What do you think?
Rate this book
Acclamation #1
Acclamation
Writing the first-person account of Michael Cassidy, who becomes a Catholic school teacher in the aftermath of the tragic death of his boyfriend, Hoffman balances beautifully lyrical prose with a sensual exploration of people and places.
Ashebrook, its warm community and the house inherited from his aunt provide a comfortable haven for Michael, but it's the friendship with neighbouring Butler family and their son Dominic that proves most rewarding.
Teacher, friend, soon confidant, Michael understands Dominic's secrets more than anyone in his sheltered Catholic community, but what else can he allow himself to hope for when love offers him a second chance?
Ashebrook, its warm community and the house inherited from his aunt provide a comfortable haven for Michael, but it's the friendship with neighbouring Butler family and their son Dominic that proves most rewarding.
Teacher, friend, soon confidant, Michael understands Dominic's secrets more than anyone in his sheltered Catholic community, but what else can he allow himself to hope for when love offers him a second chance?
404 pages, ebook
First published October 7, 2012
23 people are currently reading
1562 people want to read
About the author
Vee Hoffman
5 books100 followersAuthor, enthusiast, and handsome devil living in Seattle.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 8, 2014
1 star. DNF @26 %.
I usually don't rate books anymore that I have to abandon that early into the story. But I was so incredibly annoyed that I decided to rate it nonetheless. Fact is, if I could I would have given it 0 stars because it was so terribly boring.
Acclaimed is too long-winded, wordy and the opposite of compelling. It's a sleeping pill par excellence.
He lit up with astonishment. "That sounds like so much fun!" He ate carefully and slowly, though it was obvious by his enthusiasm that he would have gladly shoved three strips of beef into his mouth at once, if practised table manners did not forbid.
My enthusiasm flew out the window when I was a few pages into the story and already knew it wouldn't work out for me. At 5% I was ready to throw in the towel. I had to force myself to keep on reading and made it up to 26 %. That's the ultimate feeling.
This must be the most boring book I've ever read. The story was just "blah". *waves white flag*
Yep, the power of surrender feels very liberating.
I think this was my first and last foray into Vee Hoffman's writing den.
Onwards...
I usually don't rate books anymore that I have to abandon that early into the story. But I was so incredibly annoyed that I decided to rate it nonetheless. Fact is, if I could I would have given it 0 stars because it was so terribly boring.
Acclaimed is too long-winded, wordy and the opposite of compelling. It's a sleeping pill par excellence.
He lit up with astonishment. "That sounds like so much fun!" He ate carefully and slowly, though it was obvious by his enthusiasm that he would have gladly shoved three strips of beef into his mouth at once, if practised table manners did not forbid.
My enthusiasm flew out the window when I was a few pages into the story and already knew it wouldn't work out for me. At 5% I was ready to throw in the towel. I had to force myself to keep on reading and made it up to 26 %. That's the ultimate feeling.
This must be the most boring book I've ever read. The story was just "blah". *waves white flag*
Yep, the power of surrender feels very liberating.
I think this was my first and last foray into Vee Hoffman's writing den.
Onwards...
January 27, 2014
You know the difference between right and wrong. Murder, stealing, cheating...these are acts you avoid, of course.
But what about baser things like lying and lusting? What about when the lines blur between what you want and what you need? You're broke, hungry and have to feed your family, so you MUST take that food without paying for it. Is it wrong? A close friend gives you a gift that misses the mark. Do you tell her hell would freeze over before you’d wear that pink neon scarf?
What about love? What if one day you meet someone you're unequivocally compatible with only to find out that person is your best friend's partner? Or worse, your teacher?
And so begins the all-consuming story of Michael and Dominic. Theirs is a powerful tale about friendship, temptation and love's healing influence. Michael, a young teacher at a Catholic school, and Dominic, his younger (but mature in heart and soul) student, have more in common than their passion for great literature; they're also gay and hiding in plain sight in a community that won't accept or forgive them for what they are.
Set in the UK, Acclamation is so perfectly written it's hard for me to believe this is Vee Hoffman's first novel. The subject matter is taboo, and perhaps reading the description will put some prospective readers off the story. If you're one of those, I'm begging you: give it a chance.
Unlike other books I've read with a student/teacher story line, Acclamation goes well beyond the forbidden nature of the relationship to focus on the human beings involved, including Michael and Dominic's family and friends. The two men are fallible, with complex, emotional histories. They know the difference between right and wrong, but as can happen to the best of us, the lines of their situation have blurred.
Acclamation is a narrative, written from Michael's point of view. There are points in the book, though they're few and far between, where Michael becomes mired in his thoughts and insecurities. Stick with him when this happens. His ramblings are related to his past and his present intertwining, and are reflective of the things he knows he's not handling the way he should.
The eventual intimacy between Michael and Dominic is sensual and erotic, but entirely without pretension or discomfort. You'll want to know and feel and read more, but it's perfectly paced and feels extremely balanced.
At 404 pages, Acclamation is long, but you'll never feel it; in fact, you'll become crazed as you near the end, when you begin to realize the neat, tidy closure you crave is just slightly beyond reach. No worries: the second book is ready and waiting in the wings—as is the complete series(!), plus a short freebie available online and to be read between the third and fourth books.
I simply can't say enough good things about Acclamation without becoming repetitive and gushy and embarrassing myself, so I'll close with a promise. This book will live up to and surpass any expectation you may have, and I can't wait for you to experience all the feeling for yourself.
But what about baser things like lying and lusting? What about when the lines blur between what you want and what you need? You're broke, hungry and have to feed your family, so you MUST take that food without paying for it. Is it wrong? A close friend gives you a gift that misses the mark. Do you tell her hell would freeze over before you’d wear that pink neon scarf?
What about love? What if one day you meet someone you're unequivocally compatible with only to find out that person is your best friend's partner? Or worse, your teacher?
And so begins the all-consuming story of Michael and Dominic. Theirs is a powerful tale about friendship, temptation and love's healing influence. Michael, a young teacher at a Catholic school, and Dominic, his younger (but mature in heart and soul) student, have more in common than their passion for great literature; they're also gay and hiding in plain sight in a community that won't accept or forgive them for what they are.
Set in the UK, Acclamation is so perfectly written it's hard for me to believe this is Vee Hoffman's first novel. The subject matter is taboo, and perhaps reading the description will put some prospective readers off the story. If you're one of those, I'm begging you: give it a chance.
Unlike other books I've read with a student/teacher story line, Acclamation goes well beyond the forbidden nature of the relationship to focus on the human beings involved, including Michael and Dominic's family and friends. The two men are fallible, with complex, emotional histories. They know the difference between right and wrong, but as can happen to the best of us, the lines of their situation have blurred.
Acclamation is a narrative, written from Michael's point of view. There are points in the book, though they're few and far between, where Michael becomes mired in his thoughts and insecurities. Stick with him when this happens. His ramblings are related to his past and his present intertwining, and are reflective of the things he knows he's not handling the way he should.
The eventual intimacy between Michael and Dominic is sensual and erotic, but entirely without pretension or discomfort. You'll want to know and feel and read more, but it's perfectly paced and feels extremely balanced.
At 404 pages, Acclamation is long, but you'll never feel it; in fact, you'll become crazed as you near the end, when you begin to realize the neat, tidy closure you crave is just slightly beyond reach. No worries: the second book is ready and waiting in the wings—as is the complete series(!), plus a short freebie available online and to be read between the third and fourth books.
I simply can't say enough good things about Acclamation without becoming repetitive and gushy and embarrassing myself, so I'll close with a promise. This book will live up to and surpass any expectation you may have, and I can't wait for you to experience all the feeling for yourself.
November 1, 2012
This is the story of Michael Cassidy, a 28-year old teacher who has experienced love and loss and it left him scarred. He has made the best of what life has dealt him and has found a routine to his life, accepting that this was the way it would be. Then in comes Dominic Butler, a neighbor, and his whole world is turned on its axis. He starts feeling again, he questions, he ponders, he day-dreams and ultimately tries to resist. But it is to no avail. Dominic is not merely a soon to be 18-year old. He is an old soul. A handsome young man who is open, determined in his beliefs, strong, articulate and vulnerable. He is everything Michael would like in a partner and he is the one person he shouldn't want. A student.
To say that I was conflicted by this story would be an understatement. As a mother, could I condone the relationship between a teacher and his student? Do I take everything presented to me as a whole or in bits and pieces? As a reader, do I just discard my apprehension merely because this is fiction? Should I go with what my emotions are telling me or with the thoughts running around in my head? These were some of the questions I asked myself.
From the start, Michael won my heart. His story is one filled with both pain and hope and I really wanted him to find that happiness he had lost but still deserved. He was funny, self-deprecating and adorable as can be. I was immediately drawn to him. Connecting and embracing Dominic was not even an option. He was amazing in his own right. So mature and understanding, but yet so insecure and inexperienced. I wanted to take them both and give them a private place to be together but on the other hand I wanted to scold them. Ask them what the hell they were thinking and shake some sense into them. In the end, my heart won out and this I contribute to the author, Vee Hoffman.
She lured me with the first passages in the book, kept me enraptured throughout Michael's narration, renewed my interest with every piece of dialog that was exchanged, melted me each and every time they came together and just about broke my heart with the last line. The answers to my questions changed throughout the book and after I finished reading they were still haunting me.
It was brilliant.
But I confess that as a reader whose English is a second language, the writing was at times overwhelming. I also admit that I thought I would not like the single point of view element in this book. I was surprised that I did not miss Dominic's account of the story and I very much enjoyed getting to know Dominic mainly through Michael's eyes.
Vee Hoffman played it out perfectly. I appreciated Michael's apprehension and his efforts to fight this connection with Dominic and vice versa. I would have been disappointed if it would have been easily accepted by both characters - the outcome of my rating would have been very different to say the least. Another element that really affected my rating was the range of emotions presented in this book. There was passion, pain, love and happiness. But this was mixed up with grief, trepidation, bravery and acceptance. All of this, in addition to well developed and complex characters, realistic dialog, great humor and an array of well placed events, made Acclamation an amazing and very touching read.
I was lucky to have been chosen to read and review this book in exchange of an honest opinion and I am very much looking forward to the next book with an eagerness that surprises even myself.
To say that I was conflicted by this story would be an understatement. As a mother, could I condone the relationship between a teacher and his student? Do I take everything presented to me as a whole or in bits and pieces? As a reader, do I just discard my apprehension merely because this is fiction? Should I go with what my emotions are telling me or with the thoughts running around in my head? These were some of the questions I asked myself.
From the start, Michael won my heart. His story is one filled with both pain and hope and I really wanted him to find that happiness he had lost but still deserved. He was funny, self-deprecating and adorable as can be. I was immediately drawn to him. Connecting and embracing Dominic was not even an option. He was amazing in his own right. So mature and understanding, but yet so insecure and inexperienced. I wanted to take them both and give them a private place to be together but on the other hand I wanted to scold them. Ask them what the hell they were thinking and shake some sense into them. In the end, my heart won out and this I contribute to the author, Vee Hoffman.
She lured me with the first passages in the book, kept me enraptured throughout Michael's narration, renewed my interest with every piece of dialog that was exchanged, melted me each and every time they came together and just about broke my heart with the last line. The answers to my questions changed throughout the book and after I finished reading they were still haunting me.
It was brilliant.
But I confess that as a reader whose English is a second language, the writing was at times overwhelming. I also admit that I thought I would not like the single point of view element in this book. I was surprised that I did not miss Dominic's account of the story and I very much enjoyed getting to know Dominic mainly through Michael's eyes.
Vee Hoffman played it out perfectly. I appreciated Michael's apprehension and his efforts to fight this connection with Dominic and vice versa. I would have been disappointed if it would have been easily accepted by both characters - the outcome of my rating would have been very different to say the least. Another element that really affected my rating was the range of emotions presented in this book. There was passion, pain, love and happiness. But this was mixed up with grief, trepidation, bravery and acceptance. All of this, in addition to well developed and complex characters, realistic dialog, great humor and an array of well placed events, made Acclamation an amazing and very touching read.
I was lucky to have been chosen to read and review this book in exchange of an honest opinion and I am very much looking forward to the next book with an eagerness that surprises even myself.
June 22, 2013
Unusual and very long story about a 28 year old teacher, Michael, who moves to a small town after the death of his partner a couple of years earlier. He falls deeply in love with his 18 year old student Dominic and his feelings are reciprocated.
This is written in Michael's 1st person POV and is an intense look at the relationship that forms between the two young men. Both of them are so noble and self-sacrificing that the teacher/student dynamic is not remotely sleazy and instead comes across as a beautiful and inevitable love.
The pace is CRAWLING! And it's like the two of them live in a bubble where outside events rarely intrude. Michael's musings, agonizings, and eulogizing about Dominic and how wonderful he is, are addictive and frustrating at the same time. I had to skim a page or two here and there where he was going on too much. But I couldn't stop reading and will definitely pick up book 2 because this one ends at a pivotal point in their affair.
On the downside I found Michael's character to be inconsistent. At times he acted too much like a fussy old person and at others he was portrayed as young and hip and sexy. I preferred the young and hip version not only because I found it more believable that Dominic would fall for him but also because that version of his personality was more interesting to me. This book is definitely not for everyone. I actually have a bit of a headache since I finished reading, it was such an intense experience! lol
This is written in Michael's 1st person POV and is an intense look at the relationship that forms between the two young men. Both of them are so noble and self-sacrificing that the teacher/student dynamic is not remotely sleazy and instead comes across as a beautiful and inevitable love.
The pace is CRAWLING! And it's like the two of them live in a bubble where outside events rarely intrude. Michael's musings, agonizings, and eulogizing about Dominic and how wonderful he is, are addictive and frustrating at the same time. I had to skim a page or two here and there where he was going on too much. But I couldn't stop reading and will definitely pick up book 2 because this one ends at a pivotal point in their affair.
On the downside I found Michael's character to be inconsistent. At times he acted too much like a fussy old person and at others he was portrayed as young and hip and sexy. I preferred the young and hip version not only because I found it more believable that Dominic would fall for him but also because that version of his personality was more interesting to me. This book is definitely not for everyone. I actually have a bit of a headache since I finished reading, it was such an intense experience! lol
January 27, 2013
This book is neither an easy, light-hearted read, nor a disturbing, struggling one, but it's full of heavy emotions, at times overwhelming and mind-blowing it often left me breathless momentarily while my heart was beating frantically. It isn't a breath-stoppingly action-packed adventure, or a ridiculously, unbelievably melodramatic love story, but a honest to God biography of a man who takes his love as a major and significant theme. It captured my attention completely. Even when I wasn't reading the book, I kept going back to it to ponder over details I thought imply double meanings. Several times I had to read at least twice certain paragraphs to fully understand them. And as an ESL reader, sometimes I felt like this book was too much for me, I was struggling hard, sure, but what I received was incredibly rewarding, and I'm glad I followed it to the end.
It is pretty long, over 160000 words, so occasionally I found myself getting impatient with some seemingly unnecessary events. However, like a friend said, those things are reflections of Michael Cassidy's feelings and his needs, his desires, his view of the world. Besides, with him being a cynical person who very much impressed me with how analytical and insightful he truly is, every details, regardless of how small it is, from facial expression, reaction, gesture to scenery, location or development, are in full descriptions and perceptions. Therefore, I got to know him more than I thought I ever did with other characters, and through his eyes, Dominic Butler as well.
This book's not with out emotional and moral conflicts, what with the relationship between a teacher and a student and all. Although I don't consider it a very uncommon one, but there is a fact that it still and probably always will be strongly frowned upon. But as I mentioned above, their affair and the difficulties they are inevitably going to have to go through, are not described in a laughably overdramatic way, not in the slightest. On the contrary, their attractions to each other feel very simple and natural. They know their proper social places, they have different religious beliefs, but they also believe and accept their love for each other as a real and beautiful thing it really is as well.
One thing I admire the author specifically, is the way she handles the sex. She didn't jump right into it, and I'm grateful, very grateful, because 1. I don't know if I could restraint myself from hating the book a little, and 2. It doesn't feel right. I like that it's a slow-burned sexual tension that consumes them whenever they're together that made my heart beat fast and faster every time. When it actually happens it's intense and erotic and hot more than anything I've ever read so far.
I have to say that I also like very much the author's writing style. It's unique, engrossing and fascinating. It's not exactly true to say that it's a crucial factor which could decide whether I loved the book, but it's extremely important to the fact that I enjoyed it as much as I did.
Highly recommended.
It is pretty long, over 160000 words, so occasionally I found myself getting impatient with some seemingly unnecessary events. However, like a friend said, those things are reflections of Michael Cassidy's feelings and his needs, his desires, his view of the world. Besides, with him being a cynical person who very much impressed me with how analytical and insightful he truly is, every details, regardless of how small it is, from facial expression, reaction, gesture to scenery, location or development, are in full descriptions and perceptions. Therefore, I got to know him more than I thought I ever did with other characters, and through his eyes, Dominic Butler as well.
This book's not with out emotional and moral conflicts, what with the relationship between a teacher and a student and all. Although I don't consider it a very uncommon one, but there is a fact that it still and probably always will be strongly frowned upon. But as I mentioned above, their affair and the difficulties they are inevitably going to have to go through, are not described in a laughably overdramatic way, not in the slightest. On the contrary, their attractions to each other feel very simple and natural. They know their proper social places, they have different religious beliefs, but they also believe and accept their love for each other as a real and beautiful thing it really is as well.
One thing I admire the author specifically, is the way she handles the sex. She didn't jump right into it, and I'm grateful, very grateful, because 1. I don't know if I could restraint myself from hating the book a little, and 2. It doesn't feel right. I like that it's a slow-burned sexual tension that consumes them whenever they're together that made my heart beat fast and faster every time. When it actually happens it's intense and erotic and hot more than anything I've ever read so far.
I have to say that I also like very much the author's writing style. It's unique, engrossing and fascinating. It's not exactly true to say that it's a crucial factor which could decide whether I loved the book, but it's extremely important to the fact that I enjoyed it as much as I did.
Highly recommended.
January 19, 2013
This was an amazing story….but it was too wordy and too long.
When I started reading it, I was like.."Wow! Just Wow! This is amazing!". But about two-thirds of the way through, I stalled. I think I just got tired of Michael fawning over Dominic, and the awkward sexual encounters between the two MCs. The last quarter of the book was the most difficult for me. I eventually got back into the story…only for it to end…abruptly!
The entire story is from one POV and not much is left to the imagination…. as Michael drones on and on. I was not surprised that he had a copy of Marcel Proust's book on his shelf. I am guessing Proust was an inspiration for the author. I found the level of detail into Michael's thoughts overwhelming. Also for a contemporary story, I thought the characters were unnaturally formal in the way they spoke.
This is a great book….maybe even a classic….it's just not my cup of tea.
When I started reading it, I was like.."Wow! Just Wow! This is amazing!". But about two-thirds of the way through, I stalled. I think I just got tired of Michael fawning over Dominic, and the awkward sexual encounters between the two MCs. The last quarter of the book was the most difficult for me. I eventually got back into the story…only for it to end…abruptly!
The entire story is from one POV and not much is left to the imagination…. as Michael drones on and on. I was not surprised that he had a copy of Marcel Proust's book on his shelf. I am guessing Proust was an inspiration for the author. I found the level of detail into Michael's thoughts overwhelming. Also for a contemporary story, I thought the characters were unnaturally formal in the way they spoke.
This is a great book….maybe even a classic….it's just not my cup of tea.
January 24, 2019
4.75/5 stars. Acclamation is a beautiful book; a slow burn story of desire between a young teacher and his student, and a somewhat literary take on the m/m romance genre. The writing is superb, written from the POV of teacher Michael Cassidy, charting his attraction to student and neighbour Dominic, and his resulting moral quandary as the two find wrestle with temptation.
I believe a good writer can convince the reader of almost anything, and the fact that this taboo romance is so convincing, tantalising and sexy without being exploitative or predatory, is truly a testament to the skilful writing of Vee Hoffman.
I believe a good writer can convince the reader of almost anything, and the fact that this taboo romance is so convincing, tantalising and sexy without being exploitative or predatory, is truly a testament to the skilful writing of Vee Hoffman.
November 2, 2013
4.25 stars - Michael lost his lover to cancer three years ago and he's been drifting ever since. He's functioning, getting through life, but not able to emotionally connect with anything or anyone. He moves to a small town to begin a new job as a Catholic school English teacher, because it's something his education fits him for, and he needs the money. But one October day he encounters the young man who lives next door. Dominic is brilliant, open, attractive and friendly. They strike up a friendship, and soon are having conversations about books and life. Dominic's father is seriously ill, and Michael, with his history of loss, can understand and empathize with Dominic's situation. Michael is smitten, and falling fast. But there's one big problem. Dominic is 17, and one of his students.
This book goes out of its way to make this a love story between 2 men ten years apart in age, but very similar in tastes and minds. This is the edge of taboo, with Dominic old and mature enough to make it seem plausible and appropriate, especially when he's the one who instigates physical parts of the relationship. Michael agonizes over the impropriety of it, but portrays himself as a man falling swiftly and deeply in love. And despite moments of doubt, I did take him at his word. Dominic is amazing, and knows he's gay, but is very isolated in his Catholic community, and would have been desperately hard to resist.
There are times when Michael breaks from his narrative to address "Dear reader" which pulled me out of the story a bit. And particularly because these are mostly added pleas to not judge him for his love and lust toward a seventeen-year-old, they felt a bit like a man who doth protest too much. I wanted his narration to convince me (which for the most part it did.)
While pedophilia is a hot button of mine, I do think there are mature seventeen-year-olds who relate to the world on an adult level. (I in fact knew one who had a thirty-year-old boyfriend and who was the adult and the dominant partner between the two of them.) And while a teacher is in a position of power, the two related primarily as neighbors, not teacher-student. So I was willing to accept this relationship at Michael's word.
The sex is very, very slow burn and not exploitative-feeling, although sometimes beautifully sensual. The language is often erudite, emotional and elaborate, but that's fitting to a man who is an English teacher with a classical education. (I give the book added marks for containing three words I had to look up.) As this book ended I was eager to move on to the next one.
This book goes out of its way to make this a love story between 2 men ten years apart in age, but very similar in tastes and minds. This is the edge of taboo, with Dominic old and mature enough to make it seem plausible and appropriate, especially when he's the one who instigates physical parts of the relationship. Michael agonizes over the impropriety of it, but portrays himself as a man falling swiftly and deeply in love. And despite moments of doubt, I did take him at his word. Dominic is amazing, and knows he's gay, but is very isolated in his Catholic community, and would have been desperately hard to resist.
There are times when Michael breaks from his narrative to address "Dear reader" which pulled me out of the story a bit. And particularly because these are mostly added pleas to not judge him for his love and lust toward a seventeen-year-old, they felt a bit like a man who doth protest too much. I wanted his narration to convince me (which for the most part it did.)
While pedophilia is a hot button of mine, I do think there are mature seventeen-year-olds who relate to the world on an adult level. (I in fact knew one who had a thirty-year-old boyfriend and who was the adult and the dominant partner between the two of them.) And while a teacher is in a position of power, the two related primarily as neighbors, not teacher-student. So I was willing to accept this relationship at Michael's word.
The sex is very, very slow burn and not exploitative-feeling, although sometimes beautifully sensual. The language is often erudite, emotional and elaborate, but that's fitting to a man who is an English teacher with a classical education. (I give the book added marks for containing three words I had to look up.) As this book ended I was eager to move on to the next one.
June 30, 2015
I think I have read this about four times. Each time a new aspect presents itself, whether it is a character nuance or just a new perspective on Michael and Dominic's burgeoning relationship. What stands out everytime is the truth in their relationship. This is the beginning of something special.
5 times now (June 2015)
5 times now (June 2015)
March 22, 2019
Amazing writing! The words just flowed beautifully. Highly recommended!!!
March 5, 2013
Michael Cassidy moves to the small British town of Ashebrook after the death of his boyfriend. As a gay atheist working at a Catholic school, he keeps his sexuality and non-religion hidden in the closet. On one unremarkable day, a chance encounter with his neighbor's son, Dominic Butler, leads to a friendship that will fill the hole in Michael's life. Michael's relationship with Dominic grows into something more as Dominic confesses his deepest secrets and desires. There's one problem with Michael's feelings; Dominic is only seventeen, and his student to boot. Dominic promises to wait until he is eighteen, and the two begin a deep, passionate and beautiful love affair in secret. But tragedy is always waiting just around the corner, and Dominic is about to have his life shaped by loss, a pain that Michael knows only too well.
Acclamation is hands-down the best novel I have read this year. It's a story told with such breathtaking intimacy, such longing and wanting that my stomach coiled itself in knots just reading it. It's rare for me to cry at a book, let alone at scenes that are not sad, but there were moments reading Acclamation where the sheer beauty of the thing overwhelmed me and I found tears springing to my eyes. The language is crafted with care, every word intentionally chosen and the book never seems to drag or pad itself out. Every scene is necessary to the book, and it is never gratuitous in its use of sex scenes.
You might worry, based on my description, that Dominic being seventeen at the start could mean this is a tale of coercion or abuse. Let me tell you that this is absolutely not the case. Dominic is an old soul, a man wise beyond his years, despite his lack of sexual experience. Michael and Dominic are equals in the relationship that grows between them, despite Dominic being far younger than Michael.
If you want chemistry in a relationship, if you're looking for a book packed with longing and wanting that doesn't race to the finish line, Acclamation will be a rare and fine treat for you. This is the kind of book that reminds me why I fell in love with M/M romance in the first place. It's not a porno with a pretty cover, or a lackluster story of going through the motions in a relationship. It's a story about love, loss and longing that will leave you reeling when you reach the novel's powerful conclusion. The next book is on my must-read list. Acclamation is a rare gem, a tale packed with real emotion that will keep you thinking and feeling about its characters long after you've turned the last page.
This review was cross-posted to Infinite Love.
Acclamation is hands-down the best novel I have read this year. It's a story told with such breathtaking intimacy, such longing and wanting that my stomach coiled itself in knots just reading it. It's rare for me to cry at a book, let alone at scenes that are not sad, but there were moments reading Acclamation where the sheer beauty of the thing overwhelmed me and I found tears springing to my eyes. The language is crafted with care, every word intentionally chosen and the book never seems to drag or pad itself out. Every scene is necessary to the book, and it is never gratuitous in its use of sex scenes.
You might worry, based on my description, that Dominic being seventeen at the start could mean this is a tale of coercion or abuse. Let me tell you that this is absolutely not the case. Dominic is an old soul, a man wise beyond his years, despite his lack of sexual experience. Michael and Dominic are equals in the relationship that grows between them, despite Dominic being far younger than Michael.
If you want chemistry in a relationship, if you're looking for a book packed with longing and wanting that doesn't race to the finish line, Acclamation will be a rare and fine treat for you. This is the kind of book that reminds me why I fell in love with M/M romance in the first place. It's not a porno with a pretty cover, or a lackluster story of going through the motions in a relationship. It's a story about love, loss and longing that will leave you reeling when you reach the novel's powerful conclusion. The next book is on my must-read list. Acclamation is a rare gem, a tale packed with real emotion that will keep you thinking and feeling about its characters long after you've turned the last page.
This review was cross-posted to Infinite Love.
December 31, 2013
"What's the use in dreaming, if you're not going to fly?"
What Indeed...
I am so, so in love with this book. Really. I was looking for something different than the regular m/m read, and I found it here from Vee Hoffman.
'Acclamation' is book one in a four part series about a Man who moves to a small town and becomes a teacher at a Catholic School in the wake of his lovers death.
Such a simple premise, really.
The book is written in the first person narrative, of one Michael Cassidy who is still grieving the death of his first love. In the midst of moving to a new town and starting work as an English Teacher in a Catholic school, Michael finds he has moved next door to one of this students, Dominick.
Yes, what you think happens, is exactly what happens- However the relationship between Michael and Dominic is really just so intense and beautiful, that you can't help to love both of them and grow with both of them. (and yes, it's a slow burn- but not as slow as some others I have read, and it's totally worth it)
I haven't read a book in quite some time, where I felt so emotionally invested in the story of the two characters. Every time Michael implores us, his "dear readers" just to bear with him, and hear how the story continues, there is no way you can't grin a little in anticipation.
This book really has a great mix of innocence, growth, sorrow and humor. Both Dominick and Michael are lovable nerds on their best days and just so absolutely relatable. There are also many literature/poetry references for those who enjoy that sort of thing as well.
I was initially worried about the religious undertones of the book, but they are necessary for the growth of the characters (and minimal to the actual plot).
If I had anything negative to say, maybe it would be that there were too many pop culture references, which sort of become odd as a book becomes older.
So happy I do not have to wait for book 2 to come out.
What Indeed...
I am so, so in love with this book. Really. I was looking for something different than the regular m/m read, and I found it here from Vee Hoffman.
'Acclamation' is book one in a four part series about a Man who moves to a small town and becomes a teacher at a Catholic School in the wake of his lovers death.
Such a simple premise, really.
The book is written in the first person narrative, of one Michael Cassidy who is still grieving the death of his first love. In the midst of moving to a new town and starting work as an English Teacher in a Catholic school, Michael finds he has moved next door to one of this students, Dominick.
Yes, what you think happens, is exactly what happens- However the relationship between Michael and Dominic is really just so intense and beautiful, that you can't help to love both of them and grow with both of them. (and yes, it's a slow burn- but not as slow as some others I have read, and it's totally worth it)
I haven't read a book in quite some time, where I felt so emotionally invested in the story of the two characters. Every time Michael implores us, his "dear readers" just to bear with him, and hear how the story continues, there is no way you can't grin a little in anticipation.
This book really has a great mix of innocence, growth, sorrow and humor. Both Dominick and Michael are lovable nerds on their best days and just so absolutely relatable. There are also many literature/poetry references for those who enjoy that sort of thing as well.
I was initially worried about the religious undertones of the book, but they are necessary for the growth of the characters (and minimal to the actual plot).
If I had anything negative to say, maybe it would be that there were too many pop culture references, which sort of become odd as a book becomes older.
So happy I do not have to wait for book 2 to come out.
July 29, 2016
This book is on the listopia for great gay fiction. I've recently read several from the list and had decent expectations for this one. If I'd not committed to reading this with a friend this would have been a DNF for me.
This book was too fucking long and too fucking wordy. Even at 90% it was a chore to get to the end. I skimmed so much and didn't really miss much. I have to say that I felt like I truly knew Michael and Dominic. They were real to me.
In the beginning I had some trepidation because I always kept thinking "when are they going to get caught in the act?" I never like having that feeling when I'm reading a book. It never did come to pass though.
I've since learned that this is a 4 series book. I can't even imagine why we'd need more than a second book to finish Michael and Dominic's story. I'm not even sure if I want to read the next book. I looked at the reviews for Reclamation to see if I could get any spoilers. There weren't any. Well there are other books out there that I don't have to trudge through!
This book was too fucking long and too fucking wordy. Even at 90% it was a chore to get to the end. I skimmed so much and didn't really miss much. I have to say that I felt like I truly knew Michael and Dominic. They were real to me.
In the beginning I had some trepidation because I always kept thinking "when are they going to get caught in the act?" I never like having that feeling when I'm reading a book. It never did come to pass though.
I've since learned that this is a 4 series book. I can't even imagine why we'd need more than a second book to finish Michael and Dominic's story. I'm not even sure if I want to read the next book. I looked at the reviews for Reclamation to see if I could get any spoilers. There weren't any. Well there are other books out there that I don't have to trudge through!
June 1, 2013
Very romantic. The story is too long and too introspective, but I couldn't help but love this couple. The sexual tension between them is just delicious. The teacher/student relationship is a potentially tricky subject matter, but I felt it was handled gracefully.
The book ends mid-scene, so it has the feel of a serial. (I don't mind, though, since the next book is already out and reasonably priced.)
The book ends mid-scene, so it has the feel of a serial. (I don't mind, though, since the next book is already out and reasonably priced.)
January 13, 2014
3.5 stars
I enjoyed the slow burn of this relationship, and found myself rooting for Michael to corrupt young Dominic's innocence. At first I liked the story so much that I was glad of the length, but somewhere around the halfway point, I began to get bored with Michael's wandering thoughts. It's a pet peeve of mine to be reading a conversation that is interrupted by a lengthy digression. It makes me forget what was last said, so that when the conversation is finally continued, I have to go back to figure out what they were even talking about. This happened in the midst of general storytelling as well, which made me want to smack Michael and say "Stick to the point!" That was the only real problem with the book, though it is rather difficult to ignore. I do want to continue the series to find out what's in store for these two, but hope for fewer rambling distractions.
I enjoyed the slow burn of this relationship, and found myself rooting for Michael to corrupt young Dominic's innocence. At first I liked the story so much that I was glad of the length, but somewhere around the halfway point, I began to get bored with Michael's wandering thoughts. It's a pet peeve of mine to be reading a conversation that is interrupted by a lengthy digression. It makes me forget what was last said, so that when the conversation is finally continued, I have to go back to figure out what they were even talking about. This happened in the midst of general storytelling as well, which made me want to smack Michael and say "Stick to the point!" That was the only real problem with the book, though it is rather difficult to ignore. I do want to continue the series to find out what's in store for these two, but hope for fewer rambling distractions.
April 20, 2013
This was bloody incredible. The writing is pristine, the characters fleshed out to the point of being loveable with just the right mix of the normal and unique. Those saying it's 'too wordy' might want to stick to children's books.
January 6, 2013
Acclamation is the story of Michael Cassidy, a 28 year old teacher at a Catholic high school. He moved to this conservative town after the death of his aunt. When he learned that Dominic was walking three miles from home to school, he offered to give him a ride everyday with parental and school's approval. As time goes by, Michael realizes that he is intensely attracted to Dominic even though he is underage (at the time). Michael and Dominic become friends, and Dominic admits to him that he is gay and later on he admits that he is attracted to Michael. They were both aware of the dangers of continuing their relationship, agreed to keep it a secret and consummate it in London. I was wary of reading this book because Dominic is Michael's student and it screamed wrong in my head throughout the story. The book is written from Michael's point of view so we see how he also struggles with the attraction. The angst in the book comes from the secrets they need to keep like their relationship, their sexual orientations not Dominic's because Michael is not out in this religious community, the fact that Michael is not religious even though he teaches at a Catholic institution and Michael's internal struggles.
I liked both MCs and I liked Michael's voice. We learn quite a lot of him and his previous relationship. At times, his analysis and thoughts were excruciatingly detailed. Dominic was great. He is mature and inexperienced. Sometimes he seemed too perfect. He is also going through quite a lot, discovering his sexual orientation, feeling different from his peers at school and dealing with his father's terminal illness.
Overall I like the writing even though it was sometimes a bit too much. When Dominic inadvertently say "Mr. Cassidy" instead of Michael is some scenes, it pulled me out of the story a bit. The characters were well developed. I was apprehensive reading this book but the way the author handled it left me rooting for them. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
I liked both MCs and I liked Michael's voice. We learn quite a lot of him and his previous relationship. At times, his analysis and thoughts were excruciatingly detailed. Dominic was great. He is mature and inexperienced. Sometimes he seemed too perfect. He is also going through quite a lot, discovering his sexual orientation, feeling different from his peers at school and dealing with his father's terminal illness.
Overall I like the writing even though it was sometimes a bit too much. When Dominic inadvertently say "Mr. Cassidy" instead of Michael is some scenes, it pulled me out of the story a bit. The characters were well developed. I was apprehensive reading this book but the way the author handled it left me rooting for them. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
January 11, 2013
Oh, my first review on GR!!
It took me exactly 42 hours to read this, almost with no breaks at all, although I had to slow down frequently to make sure my sleep-deprived brain captured the right meaning of a certain paragraph.
This book was a beautiful discovery. It was recommended by a friend, and still, I went upon reading it with slight apprehension, worried about the way the theme of a love story between teacher and student would be treated.
I shouldn't have worried. The author has created such vivid and beautiful characters that quickly come alive off the page, but also such realistic settings and scenarios. There's nothing instantaneous about the love story, everything is a product of the growing affinity between Michael, the teacher, and Dominic, the student, however it's the moral, ethical, personal aspects of the tale that make it that much more believable.
I very much enjoyed it. (And luckily for me, it looks like I have to wait less than a week till part 2)
It took me exactly 42 hours to read this, almost with no breaks at all, although I had to slow down frequently to make sure my sleep-deprived brain captured the right meaning of a certain paragraph.
This book was a beautiful discovery. It was recommended by a friend, and still, I went upon reading it with slight apprehension, worried about the way the theme of a love story between teacher and student would be treated.
I shouldn't have worried. The author has created such vivid and beautiful characters that quickly come alive off the page, but also such realistic settings and scenarios. There's nothing instantaneous about the love story, everything is a product of the growing affinity between Michael, the teacher, and Dominic, the student, however it's the moral, ethical, personal aspects of the tale that make it that much more believable.
I very much enjoyed it. (And luckily for me, it looks like I have to wait less than a week till part 2)
Read
December 27, 2012I had the privilege of reading this story some 2 years ago, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was slightly changed. The narration flows easily and it's personal and intimate; the narrator carefully analysing everything and describing everything with so many details that it's hard to believe that this is not a real universe. The characters are complex and verisimilar, easily conquering the reader's heart.
Well done, Vee! Looking forward to the next part!
Well done, Vee! Looking forward to the next part!
March 24, 2014
4.5 Stars
The only downside I've found in this story is that it is a bit wordy, making the book a little long for my taste, but I'm enjoying the story between Michael and Dominic a lot.
Going to read the next installment right now.
The only downside I've found in this story is that it is a bit wordy, making the book a little long for my taste, but I'm enjoying the story between Michael and Dominic a lot.
Going to read the next installment right now.
November 21, 2012
Oh my gosh, please tell me there is going to be a sequel!?!? And when can I get my hands on it!
Want to read
January 2, 2014Peer pressure, grmpfh.
October 31, 2014
Acclamation стала для меня одной из самых противоречивых книг, которые я читала.
С одной стороны, интересная история с любимыми мною "фишками" - первая любовь, первый опыт, камин-аут (которого я не дождалась), осуждающее общественное мнение.
А с другой - авторский стиль, который утомил меня после пары страниц. Я не знаю, на что списать странное построение предложений и употребление редких слов так обыденно - герои-британцы? MC - учитель английского? - но, не считая трудностей перевода, в целом язык показался мне формальным и суховатым. Такой я ожидала бы в классических романах или научной литературе. Это оказалось очень утомительно, но сюжет, к моему сожалению, оказался достаточно интересен, чтобы продолжать продираться сквозь эти дебри.
В героев я не влюбилась, и даже особо не прониклась. Майкл кажется мне слишком инертным, т.к. не один раз он вызывал у меня недоумение своей непоследовательностью и склонностью плыть по течению. Например, сколько страниц было потрачено на описание его "твердого" атеизма - и вдруг у него появились мысли об исповеди, а потом он даже пытался общаться с Богом, складывая ладони в молитвенном жесте.
Доминик же слишком совершенен, слишком идеален. И претензий к нему нет, но тоже не зацепил.
Кстати, насчет траты страниц. Внутренние монологи Майкла убийственны в своей бесконечности, повторяемости и неуместности. То 5 страниц на описание взгляда, то ода торсу Доминика, то в самый разгар диалога Майкла мыслями уносит куда-то так далеко, что по возвращении в настоящее я уже не помню, на чем он остановился. И темы его размышений повторяются не единожды.
Еще последняя треть книги слишком приторна. Майкл и Доминик так часто восхваляют друг друга, мысли Майкла настолько востороженно-поклонительны, что я поняла выражение "Они так милы, что меня стошнит".
Но несмотря на все вышесказанное, меня все еще держит тема камин-аута и противостояния общественному мнению, не раскрытая в этой книге. Приходится браться за следующую.
С одной стороны, интересная история с любимыми мною "фишками" - первая любовь, первый опыт, камин-аут (которого я не дождалась), осуждающее общественное мнение.
А с другой - авторский стиль, который утомил меня после пары страниц. Я не знаю, на что списать странное построение предложений и употребление редких слов так обыденно - герои-британцы? MC - учитель английского? - но, не считая трудностей перевода, в целом язык показался мне формальным и суховатым. Такой я ожидала бы в классических романах или научной литературе. Это оказалось очень утомительно, но сюжет, к моему сожалению, оказался достаточно интересен, чтобы продолжать продираться сквозь эти дебри.
В героев я не влюбилась, и даже особо не прониклась. Майкл кажется мне слишком инертным, т.к. не один раз он вызывал у меня недоумение своей непоследовательностью и склонностью плыть по течению. Например, сколько страниц было потрачено на описание его "твердого" атеизма - и вдруг у него появились мысли об исповеди, а потом он даже пытался общаться с Богом, складывая ладони в молитвенном жесте.
Доминик же слишком совершенен, слишком идеален. И претензий к нему нет, но тоже не зацепил.
Кстати, насчет траты страниц. Внутренние монологи Майкла убийственны в своей бесконечности, повторяемости и неуместности. То 5 страниц на описание взгляда, то ода торсу Доминика, то в самый разгар диалога Майкла мыслями уносит куда-то так далеко, что по возвращении в настоящее я уже не помню, на чем он остановился. И темы его размышений повторяются не единожды.
Еще последняя треть книги слишком приторна. Майкл и Доминик так часто восхваляют друг друга, мысли Майкла настолько востороженно-поклонительны, что я поняла выражение "Они так милы, что меня стошнит".
Но несмотря на все вышесказанное, меня все еще держит тема камин-аута и противостояния общественному мнению, не раскрытая в этой книге. Приходится браться за следующую.
December 19, 2012
Vee, oh vee, vee, vee... where is the ending?! That question is plaguing me badly. I NEED more! I am still reeling on the beauty of Dominic, immaculate being that *begs* for more story to be told. I just love him. I think if I could marry a gay guy, I would! ahaha.
I really did enjoy this book! It started off a little slow, but by the end what I loved most was the richness of the characters. The two boys were dripping so juicily with realistic lives and personalities that when they were able to come together, the mesh was beautiful and wonderously delightful. A REAL romance! It's a refreshing, unique, and perfected drama that tugged at my heart strings every moment I had to be away from the book. The one tidbit that would make me give it nearer a 4.5 was some of the excess narrator-talk commentating on the events; but, these bits did force the reader to pace better and direct the tone of the story, to give my racing heart time to settle down before the next wave of excitement. Overall it was magnificent and 1000 pages just was not enough. Thank you for creating something so addicting!
I really did enjoy this book! It started off a little slow, but by the end what I loved most was the richness of the characters. The two boys were dripping so juicily with realistic lives and personalities that when they were able to come together, the mesh was beautiful and wonderously delightful. A REAL romance! It's a refreshing, unique, and perfected drama that tugged at my heart strings every moment I had to be away from the book. The one tidbit that would make me give it nearer a 4.5 was some of the excess narrator-talk commentating on the events; but, these bits did force the reader to pace better and direct the tone of the story, to give my racing heart time to settle down before the next wave of excitement. Overall it was magnificent and 1000 pages just was not enough. Thank you for creating something so addicting!
November 4, 2012
Acclamation by Vee Hoffman is a touching, detailed, and at times lyrical novel that describes the slow slide for protagonist Michael Cassidy from a state of stale grief back to the land of the living through the vehicle of his developing love for Dominic Butler, one of his students at the Catholic school where he teaches. There are plenty of things that could be said about that power dynamic, about the religious issues that are raised and about May-December romances, but the story treats those issues more as side notes to the central theme, which is a coming-of-age story for Dominic and a resurrection for Michael.
My full review of this book can be found here: http://bibrary.blogspot.com/2012/10/a....
My full review of this book can be found here: http://bibrary.blogspot.com/2012/10/a....
January 20, 2013
I absolutely loved this book. Not only the characters but the writing was just amazing. I usually read fairly fast but I slowed way down so I could savor every word. I will have to be carful not to judge other M/M stories buy this one.
I know the subject matter was controversial but in submersing myself in the story and the characters I found that I couldn't bring myself to judge to harshly. I can hardly wait to read the sequels.
So if your reading my review I urge you to Buy, Read and Recommend this book.
I know the subject matter was controversial but in submersing myself in the story and the characters I found that I couldn't bring myself to judge to harshly. I can hardly wait to read the sequels.
So if your reading my review I urge you to Buy, Read and Recommend this book.
December 11, 2012
You can find my full review of Acclamation at my blog.
I didn't put it in my review, because it didn't quite seem to fit, and is perhaps a bit of a spoiler, but if you like snogging (and even as an American, I have to call what's described in this book as 'snogging' rather than 'making out') then you'll want to read this book. It's a real snog-fest. These boys get into some serious lip-locking.
I didn't put it in my review, because it didn't quite seem to fit, and is perhaps a bit of a spoiler, but if you like snogging (and even as an American, I have to call what's described in this book as 'snogging' rather than 'making out') then you'll want to read this book. It's a real snog-fest. These boys get into some serious lip-locking.
February 28, 2014
Sometimes you read a book: sometimes a book reads you. This book definitely falls into the latter category.
June 3, 2013
I loved this book!
Will give a detailed review later. For now I'm going to immediately read the sequel!
Will give a detailed review later. For now I'm going to immediately read the sequel!
February 5, 2014
More at Scrollin' Them Papers
I wish I was half as good with my words as Michael Cassidy. Maybe then I will do this book the justice it deserved but please bear with me on this.
Let me tell you first that I was so surprised I did not chance upon this book earlier and that it was not well known. I stumbled upon this series by accident and was so intrigued by the whole settings I immediately bought it. I was always looking for a series with a constant couple, where I could invest myself on them and not feel that everything is too rushed, too short, too unrealistic. Add in the age-gap, the promise of drama and angst and the controversy of the religion and I was sold! Not that I was a fan of reading mm with a huge religious influence but I liked the drama it usually gives and I was not disappointed. For those having hangups about the religious parts, don't, Acclamation has enough of it for the conflicts but not enough to be overdone.
This book might not be for everyone in the way it's being written. It was more of a personal diary or memoir rather than a novel to me. And Michael, as the narrator, was very fond of fancy words, describing stuff related to him in details and leaving anything else vague. You could really see and feel how personal, how biased and how exaggerated it was. More than a few times I thought to myself what a dramatic queen Michael was, but then it felt just right, it was so him to be writing that. This style of writing was something I did not have the chance to read a lot, by my own fault or just the lack of them, but I was only finishing the first chapter and felt positively giddy with excitement. All the promises and great potentials it held!
Reading this book, I felt like peeking at another person's love letter, a very lavish and fancy one at that. And I loved every single moment of it! Acclamation, as the first book of the series, was like a warmth cocoon of fluff and perfection from the way Michael narrates it. The tentative relationship between him and Dominic was budding, fragile and seemed beautiful. I read with a little dread at the back of my mind at how fragile it was, how easily broken. Of course, Michael himself was not perfect and seemed to have a penchant for drama, I was not sure whether everything was not written under his rose-colored glasses.
Dominic as the mature high school student was portrayed as nothing but perfect, even when he himself denies it. And really everything here was so different from the cliché m/m romance themes that are floating around in the community. It showed another sides of the "taboo" topics and beautified it. Of course everything here was Michael's own opinions and perceptions and he was not the most innocent and upstanding man himself which of course, I liked.
I found it very adorable and heartwarming to see Michael and Dominic falling in love deeper with each others. All the description and how helpless Michael was the more he got into it. It was bordering codependency and might not been healthy but the way he seemed lovestruck and obsessed about every little thing about Dominic made me go “awww” anyway. Especially whenever he mentioned Dominic smiling shyly. (Which he did very often I found!) /o\
Some might find this longwinded or boring, with all the detailings and flowery words but I just appreciate all of it. This was one of the few books I really enjoyed without really relating with the characters. At some point I just stopped trying to, and enjoyed reading the life of Michael, Dominic and the little community in the country.
I would really like to recommend this to those who want to get away from the wham-bam of the usual m/m books. Not to say that this book wasn't hot in the least. It was. And it was beautiful at the same time.
I wish I was half as good with my words as Michael Cassidy. Maybe then I will do this book the justice it deserved but please bear with me on this.
Let me tell you first that I was so surprised I did not chance upon this book earlier and that it was not well known. I stumbled upon this series by accident and was so intrigued by the whole settings I immediately bought it. I was always looking for a series with a constant couple, where I could invest myself on them and not feel that everything is too rushed, too short, too unrealistic. Add in the age-gap, the promise of drama and angst and the controversy of the religion and I was sold! Not that I was a fan of reading mm with a huge religious influence but I liked the drama it usually gives and I was not disappointed. For those having hangups about the religious parts, don't, Acclamation has enough of it for the conflicts but not enough to be overdone.
This book might not be for everyone in the way it's being written. It was more of a personal diary or memoir rather than a novel to me. And Michael, as the narrator, was very fond of fancy words, describing stuff related to him in details and leaving anything else vague. You could really see and feel how personal, how biased and how exaggerated it was. More than a few times I thought to myself what a dramatic queen Michael was, but then it felt just right, it was so him to be writing that. This style of writing was something I did not have the chance to read a lot, by my own fault or just the lack of them, but I was only finishing the first chapter and felt positively giddy with excitement. All the promises and great potentials it held!
“What’s the use in dreaming, if you’re not going to fly?”
Reading this book, I felt like peeking at another person's love letter, a very lavish and fancy one at that. And I loved every single moment of it! Acclamation, as the first book of the series, was like a warmth cocoon of fluff and perfection from the way Michael narrates it. The tentative relationship between him and Dominic was budding, fragile and seemed beautiful. I read with a little dread at the back of my mind at how fragile it was, how easily broken. Of course, Michael himself was not perfect and seemed to have a penchant for drama, I was not sure whether everything was not written under his rose-colored glasses.
Dominic as the mature high school student was portrayed as nothing but perfect, even when he himself denies it. And really everything here was so different from the cliché m/m romance themes that are floating around in the community. It showed another sides of the "taboo" topics and beautified it. Of course everything here was Michael's own opinions and perceptions and he was not the most innocent and upstanding man himself which of course, I liked.
“Desire. You can't fight that; you can only fight yourself after it hits you...”
I found it very adorable and heartwarming to see Michael and Dominic falling in love deeper with each others. All the description and how helpless Michael was the more he got into it. It was bordering codependency and might not been healthy but the way he seemed lovestruck and obsessed about every little thing about Dominic made me go “awww” anyway. Especially whenever he mentioned Dominic smiling shyly. (Which he did very often I found!) /o\
“My lips pursed on the shuddering feather softness of his belly and a sigh broke from Dominic that invaded and destroyed and rebuilt my brain, rebuilt it with a true, unwavering knowledge that I was his now. If he wanted, he could do as he wished, but I knew then that no matter the consequence I would follow his whims, wherever they might lead me.”
“My whole body felt light, unguarded. I leaned in without even thinking about it, not too much at least, and kissed Dominic’s lips. I felt him smile against my mouth and it was like the openness of the bridge and the river and the sky and the city got bigger and more infinite as we pressed together, warming each other, happy. So very happy. Ever after.
That must be what it feels like, to dream of flying.”
Some might find this longwinded or boring, with all the detailings and flowery words but I just appreciate all of it. This was one of the few books I really enjoyed without really relating with the characters. At some point I just stopped trying to, and enjoyed reading the life of Michael, Dominic and the little community in the country.
I would really like to recommend this to those who want to get away from the wham-bam of the usual m/m books. Not to say that this book wasn't hot in the least. It was. And it was beautiful at the same time.
“I had never wanted someone like him, physically. But nor had I ever known someone like him, soulfully.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews