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If I Told You So
The summer you turn sixteen is supposed to be unforgettable. It's the stuff of John Hughes movies and classic songs, of heart-stopping kisses and sudden revelations. But life isn't always like the movies. . .
For Sean Jackson, sixteen is off to an inauspicious start. His options: take a landscaping job in Georgia with his father, or stay in his small New Hampshire hometown, where the only place hiring is the local ice cream shop. Donning a pink t-shirt to scoop sundaes for tourists and seniors promises to be a colder, stickier version of hell. Still, he opts to stay home.
On his first day at work, Sean meets Becky, a wickedly funny New York transplant. The store manager, Jay, is eighteen, effortlessly cool, and according to Becky, "likes" Sean the way Sean's starting to like him. But before he can clear a path to the world that's waiting, Sean will have to deal with his overprotective mother, his sweet, popular girlfriend, Lisa, his absentee father, and all his own uncertainties and budding confusions.
Tender and achingly funny, this coming-of-age story will resonate with anyone who is--or has ever been--a teenager, when the only thing you can count on is how little you really know, and the next glance, or touch, or breathless night can be the one that changes everything. . .
For Sean Jackson, sixteen is off to an inauspicious start. His options: take a landscaping job in Georgia with his father, or stay in his small New Hampshire hometown, where the only place hiring is the local ice cream shop. Donning a pink t-shirt to scoop sundaes for tourists and seniors promises to be a colder, stickier version of hell. Still, he opts to stay home.
On his first day at work, Sean meets Becky, a wickedly funny New York transplant. The store manager, Jay, is eighteen, effortlessly cool, and according to Becky, "likes" Sean the way Sean's starting to like him. But before he can clear a path to the world that's waiting, Sean will have to deal with his overprotective mother, his sweet, popular girlfriend, Lisa, his absentee father, and all his own uncertainties and budding confusions.
Tender and achingly funny, this coming-of-age story will resonate with anyone who is--or has ever been--a teenager, when the only thing you can count on is how little you really know, and the next glance, or touch, or breathless night can be the one that changes everything. . .
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 12, 2013
This book is the gay equivalent of a song that I learned in Hebrew School as a kid.
Wherever you go there's always someone Jewish
You're never alone when you say you're a Jew
So when you're not home
And you're somewhere kind of 'newish'
The odds are--don't look far--
'Cause they're Jewish, too.
Substitute "Gay" with Jewish in this little song and you get the gist of this book.
This book is not really what I expected, though I should have now that I have read the blurb (after the fact, typical Heather!). Indeed, "If I Told You So" is a coming of age story, not a romance. It is sweet enough and pleasant enough, but if I ask myself:
"Would I have enjoyed this as a M/F story?"
The answer is, not really. It has lot of clichés and isn't anything I haven't seen before. That said, this is one of those YA books that really should be read by YAs. What do I mean by that? Well, if you are a 14 or 15 year old boy in a small town and you feel alone with your gayness (does that sound wrong??), this would be a perfect story for you. It is teach-y and light and screams, "Hey! You aren't alone! There are gay people everywhere! And they will want to have sex with you and date you too!" And doesn't the world need more of those types of stories?
Plus, there is an awesome Jewish New Yawker character in this story who wears tee-shirts that say things like, "Challah back". I kind of want that shirt.
Wherever you go there's always someone Jewish
You're never alone when you say you're a Jew
So when you're not home
And you're somewhere kind of 'newish'
The odds are--don't look far--
'Cause they're Jewish, too.
Substitute "Gay" with Jewish in this little song and you get the gist of this book.
This book is not really what I expected, though I should have now that I have read the blurb (after the fact, typical Heather!). Indeed, "If I Told You So" is a coming of age story, not a romance. It is sweet enough and pleasant enough, but if I ask myself:
"Would I have enjoyed this as a M/F story?"
The answer is, not really. It has lot of clichés and isn't anything I haven't seen before. That said, this is one of those YA books that really should be read by YAs. What do I mean by that? Well, if you are a 14 or 15 year old boy in a small town and you feel alone with your gayness (does that sound wrong??), this would be a perfect story for you. It is teach-y and light and screams, "Hey! You aren't alone! There are gay people everywhere! And they will want to have sex with you and date you too!" And doesn't the world need more of those types of stories?
Plus, there is an awesome Jewish New Yawker character in this story who wears tee-shirts that say things like, "Challah back". I kind of want that shirt.
May 21, 2014
Oh, I'm torn about If I Told You So, so much so that if I could give it 3.5 stars, I would.
On the plus side, we have Sean Jackson, the main character, and the rather poignant beginning to his coming out journey. I really liked who Sean ultimately ended up being by the end of the book, and I thought the interplay between him and his mom was touching, yet pretty realistic.
I also enjoyed many of the side characters, though this is where we venture into the minus side of the book. I wish the author would have given us an extra 25-50 pages and taken the time to develop Becky, Lisa, Brad, and Matt with more depth and back stories. We got some more insight into Matt toward the end of the book, but to me, it wasn't nearly enough.
I think what pushed my rating to a rounded-up four stars was the ending of the book. It was just what I, as a reader, needed after the events of the last several chapters leading up to the conclusion.
All in all, a solid effort.
On the plus side, we have Sean Jackson, the main character, and the rather poignant beginning to his coming out journey. I really liked who Sean ultimately ended up being by the end of the book, and I thought the interplay between him and his mom was touching, yet pretty realistic.
I also enjoyed many of the side characters, though this is where we venture into the minus side of the book. I wish the author would have given us an extra 25-50 pages and taken the time to develop Becky, Lisa, Brad, and Matt with more depth and back stories. We got some more insight into Matt toward the end of the book, but to me, it wasn't nearly enough.
I think what pushed my rating to a rounded-up four stars was the ending of the book. It was just what I, as a reader, needed after the events of the last several chapters leading up to the conclusion.
All in all, a solid effort.
no-thanks
January 26, 2015This trope is a weakness of mine, and the sample was really good. So why am I not at this very moment sitting somewhere with my hot little hands on my kindle (or phone, as the case may be) devouring this puppy?
Because it is priced at 12.99. Twelve-fucking-ninetynine for an e-book. So I'm supposed to feel like I'm getting a deal when it's on sale at Amazon for $9.39. Fuck that noise.
If I can get this cheaper, I'll be reading it. It's not on ARe, so I can't even save it for my free book. :(
Because it is priced at 12.99. Twelve-fucking-ninetynine for an e-book. So I'm supposed to feel like I'm getting a deal when it's on sale at Amazon for $9.39. Fuck that noise.
If I can get this cheaper, I'll be reading it. It's not on ARe, so I can't even save it for my free book. :(
August 7, 2012
Step aside Rainbow High books, there is a new contender in LGBT YA Lit! Timothy's novel captures the essence of coming of age in a small New Hampshire Lakes Region town. As a matter of fact, at times this novel so echoes my family's experience that it is eerie; he's written something true here. I cannot wait to recommend this book to my school's librarian, to CHS's GSA, and to GLSEN!
August 31, 2014
Also posted on iamaloserkidreviews.blogspot.com
This is another must read YA LGBT book. It's definitely up there with Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher, Fan Art by Sarah Tregay, Collide by J.R. Lenk and Something Like Summer by Jay Bell.
The story is about Sean who has pretty much known his whole life he likes guys but has never done anything about it in his sixteen years of life. He has a girlfriend who he likes, but not that way. He starts to think more about his sexuality when Jay and Becky enter his life.
Becky is a girl from New York who is all for the gays. She is a member of the GSA at her school and has quite some friends that are gay. The minute she sees Sean, she knows he is gay. Along the way she tries to 'help' (and you'll find out why I put help in between quotations marks) Sean get out of the closet.
Jay is the love interest of Sean. He is a bit older and also more experienced in life. He is the manager of the ice cream shop and works along Sean all summer. He gives Sean all kinds of new experiences, good and bad.
Another important person in the story, though not often present, is Fabolous Reneé. She's the owner of the ice cream shop and the only gay person Sean really knows about. His father's opinion about her is also something that holds him back from coming out.
So lets get to the storyline. The book starts about one third into the story. You have a great opening with Sean coming out to his mother. Then the book goes on to the first days of the summer holiday. Sean's father makes him come to Georgia to stay with him and his girlfriend and that is the last thing Sean wants. The relationship with his father isn't great and he'd rather stay with his mom. He tries to look for a job, which gives him a reason to stay and the only thing really available is working at the local ice cream shop. Even though it doesn't have a great image because of the pink shirts and the lesbian owner, he takes the job. Along come Becky and Jay. Becky immediately knows about Sean's secret and also knows about Jay's sexuality. She is trying to set them up and one day they decide to go out on Jay's boat at night after work. However, Becky tells them she's tired and leaves the two boys alone. That is the moment Sean is really confronted with his feelings and he gives in.
As the story progresses, Becky gives mixed signals about what she wants for Sean. One moment she is basically pushing Sean into Jay's arms, the next moment she tells him he shouldn't go too fast and that maybe he doesn't return his feelings completely. She's also pushing Sean to be out and open, even though he barely is honest with his homosexuality to himself. Added to that, they don't live in place where many people are out and proud and Sean is scared being out might have negative consequences.
The story of Sean is all about discovery, being honest with yourself, friendship and relationships. I think it is a must read for everyone, LGBT or not. It gives you a bit of inside on the lives of people struggling with sexuality during their teen years.
This is another must read YA LGBT book. It's definitely up there with Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher, Fan Art by Sarah Tregay, Collide by J.R. Lenk and Something Like Summer by Jay Bell.
The story is about Sean who has pretty much known his whole life he likes guys but has never done anything about it in his sixteen years of life. He has a girlfriend who he likes, but not that way. He starts to think more about his sexuality when Jay and Becky enter his life.
Becky is a girl from New York who is all for the gays. She is a member of the GSA at her school and has quite some friends that are gay. The minute she sees Sean, she knows he is gay. Along the way she tries to 'help' (and you'll find out why I put help in between quotations marks) Sean get out of the closet.
Jay is the love interest of Sean. He is a bit older and also more experienced in life. He is the manager of the ice cream shop and works along Sean all summer. He gives Sean all kinds of new experiences, good and bad.
Another important person in the story, though not often present, is Fabolous Reneé. She's the owner of the ice cream shop and the only gay person Sean really knows about. His father's opinion about her is also something that holds him back from coming out.
So lets get to the storyline. The book starts about one third into the story. You have a great opening with Sean coming out to his mother. Then the book goes on to the first days of the summer holiday. Sean's father makes him come to Georgia to stay with him and his girlfriend and that is the last thing Sean wants. The relationship with his father isn't great and he'd rather stay with his mom. He tries to look for a job, which gives him a reason to stay and the only thing really available is working at the local ice cream shop. Even though it doesn't have a great image because of the pink shirts and the lesbian owner, he takes the job. Along come Becky and Jay. Becky immediately knows about Sean's secret and also knows about Jay's sexuality. She is trying to set them up and one day they decide to go out on Jay's boat at night after work. However, Becky tells them she's tired and leaves the two boys alone. That is the moment Sean is really confronted with his feelings and he gives in.
As the story progresses, Becky gives mixed signals about what she wants for Sean. One moment she is basically pushing Sean into Jay's arms, the next moment she tells him he shouldn't go too fast and that maybe he doesn't return his feelings completely. She's also pushing Sean to be out and open, even though he barely is honest with his homosexuality to himself. Added to that, they don't live in place where many people are out and proud and Sean is scared being out might have negative consequences.
The story of Sean is all about discovery, being honest with yourself, friendship and relationships. I think it is a must read for everyone, LGBT or not. It gives you a bit of inside on the lives of people struggling with sexuality during their teen years.
June 5, 2013
Pleasant, but in the end, unremarkable summer love story. I guess that's progress? It kind of reads like a gay Sweet Dreams or Horizons book. I would have been a bit more generous but I think there were some glossings over and plot holes that could have been addressed. For example, I get that the kid is scared of telling his dad he's gay because his father has said some pretty homophobic things, but by the end he's all lah-di-dah and dad will be fine with it even though there has been nothing to suggest that his dad has grown on the issue or changed his mind. And the first-boyfriend character was just so inconsistent. Wish there could have been more development with the potential one by the end.
April 5, 2016
3.5 stars (when will Goodreads give us half stars?) This book was cute, and a warm, welcome reminder that no one is as alone as they think and things aren't as bad as you build them up to be in your head. However, this doesn't really add anything new to the LGBTQ contemporary fiction genre and is a pretty standard coming-out/coming-of-age/first love story. Not overly impressed, but the writing wasn't bad, and the characters were mostly likable, especially the friendships, even if at some points the reactions were farfetched and improbable. It's a fairly light read. The ending is rather convenient, but while predictable and corny, I liked it.
June 1, 2012
I also had the honor of reading this wonderful book pre-publication. I have and will continue to recommend it to everyone I meet. It is an amazing coming of age story, whether gay, bi, straight or questioning... this story is about growing into who you are truly meant to be. Plus, ice cream!
October 29, 2012
A great title for YA LGBT readers. Sean's voice comes through realistically. His journey is a little predictable, but that makes it identifiable and authentic.
Great secondary characters - particularly the two girls, Becky & Lisa.
Great secondary characters - particularly the two girls, Becky & Lisa.
April 20, 2014
Honestly, this book was just really cute and a lot of things that I like in a light pleasure read, summertime and first love and the Fourth of July. It was also refreshing to read LGBT YA lit for once, which can sometimes be easily overlooked.
March 30, 2012
I had the pleasure of reading this novel pre-publication. It's a great summer story of young love and ice cream! Honest and satisfying.
September 10, 2012
Fantastic novel, light and fun with some serious thrown in for good measure. Hope there is a follow up novel.
April 17, 2024
It has been a good few years since I have read this book but I do remember it quite well. One big thing that I had in my head was how much it reminded me of the Todd Stephens 1998 film "Edge of Seventeen". It was to the point that I saw the character Becky as being played by Lea DeLaria. That being said, this was still a cute story with an interesting story.
I find that people tend to expect a bit too much from books like this, as basically they're Young Adult romance novels. I don't think "If I Told You So" needs to be Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" or some other literary classic which is steeped in societal critiques and symbolism. Don't get me wrong I love books like Wuthering Heights, but I don't think every book needs to be so intense and analytical. "If I Told You So" is just a really nice book to read in an evening that can just make you feel a bit better and take your mind off of other things.
Sean was an interesting main character and I thought he was well written overall. His evolution throughout the book felt satisfying, so I think that is a major point won for the story. The romance aspect was nice but understandably messy (as they tend to be in YA books).
The only major critique that I would have for the book is that the ending felt rushed and the big moment at the end kind of caught me off guard. These two flaws tend to show up here and there in YA novels, so I wasn't too phased by it. I just wished the ending was a bit smoother and that the surprise at the end made a bit more sense.
Overall, it was a fun read and I thought the ending was cute. What more is there to want from it? I knew what I was getting into and I knew what to expect. If you're looking for a nice coming-of-age YA romance novel, then this is likely for you. If you're wanting something brutal, raw, and ultra thought provoking then go read something else. I do recommend people give this a try though because it was a lovely read. It can be great for people who just need something comforting.
I find that people tend to expect a bit too much from books like this, as basically they're Young Adult romance novels. I don't think "If I Told You So" needs to be Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" or some other literary classic which is steeped in societal critiques and symbolism. Don't get me wrong I love books like Wuthering Heights, but I don't think every book needs to be so intense and analytical. "If I Told You So" is just a really nice book to read in an evening that can just make you feel a bit better and take your mind off of other things.
Sean was an interesting main character and I thought he was well written overall. His evolution throughout the book felt satisfying, so I think that is a major point won for the story. The romance aspect was nice but understandably messy (as they tend to be in YA books).
The only major critique that I would have for the book is that the ending felt rushed and the big moment at the end kind of caught me off guard. These two flaws tend to show up here and there in YA novels, so I wasn't too phased by it. I just wished the ending was a bit smoother and that the surprise at the end made a bit more sense.
Overall, it was a fun read and I thought the ending was cute. What more is there to want from it? I knew what I was getting into and I knew what to expect. If you're looking for a nice coming-of-age YA romance novel, then this is likely for you. If you're wanting something brutal, raw, and ultra thought provoking then go read something else. I do recommend people give this a try though because it was a lovely read. It can be great for people who just need something comforting.
March 27, 2021
New beginnings can be difficult. At sixteen Sean is starting his summer vacation with two options: a landscaping job his father has set up in Georgia or finding a job in New Hampshire and staying at home with his mother. Sean really doesn't want either but given the choice he finds a job at the Pink Cone, the local ice cream shop. So start his new beginnings. First there's the shop's lesbian owner, Fabulous Renée, Jay, the shop's manager, and Becky, an outspoken New Yorker in Bell Cove for the summer. Sean has been struggling with the growing knowledge that he prefers boys, and seeing and working with Jay brings everything into focus. How to tell his girlfriend Lisa, Becky, his mother and father add to the mix. Living in a small town he feels very isolated as the only other gay person he knows is Renée until Jay makes his interest known. The story is fascinating and very difficult to put down, but also heartbreaking as Sean falls hard for eighteen year old Jay. Despite the heartache there's always hope.
July 10, 2019
This book was okay. It definitely read smoothly, but it felt rather simple, with any twists obvious from a mile away.
And...it started with a prologue that took place later in the story, I think around chapter 14. By the time I got to chapter 14, I had forgotten the emotional details of that prologue and the whole scene lacked impact. I suggest you skip it and wait to read it until the appropriate chapter.
And...it started with a prologue that took place later in the story, I think around chapter 14. By the time I got to chapter 14, I had forgotten the emotional details of that prologue and the whole scene lacked impact. I suggest you skip it and wait to read it until the appropriate chapter.
March 4, 2021
If I Told You So by Timothy Woodward. I am happy I purchased this book and can add it to my classroom library. It is a (mostly) simple and very sweet story of a boy’s coming out in a small town and his first love. The writing style and plot reminds me of a Sarah Dessen if she wrote male/male YA- and what a wonderful world it would be if she did?!I do recommend this one if you like your romance stories sweet and on the Hallmark Channel.
September 10, 2022
A cute, fairly easy read that is emotionally touching with interesting, and with a few exceptions, well-developed characters. A few plot points felt a bit of a convenient stretch, but not completely out of line. They still worked, but I think the novel would have benefitted by being a little longer to allow for some interpersonal conflict and resolution that was either ignored or glossed over too easily.
A good first novel; I hope Woodward keeps writing.
A good first novel; I hope Woodward keeps writing.
July 16, 2021
This was a good book. I enjoyed the experience of reading it, and I liked the story it told. I'm glad the author wrote it.
Among other things, I liked the way the book ended with the main character being a happy gay person.
This book helped me by being one of the few books I have read all the way to the end in a long while...
Among other things, I liked the way the book ended with the main character being a happy gay person.
This book helped me by being one of the few books I have read all the way to the end in a long while...
October 12, 2017
A bit of an 'after school special' manufactured plot line, but I think that works here. A great coming out and coming of age story that is a fun easy read.
August 8, 2021
2.5 out of 5
Cute little YA romance. A fun read for a summer afternoon.
Cute little YA romance. A fun read for a summer afternoon.
September 4, 2021
This truly did not age well, but something about it was really enjoyable. Maybe I just miss summer and childhood and the setting felt like one I grew up in and am still learning to grow out of.
January 22, 2013
I was not overall impressed with "If I Told You so" by Timothy Woodward. It was a good story but some of the storytelling wasn't as good as it could be. Some facts were repeated a few too many times like the reason for the parents' diverse and how he wasn't surpirsed. And how his mom "could" react vs how she did react, etc. While other details were left by the wayside so they sort of hit you like a truck when they came in. Things like the jock character who was in one scene and never heard of before and never heard of again. Or the fact Matt wasn't introduced or even mentioned until half way through the book. I get that he wasn't on Sean's radar but he should have at least been mentioned before that.
There were also several missed opportunities as well. I get that Sean was afraid because he lives in a small town that's not that accepting of gay people, yet, everyone he seems to meet is okay with it. Granted, we only get to see about 4 or 5 people of the entire town in the book and half of them are gay, but other than being told it's a small town, I really don't feel the tension of why he's so afraid. It's inherent, I KNOW it, but I don't FEEL it coming from the book. There was even the perfect setup to bring that in with the jock character in the one scene. So much could have been done with that. The kid could have made part of Sean's life hell. I found myself half hoping that the surprise twist at the end was that HE was actually another gay character. I realise that the relationship with Jay was the main issue of the story and his possible cheating on Sean the biggest part of the book, but there's a missed opportunity for additional conflict all over the place. What if Matt had shown up earlier at the ice cream place? What if they had crossed paths near Matt when Sean was out with Becky? What if Jock boy saw Sean in the bright pink shirt? What if someone overheard Becky announce that Sean was gay when other people could hear?
Tied into the missed opportunities, are also things left hanging. First there's the a fore mentioned "jock problem" seen in one moment then gone the next. But there's also the large blow up with his parents without resolution. I'm okay with the dad not getting resolution there if he left suddenly, etc. It IS a bit odd that dad didn't tell Sean about the baby. But you'd think there would be some sort of consequence for yelling at his parents like that. Would he be in trouble? Would his parents (or just mom) apologize again. Or apologize without actually apologizing? So much could be talked about here even if the big issues are never actually talked about.
Another thing left hanging, their excursion to the camp. No discussion of that later? No e-mail or IM from Lisa about it? It didn't have to blame him or anything, could just be commenting on something that happened. It would strengthen her character in the book while adding onto the fact that Sean would be reminded of her existence and thus feel guilty, etc.
Again, good overall story, but it could have been told better. One of the redeeming points of the book though is the reader guide at the end that causes the readers (presumably teens) to think about the things in more in-depth than the author put it. It makes them think about the issues and perhaps about themselves if they are in Sean's position. So while I think it needs work on the storytelling scale it works well as a teaching / discussion tool.
There were also several missed opportunities as well. I get that Sean was afraid because he lives in a small town that's not that accepting of gay people, yet, everyone he seems to meet is okay with it. Granted, we only get to see about 4 or 5 people of the entire town in the book and half of them are gay, but other than being told it's a small town, I really don't feel the tension of why he's so afraid. It's inherent, I KNOW it, but I don't FEEL it coming from the book. There was even the perfect setup to bring that in with the jock character in the one scene. So much could have been done with that. The kid could have made part of Sean's life hell. I found myself half hoping that the surprise twist at the end was that HE was actually another gay character. I realise that the relationship with Jay was the main issue of the story and his possible cheating on Sean the biggest part of the book, but there's a missed opportunity for additional conflict all over the place. What if Matt had shown up earlier at the ice cream place? What if they had crossed paths near Matt when Sean was out with Becky? What if Jock boy saw Sean in the bright pink shirt? What if someone overheard Becky announce that Sean was gay when other people could hear?
Tied into the missed opportunities, are also things left hanging. First there's the a fore mentioned "jock problem" seen in one moment then gone the next. But there's also the large blow up with his parents without resolution. I'm okay with the dad not getting resolution there if he left suddenly, etc. It IS a bit odd that dad didn't tell Sean about the baby. But you'd think there would be some sort of consequence for yelling at his parents like that. Would he be in trouble? Would his parents (or just mom) apologize again. Or apologize without actually apologizing? So much could be talked about here even if the big issues are never actually talked about.
Another thing left hanging, their excursion to the camp. No discussion of that later? No e-mail or IM from Lisa about it? It didn't have to blame him or anything, could just be commenting on something that happened. It would strengthen her character in the book while adding onto the fact that Sean would be reminded of her existence and thus feel guilty, etc.
Again, good overall story, but it could have been told better. One of the redeeming points of the book though is the reader guide at the end that causes the readers (presumably teens) to think about the things in more in-depth than the author put it. It makes them think about the issues and perhaps about themselves if they are in Sean's position. So while I think it needs work on the storytelling scale it works well as a teaching / discussion tool.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2014
This story is truly wonderful in its simplicity. Timothy Woodward’s style has such a gentle warmth that all I had to do was let it wash over me, carrying me along for the ride. As humorous as it is touching, ‘If I Told You So’ is an authentic coming-of-age novel set over the course of one life-altering summer. From the eccentric owner of The Pink Cone ice cream shop, to outspoken city girl Becky, the book is filled with characters that who have earned a permanent place in my heart.
On the whole, fifteen-year-old Sean Jackson’s life is fairly straightforward. He is close to his mom, has a sweet girlfriend in Lisa, and is admired at school for his talent on stage. He may have a difficult relationship with his father, never having been able to share his passion for sport, but since his dad lives miles away in Georgia, this has little impact on his daily existence. If, deep down, Sean is aware of his attraction to other boys, he rarely lets it trouble him. It isn’t as if there are many gay guys his age in his small New Hampshire hometown, after all.
The summer he turns sixteen, everything changes. Desperate to avoid spending the entire break with his dad, Sean accepts the only job going—that of scooping ice cream at The Pink Cone. There he not only meets Becky, a visiting New Yorker who sees through him immediately, but manager Jay—sexy, confident, and with a definite eye for Sean. Suddenly Sean is caught up in the at once thrilling and terrifying reality of love and desire, and of having to confront his sexuality head on.
Although this is very much a coming-out tale, exploring one teenage boy’s struggle to find himself, it’s also a story anyone who has ever been young and head over heels can relate to. Essentially, it’s a novel about falling in love for the first time, the intoxicating excitement of mutual attraction, mingled with the niggling ache of doubt. If there is one lesson I took away with me after reading this book, it’s that, sometimes, the thing we crave most has been right in front of us all along.
Written for Rainbow Book Reviews and Boys on the Brink
On the whole, fifteen-year-old Sean Jackson’s life is fairly straightforward. He is close to his mom, has a sweet girlfriend in Lisa, and is admired at school for his talent on stage. He may have a difficult relationship with his father, never having been able to share his passion for sport, but since his dad lives miles away in Georgia, this has little impact on his daily existence. If, deep down, Sean is aware of his attraction to other boys, he rarely lets it trouble him. It isn’t as if there are many gay guys his age in his small New Hampshire hometown, after all.
The summer he turns sixteen, everything changes. Desperate to avoid spending the entire break with his dad, Sean accepts the only job going—that of scooping ice cream at The Pink Cone. There he not only meets Becky, a visiting New Yorker who sees through him immediately, but manager Jay—sexy, confident, and with a definite eye for Sean. Suddenly Sean is caught up in the at once thrilling and terrifying reality of love and desire, and of having to confront his sexuality head on.
Although this is very much a coming-out tale, exploring one teenage boy’s struggle to find himself, it’s also a story anyone who has ever been young and head over heels can relate to. Essentially, it’s a novel about falling in love for the first time, the intoxicating excitement of mutual attraction, mingled with the niggling ache of doubt. If there is one lesson I took away with me after reading this book, it’s that, sometimes, the thing we crave most has been right in front of us all along.
Written for Rainbow Book Reviews and Boys on the Brink
February 19, 2016
Actual rating 4.5 stars.
Rebellious teens, idiotic dares, sassy best friends, gorgeous boys and lots of ice cream!
When I was reading this, it felt like sitting around with a bunch of friends reminiscing about our summers in high school – it was realistic, intimate and heart-warming.
‘If I Told You So’ really captures those moments of first love – or first contact and physical closeness. The innocence and naivety wrestling with hormonal forces beyond control. The urgency. And the finality of actions and words. This felt a little like it could be anyone’s adolescent coming out story. It had an easy appealing feel with a positive message even though it is about the difficult process of exploring sexual identity.
Sean Jackson is relatable and genuine, he is refreshingly honest and leaves judgements at home. I liked him from the get-go, determined to blaze a trail of his own away from his Fathers plans of manual labour in the family business. The parentals are always trying to instil lessons of a work ethic and learning the value of the dollar, and it’s so much more fun addressing that on your own terms – even if it is at a campy ice cream parlour or a MacDonalds franchise.
Becky is also witty and straight-to-the-point as his new best friend. We all need someone to call us on our shiz… Plus she was there to give Sean a gentle shove when he needed one. And let’s not forget Jay, the manager at the ice cream parlour that Sean becomes so enamoured with. The way their friendship develops felt so real, and Jay does a great job as the patient mentor (at work and in coming out). Such a wonderful cast of endearing characters, painting them at face value until they prove themselves something different.
It is brilliantly light-hearted, with a jovial narrative that really pulls you into the coastal small town. I was easily lost in this pleasant read, devouring it in one sitting. Great for a lazy day at the park or beach.
It was fairly predictable, but in a good way – you are jostling for a happy ending from the start as the characters are all so loveable. If you like sweet contemporaries that leave you feeling warm and fuzzy, then this one is for you.
Rebellious teens, idiotic dares, sassy best friends, gorgeous boys and lots of ice cream!
When I was reading this, it felt like sitting around with a bunch of friends reminiscing about our summers in high school – it was realistic, intimate and heart-warming.
‘If I Told You So’ really captures those moments of first love – or first contact and physical closeness. The innocence and naivety wrestling with hormonal forces beyond control. The urgency. And the finality of actions and words. This felt a little like it could be anyone’s adolescent coming out story. It had an easy appealing feel with a positive message even though it is about the difficult process of exploring sexual identity.
Sean Jackson is relatable and genuine, he is refreshingly honest and leaves judgements at home. I liked him from the get-go, determined to blaze a trail of his own away from his Fathers plans of manual labour in the family business. The parentals are always trying to instil lessons of a work ethic and learning the value of the dollar, and it’s so much more fun addressing that on your own terms – even if it is at a campy ice cream parlour or a MacDonalds franchise.
Becky is also witty and straight-to-the-point as his new best friend. We all need someone to call us on our shiz… Plus she was there to give Sean a gentle shove when he needed one. And let’s not forget Jay, the manager at the ice cream parlour that Sean becomes so enamoured with. The way their friendship develops felt so real, and Jay does a great job as the patient mentor (at work and in coming out). Such a wonderful cast of endearing characters, painting them at face value until they prove themselves something different.
It is brilliantly light-hearted, with a jovial narrative that really pulls you into the coastal small town. I was easily lost in this pleasant read, devouring it in one sitting. Great for a lazy day at the park or beach.
It was fairly predictable, but in a good way – you are jostling for a happy ending from the start as the characters are all so loveable. If you like sweet contemporaries that leave you feeling warm and fuzzy, then this one is for you.
February 14, 2015
This book surprised me. Initially, I thought it was going to be your run of the mill YA M/M novel. Summer of love type stuff. And lots of cliche's. That's what I thought.
Well, I was right. Except, I never expected it all would work. It's not a complex story. But it worked.
Initially, I didn't like Sean...the 16yr old who only can tell his ceiling fan that he's gay. That is until, due to a turn of events forcing him to find a job at the local Ice Cream shop, he meets two people that will change his summer and his life forever. First there's Becky, the perky, witty, and cultured girl from New York.
Then there is 18 yr old Jay. Sean, is almost immediately attracted to him. The surprise (to Sean) is that Jay likes him as well. What happens through the course of the summer is a fascinating story about a likable lead character that, despite his "angst," I found myself rooting for. Jay is Sean's first love.
What's amazing about this story is that, through Jay, Becky, and others, Sean is finally able to come to terms with who he is and not be ashamed of it. There are some very heart-wrenching moments in this story. Though there are a number of warming ones as well. There is quote from Sean himself which clinched me liking him and rooting for him: Sean is crying and he says "I don't want to be another cliche." Very self-aware and powerful.
Finally, I could sorta see where the story was headed. I just wasn't exactly sure how it would get there. Let me say that there is a little "twist-ending" that made me smile...one you may or may not even see coming.
Nicely written, beautiful scenery, and likable characters (plus that nice little twist) make me recommend this to anyone that's there now or has ever been there before.
Quote of the book:
"I keep this painting to remind me where I've come from, and that sometimes you need to look beyond the surface to find what you're searching for."
Well, I was right. Except, I never expected it all would work. It's not a complex story. But it worked.
Initially, I didn't like Sean...the 16yr old who only can tell his ceiling fan that he's gay. That is until, due to a turn of events forcing him to find a job at the local Ice Cream shop, he meets two people that will change his summer and his life forever. First there's Becky, the perky, witty, and cultured girl from New York.
Then there is 18 yr old Jay. Sean, is almost immediately attracted to him. The surprise (to Sean) is that Jay likes him as well. What happens through the course of the summer is a fascinating story about a likable lead character that, despite his "angst," I found myself rooting for. Jay is Sean's first love.
What's amazing about this story is that, through Jay, Becky, and others, Sean is finally able to come to terms with who he is and not be ashamed of it. There are some very heart-wrenching moments in this story. Though there are a number of warming ones as well. There is quote from Sean himself which clinched me liking him and rooting for him: Sean is crying and he says "I don't want to be another cliche." Very self-aware and powerful.
Finally, I could sorta see where the story was headed. I just wasn't exactly sure how it would get there. Let me say that there is a little "twist-ending" that made me smile...one you may or may not even see coming.
Nicely written, beautiful scenery, and likable characters (plus that nice little twist) make me recommend this to anyone that's there now or has ever been there before.
Quote of the book:
"I keep this painting to remind me where I've come from, and that sometimes you need to look beyond the surface to find what you're searching for."
March 7, 2015
So I tried to have a few conversations about this novel before I put words in digital print. I was left with mixed emotions, and not sure if I've judged the piece unfairly.
This definitely felt like a first novel, and I want to say the bottom line for me is that the writing was promising, and Woodward should continue to find what it is he wants to say to YA readers.
My reluctance to enthuse more is based on several factors. First, I felt there were anachronistic contradictions. The flip phones, MP3 players and instant messaging suggested the story took place around the early 2000s; however, the MC referred to the repeal of DADT and gay marriage. We were also asked to accept that this small town gay teen needed a straight friend to explain PFLAG and GSAs to him.
I also question how Woodward handled the MC becoming sexually active and the broader lack of character development for the boys in the story. (You could take the time to sound a bit preachy about support groups, but not about the consequences of their actions?) The female sidekick, as disappointingly stereotypical as she was, was enjoyable and well-executed. How the MC handled coming out to his parents, and other family dynamics that arose in their conversations were the most authentic-feeling pieces of this narrative.
What I was left with was the question, "Does this story add anything new to the already existing shelf of coming-out stories in the YA genre?" I would have difficulty pinpointing original observations or meaningful and revelatory moments. I concluded that this type of story has already been told, and told more effectively or more memorably, by other authors. If this had been a memoir, I wonder if I would have judged it as harshly? I read the tantrums and tears, but I didn't feel the hurt, betrayal, emotional distance, or passion like I hoped. Maybe you tried to tell me so, but I just didn't hear it.
This definitely felt like a first novel, and I want to say the bottom line for me is that the writing was promising, and Woodward should continue to find what it is he wants to say to YA readers.
My reluctance to enthuse more is based on several factors. First, I felt there were anachronistic contradictions. The flip phones, MP3 players and instant messaging suggested the story took place around the early 2000s; however, the MC referred to the repeal of DADT and gay marriage. We were also asked to accept that this small town gay teen needed a straight friend to explain PFLAG and GSAs to him.
I also question how Woodward handled the MC becoming sexually active and the broader lack of character development for the boys in the story. (You could take the time to sound a bit preachy about support groups, but not about the consequences of their actions?) The female sidekick, as disappointingly stereotypical as she was, was enjoyable and well-executed. How the MC handled coming out to his parents, and other family dynamics that arose in their conversations were the most authentic-feeling pieces of this narrative.
What I was left with was the question, "Does this story add anything new to the already existing shelf of coming-out stories in the YA genre?" I would have difficulty pinpointing original observations or meaningful and revelatory moments. I concluded that this type of story has already been told, and told more effectively or more memorably, by other authors. If this had been a memoir, I wonder if I would have judged it as harshly? I read the tantrums and tears, but I didn't feel the hurt, betrayal, emotional distance, or passion like I hoped. Maybe you tried to tell me so, but I just didn't hear it.
March 23, 2016
Sean's looking forward to summer in his small New England tourist town, even though his girlfriend is going away to be a camp counselor all summer. Then Sean's parents drop the bomb that he's going to his father's house for the summer--in Georgia--and work construction (or something like that), because he has no summer plans. Swiftly Sean runs out and finds the only job he can get, scooping ice cream at The Pink Cone. It turns out to be not that bad. He makes a great new friend in summer visitor Becky, also scooping ice cream, and gets his first boyfriend in Jay, his hot manager who likes to take Sean out on his boat late at night. Sean has never before told anyone (even himself) that he's gay, but Becky called him on it immediately, and Sean comes out and falls in love pretty much at the same time. Although Becky warns him not to get too close too fast, Sean of course doesn't listen. He's in love! Isn't he?
Well, I liked the world-building and descriptions in this, because who couldn't like a summer on a New England lake with lots of sunshine and boat rides? But the rest of it kind of felt like an after-school-special about the trials and tribulations of your first gay romance; learning how to be gay, in effect. It's an old plot with zero surprises, and everyone is amazingly gorgeous and (considering their continuing reactions to Sean's lesbian boss) unbelievably supportive and unsurprised, even the super-hot girlfriend. The incident with camp pranks felt totally contrived, as well; Sean declared to the readers that he was having fun, but I didn't buy it. And what lame-o 18 year old (Jay) thinks it's great fun to scare and play pranks on little 8 year old girls he doesn't know? It's one thing to play pranks if you're a counselor and you know the kids, but if not, it's just creepy and mean. Just sayin'.
Well, I liked the world-building and descriptions in this, because who couldn't like a summer on a New England lake with lots of sunshine and boat rides? But the rest of it kind of felt like an after-school-special about the trials and tribulations of your first gay romance; learning how to be gay, in effect. It's an old plot with zero surprises, and everyone is amazingly gorgeous and (considering their continuing reactions to Sean's lesbian boss) unbelievably supportive and unsurprised, even the super-hot girlfriend. The incident with camp pranks felt totally contrived, as well; Sean declared to the readers that he was having fun, but I didn't buy it. And what lame-o 18 year old (Jay) thinks it's great fun to scare and play pranks on little 8 year old girls he doesn't know? It's one thing to play pranks if you're a counselor and you know the kids, but if not, it's just creepy and mean. Just sayin'.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2015
If I Told You So is a feel good coming out story set in a small vacation town that has a great main character, Sean, who grows and deepens throughout the novel in a realistic way. His new best friend Becky is fantastic as well, pushing Sean to finally become who he should be, a proudly out boy. In fact, pretty much everyone is a good person. Reneé, his new boss at the ice cream shop, is slightly over the top and fabulous. Is his new boyfriend Jay a good person? Will they remain together at the end of their summer of fun? I couldn't put this down because I wanted to find out! It's an engaging read. One of the only problems with it is that much like Sean's personal taste in coffee, this book dripped with sugary sweetness. There was some teen angst that seemed realistic and some relationship hiccups that were painful that added some strife to the book but overall it was pretty syrupy. I agree with another reviewer that some of have characters were not fleshed out enough. Becky and Matt and to some extend Lisa needed more time to become fuller characters, although with what little I had to work with, I cared about them. After reading this I almost felt like this should be a series of stories much like the Rainbow High books. Give this quick read a chance and it will make you feel good. It's well-written and I liked it.
February 7, 2014
Just finished this book today & it was really good. Another one that I finished in less than two days but didn’t want to because I was so into the book’s world. I loved the main character of Sean who was a whole lot more with it than I was at sixteen. The book starts out with him trying to find a summer job so as to not be forced to spend the summer with his dad in another state so he finds a job at an ice cream shop. He also happens to be in a relationship with a beautiful girl who’s smart, pretty, nice, and saving herself for marriage which is perfect for him since he isn’t so sure himself. On his way to orientation for his new job he meets a gorgeous guy named Jay who takes his breath away & leaves a lasting impression. Once at orientation he meets Becky, a summer long transplant from New York whom he immediately becomes great friends with. But the twist comes when the manager of the ice cream shop shows up to conduct the orientation & turns out to be the young man he bumped into before. With the help of Becky he starts to believe in the truth about himself & his burgeoning feelings for Jay. But all isn’t peaches & cream. Coming out has its ups & downs (Don’t I know it.) as well as the realization that first loves are just that, the first.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. All the characters were likeable & while it was an emotional roller coaster there wasn’t exactly HUGE OMG conflict which made it a nice smooth read. I shipped Sean & Jay while reading this, hard. And Becky is the sort of friend that every gay guy needs. After finishing I was wishing that this book was a whole lot longer but really, there wasn’t anything else to say that wouldn’t be redundant. My lasting thought that I came away with is that I wish my first love would go this way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. All the characters were likeable & while it was an emotional roller coaster there wasn’t exactly HUGE OMG conflict which made it a nice smooth read. I shipped Sean & Jay while reading this, hard. And Becky is the sort of friend that every gay guy needs. After finishing I was wishing that this book was a whole lot longer but really, there wasn’t anything else to say that wouldn’t be redundant. My lasting thought that I came away with is that I wish my first love would go this way.
September 16, 2012
Hovering between 3.5 and 4 - there are some solid moments in here, and it mostly surprised me in good ways. Sean, when he came out to various characters, was always accepted. It flip-flopped between being about this "learning about gaydom" storyline and the romance between Jay and Sean, although I found myself liking the non-romance portions more as the story concluded. It follows a pretty standard YA summer romance path, with Jay being a first love that doesn't treat Sean well as the storyline progresses and Sean is led on to believe that it's more serious than Jay wants it to be. The best moments are with Becky and Lucy, Sean's best friend and girlfriend (eventually former-girlfriend) that show the fun, friendship side of things. Like other books from the publisher, I feel that the writing style was overinflated with words at some points, but the story moved fast and didn't feel too bogged down - although the romance and some of the emotional threads were underdeveloped as a result, which was disappointing. Also - I know some teens come into their sexuality late like this (you hear about a lot of teens knowing before 16), but Sean's ignorance regarding common gay stereotypes, ect felt to be a bit much. Why is it always in the LGBTQ contemporaries that authors make the protagonist feel particularly ignorant about some things? It eventually got better, but it annoyed me initially in the beginning. IF I TOLD YOU SO isn't going to please everyone, but I really enjoyed the quick ride of a read it provided, giving a different and less-angsty spin on the summer romance that a lot of LGBTQ teen readers would do well to read about.
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