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Lost and Found
Some statistics say that 40% of all homeless teens are GLBT. They’re on the streets after their families have thrown them away, told them that they don’t matter, that they’re not normal. Well, guess what? Those families are wrong. This collection of stories by ten talented authors spans the spectrum (historical, paranormal, transgender, cutter, gay) to show that – it’s okay, there are people out there that care, and these teens are perfect just the way they are.
All royalties from this anthology are being donated to Lost-n-Found Youth in Atlanta, Georgia. A wonderful charity working with these teens, helping them find their new place and get on their feet.
All royalties from this anthology are being donated to Lost-n-Found Youth in Atlanta, Georgia. A wonderful charity working with these teens, helping them find their new place and get on their feet.
421 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2013
1 person is currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Kris Jacen
54 books147 followersKris Jacen is the Executive Editor and Formatting Director for ManLoveRomance Press and its imprints. She was invited to join the MLR staff in 2008 and has never looked back. Working with over thirty-five phenomenal authors such as Rick R. Reed, JP Bowie, James Buchanan, J.L. Langley, Ally Blue, Jet Mykles, William Maltese and has allowed her to both hone her editorial skills and indulge her inner fangirl. Kris also acts as editor, mentor and sounding-board for newcomers including Kimberly Gardner, Lex Valentine, S.J. Frost, Patric Michael and Z. Allora. With this stable of talent under her guidance, Kris is quick to tell anyone who will listen that she loves her job. And her authors are just as quick to say that they love their editor.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 6, 2018
The Lost and Found story I'm reviewing today, Thrown Away, is a straight forward story about a boy who is thrown out of his parents' house after he confesses he identifies as a girl. His family gives him the cold shoulder and he ends up in a nasty shelter. Until he gets rescued by loving, open minded people. But there's a little twist...
Although Thrown Away is well-written, the events and how they unfold are nothing if not predictable. These are the situations the teens that the Lost-n-Found Youth in Atlanta provides for, have all found themselves in at some point. But that doesn't mean it makes for a particularly interesting reading experience. Since these stories are all fictional, I must admit that I had expected the subject matter to be explored with more creativity. Yes, it is terrible that hate, ignorance and fear poison the lives of promising kids. It's infuriating that parents turn against their own children if they fail to fit the mold of 'normalcy'. You and I both know these things happen though. I personally don't require tearjerkers to be reminded of the importance of the cause.
In fact, I think I would have preferred recollections of real kids to fiction. Yes, a bundle of interviews with t(w)eens, recalling their struggles in life and how those struggles defined them, could have packed a punch. Imagine this; their voices would have delivered such a powerful message!
I had hoped for this anthology to inspire, enlighten and inform me. Since I am reviewing Thrown Away, in which the MC is a girl in a boy's body, how about some food for thought? When your MC has to deal with something that most readers probably have not encountered themselves and find intriguing, why not dive into what it actually entails to be locked up in the wrong body? What options does a boy have when he decides he wants to be a girl? When is the right time to let a girlfriend or boyfriend in on his little secret? There's so much material to work with here, to turn into a story that would have kept me on the edge of my seat. Stories that could have made you or, in this case, comfortable-in-her-own-body me actually FEEL how intoxicating it is to pass as the opposite sex for the first time. And what a relief to finally be able to inject those hormones that will stop these terrifying processes in a body that feels alien.
So it's about more than creating awareness for a glaring problem, it's about creating understanding. About making people see that they are damn lucky to be who they are and that they should be supportive of those who weren't that lucky, and have long, unpleasant roads ahead of them to obtain a body that feels right. To become that someone you and I were fortunate enough to be all along.
My rating for this book is first and foremost meant as praise for the heartwarming initiative to donate Lost and Found's royalties to this wonderful charity. This alone should be reason enough to immediately order this book. If you end up enjoying these stories, well, that's a big, fat bonus!
Reviews' schedule:
6/16 : Back under the Bridge, reviewed by Ilhem
6/17 : A Ghost of a chance / A chance with A Ghost, reviewed by Elizabetta
6/18 : Protective Instincts, reviewed by Macky
6/19 : Blessing, reviewed by Heather
6/20 : The Preacher’s Son / Clay rocks, reviewed by Susan
6/21 : Sam I Am, reviewed by Shelley
6/22 : Thrown Away, reviewed by Katinka
6/23 : You Have Never Mattered / I Have Always Mattered, reviewed by Sid
Although Thrown Away is well-written, the events and how they unfold are nothing if not predictable. These are the situations the teens that the Lost-n-Found Youth in Atlanta provides for, have all found themselves in at some point. But that doesn't mean it makes for a particularly interesting reading experience. Since these stories are all fictional, I must admit that I had expected the subject matter to be explored with more creativity. Yes, it is terrible that hate, ignorance and fear poison the lives of promising kids. It's infuriating that parents turn against their own children if they fail to fit the mold of 'normalcy'. You and I both know these things happen though. I personally don't require tearjerkers to be reminded of the importance of the cause.
In fact, I think I would have preferred recollections of real kids to fiction. Yes, a bundle of interviews with t(w)eens, recalling their struggles in life and how those struggles defined them, could have packed a punch. Imagine this; their voices would have delivered such a powerful message!
I had hoped for this anthology to inspire, enlighten and inform me. Since I am reviewing Thrown Away, in which the MC is a girl in a boy's body, how about some food for thought? When your MC has to deal with something that most readers probably have not encountered themselves and find intriguing, why not dive into what it actually entails to be locked up in the wrong body? What options does a boy have when he decides he wants to be a girl? When is the right time to let a girlfriend or boyfriend in on his little secret? There's so much material to work with here, to turn into a story that would have kept me on the edge of my seat. Stories that could have made you or, in this case, comfortable-in-her-own-body me actually FEEL how intoxicating it is to pass as the opposite sex for the first time. And what a relief to finally be able to inject those hormones that will stop these terrifying processes in a body that feels alien.
So it's about more than creating awareness for a glaring problem, it's about creating understanding. About making people see that they are damn lucky to be who they are and that they should be supportive of those who weren't that lucky, and have long, unpleasant roads ahead of them to obtain a body that feels right. To become that someone you and I were fortunate enough to be all along.
My rating for this book is first and foremost meant as praise for the heartwarming initiative to donate Lost and Found's royalties to this wonderful charity. This alone should be reason enough to immediately order this book. If you end up enjoying these stories, well, that's a big, fat bonus!
Reviews' schedule:
6/16 : Back under the Bridge, reviewed by Ilhem
6/17 : A Ghost of a chance / A chance with A Ghost, reviewed by Elizabetta
6/18 : Protective Instincts, reviewed by Macky
6/19 : Blessing, reviewed by Heather
6/20 : The Preacher’s Son / Clay rocks, reviewed by Susan
6/21 : Sam I Am, reviewed by Shelley
6/22 : Thrown Away, reviewed by Katinka
6/23 : You Have Never Mattered / I Have Always Mattered, reviewed by Sid
June 12, 2013
Ladies, this is for a GOOD & IMPORTANT CAUSE. I beg you to get a copy of this one to help LGTB homeless youth:
"40% of homeless youth are LGBT. The #1 reason they're on the streets is family rejection."
THIS HAS TO STOP!
REVIEW TO COME...
Read
May 16, 2013***Update*** Just received word that Lost and Found will release on Friday May 17th!!! It is chock full of talented writers, and I am honored to be included. I have two stories, so please, be sure to check it out.
What a wonderful experience this was, and for such a great cause. All stories are about throwaway kids - those children whose parents toss them aside because of who they choose to love. We tried to show the reality, and when we could, give them a happy ending.
I'm so proud that the beneficiary of all proceeds from this anthology will go to Lost-n-Found Youth, Inc. here in my hometown of Atlanta. The day Kris Jacen called them, they had just received a call from a young person whose parents left him on the side of the road because they found a gay romance on his e-reader.
Please, if you only buy one book this month, let it be this one.
Tom
What a wonderful experience this was, and for such a great cause. All stories are about throwaway kids - those children whose parents toss them aside because of who they choose to love. We tried to show the reality, and when we could, give them a happy ending.
I'm so proud that the beneficiary of all proceeds from this anthology will go to Lost-n-Found Youth, Inc. here in my hometown of Atlanta. The day Kris Jacen called them, they had just received a call from a young person whose parents left him on the side of the road because they found a gay romance on his e-reader.
Please, if you only buy one book this month, let it be this one.
Tom
July 2, 2013
Such an AMAZING book for such an WONDERFUL cause.
To think young people have to suffer this rejection after plucking up the courage to come out as gay is very sad :(
I would love to say I am brave like these young people but I'm not, the fear of rejection fills me with dread. They are amazing :)
This book is written by some extremely talented authors who have given their time and effort to raise money to show their support for these young people.
I was emotionally drawn in from the moment I read the first page. As it is a series of short stories I chose to read each individual one inbetween other books, which worked great for me
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT and buy the book I highly recommend it
To think young people have to suffer this rejection after plucking up the courage to come out as gay is very sad :(
I would love to say I am brave like these young people but I'm not, the fear of rejection fills me with dread. They are amazing :)
This book is written by some extremely talented authors who have given their time and effort to raise money to show their support for these young people.
I was emotionally drawn in from the moment I read the first page. As it is a series of short stories I chose to read each individual one inbetween other books, which worked great for me
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT and buy the book I highly recommend it
September 1, 2015
This is a fabulous collection of 11 stories all with an LGBT theme, but the absolute best part for me.....ALL of your money goes to the Lost-n-Found Youth, Inc. charity. based in Atlanta, Georgia. It will get a HUGE 
and 
AND the dancing girls are paying a quick visit too!!
As anyone who reads my reviews will tell you, hardly any of the books I read are LGBT, it's not that I don't like them, it's just that I prefer the MC's in my books to have a little more 'life experience' shall we say...but when I heard that this anthology was being brought out especially for a particular charity, I was there like a shot...or rather my credit card was!! After all, if I can waste £9 on a less than spectacular Black Dagger Brotherhood book, I can give a similar amount in dollar terms for this collection, and know it's going to help young kids who need it.
Some of the stories I liked more than others I have to admit, in particular I loved the Diane Adams story 'A Ghost of a Chance' and the two that Tom did..both of which were follow on stories to the previous one in the running list of the book, as well as 'Protective Instincts' by Tabatha Heart, 'Blessing' by Dakota Chase, 'The Preacher's Son' by Caitlin Ricci....and I absolutely loved the twist at the end of 'Thrown Away' by DC Juris.
This is such a brilliant collection, you'd be absolutely MAD not to buy it...so if you only do one good thing today, please, please contribute and buy this book, it's for an amazing cause, and I can only thank Tom and the other authors for contributing their stories, time and effort free of charge.
and AND the dancing girls are paying a quick visit too!!As anyone who reads my reviews will tell you, hardly any of the books I read are LGBT, it's not that I don't like them, it's just that I prefer the MC's in my books to have a little more 'life experience' shall we say...but when I heard that this anthology was being brought out especially for a particular charity, I was there like a shot...or rather my credit card was!! After all, if I can waste £9 on a less than spectacular Black Dagger Brotherhood book, I can give a similar amount in dollar terms for this collection, and know it's going to help young kids who need it.
Some of the stories I liked more than others I have to admit, in particular I loved the Diane Adams story 'A Ghost of a Chance' and the two that Tom did..both of which were follow on stories to the previous one in the running list of the book, as well as 'Protective Instincts' by Tabatha Heart, 'Blessing' by Dakota Chase, 'The Preacher's Son' by Caitlin Ricci....and I absolutely loved the twist at the end of 'Thrown Away' by DC Juris.
This is such a brilliant collection, you'd be absolutely MAD not to buy it...so if you only do one good thing today, please, please contribute and buy this book, it's for an amazing cause, and I can only thank Tom and the other authors for contributing their stories, time and effort free of charge.
Read
June 17, 2013Bridges and Angels 
“Bridges and Angels” opens the anthology “Lost and Found”: two words that cover many realities and this is the story of one of them. Gipson’s story.
Gipson is 18 years old and he’s learning. He’s learning to survive on the streets, to find temporary warmth and shelter, to run and to hide, to be wary and scared.
Soon I fear, he will learn to turn tricks. Survival has its cost, right?
Wariness again, the comfort of a fire camp under a bridge and a plunge back in time, a trembling, tender, cute and exciting first time that ends up abruptly in pain, terror and losses.
Back under the bridge, Gipson’s story follows its course...
I‘m not a huge fan of the angel plot device, but with a broken story line that gives punch to the narrative, an on the whole well developed plot and details that ring true, Bridges and Angels is a story - but not a romance -that hit right in the target and to which I related. You’ll have to bear the echo, I’m afraid!
There is a whole range of reactions to homosexuality, bisexuality and transgender. What struck me at the beginning is how vital it is to preserve familial bonds, how important education, information, sometimes mediation are in matter of prevention.
Still, at the extreme of the spectrum, there is Gipson’s father who lives parenthood as a creditor in a transaction that he can rightfully end as long as he feels that the debt is not being paid, who can take everything back and kick the child he pampered out. Purely and simply erased.
As much as I’m rejoicing that the educational and informational work pays off, that the world is changing and that more and more people will accept what should in a perfect world simply be, there are still and there probably always will be LGBT kids living on the streets, on the fringe of the world.
A young one on the street is in danger and it is an emergency.
Kids should know that they didn’t do anything wrong, that the shame is not theirs to feel, that it’s okay to ask for help, even if it means to tell why they’ve been kicked out and they should know where they can ask for it.
The longer they live in survival mode, the farther they will be gone, the longer and the more uncertain the road back will be, once they are found. If they are found.
It is intolerable but sadly still unavoidable to rely on what some will call Providence and others hazard, so that they have access to organisations that will help them.
Yet, they are crossing paths with people who see them, if only for a moment, who are willing to hold a hand, give warmth, food, but can only offer a brief reprieve.
Yet, there are shelters. Overcrowded, without any place left to give and sometimes no safety to offer.
Education, information campaigns, mediation, shelters and social work are a whole in which many organisations play their part but a strong network needs willing hands and money to fuel the machine. Also, open eyes willing to give an address or a phone number or even to make a phone call are needed to build bridges that will bring homeless kids toward places and people who will offer rest and help and give them a chance to grow up safely.
“You’re weary and been travelling for a long time. Just rest up and the morning will be a better day”
“All royalties from this anthology are being donated to Lost-n-Found Youth in Atlanta, Georgia.”
Reviews' schedule :
6/17 : A Ghost of a chance / A chance with A Ghost, reviewed by Elizabetta
6/18 : Protective Instincts, reviewed by Macky
6/19 : Blessing, reviewed by Heather
6/20 : The Preacher’s Son / Clay rocks, reviewed by Susan
6/21 : Sam I Am, reviewed by Shelley
6/22 : Thrown Away, reviewed by Katinka
6/23 : You Have Never Mattered / I Have Always Mattered, reviewed by Sid
“Bridges and Angels” opens the anthology “Lost and Found”: two words that cover many realities and this is the story of one of them. Gipson’s story.
Gipson is 18 years old and he’s learning. He’s learning to survive on the streets, to find temporary warmth and shelter, to run and to hide, to be wary and scared.
Soon I fear, he will learn to turn tricks. Survival has its cost, right?
Wariness again, the comfort of a fire camp under a bridge and a plunge back in time, a trembling, tender, cute and exciting first time that ends up abruptly in pain, terror and losses.
Back under the bridge, Gipson’s story follows its course...
I‘m not a huge fan of the angel plot device, but with a broken story line that gives punch to the narrative, an on the whole well developed plot and details that ring true, Bridges and Angels is a story - but not a romance -that hit right in the target and to which I related. You’ll have to bear the echo, I’m afraid!
There is a whole range of reactions to homosexuality, bisexuality and transgender. What struck me at the beginning is how vital it is to preserve familial bonds, how important education, information, sometimes mediation are in matter of prevention.
Still, at the extreme of the spectrum, there is Gipson’s father who lives parenthood as a creditor in a transaction that he can rightfully end as long as he feels that the debt is not being paid, who can take everything back and kick the child he pampered out. Purely and simply erased.
As much as I’m rejoicing that the educational and informational work pays off, that the world is changing and that more and more people will accept what should in a perfect world simply be, there are still and there probably always will be LGBT kids living on the streets, on the fringe of the world.
A young one on the street is in danger and it is an emergency.
Kids should know that they didn’t do anything wrong, that the shame is not theirs to feel, that it’s okay to ask for help, even if it means to tell why they’ve been kicked out and they should know where they can ask for it.
The longer they live in survival mode, the farther they will be gone, the longer and the more uncertain the road back will be, once they are found. If they are found.
It is intolerable but sadly still unavoidable to rely on what some will call Providence and others hazard, so that they have access to organisations that will help them.
Yet, they are crossing paths with people who see them, if only for a moment, who are willing to hold a hand, give warmth, food, but can only offer a brief reprieve.
Yet, there are shelters. Overcrowded, without any place left to give and sometimes no safety to offer.
Education, information campaigns, mediation, shelters and social work are a whole in which many organisations play their part but a strong network needs willing hands and money to fuel the machine. Also, open eyes willing to give an address or a phone number or even to make a phone call are needed to build bridges that will bring homeless kids toward places and people who will offer rest and help and give them a chance to grow up safely.
“You’re weary and been travelling for a long time. Just rest up and the morning will be a better day”
“All royalties from this anthology are being donated to Lost-n-Found Youth in Atlanta, Georgia.”
Reviews' schedule :
6/17 : A Ghost of a chance / A chance with A Ghost, reviewed by Elizabetta
6/18 : Protective Instincts, reviewed by Macky
6/19 : Blessing, reviewed by Heather
6/20 : The Preacher’s Son / Clay rocks, reviewed by Susan
6/21 : Sam I Am, reviewed by Shelley
6/22 : Thrown Away, reviewed by Katinka
6/23 : You Have Never Mattered / I Have Always Mattered, reviewed by Sid
May 17, 2013
From Will's review:
Normally for reviews my name is Lucky. For Lost and Found, the anthology from Featherweight Press (the Young Adult wing of MLR Press) that I’m doing today, my name is Will. Today I’m going to talk about a book called Lost and Found. It’s a group effort from Featherweight Press on behalf of the Lost and Found project in Atlanta, Georgia that helps teens displaced by ignorance, bigotry, fear.
Normally my review style is fun and joking. That won’t be this review. This group has given their hearts and souls to this project, and I aim to do the same thing in this review. It may not be easy. You may not want to read the review, but I’m hoping you’ll read the book and help those who need it.
While I read this compilation of stories, I remembered with clarity my own life. It mirrored some of these characters in many ways. I started realizing I was gay at a young age. In the 1970’s and 80’s it wasn’t something you talked about, so I really had no one to turn to. My relationships with my parents was one of ‘they left me alone, so I left them alone’. But I really wanted them to step in. I needed them and they weren’t there for me. Not that I would have made it easy, mind you. I was a teen after all.
See Will's complete 5 sweet pea and recommended book review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Normally for reviews my name is Lucky. For Lost and Found, the anthology from Featherweight Press (the Young Adult wing of MLR Press) that I’m doing today, my name is Will. Today I’m going to talk about a book called Lost and Found. It’s a group effort from Featherweight Press on behalf of the Lost and Found project in Atlanta, Georgia that helps teens displaced by ignorance, bigotry, fear.
Normally my review style is fun and joking. That won’t be this review. This group has given their hearts and souls to this project, and I aim to do the same thing in this review. It may not be easy. You may not want to read the review, but I’m hoping you’ll read the book and help those who need it.
While I read this compilation of stories, I remembered with clarity my own life. It mirrored some of these characters in many ways. I started realizing I was gay at a young age. In the 1970’s and 80’s it wasn’t something you talked about, so I really had no one to turn to. My relationships with my parents was one of ‘they left me alone, so I left them alone’. But I really wanted them to step in. I needed them and they weren’t there for me. Not that I would have made it easy, mind you. I was a teen after all.
See Will's complete 5 sweet pea and recommended book review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
August 26, 2013
This is an incredibly worthwhile cause and I urge all of my Goodreads friends (who I know support the LGBT community) to purchase this book or support this cause in your own way.
Whether it be LGBT or heterosexual teenagers, this issue is a sensitive one and cuts close to the heart, no matter what age you are and the circumstances you have grown up in. The disgustingly high percentage of homeless teenagers that are LGBT have to be changed.
Rating for the charity: 5 fucking glorious stars
----------------------------------------------------------------------
As for the book itself:
To be blunt, the only reason this book was not a disappointment was because my friend Loederkoningin had already warned me beforehand. Be warned that you will not be buying this book for the stellar, heartbreakingly emotional stories, it's for the charity. Now, I'm not saying that the stories were bad, they simply are not something I'd want to read again nor would I give a very high rating.
Whilst these stories allow the readers to place themselves in the perspective of LGBT teenagers who find themselves in this situation (although it is fictional), they themselves were not executed in a way that truly made the story haunting or evocative. This is a truly horrific position for any teenager to find themselves in, and it isn't unreasonable think that this would also allow for some truly inspirational and powerful stories to be born.
Also, for some reason or another, there were also many ghosts. I don't usually dig the whole ghost situation honestly, but never has it been a pet peeve. However, I find that perhaps a more realistic direction would have been more beneficial and also more impactful to not only emphasise the reality of this issue but also to depict what the possible true** impacts and situations could be when and should this occur. I'm not one to disregard the possibility of spirits or anything, but I think that in this situation, it would have been better to stick for a realistic approach. Or, as Loederkoningin highlighted, perhaps a collection of interviews from those who have suffered from the same issue.
Anyway, I'm losing the plot here with all of these 'what should have been done's, but the stories are still an interesting read and I'm definitely not saying that they should be disregarded. I found some to be very sweet and others to be incredibly emotional.
Story rating: 3 stars
** I don't mean that the situations are unrealistically depicted, but more that most homeless teenagers probably don't have some guardian angel or good-doing ghost haunting them
I reiterate this issue is something that should be given a harsh spotlight and the attention and aid it deserves.
Whether it be LGBT or heterosexual teenagers, this issue is a sensitive one and cuts close to the heart, no matter what age you are and the circumstances you have grown up in. The disgustingly high percentage of homeless teenagers that are LGBT have to be changed.
Rating for the charity: 5 fucking glorious stars
----------------------------------------------------------------------
As for the book itself:
To be blunt, the only reason this book was not a disappointment was because my friend Loederkoningin had already warned me beforehand. Be warned that you will not be buying this book for the stellar, heartbreakingly emotional stories, it's for the charity. Now, I'm not saying that the stories were bad, they simply are not something I'd want to read again nor would I give a very high rating.
Whilst these stories allow the readers to place themselves in the perspective of LGBT teenagers who find themselves in this situation (although it is fictional), they themselves were not executed in a way that truly made the story haunting or evocative. This is a truly horrific position for any teenager to find themselves in, and it isn't unreasonable think that this would also allow for some truly inspirational and powerful stories to be born.
Also, for some reason or another, there were also many ghosts. I don't usually dig the whole ghost situation honestly, but never has it been a pet peeve. However, I find that perhaps a more realistic direction would have been more beneficial and also more impactful to not only emphasise the reality of this issue but also to depict what the possible true** impacts and situations could be when and should this occur. I'm not one to disregard the possibility of spirits or anything, but I think that in this situation, it would have been better to stick for a realistic approach. Or, as Loederkoningin highlighted, perhaps a collection of interviews from those who have suffered from the same issue.
Anyway, I'm losing the plot here with all of these 'what should have been done's, but the stories are still an interesting read and I'm definitely not saying that they should be disregarded. I found some to be very sweet and others to be incredibly emotional.
Story rating: 3 stars
** I don't mean that the situations are unrealistically depicted, but more that most homeless teenagers probably don't have some guardian angel or good-doing ghost haunting them
I reiterate this issue is something that should be given a harsh spotlight and the attention and aid it deserves.
Want to read
May 13, 2013This anthology looks powerful and I hope people will get behind it and buy a copy. I'm not affiliated with it in any way, and I do not know the authors involved, but I hope it raises awareness and -
All royalties from this anthology are being donated to Lost-n-Found Youth in Atlanta, Georgia. A wonderful charity working with these teens, helping them find their new place and get on their feet.
Which is a good cause.
All royalties from this anthology are being donated to Lost-n-Found Youth in Atlanta, Georgia. A wonderful charity working with these teens, helping them find their new place and get on their feet.
Which is a good cause.
Want to read
May 15, 2013Great authors.
Great cause.
Great lgbt youth organization.
This is a win, win, win!!!
Great cause.
Great lgbt youth organization.
This is a win, win, win!!!
June 18, 2013
This review is for two stories from the anthology, “Lost and Found.” The collection was inspired by a photo caption that read “Forty percent of homeless youth are LGBQT and the number one reason for that is family rejection”. The ten contributing authors have generously donated their efforts as well as giving all proceeds from the sale of this book to a worthy cause, Lost-n-Found Youth of Atlanta, helping LGBQT teens get back on their feet and find their way. Five stars for this contribution.
A GHOST OF A CHANCE by Diane Adams (4.0 stars)
Carter Evans lies bleeding his life out at the back of a dead-end alley. His weapon is a razor blade’s cold hard edge, used to counter the self-hate and inner numbness, to somehow gain some self-control in his life. Pain upon pain; his faithful friend.
“It was the one thing that grounded him, that gave him control— the razor.”
Discarded by his parents when he came out to them, he has spent weeks on the street and has reached the end, has given up hope.
Unknown to Carter, there is another denizen of the alley, Phillip, who took his own life in the very same spot. Young Phillip, also a victim of cutting, has haunted the alleyway for five years. When he sees Chase, he sees a chance to help another and maybe to also help himself. He reaches out, he ‘falls into’ Chase, and in this desperate bid for connection, sets off a sweet ‘dream’ state. In this dream, Phillip shows Carter, who has truly been ‘touched by an angel,’ that there is another option, that he does matter, that things can get better. There is an instant attraction and the two start to fall in love. But what hope is there for Carter and his ghost?
“A Ghost of A Chance” is aptly named. The author writes about teen self-injury and suicide, crafting a love story with a paranormal touch. Chase has a ghost of a chance of surviving the horrible cuts he makes to his body if only Phillip can convince him to hold on, if only help will come in time. At the end of the story we are left wondering what will happen to Chase and Phillip, how can the two young lovers be united? While the ending is HFN, this is a nicely done story of hope, acceptance and survival.
A CHANCE WITH A GHOST by T.A. Webb (3.5 stars)
“A Chance With a Ghost” is the companion to “A Ghost of A Chance” in that it picks up directly from the end of that story. This follow up is primarily from Phillip’s POV and shows his fight to help Chase. The author comes up with a clever mechanism to work out a resolution for Chase and Phillip which involves the introduction of some new characters to the cast. In addition, two guardian angels come to the rescue (the Angel Gabriel puts in an appearance) putting a unique spin on the story. This author has worked to give a satisfactory ending to Diane Adams’ initial premise.
Incidents of cutting amongst adolescents and young adults are believed to be on the rise, though some theorize that this may be misleading because of greater awareness of the abuse. While the risk of suicide is obviously there, this is not always the intention of cutters. These two YA stories have no graphic sex and would also be suitable for adolescent readers.
For reviews of other stories in this anthology and to enter daily give-aways please visit: The Blog of Sid Love
May 21, 2013
I purchased this book because 100% of the proceeds are going to a very worthy cause, Lost-n-Found Youth in Atlanta, Georgia that works with homeless GLBT youth and helps them get back on their feet. I also liked the fact that it was written by some of my favorite authors so I knew that even if I didn't like all the stories, there were a few I could "count on." I couldn't have been more wrong. This is a very powerful book and I loved every story. Certainly the subject matter is upsetting -- throwaway kids? Who could throw away a child just because he or she doesn't fit a parent's mold of what a child should be? Well, I'm sad to say it happens every day and this book gives the reader a glimpse of what it is like for these children, loved one day and hated the next, just because of their sexual orientation. But these stories aren't all sad, this book is more about hope, about not giving up, about self worth, courage, and love.
Somehow in our culture death has become romanticized, the answer to problems, the ultimate escape, promising peace. This book challenges that notion and shows that maybe death isn't the answer. Maybe living your life proud of who you are and finding someone to love you just the way you are might be heaven right here on Earth.
I hope this book finds its way into our classrooms and becomes available for all middle and high school students. My hope is that teens will read these stories and find something that they can relate to, or become more accepting. I hope gay or questioning teenagers will realize that there's hope out there for them that there's nothing wrong with them; that they are beautiful and worthy and have their whole future in front of them. Excellent job by all of these authors! The way that you collaborated together to blend these stories was nothing short of genius. I believe your labor of love produced a book that will save lives.
Somehow in our culture death has become romanticized, the answer to problems, the ultimate escape, promising peace. This book challenges that notion and shows that maybe death isn't the answer. Maybe living your life proud of who you are and finding someone to love you just the way you are might be heaven right here on Earth.
I hope this book finds its way into our classrooms and becomes available for all middle and high school students. My hope is that teens will read these stories and find something that they can relate to, or become more accepting. I hope gay or questioning teenagers will realize that there's hope out there for them that there's nothing wrong with them; that they are beautiful and worthy and have their whole future in front of them. Excellent job by all of these authors! The way that you collaborated together to blend these stories was nothing short of genius. I believe your labor of love produced a book that will save lives.
June 1, 2013
I was honored to be allowed to do an advance reading of this book. I was also privileged to be a part of the promotion of it. I also proofread a couple of the stories.
---
Every day we lose more children. Every day someone is tossed out of their family and their only 'crime' was admitting who they are or being found out. It's a tragedy of epic proportions when fully 40% of the youths on the street today are LGBT.
Thanks to Kris Jacen, Tom Webb, Caitlin Ricci, Michele Montgomery, Doug Starr, MF Kays, Diane Adams, Tabatha Heart, Dakota Chase, Jeff Erno and D.C. Juris for coming together to shine a light on this epidemic.
Each of these stories is powerful. All of them bring new facets. Every one of them shows hope. And the common thread for each, these children ARE valuable. They ARE important. They NEED to believe and understand that.
So my deepest thanks to the authors, editors, artists and others who gave of themselves and did what the right wing heads have been screeching over for years, but never actually follow through on: Think of the children.
---
Every day we lose more children. Every day someone is tossed out of their family and their only 'crime' was admitting who they are or being found out. It's a tragedy of epic proportions when fully 40% of the youths on the street today are LGBT.
Thanks to Kris Jacen, Tom Webb, Caitlin Ricci, Michele Montgomery, Doug Starr, MF Kays, Diane Adams, Tabatha Heart, Dakota Chase, Jeff Erno and D.C. Juris for coming together to shine a light on this epidemic.
Each of these stories is powerful. All of them bring new facets. Every one of them shows hope. And the common thread for each, these children ARE valuable. They ARE important. They NEED to believe and understand that.
So my deepest thanks to the authors, editors, artists and others who gave of themselves and did what the right wing heads have been screeching over for years, but never actually follow through on: Think of the children.
June 7, 2013
Normally, I wouldn't give an overall five rating to an anthology - but this one rates it even if you don't read the stories. Please read them, it's a shame if you don't as there are some real gems here, but even if you just buy the book to have it sit on your e-reader, you've done a positive, wonderful thing.
Proceeds from this book go to Lost and Found, an Atlanta based organization dedicated to helping get GLBT youth off the streets. This isn't a cause you'll see get much coverage in the mainstream media, but the fact is that homelessness among GLBT young people has reached epidemic proportions. Depending on the study you read (and clear, accurate numbers are hard to get since GLBT youth may not be comfortable revealing personal information even in anonymous surveys) 5-10% of young people (ages 12-20) in the US are GLBT while 40% of our homeless youth are GLBT. 40% This is a staggering number made much more tragic because so many of these kids have been tossed out like yesterday's garbage. Anything adults with hearts and consciences can do, we should.
Lost and Found
The stories in this anthology are all about kids who have been rejected for who they are, their struggles, and ultimately their triumphs large and small.
Most of the stories are real-world contemporary, though several have paranormal elements and one is a historical set early in the 20th century.
While they were all good reads (often heart-wrenching, often harrowing for any parent who can't fathom the psychology of someone who can do something so unnatural as abandoning his or her own child) there are a few that I would particularly recommend.
The Clay/Zeke story, told in two parts by Caitlinn Ricci and T.A. Webb is one of the lighter ones - more heartwarming moments than gut-wrenching. This is an important point in a collection that could easily have been unrelievedly dark if not for the authors' insistent optimism.
Bridges and Angels by M.F. Kay is one of the darker points of the anthology - but the emotions are so clear and vivid, it shouldn't be missed. While there are some hints at paranormal here, they could be explained away as circumstance and memory cascade, so the reader and the protagonist are never certain.
Blessing by Dakota Chase is a beautifully written historical/paranormal piece full of anguish and discovery of self-worth.
Another share story in two parts, the Never Mattered/Always Mattered pairing by Michele Montgomery and D.H. Starr is perhaps the most complete in its characterizations and its cataloging of a journey from frightened despair to confident hero. Even if Randy never sees himself as a hero, we know he is by the end.
These are just my personal favorites, though - I enjoyed them all quite thoroughly.
Proceeds from this book go to Lost and Found, an Atlanta based organization dedicated to helping get GLBT youth off the streets. This isn't a cause you'll see get much coverage in the mainstream media, but the fact is that homelessness among GLBT young people has reached epidemic proportions. Depending on the study you read (and clear, accurate numbers are hard to get since GLBT youth may not be comfortable revealing personal information even in anonymous surveys) 5-10% of young people (ages 12-20) in the US are GLBT while 40% of our homeless youth are GLBT. 40% This is a staggering number made much more tragic because so many of these kids have been tossed out like yesterday's garbage. Anything adults with hearts and consciences can do, we should.
Lost and Found
The stories in this anthology are all about kids who have been rejected for who they are, their struggles, and ultimately their triumphs large and small.
Most of the stories are real-world contemporary, though several have paranormal elements and one is a historical set early in the 20th century.
While they were all good reads (often heart-wrenching, often harrowing for any parent who can't fathom the psychology of someone who can do something so unnatural as abandoning his or her own child) there are a few that I would particularly recommend.
The Clay/Zeke story, told in two parts by Caitlinn Ricci and T.A. Webb is one of the lighter ones - more heartwarming moments than gut-wrenching. This is an important point in a collection that could easily have been unrelievedly dark if not for the authors' insistent optimism.
Bridges and Angels by M.F. Kay is one of the darker points of the anthology - but the emotions are so clear and vivid, it shouldn't be missed. While there are some hints at paranormal here, they could be explained away as circumstance and memory cascade, so the reader and the protagonist are never certain.
Blessing by Dakota Chase is a beautifully written historical/paranormal piece full of anguish and discovery of self-worth.
Another share story in two parts, the Never Mattered/Always Mattered pairing by Michele Montgomery and D.H. Starr is perhaps the most complete in its characterizations and its cataloging of a journey from frightened despair to confident hero. Even if Randy never sees himself as a hero, we know he is by the end.
These are just my personal favorites, though - I enjoyed them all quite thoroughly.
May 29, 2013
I picked this book partly because I wanted to support some friends who had worked on this project and the cause is very worthwhile so it's the least I could do.. Right?
I loved all of them and it's not often I like every story in an anthology. This has to be the ultimate collection of HEA love stories, not always in the traditional sense but always in the sweet that's-the-way-the-world-should-be-like way.
These stories have touched me in a way that hasn't happened in a while. There is a continual thread of hope throughout all of them that makes them impossible to put down, well except for the times I had to to wipe my eyes or indulge in the ugly cry. They were all well written leading me to read them easily as i didn't need to constantly check story points even on the ones that crossed over.
You will not regret buying and reading this anthology both for content and any philanthropic urges you may have. Just make sure you have a waterproof reader and lots of tissues.. Oh and some paracetamol for the ugly cry headache and a secluded place to bawl your eyes out.
It makes me want to hold onto my children and make them understand that nothing they ever do will make me stop loving them. It makes me want to do it for these kids and other kids like them.
I loved all of them and it's not often I like every story in an anthology. This has to be the ultimate collection of HEA love stories, not always in the traditional sense but always in the sweet that's-the-way-the-world-should-be-like way.
These stories have touched me in a way that hasn't happened in a while. There is a continual thread of hope throughout all of them that makes them impossible to put down, well except for the times I had to to wipe my eyes or indulge in the ugly cry. They were all well written leading me to read them easily as i didn't need to constantly check story points even on the ones that crossed over.
You will not regret buying and reading this anthology both for content and any philanthropic urges you may have. Just make sure you have a waterproof reader and lots of tissues.. Oh and some paracetamol for the ugly cry headache and a secluded place to bawl your eyes out.
It makes me want to hold onto my children and make them understand that nothing they ever do will make me stop loving them. It makes me want to do it for these kids and other kids like them.
May 18, 2013
Oh! This anthology broke my heart! Each story starts with a LGBTQ teen or young adult in a very bad place -- on the streets, homeless because their family couldn't handle the character's orientation. I'm thankful that each story does get better for the characters, but the endings are often realistic about the type of happy ending that characters in certain circumstances can expect. Not everything will come up roses.
The anthology does explore some of the heart-wrenching thoughts and decisions made by characters in such situations. In the end, love and respect can help heal many wounds.
I liked the variety in the anthology and I really enjoyed the connected stories. The anthology features three pairs of stories. In each pairing, the second story either finishes the narrative or you see the events of the first from another central character's point of view.
The anthology served its intended purpose with me. It hit deep and made me evaluate my feelings and reactions to situations. I have lived a privileged life: solid home, good education, never really wanted for anything, great job, no questions about identity or orientation. By showing me these characters, I've gained quite a bit of empathy for those who haven't been able to follow that path. It wasn't always comfortable, but very little that is worthwhile is.
Thank you for your work. I've shared the link to the book with many of my friends, and I hope I have helped generate some sales that benefit a worthy cause.
The anthology does explore some of the heart-wrenching thoughts and decisions made by characters in such situations. In the end, love and respect can help heal many wounds.
I liked the variety in the anthology and I really enjoyed the connected stories. The anthology features three pairs of stories. In each pairing, the second story either finishes the narrative or you see the events of the first from another central character's point of view.
The anthology served its intended purpose with me. It hit deep and made me evaluate my feelings and reactions to situations. I have lived a privileged life: solid home, good education, never really wanted for anything, great job, no questions about identity or orientation. By showing me these characters, I've gained quite a bit of empathy for those who haven't been able to follow that path. It wasn't always comfortable, but very little that is worthwhile is.
Thank you for your work. I've shared the link to the book with many of my friends, and I hope I have helped generate some sales that benefit a worthy cause.
April 21, 2014
An anthology supporting the Lost & Found Youth Center in Atlanta, this book is a collection of shorts and novellas that all deal with young men struggling to survive after being kicked out of their homes for being "different". I clenched my fists a lot in helpless rage at parents who disown their children or treat them like trash, when their responsibility is to love them no matter what. I growled in anger at the pain and hurt these kids have to endure, simply for who they are or for who they love.
While all the stories in this book have a happy ending, the truth is that most children in these sorts of situations don't. About 40% of homeless youths are homeless because they were kicked out at home for being LGBTQ. It's organization like Lost 'N Found who try to make a difference.
Help them by donating to their cause. You can do so by simply buying this book, and in a variety of other ways found on their website at http://www.lost-n-found.org.
While all the stories in this book have a happy ending, the truth is that most children in these sorts of situations don't. About 40% of homeless youths are homeless because they were kicked out at home for being LGBTQ. It's organization like Lost 'N Found who try to make a difference.
Help them by donating to their cause. You can do so by simply buying this book, and in a variety of other ways found on their website at http://www.lost-n-found.org.
May 14, 2013
The stories in 'Lost and Found' put teens in situations which they would never have dreamed they would find themselves. Quite a few of the stories are interconnected showing characters at different stages in their lives; some also incorporate other protagonists who are introduced in their own tales cementing them together which gives the whole book a greater sense of unity and purpose. I feel this is quite an ambitious undertaking and applaud the authors on a job well done. It's an eclectic mix from paranormal to contemporary, all incredibly touching, heartbreaking, eye opening, and hopeful—designed to help show that there are ways out of the horrid position teens who are thrown away are forced into. I'd like to suggest reading the stories below with a box of tissues by your side because if it doesn't move you to tears to read stories of these brave kids who struggle to maintain a modicum of self respect after their parents, friends, and others close to them have told them they are worthless, then nothing ever will.
Bridges and Angels by MF Kays
Gipson is lost and alone; rejected by his parents for being gay. He's also carrying the burden of guilt for what happened when he kissed his boyfriend, Aaron. With some supernatural help, Gipson not only finds redemption but is set on a more positive path.
Gipson's guilt was understandable and made my heart ache. Although it wasn't reasonable way to predict what happened when they were outted, Gipson felt responsible. Since a message from Aaron was the only way Gipson could find redemption, the use of the supernatural was a unique and effective choice.
A Ghost of a Chance by Diane Adams
Disillusioned and disgusted by the reactions of his family and friends when he came out, Carter Evan ran away to find a place to end his life. He thinks he's alone but isn't. Phillip, who is similar to a guardian angel, is there. Phillip was kicked out for being gay as well. Together, they experience an alternate reality where things are wonderful and it gives Carter pause. Phillip will be in his heart forever.
This story has a supernatural twist to it which enables Carter, a despondent young man who is contemplating suicide, that there is another path in life for him, a brighter future. It not only gives him hope; it also brings him love.
A Chance with a Ghost by T.A. Webb
This story picks up where the previous one left off but, this time, it's from Phillip's unseen companion, John's point of view. John is an extension of Phillip who holds all the good things about him. John has the same surreal experience that the other two boys have. John will do anything for Phillip, including ceasing to exist. Fortunately, Carter's elder brother finds him before he dies.
An extension of 'A Ghost of a Chance' by Diane Adams, it completes Carter's story. The concept of how John came to be and the solution to Phillip and Carter's problem of how an unsubstantial being and a mortal was both compelling and innovative.
Protective Instincts by Tabatha Heart
Blake and Davin are two young men in love. They are also werewolf shifters. Blake's father is beta of his pack and Davin's mother is also a werewolf shifter, but a mean, physically abusive, alcoholic. The boys continue their relationship even though it's forbidden. His mother finds out and rejects Davin. In order to be together, they must find a way around the pack rules that say two men can't be mates.
This is a shifter story where two young werewolf shifters find love but are hindered by the dictates of their society. Not giving up easily, they fight for their right to be together, regardless of the consequences. Love will always find a way.
Blessing by Dakota Chase
Simon Angel was taken in by Brother Clavin, an evangelist, as an infant. When he discovers that Simon has the gift of healing, he's ecstatic, thinking only of how he can use Simon for financial gain. People came from miles around to be cured. There is one boy in particular whose twisted foot Simon heals, Jerico Falcone, who had the purest soul Simon had ever seen and Simon never forgot him. When Simon finally rebels and runs away, he ends up at Jerico's house and they soon fall in love. One problem is how to keep their love a secret and stay together. Their other problem is the constant fear that Brother Clavin will hunt Simon down.
'Blessing' combines two of my favorite genres—historical and supernatural. I admired Simon because of his ethics in choosing who would or would not receive his gift of healing depending upon the purity of their soul. I also applaud him for his strength of character. To be able to endure the abuse he did and be able to love with all his heart is quite a feat.
The Preacher’s Son by Caitlin Ricci
Clay goes to his sister's house when he gets kicked out of his home for telling his parents he's gay. When he goes to school, he decides not to hide that he's gay. He meets a boy named Zeke, whose father happens to be a minister. They strike up a friendship which quickly becomes more, but their relationship is fraught with problems and setbacks. Zeke is scared both of his feelings and what everyone will say when he comes out to them which is a big problem because Clay doesn't want their love to be a secret.
I was touched by the sweetness of Zeke and Clay's love. The tale does an excellent job of expressing the angst involved in being a gay teen. I also appreciated the positive aspects of the story, i.e., their friends and Zeke's parents' reactions.
Clay Rocks by T.A. Webb
'Clay Rocks' continues Clay's story, but focuses on his sister, Sarah. Sarah has never gotten along with her controlling parents and them putting her sixteen-year-old little brother out on the streets, she cuts all ties with them. The bone of contention between Sarah and her parents is that she's dating a black man named Jess. That's why she left home. Prejudice comes in many forms, but being who you are and being with the one you love is more important than anything else. With that, you can face the bigotry and hate with strength.
'Clay Rocks' continues Clay's story, but focuses not only on the gay aspect, but in on prejudice in general since his sister is dating a black man. It reminds us that the people who hate you without knowing you are wrong. We should never let others dictate who we can love regardless of their reasons.
Sam I Am by Jeff Erno
When Sam utters two words: “I'm gay,” his life is inexplicable changed. After church people take him away, against his will, he escapes and keeps running. There's one bright spot in his life, Cody, the young man he's in love with. When Cody is hurt, Sam enlists help from Greg, the local youth minister. Greg sees how much Sam cares for Cody and formulates a plan to get both of them off the streets.
The best way to describe the theme here are words by Richard Bach: “If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they're yours; if they don't they never were." Self-sacrifice for the good of another can be the greatest gift you can ever give them.
Thrown Away by DC Juris
Jeremy was born male, but he feels like a girl inside and hates what's expected of him as a male. When he discovers a word for how he feels, transgender, he tries to tell his parents that he wants to be called Katherine now. They react violently and tell him to leave. Everywhere he tries to go, he's rejected and in danger until he meets a wonderful woman named Donna who is hiding a big secret of her own.
The subject of a transgender child struggling to be who they are inside touched my heart, especially when it's something I have personal experience with. I could understand the parents' confusion and anger to a certain point, but I also understood the way the child felt. DC did an amazing job of describing Katherine's growing desire and her brave attempts to appear the same on the outside as she did inside. I admired her strength and tenacity.
You Have Never Mattered by Michele L. Montgomery
Randy has a miserable life. His mother is a lazy, selfish, abusive woman who blames him for all the bad things that have happened in her life. She's also an alcoholic and a whore whose men frequently beat Randy or worse. Randy is a sweet, loving young man who tries his best to please his mom although he knows it's impossible. He never tells anyone about his abuse. The only bright spot in his life is working with the horses at his neighbor and employer's farm and their grandson, Jay. He loves Jay with his whole heart. Jay makes all the pain and humiliation bearable. When his mother finds out he is gay, she throws him out. What does he do now?
Randy is one of the best developed characters I've seen in a while. He was so real, so vulnerable, but tough at the same time. Even through his abuse, he never lost the ability to love and to dream which, more than anything else, refutes what his mother always told him—that he never mattered.
I Have Always Mattered by D.H. Starr
This is a continuation of Randy's story. He now works as a social worker and volunteers at a Crisis Hotline, which he enjoys more than anything except being with his husband, Phillip. One day he receives a frantic call from a young man named Cole whose father kicked him out for being gay. Randy had received lots of calls like this, but, unlike some of the other kids who had lost faith and given up, he sees an opportunity to help Cole before this happens. In another section, Randy is twenty-two. He needs closure with his mother. His mother's appearance may have changed, but her temperament is worse than ever. Instead of resolution, all Randy finds is bitterness and indifference. His mother's reply to why she hated him is: “I don’t hate you. Never did. You can’t hate nothin’, and you were always nothin’ to me.”
This is the conclusion of Randy's story from 'You Have Never Mattered.' As always, Randy stands tall in any situation. He finds closure with his mother and puts it behind him, yet he still gives on himself to those who need him. His phone call with Cole is a good example of how, instead of dwelling on his lurid past, he can use his experiences for good, to help another person avoid some of the agony he had to endure. What a man!
Bridges and Angels by MF Kays
Gipson is lost and alone; rejected by his parents for being gay. He's also carrying the burden of guilt for what happened when he kissed his boyfriend, Aaron. With some supernatural help, Gipson not only finds redemption but is set on a more positive path.
Gipson's guilt was understandable and made my heart ache. Although it wasn't reasonable way to predict what happened when they were outted, Gipson felt responsible. Since a message from Aaron was the only way Gipson could find redemption, the use of the supernatural was a unique and effective choice.
A Ghost of a Chance by Diane Adams
Disillusioned and disgusted by the reactions of his family and friends when he came out, Carter Evan ran away to find a place to end his life. He thinks he's alone but isn't. Phillip, who is similar to a guardian angel, is there. Phillip was kicked out for being gay as well. Together, they experience an alternate reality where things are wonderful and it gives Carter pause. Phillip will be in his heart forever.
This story has a supernatural twist to it which enables Carter, a despondent young man who is contemplating suicide, that there is another path in life for him, a brighter future. It not only gives him hope; it also brings him love.
A Chance with a Ghost by T.A. Webb
This story picks up where the previous one left off but, this time, it's from Phillip's unseen companion, John's point of view. John is an extension of Phillip who holds all the good things about him. John has the same surreal experience that the other two boys have. John will do anything for Phillip, including ceasing to exist. Fortunately, Carter's elder brother finds him before he dies.
An extension of 'A Ghost of a Chance' by Diane Adams, it completes Carter's story. The concept of how John came to be and the solution to Phillip and Carter's problem of how an unsubstantial being and a mortal was both compelling and innovative.
Protective Instincts by Tabatha Heart
Blake and Davin are two young men in love. They are also werewolf shifters. Blake's father is beta of his pack and Davin's mother is also a werewolf shifter, but a mean, physically abusive, alcoholic. The boys continue their relationship even though it's forbidden. His mother finds out and rejects Davin. In order to be together, they must find a way around the pack rules that say two men can't be mates.
This is a shifter story where two young werewolf shifters find love but are hindered by the dictates of their society. Not giving up easily, they fight for their right to be together, regardless of the consequences. Love will always find a way.
Blessing by Dakota Chase
Simon Angel was taken in by Brother Clavin, an evangelist, as an infant. When he discovers that Simon has the gift of healing, he's ecstatic, thinking only of how he can use Simon for financial gain. People came from miles around to be cured. There is one boy in particular whose twisted foot Simon heals, Jerico Falcone, who had the purest soul Simon had ever seen and Simon never forgot him. When Simon finally rebels and runs away, he ends up at Jerico's house and they soon fall in love. One problem is how to keep their love a secret and stay together. Their other problem is the constant fear that Brother Clavin will hunt Simon down.
'Blessing' combines two of my favorite genres—historical and supernatural. I admired Simon because of his ethics in choosing who would or would not receive his gift of healing depending upon the purity of their soul. I also applaud him for his strength of character. To be able to endure the abuse he did and be able to love with all his heart is quite a feat.
The Preacher’s Son by Caitlin Ricci
Clay goes to his sister's house when he gets kicked out of his home for telling his parents he's gay. When he goes to school, he decides not to hide that he's gay. He meets a boy named Zeke, whose father happens to be a minister. They strike up a friendship which quickly becomes more, but their relationship is fraught with problems and setbacks. Zeke is scared both of his feelings and what everyone will say when he comes out to them which is a big problem because Clay doesn't want their love to be a secret.
I was touched by the sweetness of Zeke and Clay's love. The tale does an excellent job of expressing the angst involved in being a gay teen. I also appreciated the positive aspects of the story, i.e., their friends and Zeke's parents' reactions.
Clay Rocks by T.A. Webb
'Clay Rocks' continues Clay's story, but focuses on his sister, Sarah. Sarah has never gotten along with her controlling parents and them putting her sixteen-year-old little brother out on the streets, she cuts all ties with them. The bone of contention between Sarah and her parents is that she's dating a black man named Jess. That's why she left home. Prejudice comes in many forms, but being who you are and being with the one you love is more important than anything else. With that, you can face the bigotry and hate with strength.
'Clay Rocks' continues Clay's story, but focuses not only on the gay aspect, but in on prejudice in general since his sister is dating a black man. It reminds us that the people who hate you without knowing you are wrong. We should never let others dictate who we can love regardless of their reasons.
Sam I Am by Jeff Erno
When Sam utters two words: “I'm gay,” his life is inexplicable changed. After church people take him away, against his will, he escapes and keeps running. There's one bright spot in his life, Cody, the young man he's in love with. When Cody is hurt, Sam enlists help from Greg, the local youth minister. Greg sees how much Sam cares for Cody and formulates a plan to get both of them off the streets.
The best way to describe the theme here are words by Richard Bach: “If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they're yours; if they don't they never were." Self-sacrifice for the good of another can be the greatest gift you can ever give them.
Thrown Away by DC Juris
Jeremy was born male, but he feels like a girl inside and hates what's expected of him as a male. When he discovers a word for how he feels, transgender, he tries to tell his parents that he wants to be called Katherine now. They react violently and tell him to leave. Everywhere he tries to go, he's rejected and in danger until he meets a wonderful woman named Donna who is hiding a big secret of her own.
The subject of a transgender child struggling to be who they are inside touched my heart, especially when it's something I have personal experience with. I could understand the parents' confusion and anger to a certain point, but I also understood the way the child felt. DC did an amazing job of describing Katherine's growing desire and her brave attempts to appear the same on the outside as she did inside. I admired her strength and tenacity.
You Have Never Mattered by Michele L. Montgomery
Randy has a miserable life. His mother is a lazy, selfish, abusive woman who blames him for all the bad things that have happened in her life. She's also an alcoholic and a whore whose men frequently beat Randy or worse. Randy is a sweet, loving young man who tries his best to please his mom although he knows it's impossible. He never tells anyone about his abuse. The only bright spot in his life is working with the horses at his neighbor and employer's farm and their grandson, Jay. He loves Jay with his whole heart. Jay makes all the pain and humiliation bearable. When his mother finds out he is gay, she throws him out. What does he do now?
Randy is one of the best developed characters I've seen in a while. He was so real, so vulnerable, but tough at the same time. Even through his abuse, he never lost the ability to love and to dream which, more than anything else, refutes what his mother always told him—that he never mattered.
I Have Always Mattered by D.H. Starr
This is a continuation of Randy's story. He now works as a social worker and volunteers at a Crisis Hotline, which he enjoys more than anything except being with his husband, Phillip. One day he receives a frantic call from a young man named Cole whose father kicked him out for being gay. Randy had received lots of calls like this, but, unlike some of the other kids who had lost faith and given up, he sees an opportunity to help Cole before this happens. In another section, Randy is twenty-two. He needs closure with his mother. His mother's appearance may have changed, but her temperament is worse than ever. Instead of resolution, all Randy finds is bitterness and indifference. His mother's reply to why she hated him is: “I don’t hate you. Never did. You can’t hate nothin’, and you were always nothin’ to me.”
This is the conclusion of Randy's story from 'You Have Never Mattered.' As always, Randy stands tall in any situation. He finds closure with his mother and puts it behind him, yet he still gives on himself to those who need him. His phone call with Cole is a good example of how, instead of dwelling on his lurid past, he can use his experiences for good, to help another person avoid some of the agony he had to endure. What a man!
May 29, 2013
Lost and Found features 11 incredible stories with young people at a point in life where they are feeling isolated or hopeless and then discover how things can turn in a brighter direction. These are stories that affirm every life's absolute value and the need for hope. Our brave protagonists have their lives pulled out from under them through intolerance and bigotry. We also meet people who offer hope and a helping hand along the way.
A personal favourite is "A Ghost of a Chance" by Diane Adams, the story of Carter, a young guy feeling lonely and unloved and prone to self-harm incidents. He meets Phillip in an amazingly rich dream sequence/alternate reality. It was so beautiful to read along as he moves from ambivalent about life and living to firmly dedicated to live-on and find love. As I finished this story, I had tears streaming down my face. Joyful tears at the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope. And also some sad tears, thinking about those already lost. It is powerful stuff and a testament to the writing skills flowing through this anthology.
There's an eclectic mix of stories, mainly contemporary, but also paranormal and a wonderful historical. Some stories are interconnected and continue the narrative, or jump forward to a later time in life, or provide an alternate point of view.
All 10 authors are donating their royalties to Lost-n-Found Youth Inc, a non-profit working with teens to help them find their new place and get on their feet. I purchased my copy directly from Featherweight Press to maximize royalty payments and cut out middlemen.
A definite 5 star read and one that I am certain to re-visit. Engaging, entertaining and heart-warming, I found myself thinking about people in my own life and also those whose real life circumstances I can only imagine. I finished this book wanting to do more and spread hope. Congratulations and thank you to all involved.
A personal favourite is "A Ghost of a Chance" by Diane Adams, the story of Carter, a young guy feeling lonely and unloved and prone to self-harm incidents. He meets Phillip in an amazingly rich dream sequence/alternate reality. It was so beautiful to read along as he moves from ambivalent about life and living to firmly dedicated to live-on and find love. As I finished this story, I had tears streaming down my face. Joyful tears at the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope. And also some sad tears, thinking about those already lost. It is powerful stuff and a testament to the writing skills flowing through this anthology.
There's an eclectic mix of stories, mainly contemporary, but also paranormal and a wonderful historical. Some stories are interconnected and continue the narrative, or jump forward to a later time in life, or provide an alternate point of view.
All 10 authors are donating their royalties to Lost-n-Found Youth Inc, a non-profit working with teens to help them find their new place and get on their feet. I purchased my copy directly from Featherweight Press to maximize royalty payments and cut out middlemen.
A definite 5 star read and one that I am certain to re-visit. Engaging, entertaining and heart-warming, I found myself thinking about people in my own life and also those whose real life circumstances I can only imagine. I finished this book wanting to do more and spread hope. Congratulations and thank you to all involved.
May 21, 2013
When I began reading this anthology, I had just finished a couple jarring stories that left me reeling emotionally. In that first update, I was dragging my own baggage. Anyhoo…
This wonderful anthology is NOT overwhelming with the sad. It is a fantastic collection that will have you run a full range of emotions. The stories tell the truth of what life can be like for LGBTQ youth – both good and bad. Some of the stories had me crying, most of the stories had me angry, but all of the stories gave me hope. It’s the absence of hope that destroys.
"All royalties from this anthology are being donated to Lost-n-Found Youth in Atlanta, Georgia. A wonderful charity working with these teens, helping them find their new place and get on their feet."
I would love to hear about a program to allow readers to sponsor copies of the paperback and ebook editions of this anthology – so that they could be given to libraries and youth centers. If that’s in the works… let me know.
This wonderful anthology is NOT overwhelming with the sad. It is a fantastic collection that will have you run a full range of emotions. The stories tell the truth of what life can be like for LGBTQ youth – both good and bad. Some of the stories had me crying, most of the stories had me angry, but all of the stories gave me hope. It’s the absence of hope that destroys.
"All royalties from this anthology are being donated to Lost-n-Found Youth in Atlanta, Georgia. A wonderful charity working with these teens, helping them find their new place and get on their feet."
I would love to hear about a program to allow readers to sponsor copies of the paperback and ebook editions of this anthology – so that they could be given to libraries and youth centers. If that’s in the works… let me know.
December 12, 2013
OK, first of all I bought this book primarily because all of the proceeds from sales are donated to the organization the book is named after. Lost and Found Youth, located in Atlanta, GA, works with Homeless LGBT Youth. That was the pull. I’m a softy for a great cause.
The collection of stories covers a wide range of scenarios concerning children and young adults who are struggling simply because of who they are. You will need tissues. A great deal of talent and love went into the creation of this book, and it shows.
The collection of stories covers a wide range of scenarios concerning children and young adults who are struggling simply because of who they are. You will need tissues. A great deal of talent and love went into the creation of this book, and it shows.
November 21, 2013
What an extraordinary collection of inter-related stories. Each author builds a new story that is actually a continuation of the previous authors work. Each one stands alone yet taken together they constitute a brilliant tour de force.
July 26, 2013
A sweet collection of stories. There were a couple in the middle that didn't do much for me, but overall some good reads that supported a great cause.
May 3, 2014
Great cause, so-so collection.
November 29, 2015
2013 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
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