Tales From Foster High

Tales from Foster High #1

by John Goode

Kyle Stilleno is the invisible student even in his nothing high school in the middle of Nowhere, Texas. Brad Graymark is the baseball star of Foster High. When they bond over their mutual damage during a night of history tutoring, Kyle thinks maybe his life has changed for good. But when you’re gay and falling for the most popular boy in school, the promise of love is a fairy tale, not a reality. Isn’t it?

A coming-of-age story, Tales from Foster High shows an unflinching vision of the ups and downs of teenage love and what it is like to grow up gay.

Genres: M M Romance, Young Adult, Romance, LGBT, Coming Of Age, High School, Contemporary

240 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2012

About the author

John Goode is a member of the class of '88 from Hogwarts school of wizardry, specializing in incantations and spoken spells. At the age of 14 he proudly represented District 13 in the 65th Panem games where he was disqualified for crying uncontrollably before the competition began. After that he moved to Forks, Washington where, against all odds, dated the hot, incredibly approachable werewolf instead of the stuck up jerk of a vampire but was crushed when he found out the werewolf was actually gayer than he was. After that he turned down the mandatory operation everyone must receive at 16 to become pretty citing that everyone pretty were just too stupid to live before moving away for greener pastures. After falling down an oddly large rabbit hole he became huge when his love for cakes combined with his inability to resist what sparsely worded notes commanded and was finally kicked out when he began playing solitaire with the Red Queen's 4th armored division. By 18 he had found the land in the back of his wardrobe but decided that thinly veiled religious allegories where not the neighbors he desired. When last seen he had become obsessed with growing a pair of wings after becoming obsessed with Fang's blog and hasn't been seen since.

Or he is this guy who lives in this place and writes stuff he hopes you read.

Reviews

[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ++++++++ stars

This book, this book .. is the best YA/NA that I have ever read, better than any high school series/ movie that I have watched , and I have watched a lot.. probably every Tv series and movies known to man.



The writing was on point. While reading this I felt like I was back in high school which like Kyle I Hated with a passion, you would not pay me any amount of money to go back.



“So I sat there and thought about faking a heart attack so I could skip school for a few months. I mean, they wouldn’t let a kid with a weak heart deal with something as harsh as high school, would they?”



Kyle ..oh my I loved him. He was the invisible student, a loner did not want to be noticed, just wanted to finish high school, little did he know he caught the attention of the high school popular Jock named Brad, and from there everything changes. I loved the character growth of Kyle, he goes being the invisible nobody to an amazing man of strength. He was not a doormat and did not back down from a fight an I loved that.

“I didn’t want to be a victim, some princess locked away in a tower, waiting to be saved. I wanted to be the hero of my story; I didn’t need to be saved. At least I didn’t want to be.”

KYLE....



Brad.. let’s just say he is not your typical jock, yes he is popular, but its all just a façade. I liked that when he found out he liked Kyle he just went for it consequences be damned.

“I didn’t have a life before you. All of that was… was just a waste of time.” I put my hand over his heart. “This, this is the first real thing I have ever felt.”

The secondary characters were well written. I liked that even though the parents were shitty parents, when it came to their boys they fought for them.

Kelly.... uummmm! I don't like at all.

I Loved it. Thank God there are 7 more books.



“I don’t remember the moment I knew I was broken… but I do recall when I started to understand that it might be okay. It was the moment I fell in love with the boy with the green eyes.”



The pop culture reference had me grinning throughout and I realized I have watched every movie and Tv series mentioned

“Your dad said you guys got into a fight.” Which was like saying that Voldemort and Harry Potter had strong words with each other.”



The steam was low its YA so it did not bother me, but there was a lot of kissing which i liked.





John Hughes would have been proud.

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't hate me for not loving this book... but I didn't love it. I'm not even sure that I liked it, honestly. I think I did? I don't know, it was all just so angsty.

I've read quite a few books that reminded me of this one (Something Like Summer, Pictures of You), and they were all angsty as F. In fact, I could tell a few plot points were coming before they were hinted at because I had a mental checklist of painful YA M/M going on in my head.

My main issue with this book was the inconsistencies with the primary and secondary characters. The parents were basically shown as evil through most of the story, like really bad, until, all of the sudden, they weren't. Brad was a good guy sometimes and other times I wanted to beat him senseless. I got stuck on a lot of the details.

While the story enthralled me and kept me going, it was also painfully sad. I was depressed while listening and depressed when I finished. I'm certainly not going to continue with the series.

The narration of this book was lovely, however I always get stuck on the fact that Michael Stellman can only do one voice. It's a nice voice, but it's just one tone, one character.

I'm trying to stay positive about the story and remember all the good things and my gut 3-star rating, but when I think back on the story, I'm not bringing up fond memories. I guess this series just isn't for me.

*Audiobook ARC provided for review*

[Sheziss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel some kind of intrigue and fascination for the USA’s contradictions. Freedom and independence are the most valuable of things. At 16 you can drive a car and you can find a job. At 18 you can get married and you can go to the army. But you cannot drink alcohol till 21. Cussing is something awful and your parents shout your whole name when they are angry (this part I laugh a lot about, where I live we cuss and it’s nothing that big, and they never called my whole name in a row). Your father can teach you how to fire a gun but you are not allowed to watch films that are not suitable for all audiences.



But apart from the law, I find more fascination in people, and high school is one of those reasons. You have 4 years there and those can be the best years of your life or the worst ones.



And I can’t imagine how someone can accept and fuel that reality.



I mean, on the one hand, there are the jocks and the cheerleaders, on the other hand, there are the nerds and the misfits, and that’s it. It’s like there is a social class in which you have to fit right after you arrive at 14. You are branded the first day and you live with that brand till the day you leave. I find it claustrophobic and medieval, contrasting with the American way of thinking that they value freedom above all things. Also, it’s very sexist. I’ve never heard of a cheerleader boy or a football girl.



What freedom is in putting you in a place and not managing to move from there? What freedom is in living trying to measure up to that expectations people have on you? What freedom is in imitating role-plays: successful guys are jocks and successful girls are cheerleaders and the rest of them does not exist?



It’s not a wonder they want to flee to university when they finish. How can teenagers be themselves in such an environment?



If you don’t go to university, you are a loser. Studying is not the thing, it’s the “experience” of being on your own for 4 years. They let you make your own decisions very early but it’s considered that at 18 your are not enough mature to know what you want to be when you are older, so you just go and choose random subjects in a chance to “find yourself”. It’s more a pilgrimage than a phase of your life to get the job you dream about.



I’m saying all of this from the eyes of an outsider, so I admit there is some margin of error in my thoughts. I haven’t lived this because where I live things are different. We don’t have the dance in the gym and we don’t dissect a frog. We don’t make a fuss about sports and we don’t show off our cars because we can’t drive one yet. There is more homogeneity and less segregation. It’s far from perfect, though.



Of course, there are always the popular people and the outcasts. There is bullying. They are also the best or the worst years in your life. But there is not that “need” of going to the university, because here it’s not a fulfilling experience you cannot live without, but more like a means to achieve certain ends: being a lawyer, being a doctor, being an engineer…



I wonder if all that happens in high school movies is true or if teenagers just throw logs onto the fire and play the farce voluntarily. It’s hard to fight against the flow. When we are young we want to be like everybody else, but then we want to be different from everybody else. Still, they follow the unwritten rules and resign themselves with their fate.



I had very hard years at school. I think everybody can say the same. There is a limbo period in which friends from boyhood are changed by friends from adolescence. In that period I had no friends and I suffered some kind of cold-shoulder. I remember my desperation of wanting to be part of something, of being normal, of not standing out. Some girls used to play a joke on me, just because they wanted to have fun and I was available. It was not bullying in the strict sense of the word but it hurt nonetheless. But something happened and I became part of said group, because their focus shifted from me and they played a joke on another girl.



I felt sick.



After that episode I never came back to them again. I had new friends in a short while. But I always will remember it. Kids are cruel and in that period of life we believe being cruel is synonymous of being cool.



I learnt girls are bitches. Boys punch and kick and fight, but they are not that twisted. Girls play ambiguity in a way that can excuse themselves afterwards saying that there was some kind of misinterpretation. It’s a survival skill and it’s disgusting.



I love this book because it’s honest and straightforward. The writing is superb, even I can get it. There was no abruptness in any moment, every sentence is fluid and suitable, and it’s easy to be carried along with the words.



There is also some hypnotic effect in the whole story happening in that a short while and in a very specific scene. It’s like everything in that little place and time is amplified by magnifying glasses and I find that a wise choice.



It shows that living in an asshole sucks.



People are so depraved not even adults seem to remember what being a teenager is. From their advantage position you would say they know every evil that occurs in a high school, but if they do, they don’t care about it. Adults are not setting an example and saying “No” is not accepted.



The vicious circle never ends.



Someone who told me that you have to treat people fairly and equally, that you have to help people if they go wrong. Because if you don’t you create haters and you can’t build a healthy society. The outcasts are rejected and in the end those misfits are going to hurt you, and their children are going to grow up with them and hate you, too. Every twisted person is going to pass on the “disease” and everything will continue to be fucked up. That includes drug addicts, alcoholics, violent people, marginal races and a never-ending list of people who are not accepted socially.



The vicious circle never ends.



And that means people are not happy. Not really. Who doesn’t want to be happy?



I believe this book portrays a reality nobody wants to face, but it’s there. There is a love story to sweeten the thing a bit, but still, everything else is strong and threatens to destroy the little beauty someone can find in this complicated world.



The only weakness I can point to are the parents. They are assholes who abuse/ignore their children and some pages later they are supporters. I don’t buy it. But apart from that, there is no complaint I can think about.

[Amina · Rating 4 out of 5]

✰ 4 stars ✰

“I could feel him rest his head in the crook of my neck as we both surrendered to each other for a moment. “You’re crazy,” I whispered to him.

I felt him chuckle. “That’s one word for it,” he replied tiredly.

I pulled back and looked into his eyes. “What’s another?”

His eyes were watering too, as we stared directly into each other’s souls for a brief second. “Love?”

I'm glad I read Tales from Foster High, which is the compilation of John Goode's first three books in his Tales from Foster High series - Maybe With a Chance of Certainty, End of the Beginning, and Raise Your Glass. It gave me the chance to experience Kyle and Brad's story in one cohesive form, one that is unapologetically raw and real, but nonetheless, beautiful and true. It's your typical scenario - quiet, reserved nerd who ends up tutoring the school's handsome popular baseball star and end up with more than just a history lesson. A lesson of feelings and understanding and a connection that there is someone else out there - someone who you can be yourself with. And that's the start of Kyle and Brad's relationship at the very reserved Foster High - where being gay is considered the worst sin of all in Somewhere New, Texas.

“He held my hand for a second too long as he said nothing and then slowly nodded. “Okay, Kyle. Cool.” 

He let go, but I could still feel the warmth of where his skin had touched mine. “So after five?” 

The first part of the story is told entirely from Kyle Stilleno's point of view - I LOVED Kyle. He had spent his whole life minding his manners, staying away from the crowd, keeping to himself, knowing that he's gay and knowing that he can crush on others from afar, but never act upon it. But, that all changes when Brad Greymark, star jock, lord and savior of the local high school - a flawless-looking, well-built teenage boy who never failed to turn people’s heads, but a teenage boy nonetheless.' asks him to help with his studies. But, then as they exchange thoughts and views and bond something just clicks, and suddenly it's this unraveling of feelings and emotions and just this intensity of just having someone in your corner - someone who also knows how you feel - 'maybe it was because it was easier to focus on someone else’s pain than my own. Maybe it was because when he hurt, I felt an ache in my own chest.' ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

But, there is something deeper that they share - the hurt of a family life and a haunting past that makes them even more drawn towards each other. The dialogue and interactions felt alive - like I was witnessing the start to an actual high-school couple, as they tried to figure out how to make their relationship work - especially when being gay is so severely frowned upon at their school - something that is considered the root of evil and prime target of ridicule. But, Kyle is so unapologetic - so perseverant - he just was so vocal and passionate and unfiltered without restraint, as if a dam of pent-up anger and resolve was unleashed and the flood of emotions barreled through, and I just felt it and lived it with him and with Brad.

“Why did being gay matter? How was I different? Nothing had changed, and yet everything had changed.”

The second part focuses on Brad's thoughts and the slow and steady way in which he comes to terms with his new shift in shedding this masculine shell of a life he had been adhering to for so long, while also learning about his past in which he came to realize that maybe he was more attracted to boys than girls. There is some anger, some latent fear and misunderstanding shared between the two - as he tries to cope with the sudden shift from king to outcast in his social status. But, there is also growth - a calm gentle understanding of reflection as he looks back at how he ended up here, how he shied away from expressing himself, only to know that Kyle was the one he wanted to share that part of himself with. Not so much an experiment, but an acceptance that he is the one who he could see a potential future with. 💜💜 I teared up at the 81 cents scene; they were trying. They were trying to make it work, and he was trying to cope with the changes to his life and his popularity dip. 🥹🥹🥹 And he was so kind to Kyle - considerate and understanding, even though, it was shitty of him to make a move on him while he had a girlfriend, it's the moments after that, when everything falls apart, that he fights so hard to show Kyle that he's not going to abandon him or walk away from him. That being with him is the realest he's ever felt and it's those tender and even funny moments, at times, that I really enjoyed. 🤍🤍

Apart from that, I liked getting to know him a bit better - there is a deep-rooted desire to live up to his father's expectations, and also something more that really hurt me. There was this earlier scene between the two - that proved to the two of them that it was not only their want for each other that they shared - it was their own form of family trauma that they related to - and that scene was heart-breaking. The author has this innate style of writing that does not hold back the punches to show how caustic and cruel and harsh, the judgment of people can be.'Look, Kyle, this is going to suck pretty badly, and I can’t imagine it’s going to get better anytime soon. So let’s make a promise. No matter what happens, we don’t take it out on each other. It’s going to be us against everybody else; the last thing we need is to turn on each other, okay?' 😢😢 And while it was painful to read - I believed it and I raged, and I hurt for them. Life is too short to be unfairly unkind to others - it just isn't worth the effort or the time, yet people are still hell-bent on being absolutely horrid.

“Listen,” I said with as much honesty as I could put into my words. “I didn’t have a life before you. All of that was… was just a waste of time.” 

I put my hand over his heart. “This, this is the first real thing I have ever felt. You didn’t ruin my life, dummy.” I smiled at him as my own eyes began to mist up. “You saved my life.”

🥹🥹🥹

The final part alternates between both their perspectives and it's really the point where the story delves into the meaty and gritty reaction of their classmates and the administration. It is unflinchingly harsh and unfair and down-right prejudiced at how prevalent and rabid the homophobic sentiments were. But, in the face of that defamation, so is the strength of their unwavering resilience and determination to make it through. Once again, the author does a great balance for their thoughts and emotions, esp. when the severity of their 'coming out' becomes even more of a target. 😟 But, even as the fight to be accepted worsens, their love for each other becomes even stronger. And the author did not shy away or hold back on the steam either! Their physical displays of affection were just 🤌🏻🤌🏻 - so well-placed throughout the narrative that I soaked in happiness in each of their stolen kisses and touches.

“You’re going to be the death of me,” he said, smiling up at me. Looking into those deep blue eyes, I swore I didn’t care what anyone thought anymore.

“Death by kissing,” I said, cupping his ass through the thin material of his boxers. “I can think of worse fates.”

The two of them are not in any way shy of showing just how much they want each other - that fierce desire to have each other - not afraid to get their hands on each other - even though they have to hide it. And it never felt forced - they really just wanted to be with each other and spend time together, because it's that feeling of new love that deepened their bond. ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 Brad's reaction to seeing just how adventurous Kyle could be - so passionate and willing - was so sweet, and that night when he came to see him - not allowing him to hide his body - to silently worship how much he liked it - craved it. 🫠🫠

“But in a world where no one thinks they are the bad guy and everyone plays the victim, it is harder and harder to find the black and the white of a situation. We are all the hero, and we are all the monster.

It just depends on which way you look at it.” 

The writing was great - very strong, very impactful, very engaging, very good. The dialogue is fresh and refreshing - yes, it can be both. It just appealed to my senses, and even if the two of them were so very different from each other, but I just really liked how natural they were with each other. 👌🏻👌🏻 It was not an insta-fix or a quick act upon lust, they talk - they actually communicate, and they don't shy away from expressing how they feel at the moment, while still behaving like real teenagers. I don't know if I'm making any sense, but that was the charm of the writing; like water, it flowed. Like a rollercoaster of emotions, a whirlwind of feelings, it was solid. It showed how prejudice and stereotypes don't have to be the norm, and it is okay to break free of what others expect you to behave and act as. It was, actually the first time, I wanted to do away with my own self-imposed rule of reading books in a series and jump right into the next one. But, my heart wouldn't allow it, so the wait was worth it, because gosh, the second book.... 😢💘

And while I have kept the mention of Kelly, Brad's former best friend and worst of the worst prejudiced bully to Kyle, limited here, he does play an integral key role to their dynamic, as well as a major player in the next book... 💔💔 So, does Brad's ex-girlfriend, for that matter, but in a positive light, I was not expecting. I do admit, I did find that the ending became a tad too political for my liking, but as I have read the next installment already - I understand why it was that way. It's setting the stage that the fight of acceptance is far from over for either of them, despite the few small victories they were able to achieve. For in the end, this is just the start of their fight to be acknowledged and accepted - to shed away the hostility they have to face and believe in the power that a love like theirs can get the fairy-tale happy ending that they deserve. 🩵 🩵

[Marte - Thunderella · Rating 4 out of 5]

**** 4 soaring stars *****

I loved Kyle.
He has had a lot to deal with in his life.
He has done the best he can.
Bowed his head and ploughed through, hoping.
Hoping there is a light, a better light at the end of the high school tunnel.

Suddenly there is an obstacle in his seemingly endless tunnel.
He cannot pass without looking up and face it.
And he does, right into green eyes.
Enter Bradley.
Who wants to be Kyle's obstacle.

Kyle doesn't look down anymore.
The tunnel is gone, and there's a cliff instead.
They take the plunge.
Together.
Scared, confused, overjoyed and exhilarated.
They fall and fall.
But the fall is more difficult than they had imagined.
They get hit on the way. Bump after bump.

But it doesn't matter.
There's an updraft, see.
Kyle's updraft is Bradley.
And Bradley's is Kyle.
They don't fall anymore.
They have everything they need.
They soar.


Read it.
Loved it.
Recommend it.
Read it!



BUDDY READ with Marco, Mel, Cory, Mish and Catherine.

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was probably one of the tougher m/m books I've read to date. Sure we all read m/m mostly for the romance and the smex and though some do address the difficult issues of coming out, this one was entirely focused on it and the ramifications - the serious, complicated, difficult ramifications that many LGBT teens have and probably will face.

Though this centers on two high school seniors, where at their age everything is about image, where situations may be interpreted over dramatically, it in no way negates problems such as bullying, discrimination, bigotry and of course blinding hatred. There is no sugarcoating here and maybe because it's set in small town America, there is a very plausible fear to what Kyle and Brad endure - and it's not pretty.

I loved the evolution of these two. Kyle goes from an invisible nobody, a loner by choice, to a man of conviction and strength. He may have been literally and figuratively beaten down in life but he's not going to be a punching bag any more. He's also a realist. He has no delusions that any proclamations of his sexuality will result in a welcome parade or easy acceptance. Kyle knows it's going to be ugly but he's no longer content to be passive and he's ready to defend himself and Brad with a fierceness that he didn't even know he had. It was freakin brilliant and awesome.

Not to say that Brad's life is puppies and rainbows. He too knows the stark reality of popularity and the importance of presenting a certain persona, a persona that he has been perfecting for years and unfortunately, trampled on many as he worked his way to the top. However one day Kyle catches his eye and he can't let him go and thus starts in motion a series of events that is scary and heartbreaking and liberating. Brad finds inner strength and conviction as his carefully constructed life dissolves around him. He realizes he no longer wants to hide his true self nor give up Kyle, and he tries to rectify his past actions and he does this beautifully.

So emotions definitely run high here. There's crushing disappointment, hopeful happiness, and paralyzing/catalyzing fear and anger. This is about realizing that not living truthfully is not living at all and having the courage to take that first step towards the first day of the rest of your life - a difficult life for sure, but a better life absolutely.

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being hounded by Elsbeth for some time, I decided to be a good friend and give this one a try :)



I have to say that eventhough it lacked a bit in the steamy department (which was understandable, since it's YA), I really did enjoy this series.

I still remember my time in high school and all the ups and downs that came with it...



This isn't just about two boys finding each other and falling in love. It's about bullies, bigotry, image, parents who dropped the ball and trying to survive your teenage years without too many battle wounds.

I really enjoyed these books and I will definitely check out more from this author. I don't usually read a lot of YA, but it was nice reading something different for a change. Thanks Elsbeth ;) xoxo

[BWT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kyle and Brad remain some of my favorite characters. Tales from Foster High is the beginning of their love story.

This second edition omnibus includes the first three novels of the Foster High series (with added material but the core of the story remains the same). You're still getting to know, through a first person narrative, two kids who are still very much growing up, maturing, and finding their footing while navigating a society that very much does not want them to be open about who they really are.

On top of dealing with everything else, neither kid's home life is good. Kyle's mother is an alcoholic who lets her boyfriends tune him up when he needs "discipline" (note: only anecdotally), and Brad's parents fight like manic wolverines, and sometimes Brad's dad gets drunk and physical. With everything they have going on it's just enough to get through a day, but then they have to go and fall in love with one another.

This is the beginning of Kyle and Brad's love story, and I love that Brad, who's sort of a douche in the very beginning, has a redemption arc that ultimately makes him such a better person. I love that we get both Kyle and Brad's POV in this, and love that the situations are so real, while the story is such a romance. The characters fall in love quickly, and by the end I fully buy in that, yes, they're meant to be together. Of course they are, and hopefully forever.

Young Adult Romance (both MC's are 17), with real world concerns, character growth, a dash of angst, some humor, a massive amount of pop culture references, and a happy ending.

Recommended, along with the next book in the series: End of the Innocence, but have your tissues handy (though no worries - Kyle&Brad's HEA always remains strong). ❤️

Review Galley copy of Tales From Foster High provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I usually don’t read YA books (because where is the fun in no sex?), and I try to stay clear of sad books (life is tough as it is), and that’s why I had decided not to read ‘Tales from Foster High’. YA - check, coming-out with lots of homophobia, equals sad - check.

But who can resist Marco? Marco, loving this book so much, posting this charming updates all over my (and everyone else’s, I know) update feet? Well, I can’t, resist, that is. And I’m damn happy about it.

This book is a YA book, yes, so there isn’t much sexy time going on here. Not much, mind you, but there is some, and it is lovely and made me all tingly.

Also, this book made me very sad, because ‘Homophobic reality is homophobic.’ (sorry, for stealing your line, Marco).

But, as you can see from my rating, I don’t care. This book is beautiful! I loved reading it, and I will read all the rest of the series, because this book made me care for Kyle and Brad, and made me care again for every gay teenager or man there is on this planet, that has to deal with realising that he is different than the majority, with coming out, with experiencing rejection and discrimination.

So, while this all is a huge aspect of this book, it’s not all there is to it. There is a beautiful love story between two great guys, and that I will always love reading about.

I love both MCs, Kyle and Brad, though I might have more of a thing for Kyle. I don’t wanna get too much into what they are like, because I think that would take away from the story. Just know, they are both real, they are weak and strong, they struggle and conquer. They are heroes.

--

This book is written in alternating perspectives, from both Kyle’s and Brad’s POV. (Well, book #1 is Kyle’s, book #2 is Brad’s, and book #3 is from both.)
The writing is full of reflection and insight. It’s as if they tell their story from a point later in life, reminiscing, without the distance that could come from this. We’re there, right with them, feeling every happy and sad moment.

--

I loved this book, and I loved even more that I could read this with my friends Marco and Marte. Thanks for the ride and being there for me. I’ll do the same for you whenever you need me.

--

I highly recommend this book, it was amazing.

[Sun · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Tales From Foster High” is a compilation of the first 3 books of the series.

I have deemed myself the M/M YA afficionado. The title sounds impressive. But alas, it just means that I’m easily entertained by the go-to storyline of the bullied nerd/closeted jock pairing. And as long as it’s handled with care, and the characters are likable, and it’s not written poorly, you can pretty much guarantee I’ll like it. The Tales From Foster High stories are decent…middle-of-the-pack when it comes to this genre, if you ask me. But, all-in-all, entertaining enough.

Tale 1: Kyle’s POV – quirky and funny…and has an inner strength even HE didn’t realize. I respect him and like him…a lot.
Tale 2: Brad’s POV – a bit on the boring side, actually…even when he turns jerk (which they all do for a short time in these books), it’s not that interesting. He’s actually kind of selfish/unkind in my opinion. But, I’m glad he eventually sees and comes to value the strength of Kyle.
Tale 3: Kyle & Brad, alternating POVs – not the most inspired coupling…but I like how the relationship makes Kyle stronger. The turn of events involving each of their mothers suddenly becoming supportive was a stretch and I didn’t understand how that switch flipped.

All in all…these stories are…ok. I’ll continue to read the series because I like it enough. But, it won’t stand out among some other books who have done this slightly better.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book! Damn! Why did it take me so long to pick it up?

John Goode's epic saga Tales from Foster High is about Brad and Kyle, two kids in high school. Kyle is a shy, smart boy who is used to staying invisible to everyone around him in high school.

Brad is just the opposite. He is a jock, the all American poster boy, popular, handsome and arrogant. When he needs extra tuition he picks Kyle and is immediately attracted to him. Kyle returns Brad’s feelings, and in Foster, a small town full of narrow minded bigots hell breaks loose…

John Goode did a fantastic job with this book, his skills of writing are pretty stunning, his ability to narrate in the voice of teenage boys is just amazing. The story is funny, heartbreaking, sad, and romantic.

I felt their pain, their courage, their hopes and their dreams as if I was a part of the story. Kyle and Brad’s determination to stay together against all odds is just wonderful written, it’s inspiring and romantic.

There are so many fabulous quotes in the book but this one is still my favourite:

"I can't tell you the day I started to lose who I was but I can tell you the very moment I found out who I really was.

It was the moment the blue eyed boy kissed me back.”

Thx John for your generosity and giving me the chance to reading this compilation of the first three books in the series! <3 <3 <3

Highly recommended! Now on to book four...

[River · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is a little gem.
Last year I decided that I wanted to read more comtemporary YA, I was very curious about how writers work with this so I gave it a go and glob did this book work, John Goode made a fantastic job with Tales from Foster High.

Kyle is such a rich, beautiful character, he is quirky and I loved being in his head and seeing the world his way. I loved his development, in the beginning of this 3 novellas he is okay with being invisible, he works hard to be the guy everyone barely notices until Brad.
Brad, I wanted to dislike Brad in the beginning but then I took a few minutes to really think about him, he is a jock, one of the most popular kids in school, he has the perfect girlfriend when he meets Kyle and his world is forever changed.

I liked the pacing of the story, John made me fall for his characters and made me want to know more. I devoured the complete series in a few days because I needed to know more about Kyle and Brad.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook review Audiobook Producton 5 STARS
Well now did this bring back some ugly memories, even though I didn't come out until just after high school, people just knew and it was HELL.

I read this out of fascination more than anything and it was so spot on it wasn't funny, well not to me, but it's an EXCELLENT read and should be mandatory in all school curriculum but even though it's not a massive problem in Australia like it was for me in the 80's. It still lurks in the few narrow minded parents who shove it down the throats of their children. Luckily which is few and far between. I know it still happens, I'm not blind to that fact but the backlash here is now severe.

[Cristina T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to pick one word to describe Tales from Foster High, it would be real. I–like most readers, I guess–read to escape real life, to get away from everything at least for a few hours a day. Now, this book? It was so real that it overwhelmed me at times, and I got completely sucked into the world of the MCs.

There are a lot of things wrong with the world, obviously, but narrow-minded people make the top of the list, in my opinion. They are the ones who absolutely refuse to accept something/someone different, and just because they disagree with anything, that naturally means it's wrong. As if. Also, out of everything these close-minded people come up with, homophobia makes my blood boil the most. It makes me incredibly angry, because, first of all...



And secondly, I strongly believe that no person has the right to judge another. Ever. What's worse is that homophobia has affected people since forever in so many cruel ways, from bullying to murder or inhumane so-called treatments meant to cure homosexuality. And all of it makes me sick, especially since even in the 21st century, people everywhere still suffer because of close-minded assholes.

I don't want to use this review as a place to rant, so... Moving on. In addition to being painfully real, this book was exceptionally beautiful! The writing style was so, so good, that I found myself getting lost in the words, letting them wrap around me like a comforting blanket. It was a great reading experience!

I really don't want to discuss the plot, because I feel like I couldn't do the book justice. But, anyway, let's meet the MCs... The casting was picked by John Goode himself, and I personally think it is perfect...

Kyle Stilleno

I don't remember the moment I knew I was broken... but I do know the moment I began to feel fixed.
It was the day the green-eyed boy fell in love with me.

Brad Greymark

I can't tell you the day I started to lose who I was but I can tell you the very moment I found out who I really was.
I was the moment the blue-eyed boy kissed me back.

Kyle & Brad are now officially one of, if not THE best couple I've ever had the pleasure to meet–well, read about. Their love felt real and I was glad to see them stand up for one another. I especially loved how fierce Kyle was when he defended Brad. They were both brave young men who had to suffer because of who they were and ultimately, they saved each other.

As human beings we spend so much energy arguing over every little thing it's easy to forget sometimes that deep down we are all the same creature. White, black, straight, gay, liberal, conservative, all those labels do is point out how different we seem, when the truth is almost everybody feels the same way about the important stuff.

This book will have a special place in my heart forever, and I do believe that everyone should read it! Seriously, read it, because it's so worth it!!!

[Britta ★ Nachteule ★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing in that life that is worth not being who you really are.

I wanted to write a raving review for all the books of this series. But I can't find the words!

They are awesome!

Loved every second I spend with them!

Just read them, ok?

[Maya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, barely an OK read for me. Didn’t really like the writing, especially Kyle’s voice. I felt that most of the characters were underdeveloped and flat, and this made many scenes unbelievable. The second tale and Brad’s voice saved the book from being a bad read.

Reading some of the reviews I understand the series gets better but I don’t think I’m interested in continuing.

I loved the author’s note at the end. It told me that Tales from Foster High came from his heart. So, I feel really bad for not liking the book but the truth is it fell short for me.


Maybe With a Chance of Certainty

Kyle’s PoV.

So many things happen in such a short time, it felt rushed and unnatural.

Sweet, smart and quirky Kyle was too stereotypical, nothing about him was special enough to grab my heart. And it was even more difficult for me to connect when this 17 yo kid said things like:

I spent the next hour or so packing my emotions back into the containers from which they had escaped. Previously mint-condition desire and love, still in the box, were now forever ruined as I taped up the plastic covers and tried to stack everything back where it belonged.

I would never argue that Kyle and Brad’s family and school situations are unrealistic but I felt that the obstacles the author threw at them were too many considering the length of the story.


The End of the Beginning

Brad’s PoV.

I liked Brad’s voice more than Kyle’s. There was a lot of back story here that explained how Brad became who he was – a lost kid hiding under the façade of a popular jock. This made his character arc much more believable.

The second tale was better paced than the first, the only surprise was how quickly the argument Brad had with his father started and ended. I get it, teenagers are impulsive, I just didn’t expect Brad’s father to accept everything so easily, given their history.


Raise Your Glass

Dual PoV.

I liked this one the least of the three.

Similar to the first story, everything that happens within these two days felt rushed, side characters changed suddenly and acted opposite to the expectations built in the first two stories.

I’m not sure what exactly I expected from this third tale, mostly I think I wanted to see Kyle and Brad’s relationship develop, and when it didn’t happen I was disappointed.

Didn’t get why there had to be so many pop culture references. For example while Kyle was being humiliated in front of his classmates, he was thinking about Richard Gere, Pretty Woman, the Stepford Wives, and Michael Jackson, etc.

All the things that happened, especially in the final pages made me feel as if I were watching a mediocre Hollywood teen drama.


Perhaps if I had read this a year and a half ago - before I’d read so many YA novels - I would have enjoyed it more.

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! This is the story of Kyle and Brad.

A story of someone who spent their entire high school career not wanting to be seen or noticed, only to be sought out by the most popular person possible. A story of someone who treated people poorly and then gets a first hand look at how it feels when on the opposite side. A story of someone who gets fed up with being ridiculed and teased and takes a stand. A story of parents who constantly fight, but then come together to help their son. A story of someone who is so afraid of others finding out who he really is that he becomes a bully. A story of bigoted teachers setting a poor example to students. A story of two young kids afraid to go to school. A story where friends show their true colors when secrets are revealed. A story that makes you feel and laugh and empathize.

A story that is so much more than what I've written here. The story of Kyle and Brad.

[Jyanx · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really well done high school coming out story. I especially enjoyed Kyle's voice. His views on life, and perspective were interesting, and I really liked his sense of humor, and his metaphors especially made me laugh. It's not really a mystery why I felt I could relate to Kyle on some level, but I was surprised by how much I liked Brad. When just seen from Kyle's perspective it would be easy to see him as some sort of jock stereotype, but once Brad's perspective was introduced he proved to a much more than he first appeared. I enjoyed seeing both boy’s view point. It made for a much richer story, and I could understand the fears, frustrations, hopes, and desires that brought them together, and drove them apart. Living in a small town makes me appreciate that there is no romanticizing of small town living, and the author captures the pitfalls, and traps that exists in places like that. I like the fact that Brad never denies some of the truly rotten things he has done, but seems resolved to do better by people. I like that characters make choices, and not everyone that seems bad in the beginning stays that way. The ending is triumphant, and the sort of conclusion I'd wish for any boy or girl in this sort of situation. I loved that in that moment Brad chose to take a stand, not just for himself, and for Kyle, but for all the other students at their school who were living with similar torment, harassment, and torture. It made me respect him all that much more.

[Guy Venturi · Rating 5 out of 5]

High jinks of high school faculty and staff

What if your were to almost overthrow the school administration for discrimination? PDAs? Hatred and lying? Unethical treatment of students? Federal law violations? Rumors? Manipulation of the students?

What if the students fight back? What if they demand new faculty leaders? Equal treatment? Equal protection from getting beaten up? Equal access to resources? Equal sports and team access? Medical care? Classroom courtesy? Punishment?

Threatening expulsion for getting beaten up is not right. Changing clothes in the Coach's office for one boy is wrong. Either all or none. Gay treatment should be no different than everyday treatment of students. Every one is different for different reasons, but all are mostly the same.

There is no gay in TEAM! It is in the messed up minds of those who think the have more rights then others. Schools are a mix of cultures, beliefs, training, education, experience, government, records, reactions, and rationalizations to life for a small group of people.

Foster High is a microcausm of hopes, fears, friends, books, clothes, rooms, panic, bad food, chalk, season, weather, competition, and rivalry that battles to survive and transform into the future leaders.

[Smith Barney · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO this entire series (1-4) is reminiscent of enjoying one of the most dramatically compelling emotionally gripping feel-good after-school specials...ever. A multi-layered, character-infused story you just can't help but get involved in.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Rebecka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm... No. Everything here was too much. I guess this book is supposed to show what reality can be like for gay teens in the US, but for the format, too much just happens all the time - to the same people. Why not have a bunch of different kids at different schools instead? And, while we're at it, toning it down just a bit? That would have been ever so much more effective.

The timing is constantly wrong here, and it's more like the characters were forced into these situations, than that these things actually happened to the characters because of something they did. (Causality? What's that?) This makes it feel like there's a new character popping up every 20 or so pages - their behavior is simply that inconsistent (or it's like an American teen tv-show where they go from HEA to suicidal misery while you were in the kitchen getting pop-corn and you're all "wait, what?" when you get back -- a bad feeling to get when you're reading a book). Where's that Kyle from the first story, for example? What happened to him? I'd like to read his story, actually. The story of the surprisingly "dominant" geek kid. Wouldn't that be fun?

The writing isn't bad, it's sometimes witty and funny and promising, but there should have been more editing. Just like with everything else, it's also too much. Editing could also have taken away blatant contradictions in what people say. I know real people contradict themselves all the time, but in a book it has to be better crafted to work. Reality can't always just be transposed to the written page without alterations and still be credible.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I'm sitting here stressing about this review. You see? Reviewing is not my thing. I'm pretty sucky at it and I'm ok with that. But when I read a book(s) like this one, is the moment I wish I knew what the heck I was doing. Not to feel like I'm the shit, but to give the characters, the story, and the author the acknowledgement/OMG's it deserves in hopes that it gets the chance to affect others the way it did with me.

Tales of Foster High is a M/M YA romance series. But at the same time it is so much more. Even though this is a work of fiction it touches on a topic that unfortunately for a lot of gay students it's their truth...it's their life.

Now I know these things exist and happen everyday. but reading about them, putting a "face" to the situation makes you feel/see it differently. Which is why even though I have always been open with my kids and they know what it is to be gay and bullied, I can not wait to share this book with them. And hopefully one day they get to make a difference in someones life...or maybe it will make a difference in theirs.

This real life, adorable, and yet fun read is highly recommended to everyone!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Paul, because of reasons...thank you!

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

[T.A. Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compilation of three previously released works about two young men, Kyle and Brad, and their coming to terms with their homosexuality and how it affects their lives when they come out. The works are heartfelt, direct, amazing pieces, and I get chills every time I read them. I have reviewed them individually, and will share them collectively.

"Maybe with a Chance of Certainty"

"I don't remember the moment I knew I was broken...but I do recall when I started to understand it might be okay. It was the moment I fell in love with the boy with the green eyes."

Sigh.

Kyle is the loner in school - intelligent, socially awkward, alcoholic abusive mother. Gay.

Brad is the star of the baseball team, one of the gods of high school. Popular, beautiful. Unattainable.

When Brad asks Kyle to tutor him in history, it sparks a change in both young men that has to be read to be savored.

I LOVED this book. And I cannot wait for the sequel.

Mr. Goode captures both boys so heartbreakingly well. I found myself aching and crying with the care he invested in these characters. Other writers looking to capture what it is to be a gay man, or a boy, or whatever, should read this and pay close attention to the voices, especially of Kyle. So many don't get it right, that it is scary and unreal and that you feel broken when you realize you are different.

I wish I had had this to read with I was a teenager. Or even in my early 20s. At 50, I get it now. But the fragility of these boys' hearts and the fear and the ache and the love. Beautiful.

Just...read it. Please.

"The End of the Beginning"

If you haven’t read “Maybe…” – GO READ IT AND COME BACK! If you have, or don’t mind some minor spoilers, read on…

Brad and Kyle are students at Foster High School in Tyler, Texas. Brad, the star player of the baseball team, is popular, from a wealthy family, and has the run of the school. Kyle, from the wrong side of the tracks, is quietly intelligent and invisible, not even registering on the popularity scale. Somehow, improbably, these two have discovered each other and found common ground. Both from horribly dysfunctional families, both hiding, both tough on the outside but fragile on the inside, battered on the inside and out. Both gay.

This fine book picks up where “Maybe with a Chance of Certainty” left off. Responding to Kyle’s being bullied, Brad has outed himself to his classmates to protect Kyle. We find Brad the next day, contemplating what he has done, and doing some soul searching. Did he do the right thing? Can he take it back? What will his friends thinks? His family? Teammates? Can it be undone?

In the course of dealing with all this fear, which is ultimately what this book is about – fear, and will Brad master it – he meets a kindred spirit. Tyler, an older and hopefully wiser version of Brad, helps him in a weak moment. He recognizes himself in Brad, and gives him the best advice of his young life - “Trust me, living with a life full of regrets is just about the shittiest way I can think of existing.” God, where was my Tyler when was 16, 17, 18?

“I promise you the only thing worse than being a rat trapped in a maze is being aware that you were that rat.” With one simple observation, Brad’s soul is bared to us.

Where “Maybe…” was more about Kyle, this is definitely Brad’s story. We find out much more about what makes Brad tick, his fears, his hopes, his family, and most importantly, what he wants out of life. And we see, though his eyes, how very tough it is to be young and gay in a small town. How love can make us vulnerable when nothing else can touch us, and how fear can grab even the toughest of us by the throat and the heart and shake us until we are weak. How even knowing the right thing to do can scare us so badly, we will give up on ourselves and the ones we love to protect what is. Because what might be – no guarantees there, are there?

And that, in turn, makes us take a hard look inside. And makes me wonder, if I were in Brad’s position, what would I do? And that, my friends, is the sign of a great writer. Most anyone who writes can tell a competent tale – it takes an artist to make us stop and think. To hold up a mirror and invite us to look, think, feel. And make no mistake, with this book, Mr. Goode is an artist.
“At that moment I knew I’d follow him anywhere he took me.”

I feel the same way, Mr. Goode. Keep writing like this and take me with you.

"Raise Your Glass"

It's been only two days since baseball jock and school BMOC Brad came out to the school in an attempt to support his boyfriend, nerdy and invisible Kyle. The repercussions haven't really hit either boy terribly hard yet, as they skipped school the day before, and now will have to face the music.

The reaction at home has been mixed. Kyle's mother, gone agan, isn't a factor. And Brad's parents are, as usual, fighting over the news. It's at school where the dread will come in. Brad picks up Kyle and, drawing on other for strength, they head in to Foster High.

The kids are waiting. The news has spread, the gossip ripe. Whispers greet them everywhere they go. Conversations stop as they walk into their classes. Students once friends now look at Brad like he grew an additional head. For Kyle, it means he's noticed now.

But with attention comes conflict, and the underlying homophobia Kyle feared. And it comes out - verbally, physically, emotionally. Even to the point where Brad may not be allowed to play baseball, since he might...become aroused by the bodies around him. Never mind he's been dressing out in locker rooms for years. Never mind he is counting on a scholarship to get the hell out of North Texas.

Will the pressures of being out be too much for Kyle and Brad? How will the school, and the school board, deal with openly gay student? And, most importantly, will the boys be together and safe?

John Goode has once again delivered the goods. This is an emotionally stunning, powerhouse...gem of a story. The two characters, Brad and Kyle, leap off the page with verve and conviction. They grabbed my attention, my love and my heart.

This is a hugely relevant and important series. Nobody else in the genre has captured the pure psychological weight on the shoulders of gay teens, and how truly fragile, yet strong, these kids are. Brad on his own was maintaining, hiding his true self under a self-hating persona. And Kyle was living day-to-day, counting the moments until he was out of school.

Ah, but together? These two together have found something special, something that makes them more than just the sum of the two wholes. They found synergy. And with that, they can make it through.

There are horrible things that happen along the way in this book - deeds that can't be undone, words that can't be unspoken, hurts that can't be taken back. But alongside all that - there is something more. Something underlying all the pain and the fear and the hate.

The unspoken forces that Mr. Goode has given us here are Hope and Love.

Hope for these two boys. Hope for at least some of the people in this small Texas town. Hope for their parents, their friends - old and new. Hope for other gay men and women there.

And love. The love of a young man for another. A parent for their child. Love of self.

This book moved me to tears. Joyful tears that Kyle and Brad will make it. That they are not alone. And that it does get better.

Fine job.



Read this wonderful series and enjoy!!!

Tom

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.. just wow! I had so much about this book from Julie, Marco, and a few other reviews and was really intrigued. A little wary also, because sometimes when a book has alot of hype/good reviews, I seem to end up not liking it half the time.

Happy to report this was not the case here. <3

'Tales from Foster High started off slow and steady, letting me get to know Kyle and Brad. I felt like we were sitting in a restaurant somewhere with a camera ready and I was getting to hear their story. John Goode writes this in a sort of documentary way... You feel like your walking with/behind them, seeing things through their eyes and feeling what they felt (overused phrase? Maybe but true).


At times, I wanted to hug both of them sometimes and hide them away somewhere. I was bullied too in high-school. It wasn't to the extent of Brad/Kyle and some of the other students, but I still remember feeling helpless and angry that not much was being done.

Neither Brad or Kyle has had an easy home life, when Brad seeks out Kyle for tutoring in History... they discover both they had have much in common and that there's more layers to each other than they would have originally.

Watching them falling in love and getting to know each other was beautiful. Mr Goode wrote everything realistically, there was no sugar-coating or inserting things just for the heck of it, no unnecessary drama.

I could understand Brad's fears and didn't resent him for it... it was great watching him grow and change and gain some confidence in himself. Same with Kyle, I was proud he stood up for himself, both when Brad was jerking him around and when the students started bullying them for both for being gay.

The assistant and regular principals I wanted to smack! Their attitudes... *glares and shakes head* Not enough words to convey how their attitudes saddened and disgusted me.

Kelly, I did have a bit of pity for him despite the way he acted... afraid of 'not being a man' and to be who he truly is.. can't imagine what that's like. Doesn't excuse his behavior though, hopefully he'll grow into someone he won't despise later on.

Loved how Brad and Kyle stuck together, even with some arguments and obstacles thrown their way, they always came back to each other.

There were a couple slow spots for me but I was never bored :).

I was smiling from ear to ear when Kyle and Brad's parents and Brad/Kyle went toe-toe with the school board (Brad's speech at the end was amazing/inspiring/courageous). I only wish the parents had realized what was happening sooner but with the boys' fears of what would happen if they told...

The ending isn't exactly a cliffhanger but it leaves you yearning to know what will happen next... don't know when I'll get the other volumes but as soon as funds allow :-D.

Not all my thoughts about the book are in this review, hard to rate a book you really fall in love with sometimes... hope I did it justice.

Highly recommend!

[Deeze · Rating 4 out of 5]

After holding these on my TBR list for ages I finally felt in the mood for them, and they did not disappoint.

Reading about life back in high school reminded me so much of my own school days, although luckly nowhere near as traumatic, I could still feel the loneliness and sometimes humiliation of being the odd one out. I was lucky though to have 2 very good friends and we helped each other get through the days.

Kyle had no one and so I instantly felt connected to him. Not only did he have no one he had to deal with a parent that was worse than useless when he got home.

Brad I found harder to like at the beginning. More than once he gained my sympathy only to lose it a few pages later. Even knowing of his background could not excuse his actions, but happily he did redeem himself in my eyes. For now anyway, I guess I'm a little worried for future books but time will tell.

I did find myself a little lost at first with the way both Kyle and Brad would kind of get side tracked in their thoughts, but once I got a feel for them things soon settled down.

The ending was perfect and while at first I was surprised at Brads dads reaction, after thinking it through I realised that he acted totally in character While he might of hated admitting to having a gay son, power and control mean more to him so I see his actions not as standing up for his son but more trying to prove that he was still king in his small world.

I need to see the mothers follow through on their actions before I'm ready to believe in either of them. Brads mother was a bit contradictory to me. Growing up I got the impression she pretty much ignored Brad unless she could use him against his dad, but towards the end she seemed much more caring.

As for Kelly I actually feel more sorry for him. I really hope he can turn his life around before he does irreparable damage to someone other than himself.

Although this part of the story is complete I'm glad I can jump straight into the second part of their journey.

ETA This one still packs a punch and really brings home lifes realities

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review - Maybe With a Chance of Certainty (book 1)

Review - End of the Beginning (book 2)

Review - Raise Your Glass (book 3)



Other reviews of the series

[LexyLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!!

This was awesome!! I am usually quite allergic to YA novels as they can sometimes feel a little doomsday like so I'm not sure why I ended up reading this especially as I hate the closeted jock and nerd trope. This was so not that trope and very unexpected so I am so thankful that I read it!

Brad and Kyle are both super cute and I'm so proud of the both of them for being so awesome and sticking to their guns! I was doing a little whoo hoo dance at the end of this!

What a great story!

[Madeline (Maddi) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aside from a few minor things, I really did like this book, look forward to reading more.