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Tales from Foster High #2
End of the Beginning
Sequel to Maybe With a Chance of CertaintyTales from Foster Book Two Not too long ago, Brad Greymark outed himself to his high school and the rest of the town of Foster, Texas, with a fairly obvious public display of affection. Now what? Brad had thought being Foster’s favorite son wasn’t that important, but when it comes time to choose between high school fame and Kyle, the boy he might just be falling for? It’s not an easy decision, knowing his heart may break either way.
78 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2011
8 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
About the author
John Goode
35 books667 followersJohn Goode is a member of the class of '88 from Hogwarts school of wizardry, specializing in incantations and spoken spells. At the age of 14 he proudly represented District 13 in the 65th Panem games where he was disqualified for crying uncontrollably before the competition began. After that he moved to Forks, Washington where, against all odds, dated the hot, incredibly approachable werewolf instead of the stuck up jerk of a vampire but was crushed when he found out the werewolf was actually gayer than he was. After that he turned down the mandatory operation everyone must receive at 16 to become pretty citing that everyone pretty were just too stupid to live before moving away for greener pastures. After falling down an oddly large rabbit hole he became huge when his love for cakes combined with his inability to resist what sparsely worded notes commanded and was finally kicked out when he began playing solitaire with the Red Queen's 4th armored division. By 18 he had found the land in the back of his wardrobe but decided that thinly veiled religious allegories where not the neighbors he desired. When last seen he had become obsessed with growing a pair of wings after becoming obsessed with Fang's blog and hasn't been seen since.
Or he is this guy who lives in this place and writes stuff he hopes you read.
Or he is this guy who lives in this place and writes stuff he hopes you read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
November 20, 2011
If you haven’t read “Maybe with a Chance of Certainty – GO READ IT AND COME BACK! If you have, or don’t mind some minor spoilers, read on…
Brad and Kyle are students at Foster High School in Tyler, Texas. Brad, the star player of the baseball team, is popular, from a wealthy family, and has the run of the school. Kyle, from the wrong side of the tracks, is quietly intelligent and invisible, not even registering on the popularity scale. Somehow, improbably, these two have discovered each other and found common ground. Both from horribly dysfunctional families, both hiding, both tough on the outside but fragile on the inside, battered on the inside and out. Both gay.
This fine book picks up where “Maybe with a Chance of Certainty” left off. Responding to Kyle’s being bullied, Brad has outed himself to his classmates to protect Kyle. We find Brad the next day, contemplating what he has done, and doing some soul searching. Did he do the right thing? Can he take it back? What will his friends thinks? His family? Teammates? Can it be undone?
In the course of dealing with all this fear, which is ultimately what this book is about – fear, and will Brad master it – he meets a kindred spirit. Tyler, an older and hopefully wiser version of Brad, helps him in a weak moment. He recognizes himself in Brad, and gives him the best advice of his young life - “Trust me, living with a life full of regrets is just about the shittiest way I can think of existing.” God, where was my Tyler when was 16, 17, 18?
“I promise you the only thing worse than being a rat trapped in a maze is being aware that you were that rat.” With one simple observation, Brad’s soul is bared to us.
Where “Maybe…” was more about Kyle, this is definitely Brad’s story. We find out much more about what makes Brad tick, his fears, his hopes, his family, and most importantly, what he wants out of life. And we see, though his eyes, how very tough it is to be young and gay in a small town. How love can make us vulnerable when nothing else can touch us, and how fear can grab even the toughest of us by the throat and the heart and shake us until we are weak. How even knowing the right thing to do can scare us so badly, we will give up on ourselves and the ones we love to protect what is. Because what might be – no guarantees there, are there?
And that, in turn, makes us take a hard look inside. And makes me wonder, if I were in Brad’s position, what would I do? And that, my friends, is the sign of a great writer. Most anyone who writes can tell a competent tale – it takes an artist to make us stop and think. To hold up a mirror and invite us to look, think, feel. And make no mistake, with this book, Mr. Goode is an artist.
“At that moment I knew I’d follow him anywhere he took me.”
I feel the same way, Mr. Goode. Keep writing like this and take me with you.
Tom
Brad and Kyle are students at Foster High School in Tyler, Texas. Brad, the star player of the baseball team, is popular, from a wealthy family, and has the run of the school. Kyle, from the wrong side of the tracks, is quietly intelligent and invisible, not even registering on the popularity scale. Somehow, improbably, these two have discovered each other and found common ground. Both from horribly dysfunctional families, both hiding, both tough on the outside but fragile on the inside, battered on the inside and out. Both gay.
This fine book picks up where “Maybe with a Chance of Certainty” left off. Responding to Kyle’s being bullied, Brad has outed himself to his classmates to protect Kyle. We find Brad the next day, contemplating what he has done, and doing some soul searching. Did he do the right thing? Can he take it back? What will his friends thinks? His family? Teammates? Can it be undone?
In the course of dealing with all this fear, which is ultimately what this book is about – fear, and will Brad master it – he meets a kindred spirit. Tyler, an older and hopefully wiser version of Brad, helps him in a weak moment. He recognizes himself in Brad, and gives him the best advice of his young life - “Trust me, living with a life full of regrets is just about the shittiest way I can think of existing.” God, where was my Tyler when was 16, 17, 18?
“I promise you the only thing worse than being a rat trapped in a maze is being aware that you were that rat.” With one simple observation, Brad’s soul is bared to us.
Where “Maybe…” was more about Kyle, this is definitely Brad’s story. We find out much more about what makes Brad tick, his fears, his hopes, his family, and most importantly, what he wants out of life. And we see, though his eyes, how very tough it is to be young and gay in a small town. How love can make us vulnerable when nothing else can touch us, and how fear can grab even the toughest of us by the throat and the heart and shake us until we are weak. How even knowing the right thing to do can scare us so badly, we will give up on ourselves and the ones we love to protect what is. Because what might be – no guarantees there, are there?
And that, in turn, makes us take a hard look inside. And makes me wonder, if I were in Brad’s position, what would I do? And that, my friends, is the sign of a great writer. Most anyone who writes can tell a competent tale – it takes an artist to make us stop and think. To hold up a mirror and invite us to look, think, feel. And make no mistake, with this book, Mr. Goode is an artist.
“At that moment I knew I’d follow him anywhere he took me.”
I feel the same way, Mr. Goode. Keep writing like this and take me with you.
Tom
August 24, 2016
El primer libro de Kyle y Brad me gustó, en este no me ha quedado más remedio que enamorarme de ellos, como individuales y como posible pareja. No sé cuál de ellos me gusta más, cuando pienso que Kyle es insuperable aparece Brad con esa vulnerabilidad fuerte, tan sincero con él mismo, tan lleno de dudas pero tan valiente. Adorables.
Qué lectura tan dulce, con momentos tristes y con momentos que hacen que te lata más rápido el corazón por tantos sentimientos, gracias a un autor que parece que no está contando nada nuevo pero lo que cuenta lo hace con una reflexión inteligente, con sensibilidad, con momentos de humor,...
Nada nuevo bajo el sol, pero la historia y los personajes brillan, brillan, brillan.
Qué lectura tan dulce, con momentos tristes y con momentos que hacen que te lata más rápido el corazón por tantos sentimientos, gracias a un autor que parece que no está contando nada nuevo pero lo que cuenta lo hace con una reflexión inteligente, con sensibilidad, con momentos de humor,...
Nada nuevo bajo el sol, pero la historia y los personajes brillan, brillan, brillan.
June 14, 2018
Brad, Brad, Brad….I was right. You still need some smacking. But I still understand.
I loved being in Brad’s head. His POV was much needed because lets face it, he was a grade A asshole. But honestly, I would been more worried if he wasn’t.
So Brad outed himself in the end of the first book and now he and Kyle have to deal with the aftermath. Did he do the right thing? How does someone go from the school’s most popular, hot jock to being the outcast, the gay kid who gets bullied. Not an easy thing for a teenager to bear, so keep that in mind before judging him.
While soaking in Coke and dealing with possibly losing everything, including Kyle, Brad will meet a confidante, another character with great potential. Maybe he’ll get his own book? (I don’t read blurbs of the following books so I don’t get accidentally spoiled)
I can’t help but think about how many adults read this series and wished they had it while being teenagers themselves. I’m guessing a lot. I have a small collection of YA LGBT books I want my son to read when he’ll be a teenager himself, and this series definitely made it to that list. This is the highest praise a book can get from me.
Moving on!
-Review posted on Gay Book Reviews.-
July 31, 2015
Continuing BR with Paul and Sonia. (re-read)
I don't know what it is about this series.... But how could I have given this story less than 5 stars????
I remember not liking Brad very much... He was being an ass to Kyle and his innervoice felt off!!! pfffft
"Knowing" Brad so much better and loving him for the man he has grown into, I'm reading this story quite differently!!
Like he said himself:
"I know I was scared, and I handled that like crap, but I'm here now."
============================================
(review 2014 August 3rd) -rating 4 stars!!
First of all I have to tell I loved the inner-voice of Kyle better than Brad’s
The day after the big come-out, Brad is struggling whether he’s done the right thing. He’s scared.
Scared of the consequences for his baseball-scholarship. The next day Brad and Kyle are cutting class so they’ll have the weekend to prepare themselves.
I was running away from my problems again, which was pretty much how I lived my entire life, and now I was dragging someone along with me. I can say, with no joy or ego whatsoever, that I’ve never once stood up to a problem. I’ve smiled my way out of them, lied my way past them, and once or twice, bullied my way over them, but never once looked one directly in its eye. I hated that about myself.
Every time my thoughts started to spiral toward the future, I could feel my heart begin to race and my stomach contract as if I was going to throw up. There wasn’t a night I didn’t fall asleep wishing I was just like everyone else, a mindless high school jock wandering the halls like a sheep grazing in the field. I promise you the only thing worse than being a rat trapped in a maze is being aware that you were that rat.
A part of me, albeit a small part, knew that standing up next to Kyle was the best thing I’d ever done. The feeling of finally shrugging off this disguise and talking with my own voice for once was refreshing. It was more than refreshing; it was liberating in such a way that it was almost like being drunk. That sounded better to me: I was drunk on emotion, and that was why I’d told the entire school my secret.
Even I didn’t believe that one.
Then Kyle and Brad had their first fight and Brad is left in town and meets mr. Parker.
Mr. Parker is the town’s college’s ball-player.
“Well if I had someone like Kyle standing next to me, I’d tell the rest of the world to fuck off and take as much happy as I could grab.” “Because, Brad, at the end of the day, sports won’t make you happy, your friends won’t make you happy, and your family will just wonder what is wrong with you. The only way that you’ll be happy is if you man up and face who you are.”
You think those people are going to love you? Comfort you? Stand behind you for the rest of your life? I can’t make this any clearer, Brad. If you live your life scared of what other people think, then you will always be miserable.
Brad’s mom “waked” up;
We all grow up thinking we are going to be one thing or another, and we clutch those dreams to our chests like they are the most important things in the world. But life… life has its own plans for us, and it could care less what our plans are because life is always more important than what people think they want.
Stop living our expectations,” she said as she comforted me. “And start living your own life.”
“Then do something about it,” she said handing me my phone. “If you don’t, you’ll spend the rest of your life wondering how things would have been different if you had.”
In the end Brad makes it right with Kyle!!
my other reviews of the series
March 19, 2012
First you should be aware that End of the Beginning is the second in a trilogy of books by John Goode. The first, Maybe With a Chance of Certainty introduces us to the main character, Brad, whose voice carries this second novel. And what a voice...naked, painful, selfish, self-condemning, wounded, and most assuredly, in love--Brad's voice is all of these things and more.
Brad is the demi-god of high school fame in the small town of Foster. He dates the undeniable queen of the "popular girls" and rules the corridors of the local high school with an iron fist gloved in good looks, bullshit bravado and more than a little subterfuge. For you see Brad is a liar, a cheat, a fraud and so scared that he does not know where to turn to escape the monster he worries he is becoming. His saving grace...is Kyle, the boy who loves him despite his flaws, despite his past.
Brad has hidden his lust for all things male in carefully constructed lies for years. He has used at least two other boys for not only sexual relief but for the illusion of a relationship that has thus far been only a half-feared dream. He was deeply closeted, loathing both it and himself, until he met Kyle. A shadow that lurked the corridors of the very high school that Brad was lord and master of, a "nobody' barely seen, rarely heard and totally ignored--until Brad stepped up and opened up a world that neither boy was prepared to live in. Brad, in what can only be described as a break from reality, declares his love for Kyle, and, that he, himself, is also gay and that up until this moment he has been living a lie. This novel, End of the Beginning, now takes us through the day after that declaration. A day in which not only is Brad's past laid bare for us to see, but a day for us to also shake our heads and fingers at in alternate moments of disgust and compassion. A day for us to, in a moment of blinding clarity, see how very much we are the same as Brad--sometimes lost, sometimes despairing, sometimes so unhappy that we do things we would never wish to see the light of day.
I fell in love with this boy, Brad. I thought that Kyle held that place in my heart, but he has moved aside and let this boy in as well. I cried for him. I read, aghast, at his cruelty and wept at his pain. And, at the end of this incredible little book, I knew that I had found an author who somehow manages to crawl inside the mind and hearts of the teenager that hides within each of us. An author who looks boldly at the secrets we each keep tucked away from our high school days and says quite simply,"I have been there...I understand.
There are so many passages in this book that stand out, but honestly? The last few lines of this book caught me up and ripped a sob of joy right out of my throat. A ring and 81 cents. If you want to understand how they can evoke such a visceral reaction from this reader, then you must read this book. Trust me, after reading it you will only have one thing to say to the author, John Goode. "Please sir, may I have more?" Well Mr. Goode? May I?
Brad is the demi-god of high school fame in the small town of Foster. He dates the undeniable queen of the "popular girls" and rules the corridors of the local high school with an iron fist gloved in good looks, bullshit bravado and more than a little subterfuge. For you see Brad is a liar, a cheat, a fraud and so scared that he does not know where to turn to escape the monster he worries he is becoming. His saving grace...is Kyle, the boy who loves him despite his flaws, despite his past.
Brad has hidden his lust for all things male in carefully constructed lies for years. He has used at least two other boys for not only sexual relief but for the illusion of a relationship that has thus far been only a half-feared dream. He was deeply closeted, loathing both it and himself, until he met Kyle. A shadow that lurked the corridors of the very high school that Brad was lord and master of, a "nobody' barely seen, rarely heard and totally ignored--until Brad stepped up and opened up a world that neither boy was prepared to live in. Brad, in what can only be described as a break from reality, declares his love for Kyle, and, that he, himself, is also gay and that up until this moment he has been living a lie. This novel, End of the Beginning, now takes us through the day after that declaration. A day in which not only is Brad's past laid bare for us to see, but a day for us to also shake our heads and fingers at in alternate moments of disgust and compassion. A day for us to, in a moment of blinding clarity, see how very much we are the same as Brad--sometimes lost, sometimes despairing, sometimes so unhappy that we do things we would never wish to see the light of day.
I fell in love with this boy, Brad. I thought that Kyle held that place in my heart, but he has moved aside and let this boy in as well. I cried for him. I read, aghast, at his cruelty and wept at his pain. And, at the end of this incredible little book, I knew that I had found an author who somehow manages to crawl inside the mind and hearts of the teenager that hides within each of us. An author who looks boldly at the secrets we each keep tucked away from our high school days and says quite simply,"I have been there...I understand.
There are so many passages in this book that stand out, but honestly? The last few lines of this book caught me up and ripped a sob of joy right out of my throat. A ring and 81 cents. If you want to understand how they can evoke such a visceral reaction from this reader, then you must read this book. Trust me, after reading it you will only have one thing to say to the author, John Goode. "Please sir, may I have more?" Well Mr. Goode? May I?
March 11, 2016
This short story picks up where Maybe With a Chance of Certainty left off only this time from Brad's point of view. If you remember Brad defended Kyle and in the process outed himself in front of the whole school.
So imagine you can read Brad's mind as he tries to figure out what to do now and you will understand what this story is about. If you are straight and don't understand what it means to come out. Or if you are struggling to come out yourself then this is something you should read. For me, I went through all this when I was 17 so it pretty much sucked having to read through someone else's thoughts about it.
So imagine you can read Brad's mind as he tries to figure out what to do now and you will understand what this story is about. If you are straight and don't understand what it means to come out. Or if you are struggling to come out yourself then this is something you should read. For me, I went through all this when I was 17 so it pretty much sucked having to read through someone else's thoughts about it.
December 7, 2011
I really loved both of these books! My only complaint is that i wish they were longer :) Hope theres more of Brad and Kyle!
March 15, 2019
So, that happened. These two are certainly teenage boys. :D I am so glad I am not in high school anymore. Ugh! This is a great series so far. Kinda wordy, which I skipped the extra fluff internal dialogue, but the action scenes are really good. Another 4 stars from me.
December 7, 2011
The sequel to Maybe With a Chance of Certainty is the Brad's story.
Straight after the event in which Brad has outed himself to his classmates, he is now contemplating about the consequences. I love this ... probably more than the first book. Why? Because, while Kyle is adorable, in some way, he already know who he is. Sure, Kyle is used to hiding, to be invisible, but at the same time, there is strength in Kyle that I admire. Brad, on the other hand, feels more complicated for me. Because he's this popular young guy. He is a star player, he dates popular girls, he comes from wealthy family. His inner struggle, his inner fear, and how he face them somehow charmed me more than Kyle.
I love reading his thoughts, I enjoy reading his 'journey of the mind', asking whether he is doing the right thing, whether being with Kyle is enough for him, should he keep lying, can he face one more day at the school ... this is a fascinating read. Plus, there are some wonderful insights and life advices from cameo Tyler Parker (he appears in The Boy Behind the Red Door) and Brad's own mother.
"We all grow up thinking we are going to be one thing or another, and we clutch those dreams to our chests like they are the most important things in the world. But life… life has its own plans for us, and it could care less what our plans are because life is always more important than what people think they want. There are a lot of people in this world who refuse to open their eyes to what life wants of us. They don’t understand that life is more important than adolescent dreams. They hold on to those dreams as long as possible, doing everything they can to avoid losing them, no matter what the cost to everyone around them.”
*sniff*
If I have tiny complaint, it's probably to my own liking ... I like conversations in between long narration/description, and I feel that this one is heavy on the narration.
Anyway, thank you for giving us, readers, Brad and Kyle, dear John. This reader is definitely be there for any more stories you provide us about them, and I wish them a lot of strength and happiness in their journey ahead (yes, I know they're fictional characters, but I feel like they're my friends, darn it!)
Straight after the event in which Brad has outed himself to his classmates, he is now contemplating about the consequences. I love this ... probably more than the first book. Why? Because, while Kyle is adorable, in some way, he already know who he is. Sure, Kyle is used to hiding, to be invisible, but at the same time, there is strength in Kyle that I admire. Brad, on the other hand, feels more complicated for me. Because he's this popular young guy. He is a star player, he dates popular girls, he comes from wealthy family. His inner struggle, his inner fear, and how he face them somehow charmed me more than Kyle.
I love reading his thoughts, I enjoy reading his 'journey of the mind', asking whether he is doing the right thing, whether being with Kyle is enough for him, should he keep lying, can he face one more day at the school ... this is a fascinating read. Plus, there are some wonderful insights and life advices from cameo Tyler Parker (he appears in The Boy Behind the Red Door) and Brad's own mother.
"We all grow up thinking we are going to be one thing or another, and we clutch those dreams to our chests like they are the most important things in the world. But life… life has its own plans for us, and it could care less what our plans are because life is always more important than what people think they want. There are a lot of people in this world who refuse to open their eyes to what life wants of us. They don’t understand that life is more important than adolescent dreams. They hold on to those dreams as long as possible, doing everything they can to avoid losing them, no matter what the cost to everyone around them.”
*sniff*
If I have tiny complaint, it's probably to my own liking ... I like conversations in between long narration/description, and I feel that this one is heavy on the narration.
Anyway, thank you for giving us, readers, Brad and Kyle, dear John. This reader is definitely be there for any more stories you provide us about them, and I wish them a lot of strength and happiness in their journey ahead (yes, I know they're fictional characters, but I feel like they're my friends, darn it!)
December 10, 2011
I have had to sit on my thoughts for a couple of days on this one. At first I was thinking, nope, not nearly as good as the first one. But then I started to think my reaction was due to my feelings towards Kyle. I want to protect him, to help him succeed. He brings out the Mother in me. There just seemed to be so much more pain in Kyle's story.
Now that we have switched sides to Brad's POV, the voice is so different. It is harder, you are less likely to give your heart to Brad because you want to say 'stop your whining you have everything'. Brad seems more selfish and he certainly does not treat others with respect. But really, Brad's story is another perspective of the same coin. He struggles no less than anyone else who is facing the same issues in high school, they just impact him differently. John really does a very good job taking us down Brad's road.
Overall I have really enjoyed John's writing style and the voice he has given the teens at Foster High. I look forward to reading more of his work.
Now that we have switched sides to Brad's POV, the voice is so different. It is harder, you are less likely to give your heart to Brad because you want to say 'stop your whining you have everything'. Brad seems more selfish and he certainly does not treat others with respect. But really, Brad's story is another perspective of the same coin. He struggles no less than anyone else who is facing the same issues in high school, they just impact him differently. John really does a very good job taking us down Brad's road.
Overall I have really enjoyed John's writing style and the voice he has given the teens at Foster High. I look forward to reading more of his work.
November 28, 2013
Just a shortie review and 5 stars, with a huge
This, the second book in the Foster High series, is told from Brad's POV, and really makes you feel for him. Brad is so mixed up and unsure of himself, he's having huge problems at home trying to conform to his dad's narrow-minded view of what he should be...a jock, popular and successful at all he does. Unfortunately, his own father apparently failed at everything because he was stupid enough NOT to use a condom at the appropriate moment, and therefore was forced to get married and start a family before he was grown up himself!! In this one, Brad discovers a like-minded closeted soul in the bigoted little Texan town that they live in, and his advice finally persuades Brad to go after who he really wants i.e. Kyle. Oh, and there were some surprises on the home front too....totally unexpected but you rock Brad's mum
!!
August 4, 2017
3.5 Stars
Enjoyable sequel to Maybe With a Chance of Certainty.
This story deals with the immediate aftermath of the climactic events at the end of book #1 and is told solely through Brad’s POV.
I appreciated this look into Brad’s mind. Through witnessing his thoughts and fears, in the now and regarding the future, as well as dissecting a boatload of questionable behaviour from his past (told through a series of short and detailed memories), we get to delve much deeper into Brad’s psyche - much more than was even briefly touched on in book #1.
To be honest, I’m still not sure if I even like his character, but at least now I feel like I’ve seen him as an actual human being, both flawed and complex.
Again, the writing style grabs me, with its natural flow and thought provoking concepts, and I can't wait to continue reading!
Enjoyable sequel to Maybe With a Chance of Certainty.
This story deals with the immediate aftermath of the climactic events at the end of book #1 and is told solely through Brad’s POV.
I appreciated this look into Brad’s mind. Through witnessing his thoughts and fears, in the now and regarding the future, as well as dissecting a boatload of questionable behaviour from his past (told through a series of short and detailed memories), we get to delve much deeper into Brad’s psyche - much more than was even briefly touched on in book #1.
To be honest, I’m still not sure if I even like his character, but at least now I feel like I’ve seen him as an actual human being, both flawed and complex.
Again, the writing style grabs me, with its natural flow and thought provoking concepts, and I can't wait to continue reading!
May 7, 2012
Meh, this wasn't half as good as the first book. I thought by reading Brad's POV I'd like him more but it didn't help at all... I actually had a petty hard time liking him at all. His inner-thoughts went on and on and on and on and I ended up skimming through a lot of it. He was such a prick, and again Kyle just forgave him in basically two seconds. Honestly, I don't wish this often to my MCs (never actually), but I'd rather see Kyle with someone else... I wouldn't mind him finding someone else in college, for example.
One thing I really want, is to read a story about Mr. Parker! He was really sweet and helpful to Brad, and I really want him to get his HEA, because it really pained me to see him so miserable.
One thing I really want, is to read a story about Mr. Parker! He was really sweet and helpful to Brad, and I really want him to get his HEA, because it really pained me to see him so miserable.
August 24, 2017
The second installment in John Goode’s Tales from Foster High series, this one is told from Brad’s POV as he deals with the fallout of his big announcement. Lots of serious issues in this one as Brad regrets his decision to come out, screws up things with Kyle (again!), gets a super size Coke thrown in his face, and confronts his alcoholic father. I loved being in Brad’s head as he pursued Kyle to be his tutor. 5 stars!!
June 19, 2015
I loved getting to know Brad. And don't be misled by the title, this book is happy. :)
BUT, this has more inner dialogue than actual events. And I was a little bothered with that.
Good thing these two sweethearts are growing on me.
3 STARS.
my Maybe with a Chance of Certainty review
October 9, 2012
This is the continuation from Maybe With A Chance Of Certainty and it was just as good as the first. I loved how the first was told from Kyles point of view and this from Brad's. I hated some parts where Brad was being a jerk but it made the story what it was. This is a very realistic series and I hope more books are written. :)
July 27, 2013
This book is basically the fallout from the events at the end of Maybe with a Chance of Certainty.
It’s the next day, and Brad is having his HOLY SHIT, WHAT DID I DO?! moment.
Ah yes, young Jedi, “to every action there is a reaction”.
That’s right, I just paraphrased Newton all up in this review.
Everyone loves Brad Graymark. He is attractive, popular, athletic, charming, and wealthy. He is your standard, Abercrombie issued, high school approved, All-American golden boy.
Everyone loves Brad, everyone except for Brad.
Brad is filled with self-loathing. He hates the image he has pandered to. He is aware that he hasn’t been true to himself for a very long time. And all those people who love him, they don’t actually know him. He feels dishonest and disconnected. However, he doesn’t know if he wants to abandon the comfort that comes with his image and being loved by all. Commence freak-out.
Brad is just so lost. He takes a painful look at himself, his environment, social circle, and his past actions. Brad is terrified he will fall into his old patterns, run away from his problems, and hurt Kyle (the only person he cares about) again.
End of the Beginning is mostly the inner musings of Brad. There is a lot of character growth, and insight into who Brad really is. I didn’t find Brad’s POV quite as enjoyable as Kyle’s. But Kyle has that special brand of snarky sarcasm to temper the whiney teenage angst. Brad was still loveable, and his emotional turmoil managed to tug at my heartstrings. It was actually great to learn about Brad from his own perspective, to learn how imperfect he really is. He is selfish, a little self absorbed, melodramatic, and so heartbreakingly damaged. It was great watching him reflect, and figure things out. I loved Brad all the more for it in the end.
This book was so Goode. (Heh, see what I did there?). Go read it!
3.5 Stars
More reviews at The Morning After Romance
It’s the next day, and Brad is having his HOLY SHIT, WHAT DID I DO?! moment.
Ah yes, young Jedi, “to every action there is a reaction”.
That’s right, I just paraphrased Newton all up in this review.
Everyone loves Brad Graymark. He is attractive, popular, athletic, charming, and wealthy. He is your standard, Abercrombie issued, high school approved, All-American golden boy.
Everyone loves Brad, everyone except for Brad.
Brad is filled with self-loathing. He hates the image he has pandered to. He is aware that he hasn’t been true to himself for a very long time. And all those people who love him, they don’t actually know him. He feels dishonest and disconnected. However, he doesn’t know if he wants to abandon the comfort that comes with his image and being loved by all. Commence freak-out.
Brad is just so lost. He takes a painful look at himself, his environment, social circle, and his past actions. Brad is terrified he will fall into his old patterns, run away from his problems, and hurt Kyle (the only person he cares about) again.
End of the Beginning is mostly the inner musings of Brad. There is a lot of character growth, and insight into who Brad really is. I didn’t find Brad’s POV quite as enjoyable as Kyle’s. But Kyle has that special brand of snarky sarcasm to temper the whiney teenage angst. Brad was still loveable, and his emotional turmoil managed to tug at my heartstrings. It was actually great to learn about Brad from his own perspective, to learn how imperfect he really is. He is selfish, a little self absorbed, melodramatic, and so heartbreakingly damaged. It was great watching him reflect, and figure things out. I loved Brad all the more for it in the end.
This book was so Goode. (Heh, see what I did there?). Go read it!
3.5 Stars
More reviews at The Morning After Romance
September 28, 2014
Start this book only if you have finished reading Maybe With a Chance of Certainty because if you don't you might find Brady's inner monologue a bit irritating but if you know what has happened in the first book you will sympathize with him just like I did.
Though a short read this book is divided into three parts.My favorite part is the second as Brady talks with Mr.Parker.That was a really sweet scene and now Mr.Goode you will have to write a story about Mr.Parker if you already didn't pair him up in this series.
Brady made me swoon in third part..
“Making things right,” I said with no hesitation. “This isn’t going to be easy, and I have no idea about what is about to happen, but I know no matter how hard it gets, I’m going to be here for you.” I thought about it for a second. “Scratch that, I’m going to be here with you.”
I will be reading the next book asap and John Goode
you deserve your title you are Good;)
Though a short read this book is divided into three parts.My favorite part is the second as Brady talks with Mr.Parker.That was a really sweet scene and now Mr.Goode you will have to write a story about Mr.Parker if you already didn't pair him up in this series.
Brady made me swoon in third part..
“Making things right,” I said with no hesitation. “This isn’t going to be easy, and I have no idea about what is about to happen, but I know no matter how hard it gets, I’m going to be here for you.” I thought about it for a second. “Scratch that, I’m going to be here with you.”
I will be reading the next book asap and John Goode
you deserve your title you are Good;)
July 1, 2017
3 stars!
End of the Beginning brings us back to Foster, Texas and to Kyle and Brad, who recently came out to the whole school of Foster High by a very public display of affection. While coming out is never easy in a highschool setting, the conservative town of Foster is making the situation even more difficult. Brad, who used to be the golden boy of the school's baseball team is facing one of the most important decisions in his life. Is he going to take the easy option out the school is offering him due to his popularity or is he going to stand up for himself and for Kyle and stick with his coming out?
While the setting in End of the Beginning might not be especially new, I really enjoy the writing style of the author. He manages to make the characters and their thoughts and feelings very real - it is easy to remember how teenager life was like and how the most irrational thoughts might be the foundation for their decisions. I am definitly going to continue this series - I would like to know how Brad and Kyle are going to handle the difficult situation they are in.
End of the Beginning brings us back to Foster, Texas and to Kyle and Brad, who recently came out to the whole school of Foster High by a very public display of affection. While coming out is never easy in a highschool setting, the conservative town of Foster is making the situation even more difficult. Brad, who used to be the golden boy of the school's baseball team is facing one of the most important decisions in his life. Is he going to take the easy option out the school is offering him due to his popularity or is he going to stand up for himself and for Kyle and stick with his coming out?
While the setting in End of the Beginning might not be especially new, I really enjoy the writing style of the author. He manages to make the characters and their thoughts and feelings very real - it is easy to remember how teenager life was like and how the most irrational thoughts might be the foundation for their decisions. I am definitly going to continue this series - I would like to know how Brad and Kyle are going to handle the difficult situation they are in.
December 3, 2015
Read as part of Tales from Foster High.
December 9, 2011
I am really enjoying this series. John, how many books will there be?
This is the story of "the day after" - Brad outs himself at school in the first book along with Kyle. The next day, he's wondering what the hell he has done and how he's going to deal with it. He's got a lot to lose as the most popular male athlete at Foster High with the prettiest girlfriend, rich family, etc. Both boys are under quite a bit of stress and Brad has a bit of a freak out. Quite a bit of this story is shedding light on Brad's background - when he realizes he is "different," his relationship with his father in particular, his self-loathing, even his detachment and "using" of other people. Brad takes a good hard look at himself - and finds he is lacking. It's clear that Kyle is the first person to make him "feel" anything in a long time. I especially like the interaction with Mr. Parker - who recognizes a kindred spirit and tries to provide some encouragement - or maybe just tries to save Brad from a lesson learned the hard way. Also loved the confrontation with Brad's dad and the acceptance from his mother.
So John, when is the next book out????
This is the story of "the day after" - Brad outs himself at school in the first book along with Kyle. The next day, he's wondering what the hell he has done and how he's going to deal with it. He's got a lot to lose as the most popular male athlete at Foster High with the prettiest girlfriend, rich family, etc. Both boys are under quite a bit of stress and Brad has a bit of a freak out. Quite a bit of this story is shedding light on Brad's background - when he realizes he is "different," his relationship with his father in particular, his self-loathing, even his detachment and "using" of other people. Brad takes a good hard look at himself - and finds he is lacking. It's clear that Kyle is the first person to make him "feel" anything in a long time. I especially like the interaction with Mr. Parker - who recognizes a kindred spirit and tries to provide some encouragement - or maybe just tries to save Brad from a lesson learned the hard way. Also loved the confrontation with Brad's dad and the acceptance from his mother.
So John, when is the next book out????
December 13, 2011
A nice followup sequel, but I never connected to Brad like I connected to Kyle. And because this installment is from Brad's POV and his get-to-know-Brad edition, I almost rated it a 3/3.5. His actions, which he readily admits, comes from a more selfish place. Some of what we find out about Brad and his past experiences are such a surprise. Looking at Brad through Kyle's POV in the last book I had no idea that Brad had so much to work through. It doesn't make his transition and freak out moments any more or less valid than Kyle's ... it just means he has a further way to go. And because of that, and because Goode's writing has continued to accurately portray teenagers, I had to round up.
I would still recommend this story, and this series, to any reader interested in high school characters/themes and YA stories.
I would still recommend this story, and this series, to any reader interested in high school characters/themes and YA stories.
March 19, 2012
End of the Beginning is well titled, because that's just about what it is. There is a lot more of these boys' stories left to come, but this one wraps up the first precarious moments of coming out and coming to terms with who they are. I loved the fact that it is told from Brad's POV. He is a much more complex character than he seems at first. And a new secondary character with a lot of story potential comes on the scene. (He apparently already has a story line of his own in The Boy Behind the Red Door.) I'm hooked on Kyle and Brad's saga now. Can't wait for the next installment, to see them navigate the halls of high school and perhaps even move on to college. I like the fact that this is also appropriate for a YA audience, although I enjoyed it as an adult read.
September 25, 2014
3,5 to 4 getting out stars!
"I'm here until the day you tell me to go away" *Brad*
Second novella in this serie and another winner! But...I liked Kyle's voice more. Those brilliant parallels he made in his head, the vulnerability, the passion while living a very low and invisible life...that was gone.
And it was a good thing too: Brad is not Kyle. Brad is dealing with other problems, he's more selfish, always lived in the spotlight while never being himself. Not even mentioning his parents...urghhh!
I loved continuing the story and seeing Brad's part but I have more with Kyle. A very personal thing and it has nothing to do with the writing. Because if there is one thing I love already is the writing and the great character dept.
Up to part 3!
(Also published at www.booksanddutchtea.wordpress.com)
"I'm here until the day you tell me to go away" *Brad*
Second novella in this serie and another winner! But...I liked Kyle's voice more. Those brilliant parallels he made in his head, the vulnerability, the passion while living a very low and invisible life...that was gone.
And it was a good thing too: Brad is not Kyle. Brad is dealing with other problems, he's more selfish, always lived in the spotlight while never being himself. Not even mentioning his parents...urghhh!
I loved continuing the story and seeing Brad's part but I have more with Kyle. A very personal thing and it has nothing to do with the writing. Because if there is one thing I love already is the writing and the great character dept.
Up to part 3!
(Also published at www.booksanddutchtea.wordpress.com)
August 3, 2015
I don't hate Brad. He's got his own fears, maybe more than Kyle, in admitting who he really is. He's made a critical decision at a very critical time of his life. That's brave. And what makes me like him is that he's not proud of the person he has been, he admits he's been an asshole:
I started to be a dick. Knowing that they were there to use my shit, I made it cost them to do it. I was a little asshole, turning guys against each other so that they’d fight to come over and be my friend. People wanted things, and if you had the things, then people wanted you.
I started to be a dick. Knowing that they were there to use my shit, I made it cost them to do it. I was a little asshole, turning guys against each other so that they’d fight to come over and be my friend. People wanted things, and if you had the things, then people wanted you.
September 12, 2016
This was a nice continuation to the story from the first book and it was nice to be in Brads' perspective. the plot was short but nice and gave me enough that i am definitely interested in continuing this story :)
8/10
8/10
August 11, 2016
reread August 2016
July 25, 2016
My review of the first three novellas of this series
Just so I don't go crazy with keeping record of all the books in this series.
Just so I don't go crazy with keeping record of all the books in this series.
November 3, 2014
I swear I'm gonna finish this series with so much happiness. lol
January 13, 2018
Um... I think I'm growing an obsession.
And I'm definitely in love with John's writing style
And I'm definitely in love with John's writing style
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