it in college and just purchased a copy and finished reading again 17 years later. I was very sad about the ending. But, I could imagine further in the future John and Kit reconciling. Kit needs commitment and an extraordinary display of bravery and loyalty. If he received this, I believe he would open his arms to John. Relationships can be reconciled! Don’t give up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2018
(3.5 stars) aaaaargh I'm so frustrated about the ending haha
February 3, 2020
Might be my favorite book of all time. Would love it if the author makes another version of this. PLEASE DO !!!!!
November 10, 2017
i love rodeo type stuff if u like this book u sould read it
September 3, 2021
This book was very interesting for me because it included various ideas and themes within the book. I think that the way the author expressed feelings for each character, was very good.
January 6, 2017
A realistic look at life...no sugar coating or expected results. It was almost a new concept that people reap the 'benefits' of their actions. Very often in young adult literature that is not the case!
March 2, 2017
Eight Seconds is an amazing book. It is one of those that keeps the reader intrigued throughout the entire story. Of course it’s aimed at the teenage reader. Although the book’s central character is an 18-year-old guy girls too will be pulled into the story’s constantly changing relationships. His sense of self-discovery during his late teens is one of the most interesting elements to this story.
August 21, 2011
Stars: 4.5/5
Overall
This is not an easy or light reading, although it's not too heavy either. It's a nice balance of story and teenage sexuality drama. Although the topic is nothing new, I feel like the way the story was handled was fresh, making it a new and interesting story. While I really enjoyed this story, I can see some people taking issue with its not-completely-happy ending. I struggled with it myself, but I felt the decisions the author made were appropriate for the story and the lessons that John learns.
Strengths
The writing is pretty easy going, matching the character, who is pretty laid back most of the time, but has a temper when his buttons are pushed. It was straight forward and well paced and overall made for an enjoyable read.
John is a likeable character, although he is flawed (he has a temper, biases, and acts like the teenager he is). But he's still a young man struggling to deal with things in his life and he acts like many teenagers do, and has to face those consequences. I think what I liked most about him is that he never complained about things being unfair or trying to take things back (even if he wishes he could). Instead he focuses on where he's at and what he needs to do—and what he should do. There are various side characters that are nice and varied, all of whom help make John who he is. I also liked Kit, even though some of the things he did/choose were just as hard to deal with as what John did/choose.
While there are some difficult things that happen in this story, and some difficult decisions that the characters make (many of which I disagree with, personally), I really enjoyed the story with its different resolution and some of the "morals" it teaches (to the main character, but not in a preachy way). I also liked the bull riding/western environment, which fit into the story without being too heavy handed in its role.
Weaknesses
Not really a weakness, but I didn't like the ending. It was handled well, and I knew it was coming because of what I read in someone else's review, but … well, you'll have to see for yourself.
The cover that I had makes it seem like the main cast is young teens when they are actually all 18 or older. While I like the set up and the emotion behind it, I think it would dissuade younger people from reading it, which is a shame.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
Overall
This is not an easy or light reading, although it's not too heavy either. It's a nice balance of story and teenage sexuality drama. Although the topic is nothing new, I feel like the way the story was handled was fresh, making it a new and interesting story. While I really enjoyed this story, I can see some people taking issue with its not-completely-happy ending. I struggled with it myself, but I felt the decisions the author made were appropriate for the story and the lessons that John learns.
Strengths
The writing is pretty easy going, matching the character, who is pretty laid back most of the time, but has a temper when his buttons are pushed. It was straight forward and well paced and overall made for an enjoyable read.
John is a likeable character, although he is flawed (he has a temper, biases, and acts like the teenager he is). But he's still a young man struggling to deal with things in his life and he acts like many teenagers do, and has to face those consequences. I think what I liked most about him is that he never complained about things being unfair or trying to take things back (even if he wishes he could). Instead he focuses on where he's at and what he needs to do—and what he should do. There are various side characters that are nice and varied, all of whom help make John who he is. I also liked Kit, even though some of the things he did/choose were just as hard to deal with as what John did/choose.
While there are some difficult things that happen in this story, and some difficult decisions that the characters make (many of which I disagree with, personally), I really enjoyed the story with its different resolution and some of the "morals" it teaches (to the main character, but not in a preachy way). I also liked the bull riding/western environment, which fit into the story without being too heavy handed in its role.
Weaknesses
Not really a weakness, but I didn't like the ending. It was handled well, and I knew it was coming because of what I read in someone else's review, but … well, you'll have to see for yourself.
The cover that I had makes it seem like the main cast is young teens when they are actually all 18 or older. While I like the set up and the emotion behind it, I think it would dissuade younger people from reading it, which is a shame.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
March 3, 2016
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a popular bull rider at the age of 17? A guy by the name of John always wanted to be the best bull rider out there, and one day his dad surprised him with something that changed his view on bull riding. If you want to be inspired to pursue in something, you should read Eight Seconds by Jean Ferris. John kept practicing and he eventually mastered all of his riding abilities that in the end led to a great reward.
One thing I didn't like that happened in this story is that John was afraid to hang around his best friend, Kit, after he started to get bullied. Part way through the book, John started to stay at home all of the time and did everything possible to avoid Kit and everyone else. At different times in the book, he tried to talk to him again, but Kit wanted nothing to do with him. Not only did he ignore Kit, but his other friend, Bobby was treated the same way. Later on, John realized he was fighting to get his friends back.
I liked how this book was easy to read and understand what was going on at all times. The author was also very good with specific details that happened. At times it felt like you were actually there when the story took place, it was that clear. Also, I liked how this book is inspiring and encourages you to keep doing what you like and not give up after you fall off the bull.
All in all, Eight Seconds is all about thrill seeking and taking chances. Once I started reading it, it was hard to stop because you never knew what would happen next to one of the amateur bull riders. It also taught me that if a high schooler in the book can ride bulls like a professional, then you can be successful at whatever it is you like to do. I would recommend Eight Seconds to all of the thrill seekers who like to do crazy things.
One thing I didn't like that happened in this story is that John was afraid to hang around his best friend, Kit, after he started to get bullied. Part way through the book, John started to stay at home all of the time and did everything possible to avoid Kit and everyone else. At different times in the book, he tried to talk to him again, but Kit wanted nothing to do with him. Not only did he ignore Kit, but his other friend, Bobby was treated the same way. Later on, John realized he was fighting to get his friends back.
I liked how this book was easy to read and understand what was going on at all times. The author was also very good with specific details that happened. At times it felt like you were actually there when the story took place, it was that clear. Also, I liked how this book is inspiring and encourages you to keep doing what you like and not give up after you fall off the bull.
All in all, Eight Seconds is all about thrill seeking and taking chances. Once I started reading it, it was hard to stop because you never knew what would happen next to one of the amateur bull riders. It also taught me that if a high schooler in the book can ride bulls like a professional, then you can be successful at whatever it is you like to do. I would recommend Eight Seconds to all of the thrill seekers who like to do crazy things.
September 26, 2021
It was a good read especially if your into rodeo
April 28, 2012
Ferris structures an interesting tale, based in cowboy country, of teenage boys who become interested in rodeo. The story is interesting and portrays a sense of the farm life of teens raised in a truly rural environment. In this case, there is a boy who has had heart surgery who lost a year of school. He is 18 yrs. old, but will only be a senior in high school. I'm unsure why she gave her protagonist this particular characterization given the rest of the content of the novel. John goes to rodeo camp, decides he wants to be a bull rider, meets a college student who his college-aged sister knows is involved in the Lambda society.
The ending of this book has a certain elegance, although the middle of book lacks some of the emotional highs and lows. This is a short novel (186 pgs.) and as a result there are some elements that feel they are not given enough room to develop. Of all the characters, I found Clementine (Clemmie), John's youngest sister, the most engaging. Her innocence and naivete lends a special element of realism to the entire novel.
While I do recommend this novel, I also would warn readers about the lack of depth to the overall theme.
The ending of this book has a certain elegance, although the middle of book lacks some of the emotional highs and lows. This is a short novel (186 pgs.) and as a result there are some elements that feel they are not given enough room to develop. Of all the characters, I found Clementine (Clemmie), John's youngest sister, the most engaging. Her innocence and naivete lends a special element of realism to the entire novel.
While I do recommend this novel, I also would warn readers about the lack of depth to the overall theme.
February 12, 2020
John a young man, still in high school feels surrounded by females what with his mother, his girlfriend, and his five sisters.
Getting away for a week at a rodeo prep camp sounds great and there he meets and befriends Kit a handsome self assured guy who goes to college with his older sister. Kit is a natural bull rider and the two quickly strike up a friendship.
When he returns home and his sister tells John that Kit is openly gay on campus, John's world is rocked.
Soon he's questioning many things that he'd previously taken for granted.
This book is unusual and covers ground that not a lot of coming out stories cover from a perspective thats uncommon. But then, my heros have always been cowboys. I genuinely liked most all of the characters in this story and read the book pretty much in one sitting. By the end I wanted more. But even though you don't always get what you want in this book you get what you need.
Well worth the time. Now that I'm done, I've got several new friends that I'm gonna miss.
Getting away for a week at a rodeo prep camp sounds great and there he meets and befriends Kit a handsome self assured guy who goes to college with his older sister. Kit is a natural bull rider and the two quickly strike up a friendship.
When he returns home and his sister tells John that Kit is openly gay on campus, John's world is rocked.
Soon he's questioning many things that he'd previously taken for granted.
This book is unusual and covers ground that not a lot of coming out stories cover from a perspective thats uncommon. But then, my heros have always been cowboys. I genuinely liked most all of the characters in this story and read the book pretty much in one sitting. By the end I wanted more. But even though you don't always get what you want in this book you get what you need.
Well worth the time. Now that I'm done, I've got several new friends that I'm gonna miss.
August 3, 2013
Ferris, Jean / Eight seconds
Harcourt 2000
John Ritchie is heading off to rodeo camp; he can’t wait to be on his own, at least for a week, away the sisters, his mom and dad, the chores on the ranch. He knows exactly what he wants to do – ride bulls.
On this second day at camp he meets Kit Crowe, and John feels an immediate physical / spiritual attraction, he is drawn to Kit in a way he cannot really understand. Kit is also interested in bull riding. He has a natural balance and grace while he is on this two thousand pound animal. They become friends.
When he returns home from camp John mentions Kit to his older sister Caroline, she went to high school with Kit and is attending the same college. She remembers Kit and mentions that he is involved with the Lambda Society – that means he is gay.
What does John do now, considering his budding friendship and unexplainable attraction?
Harcourt 2000
John Ritchie is heading off to rodeo camp; he can’t wait to be on his own, at least for a week, away the sisters, his mom and dad, the chores on the ranch. He knows exactly what he wants to do – ride bulls.
On this second day at camp he meets Kit Crowe, and John feels an immediate physical / spiritual attraction, he is drawn to Kit in a way he cannot really understand. Kit is also interested in bull riding. He has a natural balance and grace while he is on this two thousand pound animal. They become friends.
When he returns home from camp John mentions Kit to his older sister Caroline, she went to high school with Kit and is attending the same college. She remembers Kit and mentions that he is involved with the Lambda Society – that means he is gay.
What does John do now, considering his budding friendship and unexplainable attraction?
November 27, 2007
Eighteen-year-old John is just about to watch his best friends graduate from high school. He would have been graduating with them too, if he hadn’t skipped a year when he had heart surgery as child. But the summer ahead is looking good when his father gives him a surprise gift: a week at rodeo camp! John is raring to go and decides he wants to give bull-riding a try. While at camp he meets Kit, a tough young bull-rider, and begins to develop a friendship with him. When John finds out that Kit is gay it brings up a lot of questions for him, including many about himself. Eight Seconds is a fast-paced coming-of-age story set amid the rough-and-tumble world of rodeo cowboys. Ferris does an admirable job of creating believable characters and exploring the idea of what it really means to accept yourself and your friends.
November 15, 2014
I wish there was a sequel! I would love to see how our boys John and Kit are getting along. Especially John. The thing that I really liked about this book was how well it captured the confusing feelings of discovering one's own sexuality. The fact that it's rough and tumble cowboys really adds to the feel of this book, it didn't feel like it was just for the purpose of plot; these boys really are cowboys. It felt genuine to me and I really have to hand it to Jean Ferris, she crafted a really good story!
October 8, 2010
It was pretty good. There's a bit of coarse language and violence as well as a teen learning about his sexuality (not personally objectionable, but could trigger some parents). I appreciate that teen romantic interest, gay or straight, doesn't usually end with any kind of happily ever after, but I wish that they had ended up friends if nothing else. I can imagine a lot of people reading this and seeing (if not understanding) that just being gay means being different which is hard to deal with in today's society.
August 22, 2016
This was a fun quick read. I loved all the characters and the book had several surprising laugh out loud moments.
It was fairly short, so I felt not everything was fleshed out as much as it should have been. I would have loved to have more time spent on the bull riding as well as the characters.
Not, I am not one to require happy endings. But this ending just felt rather...pointless. The whole book felt like it was leading toward one thing...and that one thing didn't happen. I had to check that there wasn't a sequel.
It was fairly short, so I felt not everything was fleshed out as much as it should have been. I would have loved to have more time spent on the bull riding as well as the characters.
Not, I am not one to require happy endings. But this ending just felt rather...pointless. The whole book felt like it was leading toward one thing...and that one thing didn't happen. I had to check that there wasn't a sequel.
March 10, 2014
This story is about a kid who is surrounded by girls his entire life. He is getting tire of it. He has 5 sisters an, annoying mom, and a nagging girlfriend. So when he gets the chance he goes to redo camp for a week. Then he befriends this guy who is older. An he finds out from one of his sisters later the guy he's friends with is gay. Then the other guys pick on both of them. John doesn't know what to do.
August 11, 2010
I liked how John's self-discovery is not easy, nor is his acceptance. It's more realistic experience, especially living in a world where the conservative viewpoint is the norm. The story is a bit uneven, and I wish that the conclusion wasn't as unsettling, although I realize that's the way life is sometimes.
April 20, 2009
Quick, action packed story of Johnny, high school boy who goes to "rodeo school" and discovers the college-age cowboy he admires is gay, but not a florist or anything like that. I think it does a decent job of exploring stereotypes and Johnny's questions about his own sexuality, but it's probably mot the *best* YA GLBT book out there.
March 22, 2010
I read this for my young adult literature class a long time ago, just remembered a few things about it. One thing that you expect is to have the story be about riding a bull, but that is just the vehicle to drive the plot.
September 14, 2012
A young adult book about a boy who goes to rodeo school, learns to ride bulls, and learns he has a friend who's gay. Coming to terms with his friend being gay forces him to discover his own orientation.
October 10, 2013
its boring a bulls ya it sounds like a good book but it really is ent and whats up with the gay friend i think that kinda truns people a away.it turnd me away but the only way people are going to read this book is if they wantto not when there focrd to
January 16, 2009
JUST KILL ME NOW! *weeps uncontrollably* This book was TERRIBLE. Gay cowboys? *sob* Why, oh why, did that kid have to be gay? *shudders* I can't believe I even finished this book. I want to die.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews