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Aaron's Story

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Warning: occasional course language and mild sex scenes.

Sixteen-year-old Aaron has a secret that he’ll do everything in his power to withhold, but despite his best efforts, things begin to unravel and his life turned upside-down when his true sexuality is slowly revealed.

This novel is approximately 90k in length.

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2013

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195 people want to read

About the author

Mason Dodd

6 books20 followers

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5 stars
115 (46%)
4 stars
72 (29%)
3 stars
44 (17%)
2 stars
12 (4%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Lester.
12 reviews
February 1, 2015
Read both stories (Aaron and Braden) one after the other in two days...
I came out late in my life, and though I'm now in a wonderful relationship for 12 year, I tend to miss/wonder what my teenager year would have been if I had came out at that time.

So, I really enjoyed both stories, as I believe they do complement each others quite well, and should be, in my opinion, read to grasp the complex situation Aaron and Braden are living in. In terms of family, friend and school backgrounds.

Mot sure which story I preferred more... This one (Aaron's) seems to reflect more the mindset and hurdles gay teenagers still go through on the daily basis.

Braden's one is really more family struggles based, and I felt a bit more "complex".

Now both touched my heart and made me wish I could do more in real life, to help young people to come to term with their identities.

Looking forward to next chapters... Michael and/or Steven's stories
Profile Image for ☆ Todd.
1,441 reviews1,584 followers
July 24, 2013
I found the first half of the book extremely hard to get into. There's angst and then there's just really beating a depressed, scared dead horse to death, which was how the first part of the book seemed to me.

Once Steven finally came onto the scene in more than a teen crush capacity, the book did finally pick up, but the romance was still a bit 'arms length' for me to really invest in.

Overcoming Aaron's crazy zealot of an aunt ("We can't let the Westboro's take all of the glory" - *cringe*) and his asshole dad was a part of the story that I did enjoy, especially when his mother finally, finally, FINALLY pulled her head out of her ass and got her priorities straight.

If the first half of the book had read like the second, there'd be more stars, but I'm giving it 3.5 to average that out.

I actually would like to read the follow-up story of Aaron's cousin, son of "God"-zilla lady herself. The setup of that story has real potential to be a good read.
Profile Image for Karla.
2,000 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2015
This was a mixed bag for me. The writing was not great with typos and odd passages that addressed the reader directly, but I found this story compelling. I felt a lot of sympathy for Aaron and his struggles with his religious family and I admired the way he fought for himself. The story had a good pace, was never dull and I think the author did a very good job allowing the conflict to unfold in stages.

Still, I'd only recommend to a very forgiving reader.
Profile Image for Bill Gray.
Author 1 book5 followers
April 28, 2017
Aaron's Story really, powerfully makes the reader understand what it's like to grow up gay (I speak from experience). The book is visceral, it puts you in the shoes of this gay teen boy and makes you feel his self-loathing and shame, and makes you feel every insult and punch hurled at him. I wish more straight people would read this book to get a really good feel for what so many gay teens are put through. I was really blown away by this book's power. I hesitate just a little bit about whether this book truly is for a YA audience. Not because of a few mild sex scenes or because of language; YA kids NEED that kind of content in their life, when that content is maturely portrayed and relevant, as it is here. No, the reason I hesitate is because one gay teen successfully commits suicide, and we're not spared the details of how he does it. I suppose it teaches a valuable lesson of what NOT to do, and that certainly is the author's intent and how the situation comes off. But I just worry a little bit. I would say this book would be a good read for a struggling gay teen, presuming they make it all the way through to the end. The book does get rather dark for an extended period. But so, too, do the lives of so many gay teens.
Profile Image for Raymond Richard .
217 reviews
January 20, 2016
"Being gay isn't easy and it's only made worse when people decide they have the right to taunt you, tease you and assault you..."

Bullies and Christian bigots. This book was an emotional roller coaster that reminds me how hard it is for people who are gay, dealing with hatred, tormented by society. I understand exactly what Aaron went through.

Unfortunately I can't give it 5 stars because of all the spelling and grammar mistakes, or perhaps typos. Perhaps a better proofreader is needed.
3 reviews
June 13, 2021
Had been late coming to find both these books, Aaron’s Story and Braden’s Story. I couldn’t put it down and finished it over a weekend, most of the time curled up in my bed in a crying mess. It’s everything I’ve gone through, but haven’t got the courage still to come out to my parents and I’ve been gay for 30 years since the day I found out. Thank you Mason, this has been such a healing process for me. Not sure if Michael’s story was published, but wish to know what happened to him.
Profile Image for Corey.
78 reviews5 followers
November 26, 2019
,.

Very confused on the setting as the author seemed to flip between American and UK English slang. Though the death was unnecessary and a lot of the misspellings made it a struggle to read.
73 reviews
August 14, 2017
Sad story with a somewhat happy ending

This story made me angry and it made me sad. I feel that any novel that elicits emotions like that is worth reading a second time, at least.
2 reviews
December 2, 2019
Thought provoking

Very deep - and enjoyable. Hope to read much more by this author. Should be required reading for many, if not all.
193 reviews
May 5, 2022
Emotional

This is an emotional story, as so much of it rings true for anyone who has lived it. Well done.
Profile Image for Jon O.
134 reviews
August 14, 2015
I read Braden's Story, before knowing that there is an earlier book (Aaron's Story), much in relation to Braden's struggle. As I was intrigued by Braden's Story, I had decided to continue my reading with Aaron's Story.

I would say that generally, this, just like Braden's Story, is an angry book. There is so much anger, bitterness, hurt and more in this book than joyous, happy moments. So much so, I found myself several times upset by the story line. Honestly, if I had read Aaron's Story first and then, Braden' Story, I would have claimed that Braden's Story offered recycled story, when it comes to religious issues. Instead of allowing us to watch the progress bit by bit, the whole event became a circus-town, within a few days. In fact, I thought it was tiring to keep up with the roller coaster of Aaron's happiness-anger within one weekend - with June on Saturday, Sunday morning church, upsetting rally, happy afternoon with Steven, crying and then, more crying.

Just like in Braden's Story, there was too much crying.

And secrecy. I do understand the hesitation to tell others of one's sexual orientation, but it was getting on my nerve when Aaron could not even come out to those who were clearly in support of him. It was equally getting on my nerve too, to read about the recycled lines 'I love my mother but I hate my mother' stuff.

What Aaron's Story novel offered more, as compared to Braden's Story, was that Aaron was able to have a boyfriend, since he was older. So, the sexual tension story line was good but too few in between. The rest of the book could really drag one's mood down.

Still, this book was an eye-opener. Believable that it is happening to those who are bullied. My heart goes out to them.

No matter how I did not like the angry stuff in the book, the ending almost made me shed tears.

Aaron's Story and Braden's Story are going to stay as my favorite coming-out books. However, I beg the author to move on to other story line and not to dwell in another character in these books.
Profile Image for Guy Venturi.
1,081 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2015
***WOW*** This book should be required reading...

For all middle and high school students. A movie accurately based on it should also be made and be required.

Aaron shares his inner thoughts, feelings, and motivations as he tries to survive the pressure cooker of high school where the difference between being known and being rejected can change within seconds and instantly spread through the school. It did not take long even before cell phones, and the bullying was often condoned if not perpetrated by the teachers. Home schooling is even more disastrous then public or private schools as the child may be book educated, but very lacking in social behavior and interaction.

Everyone world wide and throughout history have been challenged by religious zealots and political government leaders that use differences to control the people to follow their leadership of face ruin and hell. Gay identity has become the hottest target subject for both sides of the argument.

The taunting intended by calling someone "gay" can best be returned by "and you're sad because you are not gay". Using religion to put down others does not raise the accuser to greater heights and rewards, it just guarantees their place in hell due to their Harris right next to the gay they hated because of their sin.

This book illustrates how cruel friends and family can be without recognizing the hurt they fling by digging into the teen aged thought processes, emotions, and conversations faced daily. I can validate the accuracy of much of this book's situations as much could have been my life story with only the names changed. Maybe this book will change the minds to match the good characters who survive in spite of hatred and false shame.
1 review1 follower
December 11, 2014
Aaron's Story is a coming-of-age/coming-out novel that is by turns tense, violent and disturbing on the one hand, yet is very occasionally sweet and heartwarming on the other. The vicious, brutal world in which Aaron lives (is Australia really like this???) is hard to take at times, and some elements of the plot are awfully hard to swallow--for example, Aaron's older brother Tom is the perfect loving, gay-supportive sibling, yet Aaron repeatedly won't confide in him. Such a conceit may keep the plot grinding forward through its painful progression, but I couldn't believe this poor kid would have refused such an obvious and persistent source of love, help and support. Despite its flaws, however, somehow the novel is ultimately compelling and I found myself anxious to keep reading.

My biggest complaint, in the Kindle edition at least, is the relentless appearance of apparent typos. "Past" becomes "passed;" "exciting" is "exiting;" almost every single page has a similar error. It actually took a fair amount of effort sometimes to figure out the intended word; it was an annoyance that I just can't forgive. Please, Mason, proofread your manuscripts or get someone who can!

Still, the author clearly has the ability to create three-dimensional characters and tell a compelling story. I will happily read more from him.
Profile Image for Dick.
434 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2015
This is as true a story as I have read in years. It it's how I grew up and then again not. Aaron's parents are ferociously religious as is the minister at the church that they attend. As a result he feels that there is no way for him to come out and claim his sexuality(this was perhaps true for all GLBT's that grew up in the 40's thru the early 80's)and so the story is very relate-able. Aaron (a football player who is so fearful of his identity that he won't even support one of his classmates who is constantly getting bullied by Aaron's friends.
In order to further hide his sexuality, he begin's dating a very nice girl, but finds that nothing works when they go "parking". This sets his girlfriend up to eventually out him to the school.
Then all hell breaks thru in his life. He has a very supportive brother who dates a girl who has a gay brother, but still Aaron can't come out to his brother.
He becomes a good friend to Dorian who was the fellow who was constantly being beaten up and this ferther enrages his gang of friends so that they beat him up as well. However, as a result of this beating one of his best friends comes back to him and accepts him despite his sexuality. Aaron and Dorian have had enough and make a suicide pact. I won't give away the ending other to say that it made me cry for quite a while.
414 reviews9 followers
July 14, 2015
This book is very well done, and much better than I was expecting it to be. Such a touching story, and the writing definitely puts the reader in touch with Aaron. My emotions were going on a roller coaster right along with it. There were tears flowing downs my cheeks as the drama reached its pinnacle. Such heart break and loneliness followed by such courage.

I understood why Stephen didn't do more to help Aaron in school or stick up for him. Intellectually I understand his fears. However, I don't understand how he could stand by when it's someone you love. I was also annoyed at David for abandoning his best friend. Still they both stood up in the end.

I was most irritated with Aaron's parents. The may not agree with his life choice, their faith may say otherwise. However what they did is unconscionable. It amounts to abuse. Sadly I suspect a lot of that goes on that we would never hear about.

This is a story that many more people should read. It challenges you to think about what affects others and what they may be going through. This is sadly an issue that various members of society are struggling with. This story is sensitive and thought provoking. Well done.
Profile Image for 2kasmom.
1,448 reviews52 followers
July 16, 2015
Aaron is in high school. He knows he is gay. He has very Christian parents who do not seem to understand what that means. He sees another young gay boy getting abused and pushed around at school, so he keeps it to himself.

His crush, Steven, does not seem to know he is alive either. So what is he to do? He gets a girlfriend and acts like he is normal, that's what. Why risk telling anyone? Then Steven invites him to be a part of their soccer games. He makes new friends and starts to hope.

His older brother, who is close with, asks him over and over again what he is hiding. Why is he so different? Can he please tell him and confide in him? Can he?

After suffering a tragedy, the school is split. Now, the administrators know better and are trying to control the bullying that goes on. Can it really be stopped? Aaron wants to come out and tell all .... but is it really safe to do so?

Such an amazing coming of age story that I dare you to read and not cry to. I loved the honest and simple way about the characters as they go from day to day. I also applauded the adults in this book who got it and understood. You will too!
Profile Image for Nic.
978 reviews23 followers
August 20, 2015
First, Mr. Dodd, you need an editor ASAP. The typos, missing words, and grammatical errors were so prolific that I found myself focusing more on that than the story.

Secondly, I liked the overall idea of this story. I thought Aaron’s struggle as an in-the-closet teen trapped in a religious family was very believable and heartfelt. His constant shifts between happy and depressed, accepting and unaccepting were convincing even if they did become repetitive. While I found parts of the book hard to believe - ex: when accused by classmates of being gay, why didn’t he just deny it as he’d been doing internally all along? I had trouble buying that he wouldn’t deny it in that moment – I did think the book was a very good account of how bullying destroys lives, and Aaron’s speech at the end is very compelling.
Profile Image for Christoph Fischer.
Author 49 books469 followers
July 8, 2015
"Aaron's Story" by Mason Dodd is a very moving and insightful novel. It is also a very important novel that I would recommend people read. How it feels to be gay, gay as a teenager, in school and in your family is difficult to describe. Dodd does a great job at it and his character's honesty enables the reader to get an idea of the many aspects that being gay entails.
The approach of telling the story from the side of an unsuspected gay rather than purely from a victimised or effeminate man helps to illustrate the spectrum of gay identity and the gay experience.
A book not so much innovative or surprising in terms of story but one that I found very rewarding in terms of characterisation and psychological insights.

30 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2015
Every teenager coming out should read this novel

The best coming out story I have ever read. Covers the story of a teenager who has his family, church, school and all his friends against gays. By being an example, Aaron gradually comes out while fighting the uphill battle that no one, gay or straight should have to. Can hardly wait for the next book from this author. Set aside the time to read as this is a book you read in one sitting!
Profile Image for Stacey Monahan-Lippincott.
89 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2015
MUST read!!

As a parent, this story truly touched me. To read about these young men and their struggles just to feel normal was heartbreaking. This is a book that needs to be read by all high school students, to see what can and does happen when someone is bullied. There is so much hatred in our society and to see the inner workings of someone's else's mind that is frequently on the receiving end of that hatred was an eye-opening experience. Extremely well written.
Profile Image for Nicole.
139 reviews
July 12, 2015
I found this story difficult to put down. I was gripped right in the beginning of this coming of age story of a boy named Aaron who is trying to come to terms about his sexuality. He is scared into silence by his classmates who abuse another gay boy daily, by his parents and their beliefs and even by his friends.
His struggles are very real and raw and leave you feeling helpless.

A potently great story if swept by an editor to catch all of the grammar errors, etc.
Profile Image for Donna.
70 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2015
AMAZING ! 10+++ stars!

I wasn't sure how good this book was going to be, but I am seriously impressed. I think EVERYONE can learn something from this book. If you haven't read it, GO NOW AND GET IT. DROP EVERYTHING AND READ THIS BOOK. I read A LOT of books, and this book is by far one of the best.

Kudos to you, Manson Dodd!
Profile Image for Debbora.
1,169 reviews25 followers
July 12, 2015
A must read

I'm glad I stuck with this book. The beginning is a little rough, But, I would recommend this book to young teens, gay or straight. Although, I think anyone can enjoy and appreciate it. There were many great moments about this book I loved. I cried so hard, yet there is a positive ending and that's what made this a 4 star read for me.
Profile Image for Kristina lyboult.
61 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2015
Awesome story yet true on how people are such bullies

This is a very sad story and yet what people go through on a day to day basis. People need to realize this is someone's life and accept it..There is nothing wrong with anyone for who they are. I love this story even though it brought tears to my eyes from how cruel people really are.
Profile Image for Laurel.
175 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2015
What a fantastic story!

Whether straight or gay you can feel the angst and pain Aaron went through in his life as a gay teen who didn't want to be gay but had no choice but to deal with what was thrown his way. Couldn't put it down --went through a bunch of tissues toward the end. Definitely will seek out other books from this author - extremely well written.
Profile Image for Dee.
318 reviews
April 16, 2016
Good coming out and coming of age story. It did get a little maudlin, but that's reality actually, when dealing with these things. And believe it not, this still had a less than realistic ending for these situations.
Profile Image for Jewel.
1,935 reviews279 followers
Want to read
July 8, 2015
Free today (7 July 2015) on Amazon.
1 review
July 12, 2015
Great book

Made me remember a lot of feelings I don't want to forget. Don't e want to go there again but to me it is important to remember.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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