We're Working On It

by Richard Norway

Cory Anderson is 15 years old and living on the streets. His father has rejected him and turned him out because he is gay. Richard Mathews is 50 years old, and his life is a mess. His business has grown and is now self-perpetuating and did not need him any longer. Richard hasn’t made a decision about his life for years. Cory and Richard’s lives were in ruins, but something amazing happened. They met.

Genres: Young Adult, LGBT, Gay, M M Romance

205 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2012

Reviews

[Alexsilverx · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first chapters but then it got worse and worse. The way the characters acted didn't make sense to me, everything seemed to be extremely unrealistic. The ending is overly melodramatic. Cannot understand how one can give this story more than 3 stars.

[Kathy KS · Rating 3 out of 5]

This young adult novel set in the upper Midwest may also be of interest to adults. As I read the book I felt that this was a feel-good story about a young gay teen discovering his place in the world and receiving a second chance to have a family. Cory is leery about coming out to classmates in his new school, but is lucky enough to find some new friends and an understanding foster father in Richard. During the final 1/3 of the book the issues getting more difficult and the harsh realities of being "different" are inserted into the story. But the novel is a good starting point for parents and teens to discuss some of the issues here, whether straight or not.

Richard, Cory's new foster father, is a man seeking new meaning in his life and finds it when Cory moves in. He is a widower with a daughter already out on her own. I was surprised that there is never a time that mentions his telling his daughter that he's adding to their family. In this way it illustrates that the book is not an in-depth tale of these people. Perhaps the intent is to present the issues in a more gentle way. The description of the book originally led me to be afraid that the book would become sordid about grooming young men into a gay lifestyle, but this is just a poor interpretation of the wording. It's actually totally the opposite and gives a loving perspective on second chances.

Not great, but a fairly non-controversial book that may be welcomed by teens and their families. The title, We're Working on It, is symbolic of not only the characters in the book, but of our society, in general.

[Jeff Erno · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very sweet story about a fifteen year old boy who was thrown out on the streets when his father learned he was gay. Cory is picked up while trying to hitchhike and taken in by a benevolent, middle aged stranger. He begins an entirely new life and soon finds friendship and love in his new school. An unforeseen tragedy threatens everything, though, and Cory must draw strength from his new-found family.

Editorial issues and dialogue contributed to my rating, but overall I really loved the story and hope to see more from this author.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard's riveting story follows the protagonist's chance meeting with a runaway teen, Cory, and how he gives the boy a real home and a new father. We learn about child abuse, what it's like to be a gay teenager in a homophobic environment, the foster care system, bullying, and an uncaring, oblivious school system. Richard takes us on a roller coaster ride and his characters come alive in the reader's mind.

This is a book that parents, teens, and school administrators need to read.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend everyone reads this heartwarming story.
It brings to the front the anguish and heartbreak that homophobia and bullying causes.
There is no sex involved it doesn't need it but be warned it will cause a roller coaster of emotion to well up.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story with a powerful ending. However, some grammar and spelling errors irked me. Most of the book seemed to be written rather stiff and formal, which didn't really mesh with the high school setting of the book.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story....I wish the one character's storyline hadn't ended so abruptly. It's hard to believe things happened so fast with state intervention (I don't care how many lawyer friends you have).

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, with tears

[Jason White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I felt like I could really relate to the characters. Def a worthwhile read!

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding story both heart wrenching and thrilling I love this book so much and recommend it to anyone

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with huge emotions, have lots of tissue.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. Incredibly written. So moved after reading this.