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Listening to Dust
Murder touched Stephen Dobbins when he was a young boy and left him living in a void of aching loneliness. A chance meeting with a young American chased away the fear that he would always be alone and brought him the prospect of a new existence.
Dustin Earl joined the military and escaped his small town Southern upbringing with the hope that he could give his mentally challenged brother a better life. But Dustin had never known real love, an honest hug, or a simple kiss. He considered his sexuality a weakness; a threat that had been used against those he cared about.
For eight months their relationship blossomed until Dustin suddenly returned home. He cherished Stephen, but felt his responsibilities to his brother outweighed his own chance at happiness.
Shattered, unable to function and unwilling to accept Dustin’s departure, Stephen flew three thousand miles to get Dustin back and rekindle what they had. But what he would learn when he got there… he could never have imagined.
Dustin Earl joined the military and escaped his small town Southern upbringing with the hope that he could give his mentally challenged brother a better life. But Dustin had never known real love, an honest hug, or a simple kiss. He considered his sexuality a weakness; a threat that had been used against those he cared about.
For eight months their relationship blossomed until Dustin suddenly returned home. He cherished Stephen, but felt his responsibilities to his brother outweighed his own chance at happiness.
Shattered, unable to function and unwilling to accept Dustin’s departure, Stephen flew three thousand miles to get Dustin back and rekindle what they had. But what he would learn when he got there… he could never have imagined.
143 pages, ebook
First published March 10, 2012
About the author
Brandon Shire
23 books407 followersGreat stories should not depend on gender or sexual preference of a character, but instead upon the strength of the characters and the honesty and urgency of the story.
Brandon Shire proves he understands the complexity of writing LGBT fiction from two very different viewpoints – serious and smexy. His serious fiction is written for those who enjoy a book which explores life’s darker elements in a more literary form, while the smexy fiction is for those who enjoy a graphically erotic romance.
Regardless of the differentiation above, Brandon writes for people who enjoy being challenged, and for those who strive to understand situations they don’t typically encounter. He pens raw, emotional stories about characters which readers will either love or love to hate.
Life and love are pretty damned special, but neither is always perfect. Life can be painful, and real love hard to find. Brandon’s fiction is an exploration of the (sometimes) arduous search for happiness we all desire.
10% of the proceeds from the sale of any of Brandon’s book are donated to LGBT Youth charities.
Learn more about Brandon Shire and the LGBT Youth charities he supports at BrandonShire.com
Brandon Shire proves he understands the complexity of writing LGBT fiction from two very different viewpoints – serious and smexy. His serious fiction is written for those who enjoy a book which explores life’s darker elements in a more literary form, while the smexy fiction is for those who enjoy a graphically erotic romance.
Regardless of the differentiation above, Brandon writes for people who enjoy being challenged, and for those who strive to understand situations they don’t typically encounter. He pens raw, emotional stories about characters which readers will either love or love to hate.
Life and love are pretty damned special, but neither is always perfect. Life can be painful, and real love hard to find. Brandon’s fiction is an exploration of the (sometimes) arduous search for happiness we all desire.
10% of the proceeds from the sale of any of Brandon’s book are donated to LGBT Youth charities.
Learn more about Brandon Shire and the LGBT Youth charities he supports at BrandonShire.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
September 10, 2012
REVIEW COMPLETED SEPTEMBER 10, 2012
There is an appointed time for everything. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
I'm at a loss for words.
142 pages.
Listening to Dust is a hauntingly beautiful and masterfully crafted story about a love that was not meant to be. Without a shadow of a doubt Brandon is an extremely gifted and inimitable storyteller. His flawed characters blossom through thoughtful dialogue, and he is always able to captivate the reader by drawing an emotionally-charged story full of depth. He is always so mercilessly straightforward, and there are no platitudes to be found. The excellent and highly enthralling narrative render his stories unforgettable. Amazing. Brandon doesn't sugar-coat anything here either. I don't intend to reveal any details though; let's just say that you should be prepared to deal with some shockingly disturbing events. In fact, this book will cut right through your heart.
Listening to Dust features three main protagonists. Stephen is a ghost-writer, born in England and raised in France by his grandmother Colette because his parents were murdered under mysterious political circumstances. Stephen always blamed himself because he thought that his homosexuality caused their death. He feels weary and hurt and is living a relatively lonely life until he meets Dustin. They meet in London when Dustin just quit the military service. Dustin is drunk and he wants Stephen to take him to his apartment. In the morning, though, Dustin is leaving in anger, shouting vile things about feeling abused and molested after they had spent their first night together.
But then Dustin comes back and they start a halting and tenuous relationship. Dustin is a very sensitive man. He has always been denied love by his parents. His father is a short-tempered alcoholic and his mother a drug addict. Dustin doesn't know how it feels to be hugged and kissed, to be cherished and loved.
So he let Dustin cry for a moment while they stared at one another; let the night kiss Dustin's tears and pull the scabs on the cuts deep in his heart.
Even though Dustin makes it clear that he will return to his hometown for family reasons, Stephen is determined to live the moment. Stephen is experiencing the best eight months of his life, however, when Dustin is leaving to go back to his little brother Robbie, he is running from London and goes back to France to take refuge from his emotions that are eating him up.
And last but not least there is Robbie. Brandon did an outstanding job at portraying Robbie's endearing character. He is mentally handicapped after having endured what the town's people called an "accident". You will be shocked and appalled when you find out what caused his handicap, though. Due to his handicap Robbie's thoughts and actions are childlike, and yet he speaks words of wisdom and his open-mindedness, simplicity and striking perception to see things are incredibly adorable and render his character unforgettable.
When Stephen travels to the States to rescue Dustin from his self-imposed fetters that held him in this small town, he is unprepared for what he will discover there…
Stephen's love letters that are complementing this story are beautifully written and have such a poetic feel to it that was simply marvelous. His letters will surround you like a warm blanket that will convey much needed comfort, its prose lightly caressing your soul, and you will embark on a journey to experience Stephen's boundless love for Dustin.
There was more in Dustin's eyes than the mist of spirits; more than the texture of desire. This was need and want and hurt and longing. It was the gentlest part of an unspoken embrace; the heat of a lost touch; the echo of a depth of yearning that Stephen had never encountered before, not even within himself, and despite the fact that he thought he knew loneliness quite well.
Even though Dustin never voiced the ILY's, Stephen will realize eventually that Dustin loved him fiercely. There's that still love, and I cried when I read that. As a matter of fact, there are so many different signs of affection and love. You don't have to voice an oath of undying love--just feel it in your heart.
Looking back at Dustin, at his stillness, it was easy for Stephen to forget how hard Dustin appeared on the outside; how solid his emotional armor looked when you stood off at a distance; and how easy it was to get lost inside his hidden tragedy and not see what was beyond it.
If you don't mind to read a tragic yet masterfully crafted story that doesn't provide a HEA, then I highly recommend you to give this book a try. One thing's for sure, though, there will be tears--keep your tissues at the ready.
I'd like to conclude my review by saying that I'm grateful that Listening to Dust is such a short read. You know there is only so much pain my heart can take. Having said that, I think it is a sign of true class when an author is able to make me bear such ugliness by anchoring me and ultimately guiding me to the heart of the matter that nothing is ever perfect, not even love. I'm in awe. Kudos, Brandon.
Finally, I know that when the air has settled and all the past particles of anger and shame have disappeared, we will still have that one moment. It will still bring us together.
There is an appointed time for everything. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
I'm at a loss for words.
142 pages.
Listening to Dust is a hauntingly beautiful and masterfully crafted story about a love that was not meant to be. Without a shadow of a doubt Brandon is an extremely gifted and inimitable storyteller. His flawed characters blossom through thoughtful dialogue, and he is always able to captivate the reader by drawing an emotionally-charged story full of depth. He is always so mercilessly straightforward, and there are no platitudes to be found. The excellent and highly enthralling narrative render his stories unforgettable. Amazing. Brandon doesn't sugar-coat anything here either. I don't intend to reveal any details though; let's just say that you should be prepared to deal with some shockingly disturbing events. In fact, this book will cut right through your heart.
Listening to Dust features three main protagonists. Stephen is a ghost-writer, born in England and raised in France by his grandmother Colette because his parents were murdered under mysterious political circumstances. Stephen always blamed himself because he thought that his homosexuality caused their death. He feels weary and hurt and is living a relatively lonely life until he meets Dustin. They meet in London when Dustin just quit the military service. Dustin is drunk and he wants Stephen to take him to his apartment. In the morning, though, Dustin is leaving in anger, shouting vile things about feeling abused and molested after they had spent their first night together.
But then Dustin comes back and they start a halting and tenuous relationship. Dustin is a very sensitive man. He has always been denied love by his parents. His father is a short-tempered alcoholic and his mother a drug addict. Dustin doesn't know how it feels to be hugged and kissed, to be cherished and loved.
So he let Dustin cry for a moment while they stared at one another; let the night kiss Dustin's tears and pull the scabs on the cuts deep in his heart.
Even though Dustin makes it clear that he will return to his hometown for family reasons, Stephen is determined to live the moment. Stephen is experiencing the best eight months of his life, however, when Dustin is leaving to go back to his little brother Robbie, he is running from London and goes back to France to take refuge from his emotions that are eating him up.
And last but not least there is Robbie. Brandon did an outstanding job at portraying Robbie's endearing character. He is mentally handicapped after having endured what the town's people called an "accident". You will be shocked and appalled when you find out what caused his handicap, though. Due to his handicap Robbie's thoughts and actions are childlike, and yet he speaks words of wisdom and his open-mindedness, simplicity and striking perception to see things are incredibly adorable and render his character unforgettable.
When Stephen travels to the States to rescue Dustin from his self-imposed fetters that held him in this small town, he is unprepared for what he will discover there…
Stephen's love letters that are complementing this story are beautifully written and have such a poetic feel to it that was simply marvelous. His letters will surround you like a warm blanket that will convey much needed comfort, its prose lightly caressing your soul, and you will embark on a journey to experience Stephen's boundless love for Dustin.
There was more in Dustin's eyes than the mist of spirits; more than the texture of desire. This was need and want and hurt and longing. It was the gentlest part of an unspoken embrace; the heat of a lost touch; the echo of a depth of yearning that Stephen had never encountered before, not even within himself, and despite the fact that he thought he knew loneliness quite well.
Even though Dustin never voiced the ILY's, Stephen will realize eventually that Dustin loved him fiercely. There's that still love, and I cried when I read that. As a matter of fact, there are so many different signs of affection and love. You don't have to voice an oath of undying love--just feel it in your heart.
Looking back at Dustin, at his stillness, it was easy for Stephen to forget how hard Dustin appeared on the outside; how solid his emotional armor looked when you stood off at a distance; and how easy it was to get lost inside his hidden tragedy and not see what was beyond it.
If you don't mind to read a tragic yet masterfully crafted story that doesn't provide a HEA, then I highly recommend you to give this book a try. One thing's for sure, though, there will be tears--keep your tissues at the ready.
I'd like to conclude my review by saying that I'm grateful that Listening to Dust is such a short read. You know there is only so much pain my heart can take. Having said that, I think it is a sign of true class when an author is able to make me bear such ugliness by anchoring me and ultimately guiding me to the heart of the matter that nothing is ever perfect, not even love. I'm in awe. Kudos, Brandon.
Finally, I know that when the air has settled and all the past particles of anger and shame have disappeared, we will still have that one moment. It will still bring us together.
June 7, 2019
***** 6 Stars ******
I am feeling small and miserable for not being able to write something coherent about this. I've tried.
I've been trying since yesterday, but I am giving up now.
Absolutely stunning and mesmerizing.
I am feeling small and miserable for not being able to write something coherent about this. I've tried.
I've been trying since yesterday, but I am giving up now.
Absolutely stunning and mesmerizing.
March 9, 2015
This was the best-written book that I've ever really finished disliking, which is sad.
If you're looking to avoid spoilers, close this window now. Well, not really, because on page freaking one, you find out that Stephen has flown from 'U-rope' to Backwater, Georgia to find out that the 8-month love of his life, Dustin, was murdered 3 months earlier.
And they all lived happily NEVER after. : / Especially after 1.) Stephen discovers that his latest love letter is the cause of Dustin's murder and 2.) Dustin's beloved mentally-challenged brother, the reason that Dustin left Steven, will most likely fry in the electric chair.
"The End." Yeah, that's what I thought, too. If you're looking for even a grain of hope, this ain't the book for you.
5 Stars for the eloquent writing, 1 star for when the story went thud.
If you're looking to avoid spoilers, close this window now. Well, not really, because on page freaking one, you find out that Stephen has flown from 'U-rope' to Backwater, Georgia to find out that the 8-month love of his life, Dustin, was murdered 3 months earlier.
And they all lived happily NEVER after. : / Especially after 1.) Stephen discovers that his latest love letter is the cause of Dustin's murder and 2.) Dustin's beloved mentally-challenged brother, the reason that Dustin left Steven, will most likely fry in the electric chair.
"The End." Yeah, that's what I thought, too. If you're looking for even a grain of hope, this ain't the book for you.
5 Stars for the eloquent writing, 1 star for when the story went thud.
December 21, 2014
From time to time you read a book that moves you, that leaves you speechless, that leaves you wanting more. “Listening To Dust” was that book for me. “Listening To Dust” is a beautifully written story about love, life, family, sacrifice and so much more. It’s a gut wrenching story that took my heart, twisted around and tore it to pieces.
I’m not the most sensitive person, but Brandon Shire in his 142 pages manage to impress me not only with her story, but with his amazing writing too. I admit, the writing is one of the reason I loved this book so much. In some way, this story is like anything I ever read. I read it three days ago, but I’m still thinking of Stephen and Dustin, the two main characters. It stayed with me and I’m sure it will stay with me for a while.
“Everyone needs to be loved, Dustin, needs to be held and feel wanted(...)”
Stephen lost his parents when he was a little boy. Since then he lived with his grandmother, Colette. He’s a ghost writer, living a solitary life in France. More than twenty-five years passed, but he still blames himself for his parents death. He thinks the fact he is gay killed them. Everything change for Stephen when he met Dustin. Dustin is American and he just quit the military service. They meet in London and Dustin who is drunk wants to spend the night with Stephen. Next day, Dustin is full of anger, rage and shame, shouting accusations and screaming vile things about feeling abused and molested. Weeks later, Dustin comes back and they start an intense and beautiful relationship. Eight months. Eight months and everything between them ends when Dustin has to go back home. He needs to be there for his little brother who is mentally handicapped, he needs to protect him, he needs to do the right thing.
Stephen never planned to fall in love. He is devastated and he doesn’t understand why Dustin has to go back or why he can’t move with his little brother in London.
Dustin is a lost soul, an old soul like they say. He wanted all his life to be loved. Growing up with a alcoholic father and a drug addict mother wasn’t easy for him. More than that he was abused in more ways than one.
His love for the American man, makes Stephan decide to fallow his lover, to go after him, but what he would learn when he got there...he could never have imagined.
This was for sure one of the most beautiful love story I’ve read so far. My heart broke a thousand times for these two men. And not only for them, for Robbie, Dustin's brother as well. I absolutely loved these characters. Every one of them touch my heart. Stephan was amazing. He is understanding, caring and more than that he gives Dustin what he wanted and needed all his live -LOVE. He cared for him, he cherished him, he loved him with his body, with his mind, with his words. I love him for that and for what he offered Dustin these eight months.
Dustin is sensitive man. He’s worried about what people think of him. He cares more about the gossips than his own happiness. He never expected to be loved, so when he Stephen confesses his love, he is scared. He doesn’t think he deserves to be loved, he doesn’t think he deserves happiness. Poor Dustin. I wanted so bad to give him a hug. I’ll admit I was so angry with him, because he gave up love and happiness and Stephen.
Dustin sacrifice himself for his little brother in many ways. He was what we call a real man in more ways than one.
Robbie’s character is endearing. I really felt for him. For his past, for his guilt and for his present and/or future. I wanted so bad to hate him, because like Stephen for a moment I believe he was the reason for Dustin’s leaving, but I couldn’t. He is innocent in every way. He was never to blame. He is a mentally handicapped, but at times he seemed the smartest guy.
I loved Stephen’s letters. They were beautiful written, full of emotion and every one of them touch my heart. It was like I was reading poetry. I don't thing I ever read something so emotional, so powerful, so beautiful.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a haunting, gut wrenching beautifully written story!
September 22, 2014
~~~
There aren't enough stars for a book like this.
This isn't my typical style of review because I just can't. I can't really read my kindle highlights to share those thoughts. My eyes are too full. I'll explain below why I've just had to take a different approach here.
70%, 70% is where I cracked. Broken. Crushed and flayed wide open. Until the end and well beyond.
I could easily let go and curse out Brandon Shire. I could easily hate an author that can cause me so much pain. I suppose I'm a masochist though, and actually love that he can reach me like that.
When endless media incursion causes me to tune out and block out the noise, to become numb and uncaring, it's good to find that I can still be moved. To find that my humanity and passion are still alive. Brandon Shire has a way of awakening every sense, with imagery and emotion, vivid and tangible. In this book, you will be there, with the characters, smelling, feeling, wanting. Wanting so badly.
I'm not writing any sort of synopsis because I believe this book should be discovered entirely for yourself. I can't imagine two people finding the same things here. So I can't tell you what it's about, for you. To be sure, there are overarching themes, but the subtle layers of understanding will develop differently for everyone. This is a simple story with incredibly complex problems. Problems that are so big it's easier to look away. But don't look away. Read this book. Tell friends about it. Until our humanity is flawless read this book and books that keep reaching us.
I have to say one last thing. It will only mean something to a few GR friends but it matters. Plus, I need to release a little pent up frustration and between this read and some comments made in an unrelated GR thread, I have to let it go. *I only read male/male romance for the sex. (That is hostile sarcasm, by the way, and should not be construed as truth, by anyone).
~~~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
There aren't enough stars for a book like this.
This isn't my typical style of review because I just can't. I can't really read my kindle highlights to share those thoughts. My eyes are too full. I'll explain below why I've just had to take a different approach here.
70%, 70% is where I cracked. Broken. Crushed and flayed wide open. Until the end and well beyond.
I could easily let go and curse out Brandon Shire. I could easily hate an author that can cause me so much pain. I suppose I'm a masochist though, and actually love that he can reach me like that.
When endless media incursion causes me to tune out and block out the noise, to become numb and uncaring, it's good to find that I can still be moved. To find that my humanity and passion are still alive. Brandon Shire has a way of awakening every sense, with imagery and emotion, vivid and tangible. In this book, you will be there, with the characters, smelling, feeling, wanting. Wanting so badly.
I'm not writing any sort of synopsis because I believe this book should be discovered entirely for yourself. I can't imagine two people finding the same things here. So I can't tell you what it's about, for you. To be sure, there are overarching themes, but the subtle layers of understanding will develop differently for everyone. This is a simple story with incredibly complex problems. Problems that are so big it's easier to look away. But don't look away. Read this book. Tell friends about it. Until our humanity is flawless read this book and books that keep reaching us.
I have to say one last thing. It will only mean something to a few GR friends but it matters. Plus, I need to release a little pent up frustration and between this read and some comments made in an unrelated GR thread, I have to let it go. *I only read male/male romance for the sex. (That is hostile sarcasm, by the way, and should not be construed as truth, by anyone).
~~~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
June 7, 2019
3 stars for the amazing narrative voice of the author, but my recommendation is a cautious one. Hopefully by the end of this review, you’ll know whether it’s one that would work for you.
I love to have my heart shattered by a book. Getting absorbed to the point that I can feel the characters’ pain, leaving me sobbing, raging, etc. That kind of thing falls firmly in a book’s assets column to me. But in order for that to happen, the picture has to be depicted in multiple colors and shades and really come alive.
Unfortunately, this one was painted in black. And I mean only black. When the black brush is first put to canvas, it feels tragic. And as additional strokes are added, the dismalness builds, heartstrings are pulled, emotions are felt, etc etc.
But then gradually, the whole canvas becomes black. And adding more paint changes nothing. More importantly, the portrait gets obliterated. It takes far less skill to paint a canvas solid black than to use the black judiciously to reveal a gorgeous and devastating piece of art.
But nevertheless — to continue to beat this metaphor to death — this artist is clearly working with good tools. He has quite dexterous brush-holding fingers. His creativity and way with words still managed to produce some beautiful strokes. I think a good editor could push a few other colors of paint onto his palette, and I would be the first in line to see that exhibition.
I love to have my heart shattered by a book. Getting absorbed to the point that I can feel the characters’ pain, leaving me sobbing, raging, etc. That kind of thing falls firmly in a book’s assets column to me. But in order for that to happen, the picture has to be depicted in multiple colors and shades and really come alive.
Unfortunately, this one was painted in black. And I mean only black. When the black brush is first put to canvas, it feels tragic. And as additional strokes are added, the dismalness builds, heartstrings are pulled, emotions are felt, etc etc.
But then gradually, the whole canvas becomes black. And adding more paint changes nothing. More importantly, the portrait gets obliterated. It takes far less skill to paint a canvas solid black than to use the black judiciously to reveal a gorgeous and devastating piece of art.
But nevertheless — to continue to beat this metaphor to death — this artist is clearly working with good tools. He has quite dexterous brush-holding fingers. His creativity and way with words still managed to produce some beautiful strokes. I think a good editor could push a few other colors of paint onto his palette, and I would be the first in line to see that exhibition.
November 22, 2014
Rounded up to 3 stars.
I managed to finish it and now I can say that it was the most depressing and helpless book I have ever read. I would even warn you, don't read it if you suffer from depression. It could be then really dangerous.
Though I prefer books with a HEA, I'm not someone who specifically avoids books without a good ending.
I would never judge against a book because of the ending. I like an ending that fits the book.
I like the books that even in spite of unhappy ending, despite being sad are emotional, heart-warming, touching but NOT in a depressing way. The most important thing - they have to give a reader at least a slight glimmer of hope.
If you're Okay with the only "positive" message of the book
YOU CAN HATE DEEP, BUT LOVE IS EVEN DEEPER.
then you can read it.
This book left me with a blank icy stare after reading it and with a much emotional distress and pain, helpless, powerless, sorrowful, numb with grief. This story broke my heart. It is deeply pessimistic.
It is not JUST the ending - the whole story is enduring torture.
But I have to confess, a very well written one.
Sorry, I need a hope in my books.
My conclusion:
The writing- 5 stars, the story-1 star.
I know I'm in the minority, but there are readers who share my opinion about the book.
Todd expressed exactly my thoughts. Warning: it contains spoilers.
October 25, 2013
I'll start by saying this isn't normally how I write reviews. Forgive me for that, but this reading experience was profoundly different for me.
I'll also start with apologies to a very special friend of mine here on GR, because much of this review comes from a personal note I wrote her about this book (and more, about life and the blessings we have), but it captured the essence of what I feel, so I'm sharing.
"I'm still awestruck at the book I've just finished. "Listening to Dust" by Brandon Shire. Have you read?
I just...I'm shaking my head. I'm changed. How can words on a page do that? How is it even possible? There was a message in those few hundred pages that was so powerful. About guilt, about living your life, about rising above adversity, about the cruelty of fate, about tragedy...it was just...ripe, ripe with meaning.
But as sad and heartbreaking as it was, I found hope. It made me feel connected to you for some reason, but I can't for the life of me tell you why. It has nothing to do with anything I know about you. Maybe it simply goes back to your words...to being blessed with the life you live, knowing that others suffer unspeakable things. I don't know. But it just touched me deeply."
Have you ever had a book do that to you?
Have you ever been so deep into reading that you lose yourself in the words?
That you know you're forever changed because there's so much between the lines?
Words that aren't even on the page, but you swear something else is there?
This book packs a punch. But it does it with such subtlety that you don't know how far gone you are until you're too far gone to turn back.
Maybe it's just where I am in my life right now. I'm happy, I'm healthy. I have good kids (they're still young, wink), an awesome husband, family, special friends. This book put all that into perspective for me. Maybe I'd feel differently if I'd read it two weeks from now, or if I’d read it two years ago; who knows.
What I'm trying to say now, in this moment, is that Listening to Dust touched my soul.
I hope you'll read it, and I hope it does the same for you.
I'll also start with apologies to a very special friend of mine here on GR, because much of this review comes from a personal note I wrote her about this book (and more, about life and the blessings we have), but it captured the essence of what I feel, so I'm sharing.
"I'm still awestruck at the book I've just finished. "Listening to Dust" by Brandon Shire. Have you read?
I just...I'm shaking my head. I'm changed. How can words on a page do that? How is it even possible? There was a message in those few hundred pages that was so powerful. About guilt, about living your life, about rising above adversity, about the cruelty of fate, about tragedy...it was just...ripe, ripe with meaning.
But as sad and heartbreaking as it was, I found hope. It made me feel connected to you for some reason, but I can't for the life of me tell you why. It has nothing to do with anything I know about you. Maybe it simply goes back to your words...to being blessed with the life you live, knowing that others suffer unspeakable things. I don't know. But it just touched me deeply."
Have you ever had a book do that to you?
Have you ever been so deep into reading that you lose yourself in the words?
That you know you're forever changed because there's so much between the lines?
Words that aren't even on the page, but you swear something else is there?
This book packs a punch. But it does it with such subtlety that you don't know how far gone you are until you're too far gone to turn back.
Maybe it's just where I am in my life right now. I'm happy, I'm healthy. I have good kids (they're still young, wink), an awesome husband, family, special friends. This book put all that into perspective for me. Maybe I'd feel differently if I'd read it two weeks from now, or if I’d read it two years ago; who knows.
What I'm trying to say now, in this moment, is that Listening to Dust touched my soul.
I hope you'll read it, and I hope it does the same for you.
September 23, 2014
Brandon Shire awakened every emotion of my soul, I cannot express in words how much this novel moved me, I felt like I lived every vivid emotion, which created an even more meaningful connection to the characters!!
With a impossibly beautiful and alluring writing the author reach into the deep soul of the characters and show you their suffer, pain, sorrow, love and desires, and made my heart shattered….
Brandon Shire accomplish a masterful book, with the journey of Stephen's immeasurable love for Dustin,(the letters were perfect) and the amount of suffering some people endure!!
I highly recommend this novel it touched me deeply, but I'll be grieving for Robbie, Dustin, and Stephen for a long time!!
Thanks Baba, your amazing review made me read this book!
With a impossibly beautiful and alluring writing the author reach into the deep soul of the characters and show you their suffer, pain, sorrow, love and desires, and made my heart shattered….
Brandon Shire accomplish a masterful book, with the journey of Stephen's immeasurable love for Dustin,(the letters were perfect) and the amount of suffering some people endure!!
I highly recommend this novel it touched me deeply, but I'll be grieving for Robbie, Dustin, and Stephen for a long time!!
Thanks Baba, your amazing review made me read this book!
March 14, 2016
“There are a million beautiful things in this world, Miss Emily. I only wanted one, was that so bad?”
and now there are a million and one, this book so incredibly heartbreaking and beautiful. My only hesitation about giving it 5 stars was that what it really garnered from me were a million tears. The pain and suffering a family can inflict on each other when it ceases to be functional is so grippingly laid out in this story. Part way through I wanted to look away, stop reading. It just hurt too damned much, but I couldn't...I needed to know.
“It’s not a bad thing, Dustin, but it’s not a thing we’re talking about. It’s your life, your human life at which you have exactly one chance to be happy. When do you get your chance? When do life’s requirements get put aside so you can find some peace too?”
Stephen and Dustin meet and somehow they find themselves in a relationship. It's complex, it's overshadowed by the past by obligations, by personal guilt and yet somehow there is love and all it's beauty waiting for them if they can grasp it and hold on...but still there are responsibilities tugging them apart...
“Don’t let it be a painful memory, Mr. Stephen.” Robbie advised. “Let it be in love, what you had, what he gave you, let it be that...”
Robbie, is the surprise in this book. Robbie with his simple ways and his insight that eludes those of us who want to create complex solutions when the simple answers are right there waiting to be seen if we let them.
This is a story that looks at the dark side of families and how they can destroy each other and ultimately overshadow other relationships. It's about love & hate and the spectrum of emotions that can ultimately be altered by what was. It's not pretty, there are no hearts and flowers and for me the tears were unavoidable. Do I wish I hadn't read it? No, because it was an incredibly beautiful and moving story that will stay with me for a very, very long time.
and now there are a million and one, this book so incredibly heartbreaking and beautiful. My only hesitation about giving it 5 stars was that what it really garnered from me were a million tears. The pain and suffering a family can inflict on each other when it ceases to be functional is so grippingly laid out in this story. Part way through I wanted to look away, stop reading. It just hurt too damned much, but I couldn't...I needed to know.
“It’s not a bad thing, Dustin, but it’s not a thing we’re talking about. It’s your life, your human life at which you have exactly one chance to be happy. When do you get your chance? When do life’s requirements get put aside so you can find some peace too?”
Stephen and Dustin meet and somehow they find themselves in a relationship. It's complex, it's overshadowed by the past by obligations, by personal guilt and yet somehow there is love and all it's beauty waiting for them if they can grasp it and hold on...but still there are responsibilities tugging them apart...
“Don’t let it be a painful memory, Mr. Stephen.” Robbie advised. “Let it be in love, what you had, what he gave you, let it be that...”
Robbie, is the surprise in this book. Robbie with his simple ways and his insight that eludes those of us who want to create complex solutions when the simple answers are right there waiting to be seen if we let them.
This is a story that looks at the dark side of families and how they can destroy each other and ultimately overshadow other relationships. It's about love & hate and the spectrum of emotions that can ultimately be altered by what was. It's not pretty, there are no hearts and flowers and for me the tears were unavoidable. Do I wish I hadn't read it? No, because it was an incredibly beautiful and moving story that will stay with me for a very, very long time.
February 1, 2017
BR with my besties Karen and Josy and with Lisa, my sweet gifter of this book. Thank you for being there with me !!
If you’re looking for a romance with fluffy moments, a good laugh and a swooning HEA, well...stay away.
However, you would miss a beautiful, gut-wrenching and heart-breaking story, one that really steers a lot of emotion (the FEELZ !!!)...and tears !
I am at a loss for words to describe this story and all that is being thrown into it : homophobia, sexual abuse, violence, narrow minds, rage, hopelessness…It’s like a dose of liquid pure angst injected in my veins. And it was sometimes almost suffocating. However, I want to believe that, for a few moments, Dustin and Stephen found peace and love in each other.
The writing is poignant and the characters, Dustin, Stephen and the wise Robbie, will stay in my mind for a long time.
Highly recommended !
If you’re looking for a romance with fluffy moments, a good laugh and a swooning HEA, well...stay away.
However, you would miss a beautiful, gut-wrenching and heart-breaking story, one that really steers a lot of emotion (the FEELZ !!!)...and tears !
I am at a loss for words to describe this story and all that is being thrown into it : homophobia, sexual abuse, violence, narrow minds, rage, hopelessness…It’s like a dose of liquid pure angst injected in my veins. And it was sometimes almost suffocating. However, I want to believe that, for a few moments, Dustin and Stephen found peace and love in each other.
“Don’t let if be a painful memory…Let it be in love, what you had, what he gave you, let it be that. There weren’t no time in Dusty’s life that he weren’t in pain ‘cept when he was with you. That’s what you hold. That.”
The writing is poignant and the characters, Dustin, Stephen and the wise Robbie, will stay in my mind for a long time.
Highly recommended !
August 20, 2022
A BIG thank you to a mysterious Santa / elf for gifting me this book !!! You are awesome :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's been over a month since I BRed this book with my friends Karen, Christelle, and Lisa and well... I still don't know what to say other than this was a beautiful, gut-wrenching, and heartbreaking book that made me cry a lot!! There is so much pain in this story - so many shadows, so much destruction and suffering - I promise it will rip your heart out. And don't expect being put together by the end of it.
Grab a friend to read this book with you because I know if I hadn't had my ladies at my side, I would have taken several breaks to get through this. Because this is not sweet, fluffy or tender. It's dark and harsh and brutal.
And I still loved it so much because although there was so much pain, there was also beauty in the words! And Robbie!! OMG, I think I've never loved a character as much as him!
I'm not sure if I will ever be brave enough to read this again but I kinda want to. I want to feel this pain again, want to be ripped open, want to wallow in misery.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's been over a month since I BRed this book with my friends Karen, Christelle, and Lisa and well... I still don't know what to say other than this was a beautiful, gut-wrenching, and heartbreaking book that made me cry a lot!! There is so much pain in this story - so many shadows, so much destruction and suffering - I promise it will rip your heart out. And don't expect being put together by the end of it.
Grab a friend to read this book with you because I know if I hadn't had my ladies at my side, I would have taken several breaks to get through this. Because this is not sweet, fluffy or tender. It's dark and harsh and brutal.
And I still loved it so much because although there was so much pain, there was also beauty in the words! And Robbie!! OMG, I think I've never loved a character as much as him!
"Most folks don’t never mean what comes out of their mouth in hurtin’ times. It’s the loving times that really speak the truth."
"Don’t let it be a painful memory, Mr. Stephen,” Robbie advised. “Let it be in love, what you had, what he gave you, let it be that..."
I'm not sure if I will ever be brave enough to read this again but I kinda want to. I want to feel this pain again, want to be ripped open, want to wallow in misery.
May 23, 2016
Caution: this book is not a romance. I'm not even sure why it's shelved as romance, tbqh. It's LGBTQIA+ lit, which is a totally different type of story.
I thought I had reviewed this one but apparently not. I read it so long ago, but remember being extremely affected by the story and how sad it is. If you love you some silly fluff and can't handle hard hitting and extremely well written books with emotional distress, then this is not the one for you.
I thought I had reviewed this one but apparently not. I read it so long ago, but remember being extremely affected by the story and how sad it is. If you love you some silly fluff and can't handle hard hitting and extremely well written books with emotional distress, then this is not the one for you.
May 5, 2012
I AM SHATTERED. I will begin this review with an apology to you dear reader. I am not sure how to start, what to say, words fail me. I who have always been so glib, so remarkably poised, sit at my computer sobbing, moved beyond what mere words can express.
I do not know how Brandon Shire wrote this novel, Listening to Dust, for it seemed as though it must have been pulled from the very core of his soul. I can try to describe in pitiful words how beautiful this novel is…how stunningly beautiful. I can try to express to you the poetry, the lyricism of this remarkable book but all would fall so very short of giving you a clear picture of this amazing story.
I can tell you that in theory this novel is about two men who, in the depths of their brokenness, find each other and for a few brief moments find a peace of sorts—but not really for there is no peace for those who deny their very selves, who question if love can mend a broken soul.
I may relate to you the story of Dustin who is repeatedly raped by his alcoholic father and who, in an attempt to save his little brother, Robbie, from the same fate, sends him out into a storm where he is struck by lightening and rendered mentally disabled, what the world calls a “dummy” as Mr. Shire unflinchingly writes it. I can wax prosaic about how Dustin carries that guilt with him and it’s trademark all-consuming violent anger and wears it like a shield even after he meets Stephen, an englishman who carries his own deep scars.
I might go on and speak of Stephen who lost his parents right after being caught with a boy at boarding school. I could paint for you a picture of the shame he suffers because of the headmaster’s disapproval and the horrid taunts and despising glares of his peers; then you might understand that Stephen blames himself and his homosexuality as the reason his parents were killed, rather than because they were caught in a mission that went wrong in their clandestine work for the government of England. I can speak of how this lie brought him to the edge of suicide at the tender age of 12.
And on and on I could go…but I could not possibly relate any of this story in words nearly as frank, as piercing, and as tragically stunning as Mr. Shire’s own words.
I cannot express in words how much this novel moved me; how much I think it will move you as well. And so dear readers I will leave you with this…a portion of a note I penned to Mr. Shire:
…it is so rare that a writer can reach into the soul of a character and show you their pain, their secrets, and their hidden desires and do so with an unflinching eye. But it is even more impossibly beautiful when an author can give us that and make us understand how very alike we are--how very much we have those same feelings and desires and that someone out there sees that--sees us and understands our pain...you are such an author.
I highly recommend this novel, Listening to Dust, by Brandon Shire! It deserves so much more than 5 stars but for now…it will have to suffice!
I do not know how Brandon Shire wrote this novel, Listening to Dust, for it seemed as though it must have been pulled from the very core of his soul. I can try to describe in pitiful words how beautiful this novel is…how stunningly beautiful. I can try to express to you the poetry, the lyricism of this remarkable book but all would fall so very short of giving you a clear picture of this amazing story.
I can tell you that in theory this novel is about two men who, in the depths of their brokenness, find each other and for a few brief moments find a peace of sorts—but not really for there is no peace for those who deny their very selves, who question if love can mend a broken soul.
I may relate to you the story of Dustin who is repeatedly raped by his alcoholic father and who, in an attempt to save his little brother, Robbie, from the same fate, sends him out into a storm where he is struck by lightening and rendered mentally disabled, what the world calls a “dummy” as Mr. Shire unflinchingly writes it. I can wax prosaic about how Dustin carries that guilt with him and it’s trademark all-consuming violent anger and wears it like a shield even after he meets Stephen, an englishman who carries his own deep scars.
I might go on and speak of Stephen who lost his parents right after being caught with a boy at boarding school. I could paint for you a picture of the shame he suffers because of the headmaster’s disapproval and the horrid taunts and despising glares of his peers; then you might understand that Stephen blames himself and his homosexuality as the reason his parents were killed, rather than because they were caught in a mission that went wrong in their clandestine work for the government of England. I can speak of how this lie brought him to the edge of suicide at the tender age of 12.
And on and on I could go…but I could not possibly relate any of this story in words nearly as frank, as piercing, and as tragically stunning as Mr. Shire’s own words.
I cannot express in words how much this novel moved me; how much I think it will move you as well. And so dear readers I will leave you with this…a portion of a note I penned to Mr. Shire:
…it is so rare that a writer can reach into the soul of a character and show you their pain, their secrets, and their hidden desires and do so with an unflinching eye. But it is even more impossibly beautiful when an author can give us that and make us understand how very alike we are--how very much we have those same feelings and desires and that someone out there sees that--sees us and understands our pain...you are such an author.
I highly recommend this novel, Listening to Dust, by Brandon Shire! It deserves so much more than 5 stars but for now…it will have to suffice!
June 7, 2019
This was another awesome buddy read with my equally awesome friends Josy, Christelle & Lisa. While this was actually a re-read for me, having read it for the first time almost 2 years ago, it turned out to be no less of an emotional read now than it was then. I definitely stand by my original review.
Review: Listening to Dust
While I loved re-reading this book. I have to admit I was grateful for its brevity and I honestly don't think it's something that I will do again. This is not a cute, light or fluffy story it is heart breaking and I'll be the little puddle of goo over in the corner hugging her teddy and trying to piece herself back together again. Thanks & hugs to my awesome friends for doing this with me. I'll see you in two weeks over at Josy's place for our next buddy read, right?
yes, there will be more tears but ladies I promise the ending is totally worth it.
Review: Listening to Dust
While I loved re-reading this book. I have to admit I was grateful for its brevity and I honestly don't think it's something that I will do again. This is not a cute, light or fluffy story it is heart breaking and I'll be the little puddle of goo over in the corner hugging her teddy and trying to piece herself back together again. Thanks & hugs to my awesome friends for doing this with me. I'll see you in two weeks over at Josy's place for our next buddy read, right?
yes, there will be more tears but ladies I promise the ending is totally worth it. 
Read
March 27, 2015DNF at 20%
I think this is total issue of, "It's not you, it's me." This book pretty much is backwards in timeline. So, the tragic non-HEA is at the start. And page after page is each day from "the end" progressing to their "beginning." Because of this, I couldn't attach myself to the that doesn't exist. It's basically being at the end of the road and walking backwards one step at a time. Well, apparently I tripped and fell because I can't grasp it. I am blonde, ya know!
Secondly, much of the early dialogue is from a mentally challenged brother of the hero. Well, enter blonde reader plus mentally challenged dialogue equals "Huh? I don't get it!" I mean, sometimes I had to read a sentence two, three times to grasp what the 'kid' was saying.
Brandon Shire is such an awesome writer. His words always artistically eloquent. It's just the timeline that killed the attachment to the story for me. This will not stop me from picking up any of his other works.
January 14, 2017
This is another super sweet present from Just another CyberMonday Elf, who I'm counting on to supply the tissues that go with this book! ;) Thank you so much!!
*Edit* It was my privilege to have my heart broken today with such lovely buddy read ladies, Karen, Christelle and Josy! Thanks so much for reading with me! xx
This was one of the most beautifully written, awful stories I think I've ever read. There was no light, no hope, even the love was painted with pain, remorse and regret for what could not be.
Eloquent, poignant and absolutely heart-shattering, don't look for happiness here.
Thanks once more for the fabulous gift to Just another CyberMonday Elf, better known as my sweet Karen! *smooches*
*Edit* It was my privilege to have my heart broken today with such lovely buddy read ladies, Karen, Christelle and Josy! Thanks so much for reading with me! xx
This was one of the most beautifully written, awful stories I think I've ever read. There was no light, no hope, even the love was painted with pain, remorse and regret for what could not be.
Eloquent, poignant and absolutely heart-shattering, don't look for happiness here.
Thanks once more for the fabulous gift to Just another CyberMonday Elf, better known as my sweet Karen! *smooches*
June 13, 2015
Extremely short review. I loved this, the language used was sublime, and Mr Shire's books are all firmly in my favourites. Very sad in parts, very uplifting in others, I was very angry about a lot of things in the story, but Robbie soothed me with his bravery, astuteness and honesty. Wonderful, wonderful. 5 stars and thank you Brandon.
October 7, 2012
4,5 stars
4,5 stars looks like splitting hairs but "Listening to Dust" is an emotional story built on multiple voices and dialogues mastered to the point that I sometimes resented the narrative parts.
It rang more than a bell and I had a hard time looking for a way of reviewing it without spoiling it. I came up to none even if I don’t think I am revealing too much.
All things considered, it is not so much about them telling the tale of a tragedy than them giving voice to Dust and us listening. This I won't spoil.:)
4,5 stars looks like splitting hairs but "Listening to Dust" is an emotional story built on multiple voices and dialogues mastered to the point that I sometimes resented the narrative parts.
It rang more than a bell and I had a hard time looking for a way of reviewing it without spoiling it. I came up to none even if I don’t think I am revealing too much.
All things considered, it is not so much about them telling the tale of a tragedy than them giving voice to Dust and us listening. This I won't spoil.:)
April 1, 2014
A heart wrenching love story between a British writer (Stephen) and a former american solder (Dustin) who were forced to live with unbearable pain with only their love for each other to serve as a respite amidst responsibilities, homophobia and the ignorance throughout their lives.
For readers looking for a Happy Ending, I highly recommend you give this a miss. But for those who love a good story (and part masochist) like me, this book will stay with you long after you're finished.
The writing style is written in the third person and the chapters interchange between past and present events leading to the climax of the story. I started out confused with the first chapter because I was a caught up in a conversation between two characters seemingly halfway through the book that I had to check the page number on my smartphone a few times. But once I found the rhythm of the book, I was able to enjoy it much better. I was also very curious if this book was during in the present day because it felt like the events could've happened during the early 20th century.
What I like most about the story is the way it haunted me afterwards. I was so heartbroken for Stephen but the sadness of the plot just made it more beautiful and definitely set it apart from other books with cookie cutter endings. The last chapter would have to be my favorite because it just gutted me.
I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to re-read this story but it's definitely one of the most memorable books I've read.
For readers looking for a Happy Ending, I highly recommend you give this a miss. But for those who love a good story (and part masochist) like me, this book will stay with you long after you're finished.
The writing style is written in the third person and the chapters interchange between past and present events leading to the climax of the story. I started out confused with the first chapter because I was a caught up in a conversation between two characters seemingly halfway through the book that I had to check the page number on my smartphone a few times. But once I found the rhythm of the book, I was able to enjoy it much better. I was also very curious if this book was during in the present day because it felt like the events could've happened during the early 20th century.
What I like most about the story is the way it haunted me afterwards. I was so heartbroken for Stephen but the sadness of the plot just made it more beautiful and definitely set it apart from other books with cookie cutter endings. The last chapter would have to be my favorite because it just gutted me.
I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to re-read this story but it's definitely one of the most memorable books I've read.
October 28, 2013
I just had my heart ripped out and stomped on. I was still boo hooing while I was getting ready for work this morning.
It's a short read, but it defintely packs a punch. I'll be thinking about this one for awhile.
The author has such a way with words and the way this story weaved in and out of past and present was superb. I absolutely loved it even though it made me so, so, sad.
It's a short read, but it defintely packs a punch. I'll be thinking about this one for awhile.
The author has such a way with words and the way this story weaved in and out of past and present was superb. I absolutely loved it even though it made me so, so, sad.
February 1, 2015
The Reviewage on Prism Book Alliance
… all men had two faces; one you could see with your heart, the other you felt with your soul, and both would be captured within the contours of his hand.
This story starts out in emotional overdrive. I felt like I was barely holding on, constantly switching my grip in attempts to keep up. Having read a number of Brandon Shire’s books, I shouldn’t have been surprised. Or rather, I should have been much better prepared. Though, I’m not sure that would have been possible. He splashes and methodically paints and sneakily drops emotion all over his pages.
This is told in relatively chronological order regarding the events, but flashbacks are utilized. After each one, I was taken right back to the present, the moment that was temporarily abandoned for the memory. That’s what this feels like, experiencing someone else’s memories.
There’s no way around it, Dustin and his brother Robbie came from a horribly messed up family. Unforgiving, uncaring, and therefore physically and emotionally hurtful in unrelenting waves, it left destruction in its wake. Life-changing and bent on suffocation of their hearts.
Shire has a way of expressing love, the idea of love, the it-likes-to-pop-up-in-unexpected-places nature of love, and then he works it between people who don’t always know how to handle it.
Their single night together had been beneath the surface of life, an invisible thing that Stephen couldn’t put his finger on…
… “beneath the surface of life…”
I almost don’t know how to process that, except that it’s true. Love can be impossible to define and express in some of the usual ways. That’s love and this is beautiful, naked writing. When a monkey wrench or ten then get tossed into the mix, love is even more complicated, messy and challenging.
”… all our romances seem to come from the dirt we bury ourselves in rather than the glitter we throw up for the show.”
Unplanned, unexpected, deeper than we could even anticipate or envision. Shire is so good at examining and contemplating love. Asking the questions about what it does to us, what we do to ourselves when we’re in its grip, how it seems unwilling to give up on us no matter the situation and how desperate we may be to give up on it.
I feel both fragile and full. How is that possible? That’s what it is so it must be possible. It’s just so rare for words on a page to both portray and elicit such unmistakable emotions that feel inextricably linked.
Like the two of us, one is empty without the other.
Stephen’s Gran, Colette, is strong, perceptive, protective and direct. Dustin’s adoptive Gran, Miss Emily, is Colette’s mirror. These two comfort and yet highlight the heartbreak of their grandchildren.
This is a love story. It’s the part of a love story that doesn’t often get told, and certainly not like this, not so well.
When you pulled me back and put our foreheads together I saw you naked, without all those fears, saw your heart swell with the reflection you witnessed in my eyes; and seeing that in your face made me understand your pain had been necessary, that it had been both river and raft.
Every book of Brandon Shire’s that I’ve read has been fantastic and emotional and unrelenting. This is no exception. I love it. That’s all there is to it. He is one of the few writers by whom I cannot wait to yet again have my heart pummeled. His words zero in like beating heart seeking missiles and I’ve been slain.
… all men had two faces; one you could see with your heart, the other you felt with your soul, and both would be captured within the contours of his hand.
This story starts out in emotional overdrive. I felt like I was barely holding on, constantly switching my grip in attempts to keep up. Having read a number of Brandon Shire’s books, I shouldn’t have been surprised. Or rather, I should have been much better prepared. Though, I’m not sure that would have been possible. He splashes and methodically paints and sneakily drops emotion all over his pages.
This is told in relatively chronological order regarding the events, but flashbacks are utilized. After each one, I was taken right back to the present, the moment that was temporarily abandoned for the memory. That’s what this feels like, experiencing someone else’s memories.
There’s no way around it, Dustin and his brother Robbie came from a horribly messed up family. Unforgiving, uncaring, and therefore physically and emotionally hurtful in unrelenting waves, it left destruction in its wake. Life-changing and bent on suffocation of their hearts.
Shire has a way of expressing love, the idea of love, the it-likes-to-pop-up-in-unexpected-places nature of love, and then he works it between people who don’t always know how to handle it.
Their single night together had been beneath the surface of life, an invisible thing that Stephen couldn’t put his finger on…
… “beneath the surface of life…”
I almost don’t know how to process that, except that it’s true. Love can be impossible to define and express in some of the usual ways. That’s love and this is beautiful, naked writing. When a monkey wrench or ten then get tossed into the mix, love is even more complicated, messy and challenging.
”… all our romances seem to come from the dirt we bury ourselves in rather than the glitter we throw up for the show.”
Unplanned, unexpected, deeper than we could even anticipate or envision. Shire is so good at examining and contemplating love. Asking the questions about what it does to us, what we do to ourselves when we’re in its grip, how it seems unwilling to give up on us no matter the situation and how desperate we may be to give up on it.
I feel both fragile and full. How is that possible? That’s what it is so it must be possible. It’s just so rare for words on a page to both portray and elicit such unmistakable emotions that feel inextricably linked.
Like the two of us, one is empty without the other.
Stephen’s Gran, Colette, is strong, perceptive, protective and direct. Dustin’s adoptive Gran, Miss Emily, is Colette’s mirror. These two comfort and yet highlight the heartbreak of their grandchildren.
This is a love story. It’s the part of a love story that doesn’t often get told, and certainly not like this, not so well.
When you pulled me back and put our foreheads together I saw you naked, without all those fears, saw your heart swell with the reflection you witnessed in my eyes; and seeing that in your face made me understand your pain had been necessary, that it had been both river and raft.
Every book of Brandon Shire’s that I’ve read has been fantastic and emotional and unrelenting. This is no exception. I love it. That’s all there is to it. He is one of the few writers by whom I cannot wait to yet again have my heart pummeled. His words zero in like beating heart seeking missiles and I’ve been slain.
November 23, 2014
Edit: 23.11.2014
Bu kitabı öyle çok sevdim ki, tekrar tekrar hatırlıyorum yine. Dustin ve Stephen... Nasıl güzel karakterlersiniz siz...
Ben şu kitap hakkında ne söylesem şimdi? Dünyada ne kadar çok acı var ve ne kadar çok canavar-insan. Ve buna rağmen insanı ağlatan gerçek sevgiler de var. İki insanın birbirini nasıl böylesine çok ve tutkulu sevebilmesine şaşırıyorsunuz. Ve nefret ediyorsunuz insanlar o lanetli varlıkları ve o zehirli dilleriyle insanların hayatını kararttiklarinda. Gözlerimi doldurdu, yanaklarımdan süzüldü yaşlar. Brandon Shire, kullandığın kelimeler, ifadeler beni benden aldı...
There's a lot pain and many monster-human being. And yet, there's some true love. How could two people can love each other so deep and passionately? You can see it with Dustin & Stephen. I was about to cry reading to all the story, and I cried. I am truly amazed by the talent of writing of Mr. Shire. I loved this book so much!
Bu kitabı öyle çok sevdim ki, tekrar tekrar hatırlıyorum yine. Dustin ve Stephen... Nasıl güzel karakterlersiniz siz...
Ben şu kitap hakkında ne söylesem şimdi? Dünyada ne kadar çok acı var ve ne kadar çok canavar-insan. Ve buna rağmen insanı ağlatan gerçek sevgiler de var. İki insanın birbirini nasıl böylesine çok ve tutkulu sevebilmesine şaşırıyorsunuz. Ve nefret ediyorsunuz insanlar o lanetli varlıkları ve o zehirli dilleriyle insanların hayatını kararttiklarinda. Gözlerimi doldurdu, yanaklarımdan süzüldü yaşlar. Brandon Shire, kullandığın kelimeler, ifadeler beni benden aldı...
There's a lot pain and many monster-human being. And yet, there's some true love. How could two people can love each other so deep and passionately? You can see it with Dustin & Stephen. I was about to cry reading to all the story, and I cried. I am truly amazed by the talent of writing of Mr. Shire. I loved this book so much!
March 28, 2015
I can't find the words to express the impact this book had on me. It is the most emotionally draining book I have ever read.
It is heartbreaking and I ended the book with tears streaming down my face. It is pure emotion. There is no happy ending.
It is heartbreaking and I ended the book with tears streaming down my face. It is pure emotion. There is no happy ending.
March 20, 2024
Este es uno de esos libros por los que me gustaría que mi inglés fuese mejor para apreciarlo en su totalidad....
Este es uno de esos libros en los que no se necesitan tropecientas páginas para contar una historia memorable....
Este es uno de esos libros en los que no necesita escenas y más escenas sexuales sin sentido para apreciar el amor que se profesan.....
Este es uno de esos libros en los que la historia te acompañará por bastante tiempo.
Este es uno de esos libros en los que no se necesitan tropecientas páginas para contar una historia memorable....
Este es uno de esos libros en los que no necesita escenas y más escenas sexuales sin sentido para apreciar el amor que se profesan.....
Este es uno de esos libros en los que la historia te acompañará por bastante tiempo.
July 12, 2013
Trying to find words, but all I can come up with is tragic. It isn't fair, the amount of suffering some people endure because of the words and actions of others. This story is beautifully written, with engaging dialogue and sympathetic characters. I'll be grieving for Dustin, Stephen, and Robbie for quite some time.
May 13, 2012
I am halfway through and can't do anything else except give this book a five. The quality of the writing, the plot, and the depth of the characters just leaves me in awe.
January 21, 2016
It ripped my heart out, broke to million pieces and made me cry a river!
It's been awhile since I've posted a long review. I've been reading without doing any review though I know I will review those I've read some other time. But after finishing this, I just can't move on to another book without reviewing this. It just felt like I'm not doing justice to how this book made me feel without me voicing it. This book is a story of two men set in the early 20th Century in London, France, and a town in southern United States.
Listen To Dust is a masterpiece in its own. A raw emotion that will touch your heart and push those tears to come out of your eyes. I've been putting off reading this book for years because of the emotional turmoil I might experience. I wan't wrong. I have 800 plus books in my To Be Read shelf and this book sits at number 2 and now that I have read this, I will not forget this book for a very long time. Maybe ever.
This a story of a writer and a soldier and how their emotional baggages and responsibilities tore them apart. How a town can mess up the life of a beautiful man and how the other man let the other feel alive and find a happiness in his messed-up life. And how our family, the people who are supposed to understand and love us can be our own undoing.
If you want, to go out of your comfort zone of reading books with happy ever after ending and just let the book swallow you emotionally, then this might be for you. Prepare the tissue because I know for a fact the dam will crumble.
I hope when you read this, you'll find beauty of the emotion in it.
It's been awhile since I've posted a long review. I've been reading without doing any review though I know I will review those I've read some other time. But after finishing this, I just can't move on to another book without reviewing this. It just felt like I'm not doing justice to how this book made me feel without me voicing it. This book is a story of two men set in the early 20th Century in London, France, and a town in southern United States.
Listen To Dust is a masterpiece in its own. A raw emotion that will touch your heart and push those tears to come out of your eyes. I've been putting off reading this book for years because of the emotional turmoil I might experience. I wan't wrong. I have 800 plus books in my To Be Read shelf and this book sits at number 2 and now that I have read this, I will not forget this book for a very long time. Maybe ever.
This a story of a writer and a soldier and how their emotional baggages and responsibilities tore them apart. How a town can mess up the life of a beautiful man and how the other man let the other feel alive and find a happiness in his messed-up life. And how our family, the people who are supposed to understand and love us can be our own undoing.
If you want, to go out of your comfort zone of reading books with happy ever after ending and just let the book swallow you emotionally, then this might be for you. Prepare the tissue because I know for a fact the dam will crumble.
I hope when you read this, you'll find beauty of the emotion in it.
June 27, 2012
Brandon Shire has done it again with another moving tale of humanity, one that doesn't ignore the warts and the scars that come from a lifetime of difficult choices and even more difficult experiences. Listening To Dust is not a happily-ever-after romance, but it is a moving tale about the power (and the obligations) of love.
This is really the story of three young men, all of whom have lost something, and who are tied to one another because of it. Stephen lost his parents almost immediately after being caught in a compromising position with another boy. Already the subject of taunts and threats, it's no wonder he hates himself for what's happened. Dustin is a rape victim, abused by his alcoholic father, who inadvertently destroyed his brother's life in an attempt to save him from the same fate. Already self-loathing, it's no surprise he heaps an impossible load of guilt upon that hatred. Robbie is that damaged brother, the boy who brings them together . . . and who unknowingly drives them apart.
I'll be brutally honest. This was a book that made me angry, and which made me sad. I cried over some parts of it, and had to restrain myself from throwing my e-reader across the room over others. That's not a criticism of Brandon's writing, rather it's a mark of just how deeply he got under my skin. This is a man who knows how to build a character in your mind, and how to exploit a situation for the maximum possible emotional and intellectual impact.
Brandon doesn't sugar coat his story, and doesn't shy away from the ugliness of words. Politically incorrect as they are, he understands the power that words like "dummy" have on a person, and he forces us to experience that power. He may not give his characters the ending we'd like to see, but it's clear he cares for them, and will fight for their acceptance. They're not perfect by any means, but he never allows their flaws to justify their treatment by society.
A tough read, but a beautiful one, this is another example of Brandon's literary brilliance. I always feel empty and exhausted after reading one of his books, finding myself suddenly free of the walls I didn't even realize he'd built around me. Don't let me scare you away from giving him a read, though - he may challenge you and leave you broken-hearted, but he'll also win you over with the power of his storytelling.
As published on Bending the Bookshelf
This is really the story of three young men, all of whom have lost something, and who are tied to one another because of it. Stephen lost his parents almost immediately after being caught in a compromising position with another boy. Already the subject of taunts and threats, it's no wonder he hates himself for what's happened. Dustin is a rape victim, abused by his alcoholic father, who inadvertently destroyed his brother's life in an attempt to save him from the same fate. Already self-loathing, it's no surprise he heaps an impossible load of guilt upon that hatred. Robbie is that damaged brother, the boy who brings them together . . . and who unknowingly drives them apart.
I'll be brutally honest. This was a book that made me angry, and which made me sad. I cried over some parts of it, and had to restrain myself from throwing my e-reader across the room over others. That's not a criticism of Brandon's writing, rather it's a mark of just how deeply he got under my skin. This is a man who knows how to build a character in your mind, and how to exploit a situation for the maximum possible emotional and intellectual impact.
Brandon doesn't sugar coat his story, and doesn't shy away from the ugliness of words. Politically incorrect as they are, he understands the power that words like "dummy" have on a person, and he forces us to experience that power. He may not give his characters the ending we'd like to see, but it's clear he cares for them, and will fight for their acceptance. They're not perfect by any means, but he never allows their flaws to justify their treatment by society.
A tough read, but a beautiful one, this is another example of Brandon's literary brilliance. I always feel empty and exhausted after reading one of his books, finding myself suddenly free of the walls I didn't even realize he'd built around me. Don't let me scare you away from giving him a read, though - he may challenge you and leave you broken-hearted, but he'll also win you over with the power of his storytelling.
As published on Bending the Bookshelf
May 18, 2012
The man is a playwright
Authors of fiction have differing strengths. Some find that narrative description comes easily to them and they are effective at painting luminous pictures for their readers. Others have great skill in developing riveting plotlines. The creation of engrossing characters that stay in one’s mind long after having finished reading a novel is another type of gift that some writers have in spades.
And then there is dialogue.
It strikes me as extraordinarily difficult to produce credible dialogue. Readers are quick to recognize if it doesn’t feel authentic. Every character is different one from another and that has to be apparent through what words the author puts into their mouths. If characters come from regions or classes that have distinctive speaking patterns, a good writer will be able to capture those nuances.
I’ve just finished reading Brandon Shire’s novel “Listening to Dust.” Brandon is a terrific writer of dialogue. Through his dialogue, one gets a compelling vision of each character with all their strengths and difficulties. The principal characters in “Listening to Dust” are the lovers Stephen and Dustin and Dusty’s younger brother Robbie. Each of these three is dramatically different one from another. From the first to the final page, Brandon articulates their uniqueness, their pain, their inner conflicts, and their respective sources of love primarily through the words that he has them speak.
Other characters including an abusive father, a crusty teacher, and an endearing aunt appear relatively briefly but as the reader I readily gained a visceral understanding of them through their comments and conversations.
An author who is as good a dialogue-writer as Brandon Shire is strikes me as being a playwright-in-waiting. I can’t wait.
Authors of fiction have differing strengths. Some find that narrative description comes easily to them and they are effective at painting luminous pictures for their readers. Others have great skill in developing riveting plotlines. The creation of engrossing characters that stay in one’s mind long after having finished reading a novel is another type of gift that some writers have in spades.
And then there is dialogue.
It strikes me as extraordinarily difficult to produce credible dialogue. Readers are quick to recognize if it doesn’t feel authentic. Every character is different one from another and that has to be apparent through what words the author puts into their mouths. If characters come from regions or classes that have distinctive speaking patterns, a good writer will be able to capture those nuances.
I’ve just finished reading Brandon Shire’s novel “Listening to Dust.” Brandon is a terrific writer of dialogue. Through his dialogue, one gets a compelling vision of each character with all their strengths and difficulties. The principal characters in “Listening to Dust” are the lovers Stephen and Dustin and Dusty’s younger brother Robbie. Each of these three is dramatically different one from another. From the first to the final page, Brandon articulates their uniqueness, their pain, their inner conflicts, and their respective sources of love primarily through the words that he has them speak.
Other characters including an abusive father, a crusty teacher, and an endearing aunt appear relatively briefly but as the reader I readily gained a visceral understanding of them through their comments and conversations.
An author who is as good a dialogue-writer as Brandon Shire is strikes me as being a playwright-in-waiting. I can’t wait.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews