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The Legend of the Apache Kid
English prof-slash-cowboy Raine Magrath knows Johnny Bravo is an airhead. A beautiful young Apache film-making genius airhead, but still. They meet in a hot tub during Johnny's first film festival, but he bolts before his work is even shown. When Johnny drifts back to Taos a year later, they slide into a slow cowboy two-step so easily Raine starts to think Johnny might be the one. When Johnny's young cousin Weasel joins them, Raine's life seems complete, a ready-made family to love and protect.
Raine is sure that with his gentle guidance, Johnny can achieve the sort of worldly success Raine turned his back on years before. But Johnny has his own idea about what he wants his life to become. Too late Raine remembers that Johnny runs when he feels a chain tightening around his neck. Raine's quest for the perfect family might be the very thing that tears them apart.
Raine is sure that with his gentle guidance, Johnny can achieve the sort of worldly success Raine turned his back on years before. But Johnny has his own idea about what he wants his life to become. Too late Raine remembers that Johnny runs when he feels a chain tightening around his neck. Raine's quest for the perfect family might be the very thing that tears them apart.
154 pages, ebook
First published September 5, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 20, 2014
i'd forgotten what sarah black could do with words.
it's not the end of the world if you never have a father like this, or a man to love you like this, or a son to pour all your life's stories into.
it's not the only way to live.
but maybe it's the nicest.
it's not the end of the world if you never have a father like this, or a man to love you like this, or a son to pour all your life's stories into.
it's not the only way to live.
but maybe it's the nicest.
September 23, 2013
First and foremost this is a love story. But it's so much more than just a love story between the two main characters, Raine and Johnny. It's a story about love in all its forms.
Raine is a professor who lives with his father on a small ranch and Johnny is the drifter, filmmaker barista who he meets once, then meets again and falls in love. The reader mostly hears Raine's perspective, but Johnny is very honest about what he wants and more importantly, what he needs. Raine listens, but doesn't really hear what Johnny is saying. This isn't just one of the stories where one MC is older and doesn't want to hold the younger back from reaching his full potential and then angst ensues. This is way more gray and the lines of want and need are blurred.
A main theme is the love between a father and son. Both Raine and Johnny were shaped by the men who played the fathers in their lives, both biological and otherwise. I can't tell you how much I loved Raine's dad. He was actually a pretty minor character, page wise, but his impact on Raine and Johnny was easily felt throughout the book. He's a man of few words, but those words carry a lot of wisdom and strength.
Johnny is talking to Raine and says:
"You're still a big mystery to me. Who are you Raine?"
"I'm my Daddy's son." I blurted this out before I had time to think.
There is also the love of land and heritage that connects Johnny's work, Raine's land and all the other characters together. If you've never taken a roadtrip through the southwest it's hard to explain, but this book feels like that roadtrip. The peaceful and somewhat melancholy landscape is described and felt so perfectly and mirrors the lives of the characters very well.
This is a quiet book, again like the landscape. The characters are quirky yet real and you can't help but want to be a part of their lives. The sex is alluded to, but not described on page. Don't let that deter you from reading this book because you would be missing out on a truly amazing love story.
"There's something circular in that story isn't there? Just like spring follows winter, the new generations just keep rolling on. New sons. New fathers." - Johnny
Raine is a professor who lives with his father on a small ranch and Johnny is the drifter, filmmaker barista who he meets once, then meets again and falls in love. The reader mostly hears Raine's perspective, but Johnny is very honest about what he wants and more importantly, what he needs. Raine listens, but doesn't really hear what Johnny is saying. This isn't just one of the stories where one MC is older and doesn't want to hold the younger back from reaching his full potential and then angst ensues. This is way more gray and the lines of want and need are blurred.
A main theme is the love between a father and son. Both Raine and Johnny were shaped by the men who played the fathers in their lives, both biological and otherwise. I can't tell you how much I loved Raine's dad. He was actually a pretty minor character, page wise, but his impact on Raine and Johnny was easily felt throughout the book. He's a man of few words, but those words carry a lot of wisdom and strength.
Johnny is talking to Raine and says:
"You're still a big mystery to me. Who are you Raine?"
"I'm my Daddy's son." I blurted this out before I had time to think.
There is also the love of land and heritage that connects Johnny's work, Raine's land and all the other characters together. If you've never taken a roadtrip through the southwest it's hard to explain, but this book feels like that roadtrip. The peaceful and somewhat melancholy landscape is described and felt so perfectly and mirrors the lives of the characters very well.
This is a quiet book, again like the landscape. The characters are quirky yet real and you can't help but want to be a part of their lives. The sex is alluded to, but not described on page. Don't let that deter you from reading this book because you would be missing out on a truly amazing love story.
"There's something circular in that story isn't there? Just like spring follows winter, the new generations just keep rolling on. New sons. New fathers." - Johnny
September 6, 2016
**4.5 stars**
This is the kind of story I want and expect from Sarah Black- smart, complex, and romantic in an offbeat way. Her characters are never one note, and I love that about her books.
This story seemed to flow very organically. It never felt forced. The writing was lovely. However, my favorite part of this book was the characters. I loved Raine's father- it isn't often that we see father figures written with so much affection in romances, M/M in particular. Here, Raine's father was written tenderly and beautifully. I loved also Weasel and his development through the course of the book.
I think the love story between Johnny and Raine was told in a way that really moved me. I saw their flaws and what they got from each other. I understood them as a couple. I had a little bit of an issue with the speed of their romance and the way that they kind of brushed over the discussion of safe sex, but that is just a personal pet peeve of mine.
Overall, this story worked very well for my tastes. I even liked the fade-to-black sex scenes- they fit with the story. This is the perfect story for those that want to try Sarah Black's fabulous writing.
This is the kind of story I want and expect from Sarah Black- smart, complex, and romantic in an offbeat way. Her characters are never one note, and I love that about her books.
This story seemed to flow very organically. It never felt forced. The writing was lovely. However, my favorite part of this book was the characters. I loved Raine's father- it isn't often that we see father figures written with so much affection in romances, M/M in particular. Here, Raine's father was written tenderly and beautifully. I loved also Weasel and his development through the course of the book.
I think the love story between Johnny and Raine was told in a way that really moved me. I saw their flaws and what they got from each other. I understood them as a couple. I had a little bit of an issue with the speed of their romance and the way that they kind of brushed over the discussion of safe sex, but that is just a personal pet peeve of mine.
Overall, this story worked very well for my tastes. I even liked the fade-to-black sex scenes- they fit with the story. This is the perfect story for those that want to try Sarah Black's fabulous writing.
November 13, 2013
There are a lot of ways to "live the dream."
Living a creative life often means measuring your success by different standards--and knowing that society is holding you to the shiniest of them.
But what if the creative life you want isn't Hollywood shiny? What if it's wind-honed earth and wildflowers and a lover who looks at you as if you're the shiniest thing he's ever seen?
What if he thinks you deserve Hollywood shiny and fears he's holding you back?
This is Johnny's story, as told by Raine. And it's lovely.
Living a creative life often means measuring your success by different standards--and knowing that society is holding you to the shiniest of them.
But what if the creative life you want isn't Hollywood shiny? What if it's wind-honed earth and wildflowers and a lover who looks at you as if you're the shiniest thing he's ever seen?
What if he thinks you deserve Hollywood shiny and fears he's holding you back?
This is Johnny's story, as told by Raine. And it's lovely.
September 11, 2012
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
In lieu of a typical review that I might write, I'm going to just post some of my favorite quotes from this book. Sarah Black is one of my very favorite authors, across the board. Her books always move me -- I don't know if she can write a book that isn't really exploring a part of our lives. I feel refreshed yet tired after finishing one, as if I've just had a long and hard workout. And I try not to read too many of her books around the same time, or I'll just go crazy. I may love it at the time, but I won't be able to get into any other books afterwards and I feel particularly exposed, like the book opened me up to everything wonderful in the world, but also everything hard and scary, and sometimes being that open is frightening.
I am almost too nervous to review her books sometimes. They move me so much and they're so personal that I want everyone else to experience them blind. I don't want my feelings to impact yours because, above all, the experience of reading her books is most important to me, and I hope that all of you feel that way as well.
So, I'll just share some of my favorite quotes from The Legend of the Apache Kid and hope that they'll make you want to read the book. Because you should.. you really should. Now, I need to read Lawless.
Go to the review at my blog to finish and see the quotes. They formatting doesn't work as well here.
In lieu of a typical review that I might write, I'm going to just post some of my favorite quotes from this book. Sarah Black is one of my very favorite authors, across the board. Her books always move me -- I don't know if she can write a book that isn't really exploring a part of our lives. I feel refreshed yet tired after finishing one, as if I've just had a long and hard workout. And I try not to read too many of her books around the same time, or I'll just go crazy. I may love it at the time, but I won't be able to get into any other books afterwards and I feel particularly exposed, like the book opened me up to everything wonderful in the world, but also everything hard and scary, and sometimes being that open is frightening.
I am almost too nervous to review her books sometimes. They move me so much and they're so personal that I want everyone else to experience them blind. I don't want my feelings to impact yours because, above all, the experience of reading her books is most important to me, and I hope that all of you feel that way as well.
So, I'll just share some of my favorite quotes from The Legend of the Apache Kid and hope that they'll make you want to read the book. Because you should.. you really should. Now, I need to read Lawless.
Go to the review at my blog to finish and see the quotes. They formatting doesn't work as well here.
September 15, 2013
I thought this was going to be a nice cowboy romance but I struck gold and came away with a beautiful story of self-fulfillment with depth and wonderful three dimensional characters. Raine gave up his dream to become an English professor at the local community college in Taos. Raine was truly happy though living on his father's small ranch, he was a nester with his Dad as his best friend. Johnny had the film world by the tail but was perfectly happy doling out coffee and exploring his Apache heritage through short films. Raine and Johnny were perfect together until Raine pushed Johnny to reach for his full potential even if that meant leaving him. The story was absolutely brilliant and moved me on many levels. Looking at the father and son dynamic between Raine and his father and Raine and Weasel made me see how precious my own relationship with my Dad was. There was humor, heartbreak, sorrow and love in this feel good story that just bowled me over as I was lost in the pages. The HEA ending was incredible closing the circle on the solid bond of family that just left me wanting more.
I cannot recommend this remarkable book highly enough.
I cannot recommend this remarkable book highly enough.
September 11, 2012
4.3 stars
Sarah Black is in a class of her own. Nobody I read, writes like her (well, maybe Harper Fox, but Fox's writing is a difficult for me to enjoy). Sarah Black tucks me inside a quiet cocoon and then gets my senses sharpened. Her words are like painting that speaks to each of the readers personally, maybe in a different way, maybe in the similar way -- but it speaks. I am not even sure I can write an opinion that speaks justice to this story. So I'm not even going to try -- you can check out other (smarter) reviewers to do that.
All I can say, is that this story moves me. It's about love, it's about dream, it's about chains of expectations, it's about social justice, it's about history, it's about family. Raine dreams of having family of his own -- he is his Daddy's son, after all. When Johnny comes into his life, Raine knows that Johnny is the one for him.
...
Something made me think he might be the one. The one I had always known was waiting for me somewhere out in the world, looking for me the way I was looking for him (Chapter 4)
...
But Johnny is also a genius, his movies are smart. Raine worries that by staying with him, Johnny doesn't live up to his expectation. Raine worries that Johnny makes the same mistake Raine did when he was young, by staying at Taos. Raine can't grasp the idea, that Johnny might not need all that. That Johnny is happy making coffee, and making small movies that are not for marketing but movies that are "his".
It is so beautiful, how Sarah Black approaches this -- how she brings Raine to understand that dream for every people is different. Not everybody dreams about spotlight, about carving their names in Hollywood Walk of Hame. That sometimes, happiness comes from being with people you love, and it's a dream altogether.
I love with all the characters here -- though Raine's father and Johnny's cousin, Weasel, steal my heart. Although the whole Apache legend gets way sometimes, because I don't know anything about it, but it's still a wonderful read. And that ending ... I don't care if Sarah Black writes open ending. Life doesn't always wrapped up in a nice pretty ribbon. Sometimes, the open ending is the one that leaves you feeling thoughtful. And isn't that, one of the best things you can get from reading?
Sarah Black is in a class of her own. Nobody I read, writes like her (well, maybe Harper Fox, but Fox's writing is a difficult for me to enjoy). Sarah Black tucks me inside a quiet cocoon and then gets my senses sharpened. Her words are like painting that speaks to each of the readers personally, maybe in a different way, maybe in the similar way -- but it speaks. I am not even sure I can write an opinion that speaks justice to this story. So I'm not even going to try -- you can check out other (smarter) reviewers to do that.
All I can say, is that this story moves me. It's about love, it's about dream, it's about chains of expectations, it's about social justice, it's about history, it's about family. Raine dreams of having family of his own -- he is his Daddy's son, after all. When Johnny comes into his life, Raine knows that Johnny is the one for him.
...
Something made me think he might be the one. The one I had always known was waiting for me somewhere out in the world, looking for me the way I was looking for him (Chapter 4)
...
But Johnny is also a genius, his movies are smart. Raine worries that by staying with him, Johnny doesn't live up to his expectation. Raine worries that Johnny makes the same mistake Raine did when he was young, by staying at Taos. Raine can't grasp the idea, that Johnny might not need all that. That Johnny is happy making coffee, and making small movies that are not for marketing but movies that are "his".
It is so beautiful, how Sarah Black approaches this -- how she brings Raine to understand that dream for every people is different. Not everybody dreams about spotlight, about carving their names in Hollywood Walk of Hame. That sometimes, happiness comes from being with people you love, and it's a dream altogether.
I love with all the characters here -- though Raine's father and Johnny's cousin, Weasel, steal my heart. Although the whole Apache legend gets way sometimes, because I don't know anything about it, but it's still a wonderful read. And that ending ... I don't care if Sarah Black writes open ending. Life doesn't always wrapped up in a nice pretty ribbon. Sometimes, the open ending is the one that leaves you feeling thoughtful. And isn't that, one of the best things you can get from reading?
September 8, 2012
This book is even more dreamlike and "esoteric" than Marathon Cowboys. Wonderful writing, sparse and prosaic and yet painting pictures with words. However, several times the references and hints went over my head; guess I should've been more familiar with New Mexico to get them.
Loved both main characters though their old men almost stole the show from them.
Tender romance, intense emotions, hardly any graphic scenes
Loved both main characters though their old men almost stole the show from them.
Tender romance, intense emotions, hardly any graphic scenes
April 17, 2013
4.5 stars. This story has a lovely feel, and smooth, captivating storytelling. The narrator, Raine Magrath , is a man who has a life he loves, working as an English professor and living with his aging father on their hobby-ranch. He meets Johnny Bravo, a young Apache filmmaker who is searching both for his artistic vision and for the life he's meant to lead. They fall for each other, but their differing views of what success and accomplishment are may push them apart.
I loved the main characters here, especially Johnny. It's hard to have vision and talent and heart, and to navigate the demands that other people, with all good intentions, may put upon you. Johnny had a better understanding than most young artists about what his true goals were. And Sarah Black's lush descriptions of him made him come alive.
This book had a couple of my personal pet peeves But otherwise, I enjoyed the MCs, the secondary characters, the language and the storyline in this tender love story.
I loved the main characters here, especially Johnny. It's hard to have vision and talent and heart, and to navigate the demands that other people, with all good intentions, may put upon you. Johnny had a better understanding than most young artists about what his true goals were. And Sarah Black's lush descriptions of him made him come alive.
This book had a couple of my personal pet peeves But otherwise, I enjoyed the MCs, the secondary characters, the language and the storyline in this tender love story.
October 13, 2014
I wouldn't know how to describe it, but this book had something that cut my heart open and left me vulnerable to every word. All through it there was a small part of me huddled in a corner and crying her eyes out for no reason other than the sheer, impalpable beauty of it all.
It happens very rarely for a book to make me feel so much - and I don't mean rage, frustration or sadness, but something deeper, a sort of internal release of emotions.
Oh my God this is so sappy.
Anyway, if you didn't like your first SB read, like a few people I know, me included, please, give her another try! I'm 99% sure you'll grow to love her.
It happens very rarely for a book to make me feel so much - and I don't mean rage, frustration or sadness, but something deeper, a sort of internal release of emotions.
Oh my God this is so sappy.
Anyway, if you didn't like your first SB read, like a few people I know, me included, please, give her another try! I'm 99% sure you'll grow to love her.
May 22, 2013
I feel bad tor the book I read after this one. It will never measure up.
I loved this book for different reasons.
1) It had funny moments:
"What in the hell? Raine, I don't think these new glasses work for sh!t. That boy looks like he's got cotton candy on the top of this head"
2) It was romantic:
"That's what makes kissing so good. Good-bye kisses are the sweetest"
3) Its prose was lyrical:
"You are reading me, the way a cowboy reads the clouds on the horizon. Like it's important to you to get it right."
In addition to all this, I loved Sarah's use of parallels to tell the story she wants to tell. All of these made this a winner for me.
I loved this book for different reasons.
1) It had funny moments:
"What in the hell? Raine, I don't think these new glasses work for sh!t. That boy looks like he's got cotton candy on the top of this head"
2) It was romantic:
"That's what makes kissing so good. Good-bye kisses are the sweetest"
3) Its prose was lyrical:
"You are reading me, the way a cowboy reads the clouds on the horizon. Like it's important to you to get it right."
In addition to all this, I loved Sarah's use of parallels to tell the story she wants to tell. All of these made this a winner for me.
December 2, 2014
This book is like quenching a thirst after being lost in the desert.
Such a romantic and tender story with complex characters facing real issues. No angst, no histrionics or theatricality (well, maybe a little theatre). This read so smoothly and sweetly. It starts with an easy insertion into Raine and Johnny’s present-day story, a chance meeting. And unfolds with the weaving in of the legend of a 19th century Apache boy, and his legacy to Raine and Johnny’s families.
Johnny, the young Native film maker, footloose and searching for his voice, yet seems older than his years. Raine, the older settled college prof who fully recognizes his lover’s potential, has high hopes for him, and yet struggles with maybe having to let him go.
The author writes character and place with such ease, where you feel you are there at the table, or walking up a desert arroyo, or lying in a field of wildflowers, there, listening in. (I’m reminded of KD Sarge’s wonderful, Running Deer and Hidden Badger) Always, such a strong sense of place.
Loved it. Great read. It’s not your regular M/M romance, and that’s a good thing. (Thank you Vanessa North for your rec!)
September 12, 2012
4.75 stars
I always struggle when I'm writing a review for one of Sarah Black's stories, because it seems to me that my words are completely inadequate to convey its complexity and its beauty. More than anything, it's difficult to explain, especially to someone who never had a chance to read any of them, how much heart her stories have. The Legend of the Apache Kid was not an exception.
The book blurb is pretty accurate, so I won't dwell on it too much. But, I will tell you that this is a story about love: between fathers and sons, for one's family – real or chosen, love between lovers, love for one's community, history, art, love for the life itself. The story is narrated by Raine Magrath, professor, cowboy and street art photographer. The pacing is unhurried, almost languid and it fits perfectly to both Raine's personality and his slow, sweet two-step romance with young Johnny Bravo. The writing is beautiful, intimate and dreamy and it envelops you like a cloak from the first sentence. I had trouble shaking it after I finished the final line.
Raine is a man settled in his life: he likes his job, dabbles in art, loves his town and his little farm which he shares with his dad and horses, enjoys his neighbors and casual lovers that come and quietly go. He is content. If he misses anything, it's not until Johnny reenters his life that he starts thinking that he just might need something more. And, Johnny is very easy to love: he is beautiful, young, talented, passionate about his films and stories he wants to tell, a little bit naïve and eager to please. It is also easy to doubt the future of that love for the very same reasons. But:
It takes a bit for Raine to understand that Johnny's dreams are simpler that he imagines, certainly simpler than his were.
The journey isn't easy and you certainly want to smack Raine at times, but when he gets it right – it is sweet and warm and lovely.
The secondary characters are colorful and hilarious, whether it's JJ, Raine's former student who petitions for the return of McRib, Drew, the owner of local coffee shop, Mikayo, his beautiful Japanese mother, social justice fighter and sock bomber (you have to read the story to get it), Weasel, Johnny's cousin and Apache Kid's namesake or Raine's dad who offers wonderful moments of humor and practically steals the show.
Through it all, Ms. Black weaves the legend of the Apache Kid which like a magical string connects the stories of fathers (or father figures) and sons – Johnny and his adoptive grandfather, Raine and his dad, Weasel and Raine, Al Sieber and Haskay-bay-nay-ntayl – which beautifully rounds the story. Another thing that you can always count on when it comes to Sarah Black story is that you'll learn something new and interesting whether it's about pottery, cheese making or, in this case, eartships. Great stuff. The author's fans may also find it interesting that Colton and Diego of Fearless fame got an honorary mention.
In the end, again, this little review cannot do this story justice. The only reason I didn't give it the highest rating is because I recognize that it will not be for everyone. The theme might not appeal to some readers, it doesn't follow the usual romance formula and the ending is, while happy, fairly open. Such is life and, in my book, that isn't a real flaw, but I had to take step back from all the gushing and let this slightly less than perfect rating be a mild, mild warning to the new readers. All I can say is read it, because I believe it will make your life just a bit richer. It simply is that beautiful. Highly, highly recommended.
Written for Reviews by Jessewave.
I always struggle when I'm writing a review for one of Sarah Black's stories, because it seems to me that my words are completely inadequate to convey its complexity and its beauty. More than anything, it's difficult to explain, especially to someone who never had a chance to read any of them, how much heart her stories have. The Legend of the Apache Kid was not an exception.
The book blurb is pretty accurate, so I won't dwell on it too much. But, I will tell you that this is a story about love: between fathers and sons, for one's family – real or chosen, love between lovers, love for one's community, history, art, love for the life itself. The story is narrated by Raine Magrath, professor, cowboy and street art photographer. The pacing is unhurried, almost languid and it fits perfectly to both Raine's personality and his slow, sweet two-step romance with young Johnny Bravo. The writing is beautiful, intimate and dreamy and it envelops you like a cloak from the first sentence. I had trouble shaking it after I finished the final line.
Raine is a man settled in his life: he likes his job, dabbles in art, loves his town and his little farm which he shares with his dad and horses, enjoys his neighbors and casual lovers that come and quietly go. He is content. If he misses anything, it's not until Johnny reenters his life that he starts thinking that he just might need something more. And, Johnny is very easy to love: he is beautiful, young, talented, passionate about his films and stories he wants to tell, a little bit naïve and eager to please. It is also easy to doubt the future of that love for the very same reasons. But:
"His image scorched its way into my brain, and I felt like there was some fragmenting of the stars, solar flares burning great black holes in the patterns of the universe, because nothing would ever be the same, nothing."
It takes a bit for Raine to understand that Johnny's dreams are simpler that he imagines, certainly simpler than his were.
"I can see it clear as a mountain lake. A good-looking cowboy, maybe you, a good-looking horse, a nice quiet spot in the Carson to sleep. Stories rolling through my head, and all I have to think about is how they'll look on film. Nothing else."
The journey isn't easy and you certainly want to smack Raine at times, but when he gets it right – it is sweet and warm and lovely.
The secondary characters are colorful and hilarious, whether it's JJ, Raine's former student who petitions for the return of McRib, Drew, the owner of local coffee shop, Mikayo, his beautiful Japanese mother, social justice fighter and sock bomber (you have to read the story to get it), Weasel, Johnny's cousin and Apache Kid's namesake or Raine's dad who offers wonderful moments of humor and practically steals the show.
"He's your new boyfriend? Have you told him that happy news?"
"I think I just did."
"Well, nobody asked me, but I think the Apache have been screwed enough. Boy, you sure you can't do better?"
Through it all, Ms. Black weaves the legend of the Apache Kid which like a magical string connects the stories of fathers (or father figures) and sons – Johnny and his adoptive grandfather, Raine and his dad, Weasel and Raine, Al Sieber and Haskay-bay-nay-ntayl – which beautifully rounds the story. Another thing that you can always count on when it comes to Sarah Black story is that you'll learn something new and interesting whether it's about pottery, cheese making or, in this case, eartships. Great stuff. The author's fans may also find it interesting that Colton and Diego of Fearless fame got an honorary mention.
In the end, again, this little review cannot do this story justice. The only reason I didn't give it the highest rating is because I recognize that it will not be for everyone. The theme might not appeal to some readers, it doesn't follow the usual romance formula and the ending is, while happy, fairly open. Such is life and, in my book, that isn't a real flaw, but I had to take step back from all the gushing and let this slightly less than perfect rating be a mild, mild warning to the new readers. All I can say is read it, because I believe it will make your life just a bit richer. It simply is that beautiful. Highly, highly recommended.
Written for Reviews by Jessewave.
August 18, 2013
4.3 stars.
Sarah Black fascinates me. There is something about her that is so quiet, contemplative, and intuitive, I cannot help but find that her work is often magical, and I felt that way about this book.
It's not surprising that a writer -- an artist -- would understand the conflicting urges that drive a character who is an artist, and that is one of the themes of this novel. It is, however, both surprising and gratifying that a female writer would be so good at writing about the love that exists, not just between men who are lovers, but also about the love between men who are fathers and sons.
In this novel, our narrator, Raine MacGrath, is an English professor at a community college in Taos, New Mexico. He lives with his father, enjoys his little town, and revels in the simple life that he has built for himself. One night, as he is enjoying himself in a hot tub while he is on vacation, he meets a character that we met in a prior novel -- Johnny Bravo from Lawless, a young Apache who is now a Dartmouth-educated film maker, who skins out of his clothes and hops into the hot tub with him. A fascination develops, but nothing comes of it until a year later, when they encounter each other again in Taos. The relationship builds quickly and intensely against the backdrop of Johnny's effort to create a new film while also taking care of his 8-year old cousin, a wild child named Weasel who builds a father-son bond with Raine. As we watch Raine try to build a family around Johnny, Weasel, and his own father, we see him struggling with the need to give Johnny the freedom to shape his own future while also hoping that Johnny will choose what Raine can offer as the foundation for his life.
If you are already a fan of Sarah Black, this book is unsurprisingly good. Even better, it is fun to see how she improved tremendously between Lawless/Fearless and this book (n.b. -- Even though Lawless/Fearless had their flaws, they were enjoyable reads). She showed such a confident and deft touch in her meditations on the meaning of the West; in her characterizations of the interactions between whites and Natives that were tied up in love and not bound by friction; and in her depictions of the complexity of Native life and identity -- they spoke with the authenticity of love, experience or true empathy, rather than the sterility that comes from research. She made the West a character; she admittedly wrote romantically about the Apaches, and yet she did not mislead; she made Taos a place with life, personality, and heft. This novel felt real in a way that so many novels do not. It was a slow, unfolding pleasure, much like a story that one of her beloved old men (Weaver, MacGrath, or maybe even Manuel from Lawless) would tell.
Sarah Black fascinates me. There is something about her that is so quiet, contemplative, and intuitive, I cannot help but find that her work is often magical, and I felt that way about this book.
It's not surprising that a writer -- an artist -- would understand the conflicting urges that drive a character who is an artist, and that is one of the themes of this novel. It is, however, both surprising and gratifying that a female writer would be so good at writing about the love that exists, not just between men who are lovers, but also about the love between men who are fathers and sons.
In this novel, our narrator, Raine MacGrath, is an English professor at a community college in Taos, New Mexico. He lives with his father, enjoys his little town, and revels in the simple life that he has built for himself. One night, as he is enjoying himself in a hot tub while he is on vacation, he meets a character that we met in a prior novel -- Johnny Bravo from Lawless, a young Apache who is now a Dartmouth-educated film maker, who skins out of his clothes and hops into the hot tub with him. A fascination develops, but nothing comes of it until a year later, when they encounter each other again in Taos. The relationship builds quickly and intensely against the backdrop of Johnny's effort to create a new film while also taking care of his 8-year old cousin, a wild child named Weasel who builds a father-son bond with Raine. As we watch Raine try to build a family around Johnny, Weasel, and his own father, we see him struggling with the need to give Johnny the freedom to shape his own future while also hoping that Johnny will choose what Raine can offer as the foundation for his life.
If you are already a fan of Sarah Black, this book is unsurprisingly good. Even better, it is fun to see how she improved tremendously between Lawless/Fearless and this book (n.b. -- Even though Lawless/Fearless had their flaws, they were enjoyable reads). She showed such a confident and deft touch in her meditations on the meaning of the West; in her characterizations of the interactions between whites and Natives that were tied up in love and not bound by friction; and in her depictions of the complexity of Native life and identity -- they spoke with the authenticity of love, experience or true empathy, rather than the sterility that comes from research. She made the West a character; she admittedly wrote romantically about the Apaches, and yet she did not mislead; she made Taos a place with life, personality, and heft. This novel felt real in a way that so many novels do not. It was a slow, unfolding pleasure, much like a story that one of her beloved old men (Weaver, MacGrath, or maybe even Manuel from Lawless) would tell.
January 10, 2014
This was a seriously gorgeous story. I fell so in love with Raine and Johnny - really with every character in the book! Beautiful storytelling...fabulous imagery...Just a wonderful book. I can't wait to read more things from Sarah Black. <3
December 26, 2013
Beautiful. Just pure fucking perfection.
April 8, 2015
Underwhelming. The book couldn't decide if it was going to be about a romantic relationship between two men, or an exploration of the relationship between sons and fathers. There was absolutely no reason for the two MCs to fall in love with each other. The older professor who was apparently all about shallow physical relationships with student age boys (I can't even remember his name at the moment) suddenly decides that Johnny Bravo is "the one". Johnny has felt that way about the professor from the moment he met him. Never could tell why. And then Johnny's cousin is randomly dropped in and goes from brat to model child in one day just because he finally is around horses and a father figure. And there is the legend itself, which Johnny is going to make a film about, and it meanders through the book, and improbably the characters are revealed to be his descendants, and then the book ends. Wait, what? I got to the end of the chapter and it was the end of the book, and though I was happy it was over (was a bit of a chore to slog through it) I was still left wondering what the point of the entire book was....
October 10, 2012
About 4.4 rating in my opinion. Such a complex story tightly knit in just 150 pages! I do wish it could have been longer... Love, family, achieving life dreams, fulfilling or not others' expectations and so much more represent the themes developed in Sarah Black's usual style of writing, whose lyrical undertone never ceases to amaze me. A beautiful book that will certainly become food for thought.
September 14, 2012
4.5 stars - I simply love Sarah's writing and this story was a very sweet love story. Johnny Bravo was an interesting and complex character with some very tough life choices to make. I was so proud of him for making the right choice in the end. Many of us wouldn't have if we were in his shoes.
January 12, 2014
Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous! I loved the story from beginning to end. You can see and feel Johnny and Raine's love for each other grow throughout. All side characters are adorable.
I will definitely be reading more of Sarah's words.
I will definitely be reading more of Sarah's words.
September 16, 2012
4.5
As always, beautiful and inspiring...I love when I read a book and the story drives me to want to be a better human being.
As always, beautiful and inspiring...I love when I read a book and the story drives me to want to be a better human being.
October 28, 2015
Holy moly! I love this story. Sarah's writing is superb. The pacing is perfect. The detail is just right - getting the story told at the speed I want to get a hold of it in time to. Yeah. Wow.
November 20, 2017
3.5 stars
Synopsis: Raine first meets Johnny at a hotel in a hot tub. Johnny has a film that is submitted to a film festival, but the old gentleman that Johnny is living with wants to go home, so Johnny pulls his film and leaves with him.
When Raine next sees Johnny, it is in the town he lives in, making coffee. Johnny has some ideas for a film, and wants to use Raine and his father in them. Johnny also inherits his young cousin, who ends up spending a lot of time with Raine and his father. That means that Raine and Johnny spend a lot of time together, too, and because Johnny told him not to put chains on him, and Raine's father said he shouldn't stand between Johnny and his sun, Raine tries hard not to make demands.
When Raine realizes how talented Johnny is, he encourages Johnny to follow his dream, even if it takes Johnny away from Raine.
What I liked: the story telling, and how respectful it seemed of the history of the Apache people. Johnny was such a free spirit, and Raine just wanted him to be happy. I liked the relationship between Raine and his father, and between Raine and the young cousin.
What I didn't like: Raine encouraged Johnny to do what Raine felt was best for Johnny, rather than listening to and hearing what Johnny was and wasn't saying. It was also quite insta-love, which I'm not a huge fan of, but there was enough story and relationship build after that for me to *mostly* overlook it.
Overall impression: I'm not sure if this is going to remain a 3.5 star read. I have a feeling that it's something I'm going to think more about over time and raise the rating. The writing itself was a little dry, which made the emotions stand out more when they were expressed or shown. Told in the 1st person from Raine's POV.
Synopsis: Raine first meets Johnny at a hotel in a hot tub. Johnny has a film that is submitted to a film festival, but the old gentleman that Johnny is living with wants to go home, so Johnny pulls his film and leaves with him.
When Raine next sees Johnny, it is in the town he lives in, making coffee. Johnny has some ideas for a film, and wants to use Raine and his father in them. Johnny also inherits his young cousin, who ends up spending a lot of time with Raine and his father. That means that Raine and Johnny spend a lot of time together, too, and because Johnny told him not to put chains on him, and Raine's father said he shouldn't stand between Johnny and his sun, Raine tries hard not to make demands.
When Raine realizes how talented Johnny is, he encourages Johnny to follow his dream, even if it takes Johnny away from Raine.
What I liked: the story telling, and how respectful it seemed of the history of the Apache people. Johnny was such a free spirit, and Raine just wanted him to be happy. I liked the relationship between Raine and his father, and between Raine and the young cousin.
What I didn't like: Raine encouraged Johnny to do what Raine felt was best for Johnny, rather than listening to and hearing what Johnny was and wasn't saying. It was also quite insta-love, which I'm not a huge fan of, but there was enough story and relationship build after that for me to *mostly* overlook it.
Overall impression: I'm not sure if this is going to remain a 3.5 star read. I have a feeling that it's something I'm going to think more about over time and raise the rating. The writing itself was a little dry, which made the emotions stand out more when they were expressed or shown. Told in the 1st person from Raine's POV.
July 20, 2020
Oh my, this was exactly what I was looking for: a warm, tender romance with quality story-telling, a slow-paced relationship, and no other agenda than two men falling in love. It was a relief to read a book that didn't have any unnecessary manufactured drama, traumatic childhoods, godawful families that come out of the woodwork or even a stalker ex-boyfriend to get in the way! Just a quality romance. Plus, there was a focus on the bonds between father and son, which I appreciated.
The intimate scenes are done as a fade-to-black or off-screen, so if you're looking for chapters of smut, you won't find it in this book, which is just as well because the story focused on Raine and Johnny's developing relationship. When the angst does come into factor, it's for a legitimate and realistic reason; it made me feel like my heart was breaking wide open for both men. And have I said anything about the secondary characters? Because Weasel, Mrs. O'Brien, and Raine's father wriggled their way into my heart. They were awesome!
So in otherwords, I really enjoyed this book and the author has a backlist that I can't wait to get started on.
The intimate scenes are done as a fade-to-black or off-screen, so if you're looking for chapters of smut, you won't find it in this book, which is just as well because the story focused on Raine and Johnny's developing relationship. When the angst does come into factor, it's for a legitimate and realistic reason; it made me feel like my heart was breaking wide open for both men. And have I said anything about the secondary characters? Because Weasel, Mrs. O'Brien, and Raine's father wriggled their way into my heart. They were awesome!
So in otherwords, I really enjoyed this book and the author has a backlist that I can't wait to get started on.
March 10, 2014
I was really looking forward to reading this, but I think I set myself up for disappointment.
This is a book that has a lot to say about really important Things like minority rights and social justice. Unfortunately it happens to say these things, by using every one of the stereotypes it condemns.
We have the Zen-like, Japanese grandmother, the alcoholic Native American parents drinking themselves into prison or an early grave, we have the Native single mother who wants to be a nurse but has to clean hotel rooms to support her child. And we have the Apache man, that wants to make films and is constantly talking about "the land in our blood".
What's even worse than the character stereotypes is the colonial stereotypes which the author - unwittingly, I'm sure - supports. All the Native characters are in some way saved by or reaches their potential through a non-native character. Whether it's financial support or worse - something as glaringly obvious as an old White guy telling Native American legends to Native American people!
Contrary to author's intentions the book buys into most of the colonial ideas and lets white Americans appropriate the right to interpret Native American identity.
The tone of the story is not very realistic either. No one says anything that isn't Deep or Profound and they seem to accept the most ridiculous things.
This book is one of those frustrating reading experiences where you can feel the author working against their own intentions so despite an original story, sweet main characters and a very admirable social message between the lines (or actually jumping at you teeth first from the lines) this book never really resonated with me.
This is a book that has a lot to say about really important Things like minority rights and social justice. Unfortunately it happens to say these things, by using every one of the stereotypes it condemns.
We have the Zen-like, Japanese grandmother, the alcoholic Native American parents drinking themselves into prison or an early grave, we have the Native single mother who wants to be a nurse but has to clean hotel rooms to support her child. And we have the Apache man, that wants to make films and is constantly talking about "the land in our blood".
What's even worse than the character stereotypes is the colonial stereotypes which the author - unwittingly, I'm sure - supports. All the Native characters are in some way saved by or reaches their potential through a non-native character. Whether it's financial support or worse - something as glaringly obvious as an old White guy telling Native American legends to Native American people!
Contrary to author's intentions the book buys into most of the colonial ideas and lets white Americans appropriate the right to interpret Native American identity.
The tone of the story is not very realistic either. No one says anything that isn't Deep or Profound and they seem to accept the most ridiculous things.
This book is one of those frustrating reading experiences where you can feel the author working against their own intentions so despite an original story, sweet main characters and a very admirable social message between the lines (or actually jumping at you teeth first from the lines) this book never really resonated with me.
March 18, 2014
This is one of those books that is kind of mixed for me. It's at time almost poetic but at the same time is very dry. Raine and Johnny's relationship lacked passion or chemistry for me. Alot of the book revolves around Johnny's film script for the Apache kid's story and so does a great deal of Raine and Johnny's interactions. Although the story is told in Raine's POV most of his thoughts revolved around Johnny's film work, when it would take him away, how good it was, the story that was being told ect. Their conversations don't seem to build anything between them for me, and don't really talk about them as a couple. It was also strange that the beginning of the book Raine's dad and Johnny both worry about Raine holding Johnny back and wanting to settle down and have a family, yet Raine is the one pushing Johnny in his filmwork. The Raine refers to Johnny as flity airhead yet I was surprised since the character didn't come off that way to me.
The story of the Apache Kid was told throughout the book both in Johnny's script but also by Raine's dad. It was an interesting story and added a unique aspect to the story, not just the history aspect but the underlying them of fathers and sons. I did miss the Johnny's POV and I can't help but think a book the revolved heavily around Native American history such as this one would have benefited having Johnny's POV as well.
The
The story of the Apache Kid was told throughout the book both in Johnny's script but also by Raine's dad. It was an interesting story and added a unique aspect to the story, not just the history aspect but the underlying them of fathers and sons. I did miss the Johnny's POV and I can't help but think a book the revolved heavily around Native American history such as this one would have benefited having Johnny's POV as well.
The
August 13, 2016
3.5 stars--This was a sweet story about family and love. Raine was very close to his father. Otherwise, he was a bit of a loner--interested in one night stands but nothing more serious. Johnny, nine years younger, enters and Raine finds himself wanting things he's never really considered before. Although he becomes convinced that Johnny is "the one" for him, he refuses to trap Johnny into an unfulfilling, plain life in the middle of nowhere--not when Johnny has so much talent and is destined for better things. It breaks his heart to encourage Johnny to leave and follow his dreams, and Johnny, in an effort to please Raine, leaves. For a HEA to occur, Raine needs to see that true love offers Johnny more happiness that a "successful career," and Johnny needs to stand up for what he really wants.
There is, of course, a HEA. Although I liked the book, I didn't love it. I never felt compelled to get back to it once I'd taken a break. The whole thing seemed a bit loose to me. I'm not quite sure what it was--it is a nice story, and the MCs are appealing, as are the secondary characters. For me, it was good, but far from great.
There is, of course, a HEA. Although I liked the book, I didn't love it. I never felt compelled to get back to it once I'd taken a break. The whole thing seemed a bit loose to me. I'm not quite sure what it was--it is a nice story, and the MCs are appealing, as are the secondary characters. For me, it was good, but far from great.
May 27, 2015
Sarah Black's writing is exquisite. Her words are crisp, precise and beautiful. I loved the story and characters but even more important to me, she always includes information about the culture of the people she's writing about. It was fun to read how badly the old western movies represented the Indian tribes. One character would have items of clothing from 3 different tribes. That's the type of thing that makes her an autobuy for me.
June 8, 2015
It took me a couple tries to read this book - I got through the first few pages, but it just didn't grab my attention at first. Once I got through the first chapter, I was hooked. I enjoy reading about New Mexico more than I enjoy actually experiencing it (I live in Arizona and New Mexico just seems like a wasteland)! This book made me more curious about Taos. Johnny and Raine (and Weasel) were very likable characters, and I wish there was another book about them.
January 18, 2013
This love story between a rancher/college professor and Apache filmmaker explores in a short space the relationships between people and the New Mexican landscape, fathers and sons (both biological and by choice), and lovers; and draws some interesting parallels between the American experiences of the Apache and Nisei. Also I learned about yarn bombing and earthships. Highly recommended.
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