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Breaking Out
Justin Reed is sixteen and has problems.
His mum died during the summer holidays, his older brother, the only person he feels he can talk to, is away at university, and he lives with a father who simply can’t deal with anything emotional. Justin tries to navigate his way through his final year at secondary school but his friends and teachers no longer seem to know how to treat him, or what to say, so they keep their distance.
But then there’s Niall Casey; he’s funny and compassionate, and makes Justin feel things that confuse him; they make him feel wonderful but even more isolated at the same time. As if Justin’s life isn’t complicated enough, he now has to try to make sense of the thoughts and emotions that course through him every time he sees Niall.
This is a story about taking risks, facing the truth and finding love when it seems that the whole world is against you.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2013
5 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Garry M. Tuckwell
2 books18 followersI live in Reading in the South of England with my partner of 26 years. We celebrated our civil partnership in 2006; something we never thought would be possible when we first met. When I'm not writing, I teach English Language to overseas students at a language school I run in Berkshire. I've been a fanatical reader ever since my parents first took the five year old me along to that magical place - our public library.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 30, 2013
This book was just lovely. Give me a story about two young lads falling in love with each other and caring for and supporting each other through difficult times and I'm happy. This is such a book.
The story starts with 16 year old Justin, who has just lost his mum to cancer, struggling to get through each day, not fitting in at school, and finding that people don't know how to deal with his grief. This is a subject close to my heart, and I thought it was beautifully done. Having lost my mum at around the same age as Justin, this part of the book was particularly moving for me, and little details were painfully accurate. Things like the school addressing Justin's report to Mr and Mrs Reed and Justin's reaction to it was done so well I could have cried. In fact, I did :(
The only bright thing in Justin's life is his new friendship with Niall. I also thought this was really well done. The sheer joy and excitement of first love accompanied by the fears that go along with it - Justin second guessing how Niall felt about him, the constant worry that things would go wrong all felt very real.
We then follow the relationship of the boys and how it develops over the years, a lot of it focussing on Niall's family and their refusal to accept the boys' relationship and the heartache that it causes.
The only down side for me for this book was that I wanted more of Justin and Niall's earlier story - I wanted it to carry on. I think it's a personal 'thing' of mine - I prefer stories to be set over a single period of time. That said, the rest of the story is engaging and it is lovely to see how Justin and Niall continue to support each other as adults.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes a story of first love.
The story starts with 16 year old Justin, who has just lost his mum to cancer, struggling to get through each day, not fitting in at school, and finding that people don't know how to deal with his grief. This is a subject close to my heart, and I thought it was beautifully done. Having lost my mum at around the same age as Justin, this part of the book was particularly moving for me, and little details were painfully accurate. Things like the school addressing Justin's report to Mr and Mrs Reed and Justin's reaction to it was done so well I could have cried. In fact, I did :(
The only bright thing in Justin's life is his new friendship with Niall. I also thought this was really well done. The sheer joy and excitement of first love accompanied by the fears that go along with it - Justin second guessing how Niall felt about him, the constant worry that things would go wrong all felt very real.
We then follow the relationship of the boys and how it develops over the years, a lot of it focussing on Niall's family and their refusal to accept the boys' relationship and the heartache that it causes.
The only down side for me for this book was that I wanted more of Justin and Niall's earlier story - I wanted it to carry on. I think it's a personal 'thing' of mine - I prefer stories to be set over a single period of time. That said, the rest of the story is engaging and it is lovely to see how Justin and Niall continue to support each other as adults.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes a story of first love.
September 16, 2013
I am so glad Danni recommended this book to me. It is exactly my thing, cute, sweet, has younger characters, and no cheating. This book isn't exactly unique or different, but if you are a YA fan, you will adore this book. The story is just really sweet and shows that you can stay with your first love - and that they can be your one and only.
This story can be sad(ish). Justin, one of the mc's, lost his mother. It starts with him dealing with things and making a new best friend, Niall. Both boys had different backgrounds, but they found a common ground, became best friends, and fell in love. It was really nice to see the two boys come together. I loved the fact the boys got together, despite Niall knowing his parents wouldn't be happy about it. That was definitely a huge obstacle for the boys - even if it didn't take over the story.
I liked the mixture of accepting and non-accepting people. Justin was luckier than Niall when it came to family and being accepted. Being totally honest, I would have liked Niall to have had someone in his family love and accept him for who he was, but I guess he ended up with a family because of his relationship with Justin.
In the book, we follow the boys through a lot of things. It's not based in the one timeline. For me, that was a bonus. I do love books where I can see characters grow up. And I feel like it was better here because we got to see more about Niall's parents - and how they felt regarding their son's sexual orientation. While I wish they had been more accepting, it was good to see where it went with them, instead of wondering if they would ever accept him.
This is definitely a book I would recommend to YA fans. Even if you're not, you might like the Britishness of the book.
This story can be sad(ish). Justin, one of the mc's, lost his mother. It starts with him dealing with things and making a new best friend, Niall. Both boys had different backgrounds, but they found a common ground, became best friends, and fell in love. It was really nice to see the two boys come together. I loved the fact the boys got together, despite Niall knowing his parents wouldn't be happy about it. That was definitely a huge obstacle for the boys - even if it didn't take over the story.
I liked the mixture of accepting and non-accepting people. Justin was luckier than Niall when it came to family and being accepted. Being totally honest, I would have liked Niall to have had someone in his family love and accept him for who he was, but I guess he ended up with a family because of his relationship with Justin.
In the book, we follow the boys through a lot of things. It's not based in the one timeline. For me, that was a bonus. I do love books where I can see characters grow up. And I feel like it was better here because we got to see more about Niall's parents - and how they felt regarding their son's sexual orientation. While I wish they had been more accepting, it was good to see where it went with them, instead of wondering if they would ever accept him.
This is definitely a book I would recommend to YA fans. Even if you're not, you might like the Britishness of the book.
July 14, 2013
This is a wonderful coming-of-age book! I loved the two main characters, Justin and Niall. They faced their challenges and learned from their mistakes. They made sacrifices for one another and put their love for each other above all else. And after getting to know them you just want to have them over for a cup of tea.
I would call this a "hammock book"....grab yourself a beverage, kick back in a hammock on a nice sunny day and enjoy Justin and Niall's journey from 16 year old schoolboys into responsible, committed adults.
I would call this a "hammock book"....grab yourself a beverage, kick back in a hammock on a nice sunny day and enjoy Justin and Niall's journey from 16 year old schoolboys into responsible, committed adults.
July 7, 2013
I am an aficionado of gay coming of age and gay romance books. I've read countless. Garry M. Tuckwell's "Breaking Out" is among the very best of the genres. The lead characters he creates, Justin and Niall, are fully fleshed out and very likable. The obstacles he puts in the couple's way are very true to life, and the ways they confront these challenges are very believable. The story spans many years and the author really keeps you turning the pages to follow the evolution of Justin and Niall's relationship. Great story, great characters (loved Justin's family), great book. I strongly recommend it.
June 29, 2015
Not all Christians are homophobic bigots. Loved Mike and the small way he represented.
September 27, 2013
Where to start in reviewing “Breaking Out” by Garry M. Tuckwell. There are two things that immediately stand out; first, is Peter’s gift of the double bed at the end of the story and second, Mr. Tuckwell’s dedication to “Simon.” Simon and Garry sound like two very lucky gentleman.
I enjoyed this story. Yes, there were some editing errors and sometimes it makes for difficult reading. I find no fault with the author for these. The story was thoughtful, realistic, and charming in many ways. Should we all be so fortunate to find the loves of our lives at the tender age of 16? This is the romantic element I love about this story, and I am all about romance.
Coming out in the 70’s and the son of a minister, I empathize all too well with the bigotry and arrogance of Niall’s parents. It’s sad that there are many young people that are subjected to this kind of thought even in this year of 2013. Unfortunately, that is something that will probably never change. I support the manner in which Niall dealt with his parent’s prejudice. In a quiet and unassuming way, Justin’s father Peter grew in his own way. The gift of the double bed was a testament to how far he had come in accepting his son and his son’s partner. I was really touched.
As a side note, I have to say the individual who gave the story a 1 – star rating (on Amazon.com), I was completely baffled by what you were trying to say. It made no sense and it seemed you were more intent on writing something for your own reading pleasure. You really did the author a disservice with the incongruity of your review. This is first time I’ve ever commented on another reviewer but please, just what were you trying to say? Better yet, never mind.
Well done Mr. Tuckwell. Looking forward to reading more from you in the future.
I enjoyed this story. Yes, there were some editing errors and sometimes it makes for difficult reading. I find no fault with the author for these. The story was thoughtful, realistic, and charming in many ways. Should we all be so fortunate to find the loves of our lives at the tender age of 16? This is the romantic element I love about this story, and I am all about romance.
Coming out in the 70’s and the son of a minister, I empathize all too well with the bigotry and arrogance of Niall’s parents. It’s sad that there are many young people that are subjected to this kind of thought even in this year of 2013. Unfortunately, that is something that will probably never change. I support the manner in which Niall dealt with his parent’s prejudice. In a quiet and unassuming way, Justin’s father Peter grew in his own way. The gift of the double bed was a testament to how far he had come in accepting his son and his son’s partner. I was really touched.
As a side note, I have to say the individual who gave the story a 1 – star rating (on Amazon.com), I was completely baffled by what you were trying to say. It made no sense and it seemed you were more intent on writing something for your own reading pleasure. You really did the author a disservice with the incongruity of your review. This is first time I’ve ever commented on another reviewer but please, just what were you trying to say? Better yet, never mind.
Well done Mr. Tuckwell. Looking forward to reading more from you in the future.
March 22, 2016
Fairly formulaic coming out novel set in the 80's. Niall's bigoted Catholic parents, Justin's father who could barely string two words together to his son cos dads just didn't show affection back then, it wasn't manly. It so reminded me of the good and bad of living in that era. Thank God most people don't have to live in an emotionally stunted world nowadays, it's not frowned upon for dads to hug their sons and show them that they love them, whether gay or not. 3.5 stars from me.
February 7, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. The story of Justin and Niall is told with great attention to detail and love. There is sex, but not too much and not into much detail.
I could easily relate to the characters and their way of life. Doesn't everybody want a love like this....
I am looking forward to read more from mr Tuckwell
I could easily relate to the characters and their way of life. Doesn't everybody want a love like this....
I am looking forward to read more from mr Tuckwell
September 17, 2013
A coming out story that shows how hard it can be for some and "easy" it is for others. Justin's family is very supportive and his older brother Dan has some great advice.
December 7, 2014
This story started out okay; two young boys, Justin and Niall, discovering their sexuality and getting to know each other. There are many, many of these ‘coming out’ stories out there and I have read a lot of them and I never get tired of them so ‘Breaking Out’, even though overly detailed, started okay.
Then came part two. Nothing happened and the story didn’t go anywhere. There was a wedding stuck in for some unknown reason, and the author gave us a blow-by-blow description of almost every minute leading up to it and following it. A detailed analysis of something totally insignificant and therefore boring.
There was a part three but I was skimming by now, trying to reach the end. One of the few interesting parts of the story; was the interactions between Niall and his mother.
The two main characters were not particularly interesting and not particularly likeable. I liked the author’s writing style even though he includes too much detail. However, he needs to find something less boring to write about. Not recommended because there are too many other 'coming out' books out there that are so much better.
Then came part two. Nothing happened and the story didn’t go anywhere. There was a wedding stuck in for some unknown reason, and the author gave us a blow-by-blow description of almost every minute leading up to it and following it. A detailed analysis of something totally insignificant and therefore boring.
There was a part three but I was skimming by now, trying to reach the end. One of the few interesting parts of the story; was the interactions between Niall and his mother.
The two main characters were not particularly interesting and not particularly likeable. I liked the author’s writing style even though he includes too much detail. However, he needs to find something less boring to write about. Not recommended because there are too many other 'coming out' books out there that are so much better.
January 3, 2014
What a fantastic read this was. Spread over a period of just over 7 years it tells the story of Justin and Niall. Two people from very different backgrounds. Justin, who has recently lost his Mum from cancer and comes from a working class family and Niall who's parents are strict Roman Catholics and are upper middle class. A romantic and heart-warming story I would recommend to everyone. I enjoyed it so much that I have now purchased the follow up called "A Family Matter" which continues the story 10 years on
July 19, 2013
I really enjoyed this read. The lead characters were warm and loveable. I loved Dan & Justin as really caring brothers. My only gripes are: the ending was a bit abrupt (I wanted more of a climax and slower resolution...it never really resolved), more Mike! (there was such promise there, but I want more), more careful editing (as mentioned by few other reviews).
September 22, 2013
for anyone that enjoys coming of age stories and/or romances, this is an excellent read. following Justin and Niall as they make there way friends at 16 all the way through university and getting their first home together, the struggles they go through with family shows that love can make anything possible.
September 7, 2018
3.5*
This is an easy read of mostly kind characters, showcasing a first-love-schoolboy friendship as it blossoms into a long-term committed one, with loving support from one family and hostility from the other.
This is an easy read of mostly kind characters, showcasing a first-love-schoolboy friendship as it blossoms into a long-term committed one, with loving support from one family and hostility from the other.
August 26, 2017
I love this book I have read it three times now.I wish when I was young I could have been as brave as Justin and Niall.Thank you Mr Tuckwell for two brilliant books.A third book would complete the story.It's so refreshing to read about an ordinary family from England,and not the usual American stuff or public schoolboys from posh schools in the UK.
June 5, 2015
A couple of weeks ago a book popped up as a recommendation based on what I have read lately and what I have liked in the past. It was called "Breaking Out".
Putting aside all the usual about what a great book and story it is, and it is. This story hit me to my soul. I read the first book in a matter of days and immediately found the sequel.The emotions that you have made me remember,... well
thanks.
As a gay man happily married to my partner of 18 years, I truly appreciate and relate to the characters and feelings brought forth in these books.
You have brought voice to my own memories, hopes and fears that have made us all vulnerable to society at large. Thanks you for bringing out the notion that "Love is Love" no matter who you are, no matter where you are.
With each new chapter, the story made dread and yet anticipate what would happen next in the lives of Justin and Niall. ..I can truly picture these two loving men as parents that we can all look to for guidance and an example of the future that is still ahead of us all.
Thank You once again for making cry :)
Todd M. Hewitt
Ohio
USA
Putting aside all the usual about what a great book and story it is, and it is. This story hit me to my soul. I read the first book in a matter of days and immediately found the sequel.The emotions that you have made me remember,... well
thanks.
As a gay man happily married to my partner of 18 years, I truly appreciate and relate to the characters and feelings brought forth in these books.
You have brought voice to my own memories, hopes and fears that have made us all vulnerable to society at large. Thanks you for bringing out the notion that "Love is Love" no matter who you are, no matter where you are.
With each new chapter, the story made dread and yet anticipate what would happen next in the lives of Justin and Niall. ..I can truly picture these two loving men as parents that we can all look to for guidance and an example of the future that is still ahead of us all.
Thank You once again for making cry :)
Todd M. Hewitt
Ohio
USA
December 21, 2013
3.5 *
I have mix feelings about this one. Breaking Out stars Justin and Niall. Now, Justin lost his mom to cancer leaving him behind in the care of his dad, Peter, and older brother, Dan. At school, he meets Niall that comes from a very Catholic background. There is an instant connection between and they soon become one.
I liked the two main characters. The writing was really good and the story was solid. The one thing that totally blew me off were the giant gaps in the story. We only get to see what happens later on because the main characters remembered it or retold it. Another thing that I hated was the fact that we don't really get to see what happened to Niall's parents. Did they accept him? Did they completely walk out of their child's life? I suspect that they did, but still, that to me was left unanswered.
I recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a unique, sweet, and coming of age young novel with a very happily ever after.
I have mix feelings about this one. Breaking Out stars Justin and Niall. Now, Justin lost his mom to cancer leaving him behind in the care of his dad, Peter, and older brother, Dan. At school, he meets Niall that comes from a very Catholic background. There is an instant connection between and they soon become one.
I liked the two main characters. The writing was really good and the story was solid. The one thing that totally blew me off were the giant gaps in the story. We only get to see what happens later on because the main characters remembered it or retold it. Another thing that I hated was the fact that we don't really get to see what happened to Niall's parents. Did they accept him? Did they completely walk out of their child's life? I suspect that they did, but still, that to me was left unanswered.
I recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a unique, sweet, and coming of age young novel with a very happily ever after.
August 31, 2013
A sweet book perhaps too sweet, as much of the meaty conflict is neatly avoided by jumping ahead in time between each part. The first part - young love - and the last chapter dealing with family both rang true for me, while much of the rest was just stepping the story along. Fine for a light read.
March 13, 2014
Really lovely story which I had passed up on numerous occasions, however, when I saw an author friend of mine had read it and enjoyed it, I gave it a shot and was not disappointed. It was sad at some points with tears, happy moments, tense moments, and not full of sex. This book just didn't need any spicing up with sexual details etc. Reading the next installment now.
March 1, 2014
Very good book!! I agree with some of the other reviews and it could get a bit tedious at but I have to give it to the author, he can definitely pull on the ole heart strings and grab a tear here and there, as well as, a good chuckle every now and then to boot!!!
October 24, 2015
A good story
I enjoyed reading the journey of Justin and Niall. It had some good laughs and some really sad moments. Parents can be really tough when it comes to changes in there beliefs. It was just great to have a brother like Dan in the mix.
I enjoyed reading the journey of Justin and Niall. It had some good laughs and some really sad moments. Parents can be really tough when it comes to changes in there beliefs. It was just great to have a brother like Dan in the mix.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews