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Jumbo
Mitchell has a problem. He’s a little too small where it counts. The guys on the swim team have started calling him Jumbo — a cruel joke — and meanwhile he’s in love with his best friend, Luke. But when Mitchell starts receiving love letters in his locker, can they really be from Luke? Or are they from someone big enough to love him just the way he is?
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2012
37 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Todd Young
26 books79 followersTodd Young writes books that sit on the borderline between gay erotica and m/m romance.
Generally, I aim to write erotica that goes a little further than the average. I spend a lot of time on my characters, trying to make them as believable as possible. While my stories are sexual fantasies, I want them to have a deeper meaning, and a quality of unexpectedness. To some extent, I am attempting to write literature, but I want my stories to be genuinely engaging. I want them to be easy to read, while at the same time leaving the reader with the feeling that they have read something meaningful.
I hope both men and women will find my stories satisfying. They revolve around romance, though there is often much more going on in the texts.
Generally, I aim to write erotica that goes a little further than the average. I spend a lot of time on my characters, trying to make them as believable as possible. While my stories are sexual fantasies, I want them to have a deeper meaning, and a quality of unexpectedness. To some extent, I am attempting to write literature, but I want my stories to be genuinely engaging. I want them to be easy to read, while at the same time leaving the reader with the feeling that they have read something meaningful.
I hope both men and women will find my stories satisfying. They revolve around romance, though there is often much more going on in the texts.
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August 16, 2014I'm going to borrow Steelwhisper's description: baffling.
I liked this in parts, and I hated it in parts, and I found it difficult to continue reading in parts. I could never pin down how I was supposed to be responding to the characters. The ending . . . was that a happy ending? Like, I truly don't know. My face is all gritted teeth and furrowed brows. And the fisting . . . would we call that a successful experience? I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO FEEL! SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT EMOTIONS ARE APPROPRIATE PLEASE.
I liked this in parts, and I hated it in parts, and I found it difficult to continue reading in parts. I could never pin down how I was supposed to be responding to the characters. The ending . . . was that a happy ending? Like, I truly don't know. My face is all gritted teeth and furrowed brows. And the fisting . . . would we call that a successful experience? I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO FEEL! SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT EMOTIONS ARE APPROPRIATE PLEASE.
July 28, 2015
4,5 stars!
I've just quickly skimmed through some reviews - I normally face the other reviews after I've finished my own - and most of them started with "I don't really know how to rate this book..."
That's not my problem.
I pretty well know that I enjoyed it and it was as always - nothing to compare with, a totally different and refreshing way of telling and an extraordinary excellent writing of Todd Young.
And I'm pretty sure that this book exactly like all his other books divides the readers into two camps:
those who enjoy the writing and the books of Todd Young
and those who don't.
He polarizes people.
He provokes them.
Mitchell, Jumbo, the main character is 18 years old, very attractive but naive, over-testosteroned but under-endowed (it's where came this nickname from, as an opposite to jumbo), the best swimmer in his swimmer team(well, it is where he became his insulting nickname) but outsider, he doesn't have a lot of friends- only one, Luke - and Mitchell is gay, but he hides it. Yet.
If you add the complicated family's situation at his home and some traumatic experiences he made, you can ALMOST get the whole picture.
It is not a typical mm-romance, it is a good written piece of prose, a GAY FICTION about THE FIRST TIME, LUST, FRIENDSHIP, about a boy and his small penis.
And don't get me wrong - it is EROTICA (have I mentioned already that it is HOT?!) with full hardness, told from the perspective of a 18 years old guy.
Don't read it if you look for a sweet YA romance. IT IS NOT.
But if you want
*something DIFFERENT,
*extremely GOOD WRITTEN,
*smoking HOT,
*excellently portraying REAL CHARACTERS,
you have to read it!
And the ending is PERFECT!
Todd Young wants his stories to be genuinely engaging.
And I can assure you - THEY ARE!
I personally name the writing of Todd Young a brain fisting:
He pushes his readers on the edge, but very slowly and gently...and you have to decide if you can take more or not, but then...if you let it in...you'll experience the blossoming of an exquisite pleasure,
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
May 22, 2013
This was a very very baffling book. I find it hard to rate it, but it gets the mark for how it made me feel, rather than what I thought it was like.
The topic was highly intriguing, and I wasn't aware that there are quite a few men who have a condition called "micropenis" which is not the same as having a "grower". A micropenis is a penis which will not exceed 1-2 inches fully erect, and more often than not show no external shaft while flaccid. Quite often these men have grave problems with their sexuality (difficulties effecting actual sex due lack of penetrative depth) and self esteem.
This novel dealt with how a very naive teenage boy came to grips with this and the fact that he was also gay. Mix in a best friend who is gay-curious but in denial and a thug who develops surprising tenderness. It worked surprisingly well, especially given that the authorial voice sounded just as young and naive. Now, I read excerpts of Todd Young's other books and he sounds exactly the same there, so that appears to be his state of art. While I might criticise this more with other topics, as I said, here it was fine.
This is a baffling book. Definitely.
The topic was highly intriguing, and I wasn't aware that there are quite a few men who have a condition called "micropenis" which is not the same as having a "grower". A micropenis is a penis which will not exceed 1-2 inches fully erect, and more often than not show no external shaft while flaccid. Quite often these men have grave problems with their sexuality (difficulties effecting actual sex due lack of penetrative depth) and self esteem.
This novel dealt with how a very naive teenage boy came to grips with this and the fact that he was also gay. Mix in a best friend who is gay-curious but in denial and a thug who develops surprising tenderness. It worked surprisingly well, especially given that the authorial voice sounded just as young and naive. Now, I read excerpts of Todd Young's other books and he sounds exactly the same there, so that appears to be his state of art. While I might criticise this more with other topics, as I said, here it was fine.
This is a baffling book. Definitely.
April 21, 2014
Would rather have elective dental surgery than continue reading. During at least one memorable scene I kept waiting for the main character to wake up because there is no way that would have happened in a high school shower filled with boys.
July 26, 2016
I seriously cannot be expected to attempt to review shit when this dude's writing consistently triggering distracting image-looping-streams of my own design. (For me) words convert to pictures and then my brain's like on auto-pilot seeking selective dopamine-intensive activity because of shit like this..
..the locker room……as he pulled the door back he was surprised to see a piece of paper sitting on top of his pack, fluttering in the breeze. It was folded, but half open. He frowned, wiped his hands on his towel, and picked it up.
Can’t stop thinking about your ass...it said.
((Well..shit.....now I can't either))
And the reader edges along in anticipation as a secret-cockteasing-admirer of mini-penises keeps dropping provocative dear-buddy messages.
..the locker room……as he pulled the door back he was surprised to see a piece of paper sitting on top of his pack, fluttering in the breeze. It was folded, but half open. He frowned, wiped his hands on his towel, and picked it up.
Can’t stop thinking about your ass...it said.
((Well..shit.....now I can't either))
And the reader edges along in anticipation as a secret-cockteasing-admirer of mini-penises keeps dropping provocative dear-buddy messages.
January 25, 2014
This has got to be the oddest book I've ever read. I am truly lost as to how to rate it. The book was engrossing and I did enjoyed it. Yet it does have its flaws. Do I love that retractable cock and balls enough to rate it beyond 3 stars?
I am going with a 3.5 stars since I am very much infatuated with micropenises now. And I find that I enjoyed the blue balls feeling caused by the high amount of sexual frustrations within the book, although I do lack the proper equipment to really feel that sweet agony. I love it. Love, love the frustrations.
Romance? What romance? It's lust baby. This story is about pure unadulterated L.U.S.T. of horny teenagers. And it's freaking hot in my opinion. You'll get
THE MC AND HIS QUIRKS
Mitchell an 18-year-old hormonal high schooler is plagued with constant worries over his
Being a teenager, Mitch has boundless sexual energy and he is of course often horny. Hell, he practically has a hard-on 24/7 that he rationalise as a necessity to fill his empty briefs pouch. Personality wise, Mitchell is immature, conflicted and has very low opinion of himself. His self worth is so low that he is practically asking everyone to step all over him making him the perfect target for school bullies. Even his own swim coach abuses and belittles him. Things at home wasn't a bed of roses for him either although he did have a family that loves him.
As I've said, Mitchell is a horny kid. He's highly voyeuristic and was having the time of his life ogling his swim teammates aside from spending half of his time fantasizing being taken especially by a group of guys. Furthermore, he harbours a potentially dangerous kink... It makes me cringe at the stunts he pulled just to sate this kink of his. He is such a lusty, kinky and self-absorbed kid. There are times I felt like giving his ass a firm kick when he is being a total jerk due to his turbulent mood swings (very much like PMS). It's not an easy task trying to figure him out. His characterisation is a little bit wonky. At times his sudden switches between the hot and the cold attitude annoys me - his fickle-mindedness drives me up the wall. It's a wonder how his boyfriend could stand him. Then again, I would forgive him of anything when I think of how cute his compact package is. *swoons*
READERS DEBATE AND POINTS TO PONDER
Some readers doubted the plausibility of what the boys did in the school locker room showers. While I agreed that Mr. Young might have over exaggerated it, but this is erotica so what's hot has got to be on the page right? So yea, cum on me with your horse dick all you want, we are in the shower anyways. There is one think I am most curious of during the shower scenes, is that whether it is normal to get a boner when sharing a communal shower with the same sex? Or is it a taboo? Would it trigger raining of fists?
SUMMING IT UP
Yes I am happily soaking up all the hotness and kinkiness of this story not particularly caring about the dramas or romance, especially the romance since there isn't much of it to speak of. I maintain that it's all lust not love. This book is so not for the fluff readers.
I believe I am seeing and appreciating this book for what it is. In my view, it has achieved its goals to titillate me. I do wonder if I am the only one that looks at this book from the erotica angle?
If you are pervy and thinks like a dude, you might just enjoy this book as much as I weirdly did.
Sharing a few of my favorite scenes here. Those that made me hot and bothered and gets stuck in my head:
ABOUT THE ENDING
There's a part in the book where Mitchell has a weird wet dream. I think that's the gayest dream ever! I am bringing this up because what happened at the ending was close to the events in that crazy lusty dream of his. It's like a dream comes true for Mitchell. I wanted to be there too, enjoying his erotic body.
Lastly, I must add that the ending was abrupt and it left quite a few unresolved issues. Nevertheless it was an unconventional ending and I do appreciate such endings.
BOOK DETAILS:
Title: Jumbo
Author: Todd Young
Publication Date: May 9th, 2012
Type: Novel, 58,200 words (approximate)
Genre: Gay Erotica, Contemporary Fiction
Tags/Keywords: abnormal physical condition, micropenis, buried penis, penis size, insecurities, low self esteem, school bullying, bullies, abusive teacher, clueless young man, horse-hung, sports jocks, swimming, swim team, swim practice, swimming competition, skinny dipping, anal sex, fisting, voyeurism, exhibitionist, male ogling, sexy bods, locker room, shared shower room, gay curious, horny guys, students, high schoolers, masturbation, jerk off, wank, handjob, fellatio, blowjob, shaved pubes, speedo, teenagers, teenage-angst, sexual frustrations, hedonistic male, sexual tension
Description:
Mitchell has a problem. He’s a little too small where it counts. The guys on the swim team have started calling him Jumbo — a cruel joke — and meanwhile he’s in love with his best friend, Luke. But when Mitchell starts receiving love letters in his locker, can they really be from Luke? Or are they from someone big enough to love him just the way he is?
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* Reviewed on January 25th, 2014
*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*
July 17, 2015
This book was not at all what I expected I’m not even sure anymore what I expected , but what I got was brilliant! What an original, touching, weird novella!
This was exactly my kind of story, my kind of triggers (High school, locker rooms, locker room showers, boners in locker room showers).
This book had me crying like a baby (seriously), laughing hysterically, then crying again. It made me sometimes afraid to continue reading, since I was not sure I wanted to find out the rest of a conversation, or event. I was often squirming, and talking to myself (!) because of the pure HUMILIATION in this book.
But slowly, I was also swept away by the cute love story emerging, and also feeling proud of Mitch for not breaking down totally. I would never have left my bed after some of that shit.
Mitch, poor Mitch. Poor naïve Mitch. He indeed had to go through a lot in this book.
There were no simple characters in this book, they were all fairly complex (and interesting!)
I also really liked the ending…
This was exactly my kind of story, my kind of triggers (High school, locker rooms, locker room showers, boners in locker room showers).
This book had me crying like a baby (seriously), laughing hysterically, then crying again. It made me sometimes afraid to continue reading, since I was not sure I wanted to find out the rest of a conversation, or event. I was often squirming, and talking to myself (!) because of the pure HUMILIATION in this book.
But slowly, I was also swept away by the cute love story emerging, and also feeling proud of Mitch for not breaking down totally. I would never have left my bed after some of that shit.
Mitch, poor Mitch. Poor naïve Mitch. He indeed had to go through a lot in this book.
There were no simple characters in this book, they were all fairly complex (and interesting!)
I also really liked the ending…
March 26, 2013
To those looking for a sweet comfort read: Get lost. This isn't the book you want.
This book is NOT a romance novel, at least, not in any traditional sense. It's some kind of psychological horror story about a gay teenager, and when I said in my status update that the whole thing reads like a premise for suicide, I actually meant it in all seriousness.
(Analysis ahead, so people who want to remain pure - get lost too)
The first 50% of the book was Life vs Mitch, and it's akin to watching a 300-pound man in the red corner, beating down the blue-corner-twig who's on the stage because of a cruel joke.
Nothing seems to be going right for Mitch - he's born with a minipenis, he's the butt of locker room teasing and a victim of homophobia. His coach treats him like shit and so does his best friend, whom he's nursing a crush for. To top it off, his parents are getting a divorce.
It's the sort of thing that could have been a Deus Angst Machina in another book, making the kind of down-on-his-luck bottom boy we see so much in the genre. Not here: the author presents it in such a way that you don't say 'd'awww' about it and wait for his knight in shining up to nurse him to health. You actually feel genuine despair for this guy.
In fact, Mitch's luck never improves the entire book. Which is why I told you fluff seekers to GTFO. Even when things look up for Mitch, it's only better in comparison to the shitty start.
And then there's the romance.
I actually don't want to call it a romance, because despite their three-word-proclamation, there's something so wrong about the whole thing, it's like watching a documentary about a relationship between a serial killer and a man he locks up in the basement.
I love you, so I won't kill you, he might say, and that's how he shows his love. By not murdering you.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. I'll have to explain Tadd for it to make sense, and how do I even go about that? There's something inherently creepy about him.
He's VERY possessive, for starters - and not in a growly-alpha-male way either, but in a will-show-up-with-fireaxe way. He claims he's in love with Mitch since they were freshmen, but he behaves like some kind of psycho. He leaves notes in Mitch's locker, notes that say things like 'I want my dick in your ass, and your little cock in my hand' and - what I find most chilling of all - 'I don't think it's puppy love. I think it could last a lifetime.'
But that's just a romantic adolescent gesture, you might scoff. Y'know, trading notes and shit. Which is what I thought too, up until everything else about Tadd emerges.
He's violent, and by violent, I mean he beats people up until the question 'Is he dead?' arises. He's been suspended for fights, and has been in that kind of trouble in every school he's been in. He freaks out when Mitch's cell phone is loco for the day, and when Mitch shows the slightest interest in another guy's body, he turns murderous.
Creepy? More like fucking crazy. Smartest thing Mitch ever did was being scared of this guy.
The writing in the book isn't great; the writing is functional but dry, and there are times where it feels like weeks have passed between chapters. For every thing that the book tells you, two seems to be happening off the pages, and the characters move from situation to situation as if months have passed in between when in fact, no time's passed at all.
Dialogue is a mess. I'm not sure who is saying what most of the time. The highest praises from me though, for creeping me out; I haven't read a book in ages that pulled any sort of feeling from me.
The writing, when applied to the aforementioned non-romance, makes me feel like a spectator at a train-wreck. Their relationship is unhealthy at best; Tadd has a fucked up obsession with Mitch's minipenis, so much so that it's pretty much the only thing he seems to like about Mitch. They're teenage boys, and the second time they're together they've moved on to their fantasies - shaving Mitch's pubes and sexing him while he's soft for Tadd, and fisting for Mitch.
The latter is when I'd start screaming UNREAL UNREAL UNREAL in any other novel, but in this one I think I actually buy it. There is something not quite right in the both of them. They resemble two halves of a psychopath, and it makes all the fucked up shit seem reasonable.
So, verdict.
It's hard to say. I love this book, but I was bored to tears most of the time I was reading it. The writing did it no favors, but perversely, it also darkened the atmosphere - made it sordid and ugly and tragic without having to describe anything in a creepy way. It's its ability to make me think beyond what's happening on the pages that cinches it for me.
Would I recommend it? Not if you're here for a romance novel. If you're looking for something WAY different?
You might have found it.
This book is NOT a romance novel, at least, not in any traditional sense. It's some kind of psychological horror story about a gay teenager, and when I said in my status update that the whole thing reads like a premise for suicide, I actually meant it in all seriousness.
(Analysis ahead, so people who want to remain pure - get lost too)
The first 50% of the book was Life vs Mitch, and it's akin to watching a 300-pound man in the red corner, beating down the blue-corner-twig who's on the stage because of a cruel joke.
Nothing seems to be going right for Mitch - he's born with a minipenis, he's the butt of locker room teasing and a victim of homophobia. His coach treats him like shit and so does his best friend, whom he's nursing a crush for. To top it off, his parents are getting a divorce.
It's the sort of thing that could have been a Deus Angst Machina in another book, making the kind of down-on-his-luck bottom boy we see so much in the genre. Not here: the author presents it in such a way that you don't say 'd'awww' about it and wait for his knight in shining up to nurse him to health. You actually feel genuine despair for this guy.
In fact, Mitch's luck never improves the entire book. Which is why I told you fluff seekers to GTFO. Even when things look up for Mitch, it's only better in comparison to the shitty start.
And then there's the romance.
I actually don't want to call it a romance, because despite their three-word-proclamation, there's something so wrong about the whole thing, it's like watching a documentary about a relationship between a serial killer and a man he locks up in the basement.
I love you, so I won't kill you, he might say, and that's how he shows his love. By not murdering you.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. I'll have to explain Tadd for it to make sense, and how do I even go about that? There's something inherently creepy about him.
He's VERY possessive, for starters - and not in a growly-alpha-male way either, but in a will-show-up-with-fireaxe way. He claims he's in love with Mitch since they were freshmen, but he behaves like some kind of psycho. He leaves notes in Mitch's locker, notes that say things like 'I want my dick in your ass, and your little cock in my hand' and - what I find most chilling of all - 'I don't think it's puppy love. I think it could last a lifetime.'
But that's just a romantic adolescent gesture, you might scoff. Y'know, trading notes and shit. Which is what I thought too, up until everything else about Tadd emerges.
He's violent, and by violent, I mean he beats people up until the question 'Is he dead?' arises. He's been suspended for fights, and has been in that kind of trouble in every school he's been in. He freaks out when Mitch's cell phone is loco for the day, and when Mitch shows the slightest interest in another guy's body, he turns murderous.
Creepy? More like fucking crazy. Smartest thing Mitch ever did was being scared of this guy.
The writing in the book isn't great; the writing is functional but dry, and there are times where it feels like weeks have passed between chapters. For every thing that the book tells you, two seems to be happening off the pages, and the characters move from situation to situation as if months have passed in between when in fact, no time's passed at all.
Dialogue is a mess. I'm not sure who is saying what most of the time. The highest praises from me though, for creeping me out; I haven't read a book in ages that pulled any sort of feeling from me.
The writing, when applied to the aforementioned non-romance, makes me feel like a spectator at a train-wreck. Their relationship is unhealthy at best; Tadd has a fucked up obsession with Mitch's minipenis, so much so that it's pretty much the only thing he seems to like about Mitch. They're teenage boys, and the second time they're together they've moved on to their fantasies - shaving Mitch's pubes and sexing him while he's soft for Tadd, and fisting for Mitch.
The latter is when I'd start screaming UNREAL UNREAL UNREAL in any other novel, but in this one I think I actually buy it. There is something not quite right in the both of them. They resemble two halves of a psychopath, and it makes all the fucked up shit seem reasonable.
So, verdict.
It's hard to say. I love this book, but I was bored to tears most of the time I was reading it. The writing did it no favors, but perversely, it also darkened the atmosphere - made it sordid and ugly and tragic without having to describe anything in a creepy way. It's its ability to make me think beyond what's happening on the pages that cinches it for me.
Would I recommend it? Not if you're here for a romance novel. If you're looking for something WAY different?
You might have found it.
June 29, 2012
Poor Todd. His life just keeps getting worse. And just when you think the bad times are over, one more thing occurs to roll him under the wave of life.
The story is an interesting mix between a high school boy's locker room fantasy, a tragic amalgamation of humiliating or depressing life events, and a sweet, budding romance. The above factors combine in a strange way to create a humorous, realistic (yet not), poignant narrative.
I previously read Corrupted , Todd Young's first novel. I loved it, but I was not sure the new author would continue to bring such a unique voice to his future work. He has. At times absurd, often heartwarming, this story draws the reader into its web. It is a soap opera, but it is tongue in cheek. I didn't mind the drama -in fact, I craved it, solely because of how skillfully the author pulls you into the mind/feelings/life of the main character. Even better, it is a character study of a young, naive boy, who just doesn't seem measure up to his peers. (sidebar: the MC seems several years younger than hos stated age.) And while I would love to write a more thorough review for you, I would rather go savor my reading high :-). A definite win, in my book.
The story is an interesting mix between a high school boy's locker room fantasy, a tragic amalgamation of humiliating or depressing life events, and a sweet, budding romance. The above factors combine in a strange way to create a humorous, realistic (yet not), poignant narrative.
I previously read Corrupted , Todd Young's first novel. I loved it, but I was not sure the new author would continue to bring such a unique voice to his future work. He has. At times absurd, often heartwarming, this story draws the reader into its web. It is a soap opera, but it is tongue in cheek. I didn't mind the drama -in fact, I craved it, solely because of how skillfully the author pulls you into the mind/feelings/life of the main character. Even better, it is a character study of a young, naive boy, who just doesn't seem measure up to his peers. (sidebar: the MC seems several years younger than hos stated age.) And while I would love to write a more thorough review for you, I would rather go savor my reading high :-). A definite win, in my book.
August 1, 2015
What an interesting book. It was quirky and charming and I really did enjoy it. The book starts with a really interesting high concept premise - micropenis, and applied it to a YA coming of age/gay romance story. Wow, sounds interesting, and I've never been to that rodeo before, so props for the fresh idea.
Facts and figures - the wikipedia entry says that micropenis occurs in 0.6% of the male population. To put that in perspective, for every one person that has a cleft lip, there are 3-4 guys with micropenis. My point is, whether you know it or not, you've probably met someone with what is considered a micropenis.
So Mitch is our protagonist and he has a very small member. Mitch is a swimmer and spends quite a bit of time wearing skimpy Speedos or naked in the locker room shower, around other Speedo clad or naked guys. Mitch is gay but not out, and in an ironic twist of fate, his (nearly constant) boners go largely unnoticed by the other guys. Did I mention about 40% of the book takes place in the communal locker room shower?
In addition to the romance (more on that in a bit) there is a bunch of other stuff that happens, and I can't decide if it's all a brilliant masterpiece or just a nice romance with a hodgepodge of other things. Some things were expected for a story like this: gay bashing, gay curious guys, confusion about your future... But there were other things that were pretty major to be layering on top of an already high concept premise. There was the complicated family situation that could have been a story in and of itself. There was a sadistic coach who humiliates Mitch in worst possible way. There was the dog. And the bird.
Most importantly, there was a romance that emerged from those lovely communal showers. It was unexpected and sweet and a bit over the top, but I found it charming. However, the there was more piling on of stuff, and in this case some kink was introduced to this nascent relationship, and that lost me a little. And while I liked Mitch's paramour, there was something about his attraction to Mitch that was borderline skeevy. Am I the only one who
In spite of all additives and filler, there definitely was something there worth reading. I just can't figure out if this is a great story buried in the clutter, or if it's the clutter that makes it a great story. I will say this, awesome ending.
Facts and figures - the wikipedia entry says that micropenis occurs in 0.6% of the male population. To put that in perspective, for every one person that has a cleft lip, there are 3-4 guys with micropenis. My point is, whether you know it or not, you've probably met someone with what is considered a micropenis.
So Mitch is our protagonist and he has a very small member. Mitch is a swimmer and spends quite a bit of time wearing skimpy Speedos or naked in the locker room shower, around other Speedo clad or naked guys. Mitch is gay but not out, and in an ironic twist of fate, his (nearly constant) boners go largely unnoticed by the other guys. Did I mention about 40% of the book takes place in the communal locker room shower?
In addition to the romance (more on that in a bit) there is a bunch of other stuff that happens, and I can't decide if it's all a brilliant masterpiece or just a nice romance with a hodgepodge of other things. Some things were expected for a story like this: gay bashing, gay curious guys, confusion about your future... But there were other things that were pretty major to be layering on top of an already high concept premise. There was the complicated family situation that could have been a story in and of itself. There was a sadistic coach who humiliates Mitch in worst possible way. There was the dog. And the bird.
Most importantly, there was a romance that emerged from those lovely communal showers. It was unexpected and sweet and a bit over the top, but I found it charming. However, the there was more piling on of stuff, and in this case some kink was introduced to this nascent relationship, and that lost me a little. And while I liked Mitch's paramour, there was something about his attraction to Mitch that was borderline skeevy. Am I the only one who
In spite of all additives and filler, there definitely was something there worth reading. I just can't figure out if this is a great story buried in the clutter, or if it's the clutter that makes it a great story. I will say this, awesome ending.
June 12, 2012
Holy god. This book is so much more than it appears to be on the surface. A painful and awkward (to say the least) coming of age with a thankfully heartwarming ending. Were I a crier I'd have done it today. That doesn't make me happy. At all.... I'm only kind of kidding. This story will stay with me for a long long time. Damn it.
October 30, 2014
***5 stars**
This is my favourite by Todd Young so far! It's amazing what he does with his imagination.
I don't know why so many people shy away from this author. I realise that to some it may appear weird, but to me, it's daring, HOT and beautiful!
What young man is not obsessing over the size of his manhood? If he's lucky enough to be proud of showing it off, then he's considered a stud. But what if it's on a smaller side, smaller than average even? The guy is tend to become self-consious and be painfully aware of his problem. Especially if it is constantly on display.
This story is about two 'freaks' finding each other. They both have issues and unusual, perhaps out of norm, fantasies. But together they make a perfect match.
I thought, exploring this idea was brilliant. We all have insecurities about our bodies, and some of them might be justified, but it's important to know that there is, or will be someone considering us beautiful, loving us and appreciating us just the way we are.
I also loved how the family dynamics were interlaced with the story, providing an extra layer to the plot. And, of course, a puppy love. How cute was that! :)
So, I don't know what are you guys waiting for? It's ok to push your limits from time to time a little. It's a romance, it's really well-written and it's scorching hot!
I'd say, READ IT!
;)
March 8, 2017
That was fantastic. I love the author's writing style, it flows really well and completely drew me into the story. I loved getting inside Mitchell's mind and seeing how he dealt with everything happening to him. Like senior year in HS isn't bad enough on its own, this guy has it all come down on him at once.
An absolutely beautiful story, perfectly written. I highly recommend it, even to folks (like me) not keen on young adult or new adult lit. I'll definitely be looking to read more from this author.
An absolutely beautiful story, perfectly written. I highly recommend it, even to folks (like me) not keen on young adult or new adult lit. I'll definitely be looking to read more from this author.
September 13, 2012
Full review at www.madisonparklove.com.
In Jumbo, Todd Young tells the story of Mitchell, a small guy with an even smaller problem. Mitchell has a micropenis. He could’ve probably kept it hidden (no pun intended) if it weren’t for the fact that he is a competitive swimmer. It’s bad enough that spectators see him in his speedo at the pool, but the guys on the team see him naked in the showers every day after practice. That’s how he gets the nickname Jumbo, and it sticks. Even worse, it spreads across school.
Mitchell has a lot to worry about. Not only does he have freakishly small equipment, but he’s also gay. Although he’s secretly in love with his best friend, Luke, he can’t seem to stop staring at Tadd (who is extremely well endowed) when they’re all in the shower. He constantly worries that the guys on the team will find out he’s gay. Things at home aren’t going so well either. And then there’s the matter of the notes he keeps finding in his locker. Lust notes. It seems Mitchell, despite his outwardly appearance, has a secret admirer. Someone on the team. But who could possibly feel that way about Mitchell?
This is brilliant storytelling from Todd Young. More than a few times my eyebrows shot up and my eyes bugged out. I loved it. This kid has some balls! Mitchell shows a tremendous amount of courage (although some of that is due to his naivety) in spite of finding himself in such painfully humiliating circumstances time and time again. Seriously, just walking into school each day is a feat of bravery. I loved Mitch and felt sympathy for him right from the beginning. He is emotional (I cried nearly every time he cried), but every bit a boy and proud of it.
Mitchell does eventually find out who his secret admirer is, and they’re a perfect match. His love interest is sweet and sexy, flawed but lovable. It’s not just puppy love. It could last a lifetime.
There is one scene toward the end of the story that made me squeamish. Regarding Mitchell’s special request:
“Mitchell nodded. He couldn’t believe that he’d actually convinced Tadd, and now that Tadd seemed happy about it, he felt a little afraid. His heart fluttered and he felt a little sick, a little dizzy.”
I felt exactly the same way! That sort of thing is normally an insta-turnoff for me, but I read through it, and I’m glad I did. I like the way it was handled (pun intended).
There is absolutely nothing cookie-cutter about this book. It is immediately finding a home on my favorites shelf. I highly recommend this story for those who are looking for a gritty, erotic tale with a splash of romance.
November 27, 2012
This story was not what I expected and very interesting, but it always seemed to be shifting sideways of where I thought it was going. My confusion combined with the abrupt conclusion left me dangling, but the feelings of inadequacy are something everyone can relate to even if their situation is not as extreme.
March 30, 2016
Boys with Micropenises need love too.
This book is an example of the idea that there really is someone for everybody:
"It looks like a nipple."
Mitchell swallowed. "Yeah," he said, pulling the underpants up, though he felt as though he could cry.
"I don't really like cocks."
"What?"
"I don't really like them. I mean-I like everything else about a guy- shoulders and abs and thighs and faces- everything. But I don't like cocks. I'm not too keen on balls either."
Doesn't like cocks?
There was a lot to like about this story. For one thing, I'm a sucker for books about people with shortcomings that affect their self-esteem. I love when those characters find someone to love who loves them because of all that they are-- not just in spite of it. These stories get me in the feels-- hard .
Plus, homo erotic shenanigans in the locker room shower.
That's always worth reading.
But...there's some stuff I didn't care for.
Number one: The fact that our boys are in high school. I just can't keep reading romance and erotica centered around youth. It's feeling a little gross.
Yeah, the M/C's are the magic number eighteen. But it still doesn't change the fact that I'm reading about kids. I'm 39... THIRTY NINE. That's 21 years older than these characters and I really got squicked out when I thought about it. I'm really going to have to start vetting books for age limits because this is becoming an increasing problem for me.
Number two: Mitch has some... kinks... that, well, frankly, as an old lady who is a mother, I found scary.
Mitch needed some therapy. Mitch needed a hug. Mitch needed his mommy. 
Number three: Mitch was wishy-washy when it came to Tadd and that was annoying. But maybe 18 year olds are wishy-washy and annoying and I'm the old turd who just doesn't understand.
So basically, all three issues are because I'm old. Take note young people, this is what 39 and motherhood looks like. Fogey Broad Who Can't Handle.
This book is an example of the idea that there really is someone for everybody:
"It looks like a nipple."
Mitchell swallowed. "Yeah," he said, pulling the underpants up, though he felt as though he could cry.
"I don't really like cocks."
"What?"
"I don't really like them. I mean-I like everything else about a guy- shoulders and abs and thighs and faces- everything. But I don't like cocks. I'm not too keen on balls either."
Doesn't like cocks?
There was a lot to like about this story. For one thing, I'm a sucker for books about people with shortcomings that affect their self-esteem. I love when those characters find someone to love who loves them because of all that they are-- not just in spite of it. These stories get me in the feels-- hard .
Plus, homo erotic shenanigans in the locker room shower.
That's always worth reading.
But...there's some stuff I didn't care for.
Number one: The fact that our boys are in high school. I just can't keep reading romance and erotica centered around youth. It's feeling a little gross.
Yeah, the M/C's are the magic number eighteen. But it still doesn't change the fact that I'm reading about kids. I'm 39... THIRTY NINE. That's 21 years older than these characters and I really got squicked out when I thought about it. I'm really going to have to start vetting books for age limits because this is becoming an increasing problem for me.
Number two: Mitch has some... kinks... that, well, frankly, as an old lady who is a mother, I found scary.
Mitch needed some therapy. Mitch needed a hug. Mitch needed his mommy. Number three: Mitch was wishy-washy when it came to Tadd and that was annoying. But maybe 18 year olds are wishy-washy and annoying and I'm the old turd who just doesn't understand.
So basically, all three issues are because I'm old. Take note young people, this is what 39 and motherhood looks like. Fogey Broad Who Can't Handle.
September 30, 2012
So, full disclosure for my Goodreads friends, some of whom are minors: though the characters are seniors in high school, this is an adult book with some explicit scenes.
I bought Jumbo because I was looking for LGBTQ YA as research for my own project. A friend had recommended Alex Sanchez, which I've been reading, and this book was recommended on Amazon as one of those, "Customers who purchased Alex Sanchez..." It had very conflicting reviews (one and five stars), but nothing trashing the writing, so I gave it a shot.
You ever read a book where you fall in love with the writing and the character the instant you start reading a story? That's how I felt with this one. I read the entire thing in one day, and for me, that's saying something. There were a few scenes that felt a bit like wish-fulfillment on the part of the author, but honestly, that's to be expected in any kind of romance.
I can't say too much without giving away spoilers, but I really enjoyed the relationships in this book, especially the complexities when
All in all, worth the $3.99. I thought it was fantastic.
I bought Jumbo because I was looking for LGBTQ YA as research for my own project. A friend had recommended Alex Sanchez, which I've been reading, and this book was recommended on Amazon as one of those, "Customers who purchased Alex Sanchez..." It had very conflicting reviews (one and five stars), but nothing trashing the writing, so I gave it a shot.
You ever read a book where you fall in love with the writing and the character the instant you start reading a story? That's how I felt with this one. I read the entire thing in one day, and for me, that's saying something. There were a few scenes that felt a bit like wish-fulfillment on the part of the author, but honestly, that's to be expected in any kind of romance.
I can't say too much without giving away spoilers, but I really enjoyed the relationships in this book, especially the complexities when
All in all, worth the $3.99. I thought it was fantastic.
August 3, 2014
This one is a huge benchmark for me. Possibly the worst book I've ever read. For the love of all that is holy may I please get the last 2 hours of my life back. This entire book took place in a high school shower filled with 8 shower heads & 12 confused boys & buckets of semen. Don't get too excited- it wasn't hot. It was just sticky & unsanitary IMHO. Characters were atrocious to me (well except for Sally. She was the only likable one & they flattened her with a car). Depressing, sad, self loathing. Wow. My regrets are few--- NOT DNF-ing this one is high on the list.
February 15, 2013
The reviewer well below who said shower scenes like those described in this book could never have happened, is either a woman or never spent time in school showers with a bunch of teenaged boys.
In respect of the locker room/showers mentality I felt in immediate sympathy with the situations and descriptions, even though this is an American high school and I’m British. But from ages 9 to 18 I attended boarding schools, and so the “naked in the showers” situation was not only repeated every day in every term, but continued from waking up to falling asleep—not in the showers, in the dormitories. Had Mitchell attended such a school, it wouldn’t have been relevant that a kid with no dick to show shouldn’t go in for a sport which requires speedos, because he would have been on show every morning and evening anyway. Even as later teenagers, boys who had small dicks got it in the neck, as much as those who were considered over-developed, so all those scenes in Jumbo feel real.
I read Jumbo in two sessions, which means I found it a page turner and it means I enjoyed it. But at the same time I found it uncomfortable for two reasons: one that this felt like a much younger boy talking and internalising his feelings (but to be fair, it would never be published if the MC were a 14-year-old); second, Mitchell seemed pretty masochistic in his continuing to place himself in situations most likely to result in his being bullied. But again, there wouldn't have been much of a story if he weren't forced into the situations he faces every day, and the entirety of the novel really works as a uniquely different take on teenage sex-angst.
In respect of the locker room/showers mentality I felt in immediate sympathy with the situations and descriptions, even though this is an American high school and I’m British. But from ages 9 to 18 I attended boarding schools, and so the “naked in the showers” situation was not only repeated every day in every term, but continued from waking up to falling asleep—not in the showers, in the dormitories. Had Mitchell attended such a school, it wouldn’t have been relevant that a kid with no dick to show shouldn’t go in for a sport which requires speedos, because he would have been on show every morning and evening anyway. Even as later teenagers, boys who had small dicks got it in the neck, as much as those who were considered over-developed, so all those scenes in Jumbo feel real.
I read Jumbo in two sessions, which means I found it a page turner and it means I enjoyed it. But at the same time I found it uncomfortable for two reasons: one that this felt like a much younger boy talking and internalising his feelings (but to be fair, it would never be published if the MC were a 14-year-old); second, Mitchell seemed pretty masochistic in his continuing to place himself in situations most likely to result in his being bullied. But again, there wouldn't have been much of a story if he weren't forced into the situations he faces every day, and the entirety of the novel really works as a uniquely different take on teenage sex-angst.
November 8, 2012
This book reminded me of those YA books I used to read in high school (tho with more explicit sex) that dealt with problems like bullying and family breakups.
Poor Mitchell gets called Jumbo by the guys on his swim team because he's the exact opposite of jumbo. This isn't very nice of the guys, but in a way, I think that it's part of the swim team ethos - you're in an environment where you frequently see your teamates naked and there's no way to hide anything, so one way of dealing with awkwardness is just to blatantly point out differences and laugh about them. These are Mitchell's friends who call him Jumbo and although it is mortifying to him, he handles the new nickname with grace. In fact, a lot of completely mortifying things happen to Mitchell in this book, and as one after another of them hit, I cringed for him, but the best thing about this story was how Mitchell dealt with each new development, and managed to stay honest with everybody he dealt with.
As plots go, this one was a little unrealistic , and I think that the story could have done without some of the twists and turns, and focused more on Mitchell's budding first romance, which was written with delicacy and had some really delightful scenes. I would have enjoyed more of those.
Overall, a pleasurable and thoughtful read - not instant gratification but a nice build-up of effective moments.
Poor Mitchell gets called Jumbo by the guys on his swim team because he's the exact opposite of jumbo. This isn't very nice of the guys, but in a way, I think that it's part of the swim team ethos - you're in an environment where you frequently see your teamates naked and there's no way to hide anything, so one way of dealing with awkwardness is just to blatantly point out differences and laugh about them. These are Mitchell's friends who call him Jumbo and although it is mortifying to him, he handles the new nickname with grace. In fact, a lot of completely mortifying things happen to Mitchell in this book, and as one after another of them hit, I cringed for him, but the best thing about this story was how Mitchell dealt with each new development, and managed to stay honest with everybody he dealt with.
As plots go, this one was a little unrealistic , and I think that the story could have done without some of the twists and turns, and focused more on Mitchell's budding first romance, which was written with delicacy and had some really delightful scenes. I would have enjoyed more of those.
Overall, a pleasurable and thoughtful read - not instant gratification but a nice build-up of effective moments.
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October 20, 2017
This book is weird. The MC is weird. The plot just keeps getting weirder at every single turn. And yet it is a such a delightful read. Because it nails that awkward feeling of what it is like to be a teenager. Your body changes and you worry about it not being normal. The sensation of not having a direction in life, which before becoming an adult was perfectly ok, and suddenly it is not. Of having self doubts and second guess what your friends think about you, and what they might say about you behind your back. And the glory of finding your feet, aquire new friends and the thrill when you enter into your first romantic relationships. This book is real life, no matter how wonderfully weird the story is. 5 star love!
April 29, 2020
This was my first time reading this author. This was a weird book with a weird mc and weird secondary characters. Mitchell aka Jumbo has a problem he has a small package. He is also on the swim team and can't believe how big some of his teammates are. When I say it was weird it was swim naked the boys showering together pleasuring themselves in front of each other. I read this book for a challenge and I must admit that I thought it was going to be worse. This book did give me a lot at what some boys go through in that department. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I look forward to reading more from this author.
March 25, 2025
I don’t know what to say, this was so weird, I don’t even know what to make about the ending.
February 18, 2013
I have mixed feeling about this short novel.
On the up side it is good to choose a lead encumbered with a problem seldom to be found in M/M coming of age stories. Endowment is a relevant issue that can surely cripple a man's self esteem as it does here. Mitchell is also 18 y.o. and like many boys his age, even clever ones, he is quite immature, unable to deal with adults and fellow students. All this makes for an interesting approach: Mitchell's struggles feel relatable, especially for all those readers who have had a troubled childhood.
On the down side Mr Young has exaggerated. It is obviously not his intent that of delivering a heartwarming romance with a happily ever after, but it seems to me he feels the need to push several buttons at once, unleashing on his character, who already has quite a lot to deal with, an emotional storm of difficult, challenging situations, some of which (the family troubles) unwarranted for.
To cut it short, Mitchell is portrayed in the eye of the cyclone but without the author's taking enough time to let him analyze it and attempt to grow through it. He is as immature, conflicted and self hating at the beginning of the novel as he is in the last page. This may be realistic as people do not change overnight and the timespan covered by the novel is actually short, but I still think that a novel should portray an evolution to have sense as a work of fiction/art.
The only possible exception to this rule of mine concerns those authors gifted with such a beautiful, powerful writing that they manage to make any kind of situation and plot acceptable.
This is not the case here: Mr Young's style is rough edged, especially proficient in portraying negative emotions, but it is certainly not exquisite. Moreover he seems to overindulge in his taste for humiliation and pain without taking the literary time to give it more justification. This is particularly evident in the sex scenes which are not only explicit but also charged with every possible negative emotion a self hating character can experience. Sex scenes aside one could also mention that several plot twists seem only meant to add to Mitchell's discomfort and pain.
Devoid of any particular literary beauty and or of any character's growth this short novel ends by being a good but disagreeable read I am not planning to reread.
On the up side it is good to choose a lead encumbered with a problem seldom to be found in M/M coming of age stories. Endowment is a relevant issue that can surely cripple a man's self esteem as it does here. Mitchell is also 18 y.o. and like many boys his age, even clever ones, he is quite immature, unable to deal with adults and fellow students. All this makes for an interesting approach: Mitchell's struggles feel relatable, especially for all those readers who have had a troubled childhood.
On the down side Mr Young has exaggerated. It is obviously not his intent that of delivering a heartwarming romance with a happily ever after, but it seems to me he feels the need to push several buttons at once, unleashing on his character, who already has quite a lot to deal with, an emotional storm of difficult, challenging situations, some of which (the family troubles) unwarranted for.
To cut it short, Mitchell is portrayed in the eye of the cyclone but without the author's taking enough time to let him analyze it and attempt to grow through it. He is as immature, conflicted and self hating at the beginning of the novel as he is in the last page. This may be realistic as people do not change overnight and the timespan covered by the novel is actually short, but I still think that a novel should portray an evolution to have sense as a work of fiction/art.
The only possible exception to this rule of mine concerns those authors gifted with such a beautiful, powerful writing that they manage to make any kind of situation and plot acceptable.
This is not the case here: Mr Young's style is rough edged, especially proficient in portraying negative emotions, but it is certainly not exquisite. Moreover he seems to overindulge in his taste for humiliation and pain without taking the literary time to give it more justification. This is particularly evident in the sex scenes which are not only explicit but also charged with every possible negative emotion a self hating character can experience. Sex scenes aside one could also mention that several plot twists seem only meant to add to Mitchell's discomfort and pain.
Devoid of any particular literary beauty and or of any character's growth this short novel ends by being a good but disagreeable read I am not planning to reread.
March 8, 2017
I waited to write this because it brought back a lot of bad memories of just how nasty high school students really can be. I was not out at school in the 80's, it was a rough neighbourhood but when it comes to being a gay teen in school, then this sub-plot was dead accurate even being from another country. The main plot or Jumbo side to this book was also another thing I saw some poor guys suffer thru too but not to this extent though but they weren't as bad off as Mitchell's character.
For me the secondary sub plot of gay school teens was of much more interest but I don't want to dismiss the overall excellence of this book. Todd Young encapsulates the looming dread of being outed so impeccably it gave me chills of the bad kind. Being suspected as gay like I was, was bad enough but the kids who were out or outed lived lives of hell.
This is not a nice book at all, but in saying that it comes the closest to any other book of gay school teens I've ever read except it was a bit nicer within the sub plot than what I experienced in reality. So although it's not nice, it's ACCURATE and I highly recommend people to read this particular YA gay teen in High School novel for it's brutally frank, accurate account and praise the author for putting it to paper. It is so well written and the feeling of looming dread, desolation, pure terror and violence is so close to what I experienced in regards to been a gay teen is just incredible.
This book to me is a valuable and extremely well documented account of very accurate but sad information for gay teens. The Jumbo plot is even worse but it still makes for a great read overall. I honestly hope a book that captures the essence of Jumbo but concentrates more of being a LGBT high school teen with this deadly accurate account is written and becomes part of High School curriculum's around the world AND it needs to be read or aimed at kids around 16 which is the age of consent in my state and most other states in Australia for both same sex and LGBT couples.
For me the secondary sub plot of gay school teens was of much more interest but I don't want to dismiss the overall excellence of this book. Todd Young encapsulates the looming dread of being outed so impeccably it gave me chills of the bad kind. Being suspected as gay like I was, was bad enough but the kids who were out or outed lived lives of hell.
This is not a nice book at all, but in saying that it comes the closest to any other book of gay school teens I've ever read except it was a bit nicer within the sub plot than what I experienced in reality. So although it's not nice, it's ACCURATE and I highly recommend people to read this particular YA gay teen in High School novel for it's brutally frank, accurate account and praise the author for putting it to paper. It is so well written and the feeling of looming dread, desolation, pure terror and violence is so close to what I experienced in regards to been a gay teen is just incredible.
This book to me is a valuable and extremely well documented account of very accurate but sad information for gay teens. The Jumbo plot is even worse but it still makes for a great read overall. I honestly hope a book that captures the essence of Jumbo but concentrates more of being a LGBT high school teen with this deadly accurate account is written and becomes part of High School curriculum's around the world AND it needs to be read or aimed at kids around 16 which is the age of consent in my state and most other states in Australia for both same sex and LGBT couples.
August 19, 2012
I'm not sure about this story, it had a lot of themes going on.
Some of it I had to suspend disbelief, like the coach doing what he did and getting away with it!
And both of Mitch's parents turning out the way they did?
But other parts were very touching and I felt for poor Mitch, other parts where definitely kinky!
Interesting and different for sure.
Some of it I had to suspend disbelief, like the coach doing what he did and getting away with it!
And both of Mitch's parents turning out the way they did?
But other parts were very touching and I felt for poor Mitch, other parts where definitely kinky!
Interesting and different for sure.
October 13, 2013
Fisting, "bat"ing, mini penis, jumbo penis, this book has it all. I don't know why I liked it so much - it seemed off and disjointed in sections and yet I found myself sucked in to the story. A little unbelievable in parts and only too real in others. In the end, I must admit I liked it!
July 8, 2017
Some parts I loved. And some parts were just weird and extremely awkward.
February 2, 2014
★★★☆☆½
I went into this not knowing what to expect since I avoided reading the reviews, just kept seeing it mentioned.
Mitch had a pretty turbulent last few months with many changes and life developments and he was pretty immature so in some ways, he was on the cusp of being a grown-up (going to the doctor, researching and discounting options for his condition) and then at other times, was just a horny, kinky teen-age boy who takes unnecessary risks .
I felt for Mitch because with those speedos, there's not much of a way to hide anything and I know I've been naughty by looking at pics of Olympic swimmers and seeing if I can see anything and I love seeing boner pics of swimmers, so I thought he was very brave to put himself out there each and every day.
The shower scenes suspended belief but since I like to watch, they were right up my alley.
The book ended very abruptly with unresolved issues but if you take it as a fun, bit kinky, romp you'll enjoy it. Not trying to solve world peace and really that's not something I want to read about anyway, I want to escape and this fit the bill.
p.s.
I went into this not knowing what to expect since I avoided reading the reviews, just kept seeing it mentioned.
Mitch had a pretty turbulent last few months with many changes and life developments and he was pretty immature so in some ways, he was on the cusp of being a grown-up (going to the doctor, researching and discounting options for his condition) and then at other times, was just a horny, kinky teen-age boy who takes unnecessary risks .
I felt for Mitch because with those speedos, there's not much of a way to hide anything and I know I've been naughty by looking at pics of Olympic swimmers and seeing if I can see anything and I love seeing boner pics of swimmers, so I thought he was very brave to put himself out there each and every day.
The shower scenes suspended belief but since I like to watch, they were right up my alley.
The book ended very abruptly with unresolved issues but if you take it as a fun, bit kinky, romp you'll enjoy it. Not trying to solve world peace and really that's not something I want to read about anyway, I want to escape and this fit the bill.
p.s.
August 19, 2016
It was difficult at first for me to get into the story because of the simple level of writing. I’m not it was done for ‘voice’ or it that’s just the author's style, but regardless, after a few chapters, I got into it and it wasn’t an issue.
I couldn’t believe this was about an eighteen year old man. A penis doesn’t wait to mature until then, even if it’s delayed development. I was able to put this aside though.
Other than that, I really related to this story . . . um, not having a micro dick, but feeling less than others physically, (with me it was being chubby), especially in the showers. Also, though I wasn’t aware of it yet, that I might be thought gay if my gaze lingered (and why did my gaze linger?). And the whole over-thinking internal dialogue about crushes and relationships, while also being quite naive, which I tend to do. It put me right back in ninth grade (freshman) swimming class and I remember quite similar experiences if not with myself then others.
And I loved it. It was a real page-turner as I had to find out who this secret admirer was or if it was just a cruel hoax. And if it would all work out in the end or if he’d blow it. And those shocking moments, I cringed a couple of times. I was up all night and finished it!
I don’t know why there’s such polarizing opinions about it, but it really was a good book.
I couldn’t believe this was about an eighteen year old man. A penis doesn’t wait to mature until then, even if it’s delayed development. I was able to put this aside though.
Other than that, I really related to this story . . . um, not having a micro dick, but feeling less than others physically, (with me it was being chubby), especially in the showers. Also, though I wasn’t aware of it yet, that I might be thought gay if my gaze lingered (and why did my gaze linger?). And the whole over-thinking internal dialogue about crushes and relationships, while also being quite naive, which I tend to do. It put me right back in ninth grade (freshman) swimming class and I remember quite similar experiences if not with myself then others.
And I loved it. It was a real page-turner as I had to find out who this secret admirer was or if it was just a cruel hoax. And if it would all work out in the end or if he’d blow it. And those shocking moments, I cringed a couple of times. I was up all night and finished it!
I don’t know why there’s such polarizing opinions about it, but it really was a good book.
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