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Glass Closet: The Price of Silence, The Triumph of Voice
'Glass Closet' is not merely a story—it's a symphony of emotion, a rich, resounding anthem of self-love and acceptance. It offers a profound reflection on the battles fought in silence, the quiet strength drawn from the soul's deepest wells. Every page unfurls with an elegance that will stir your heart and ignite a flame of understanding within.
In the shifting sands of adolescence, Ethan—an introspective teen in a world quick to judge, slow to understand. His path of self-discovery traces the delicate lines of fear, resilience, and acceptance, a testament to the human spirit's indomitable strength.
A novella draped in the hues of vulnerability and defiance, love, and rebellion—'Glass Closet' paints an intimate portrait of the transformative power of authenticity. This lyrical journey will leave an indelible mark on your soul, a gentle reminder of the courage that resides in each one of us, waiting to be awakened.
Let this touching tale whisper to your spirit whisper to your spirit. It beckons, inviting you to step into a world where, beyond the fear and judgment, lies the beauty of truth.
In the shifting sands of adolescence, Ethan—an introspective teen in a world quick to judge, slow to understand. His path of self-discovery traces the delicate lines of fear, resilience, and acceptance, a testament to the human spirit's indomitable strength.
A novella draped in the hues of vulnerability and defiance, love, and rebellion—'Glass Closet' paints an intimate portrait of the transformative power of authenticity. This lyrical journey will leave an indelible mark on your soul, a gentle reminder of the courage that resides in each one of us, waiting to be awakened.
Let this touching tale whisper to your spirit whisper to your spirit. It beckons, inviting you to step into a world where, beyond the fear and judgment, lies the beauty of truth.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2023
71 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 2, 2024
I am very much looking forward to see where Iam ‘s writing journey will take him!
This was a lovely short story! Not what I’m used to, I usually enjoy books with more action and this was a journey inside a boy’s mind, understanding what the feelings of someone who goes through this might be.
The novel is not necessarily a jaw dropping piece of writing but I enjoyed reading it enough to give it 4 stars + 1 more as this is the author’s first book.
I would have liked the story to be more complex and the part where Ethan thinks that Alex died completely removed as it is such a cliche!
As to the author sounding like someone who ingested a thesaurus, I think that is harsh! The book is written from the perspective of a lonely boy who lives through his books, so the use of the chosen words makes sense to me. The writing is not condescending or unnecessarily heavy, it’s simple and accessible.
Looking forward to reading Iam’s next book 💖💖💖
This was a lovely short story! Not what I’m used to, I usually enjoy books with more action and this was a journey inside a boy’s mind, understanding what the feelings of someone who goes through this might be.
The novel is not necessarily a jaw dropping piece of writing but I enjoyed reading it enough to give it 4 stars + 1 more as this is the author’s first book.
I would have liked the story to be more complex and the part where Ethan thinks that Alex died completely removed as it is such a cliche!
As to the author sounding like someone who ingested a thesaurus, I think that is harsh! The book is written from the perspective of a lonely boy who lives through his books, so the use of the chosen words makes sense to me. The writing is not condescending or unnecessarily heavy, it’s simple and accessible.
Looking forward to reading Iam’s next book 💖💖💖
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2024
A book about a chronic introvert whose life is lived looking in a mirror is a challenge to any writer. How can a reader be introduced to a character who chooses to be unreachable? I met this book gingerly, downloading an excerpt first, but that did catch my interest enough that I bought in to the whole story.
Ethan's internal monologue is well worth reading, though it takes an effort to cope with a world that is practically invisible. Parents hardly exist. Bullies are merely smashes in the face. Teachers are shadowy presences in the blank spaces of the school. Hospital staff are little more than hands fixing IV lines. Only Alex is presented as a real person, and of course, that is exactly how Ethan's world is. It's a hard world to live in - for the reader, as much as for Ethan.
I appreciate Obsydian's vocabulary, even if some of the words do seem to come from the bottom of the wardrobe. They sometimes don't work at all: Ethan's eyes 'oscillating' between his parents brings an inappropriately comic picture to my mind. Maybe that's just my mind.
The writing does tend to get in the way of the book, though, and I mention two problems: 1. Far too many abstract nouns. 2. Adjectives everywhere, killing off their nouns.
What can be seen, hiding like Ethan, behind the words is well worth reaching for.
February 4, 2024
A n Exploration of Friendship and Love
This works on so many levels. Ethan searches his and battles his personal demons. His reward is a awesome friendship with Alex who bolsters his courage and opens his heart and soul to a shared love. Gay or straight, there is something here for you. From confidence and courage to love and friendship that is thoughtfully and beautifully explored. Unlike other similar reads, there is nothing here to offend.
This works on so many levels. Ethan searches his and battles his personal demons. His reward is a awesome friendship with Alex who bolsters his courage and opens his heart and soul to a shared love. Gay or straight, there is something here for you. From confidence and courage to love and friendship that is thoughtfully and beautifully explored. Unlike other similar reads, there is nothing here to offend.
February 29, 2024
I just wanted to give him a good slap.
August 5, 2023
gorgeous story
The writing and narrative are beautiful in epic proportions. The author is obviously very talented and has studied and honed his craft.
The images throughout the book are also very beautiful. When I first saw this book cover, it looked like it was done by artificial intelligence, like so many are nowadays. I’m still not so sure because the white stuff all over the face and neck of the boy on the cover is… Well… A little bit concerning to see.
Let’s be honest… Is that what we all think it is?
But once I got inside the book, I was remarkably impressed with the illustrations, so I actually don’t think this book cover does it justice.
Grab this book. It’ll be worth it.
The writing and narrative are beautiful in epic proportions. The author is obviously very talented and has studied and honed his craft.
The images throughout the book are also very beautiful. When I first saw this book cover, it looked like it was done by artificial intelligence, like so many are nowadays. I’m still not so sure because the white stuff all over the face and neck of the boy on the cover is… Well… A little bit concerning to see.
Let’s be honest… Is that what we all think it is?
But once I got inside the book, I was remarkably impressed with the illustrations, so I actually don’t think this book cover does it justice.
Grab this book. It’ll be worth it.
March 22, 2024
I’ll be brief.
This is not another story about the football quarterback and nerd who fall in love. The story rings true in its simplicity. The chapter artwork is beautiful. The narration is beautifully poetic but I find it overdone, and if scaled back I would have rated this book a five.
Also, the addition of contact information to various LGBTQ help groups at the end would have been appropriate and helpful to those in need.
This is not another story about the football quarterback and nerd who fall in love. The story rings true in its simplicity. The chapter artwork is beautiful. The narration is beautifully poetic but I find it overdone, and if scaled back I would have rated this book a five.
Also, the addition of contact information to various LGBTQ help groups at the end would have been appropriate and helpful to those in need.
February 26, 2024
Excellent
This is story that should be read by educators, parents, and students. What an eye opener into the adolescent experience that can be very difficult to navigate. Loving yourself for who and what you are is at the heart of this novel. Excellent!
This is story that should be read by educators, parents, and students. What an eye opener into the adolescent experience that can be very difficult to navigate. Loving yourself for who and what you are is at the heart of this novel. Excellent!
February 22, 2024
Survival Guide For Coming Out!
This is a very moving book documenting a young teens struggle against bullying, finding love, hope, and a change in identity. The author could of used an editor to shorten some of his narrative since there is so much repetition. Chapter one mentions repeatedly that Ethan takes solace in his books and room. The prose is so beautiful, that I will overlook the fact that the narrative is overblown and the protagonist at 17 could not possess such insights. With that said, it is a beautiful book from a very gifted writer!
This is a very moving book documenting a young teens struggle against bullying, finding love, hope, and a change in identity. The author could of used an editor to shorten some of his narrative since there is so much repetition. Chapter one mentions repeatedly that Ethan takes solace in his books and room. The prose is so beautiful, that I will overlook the fact that the narrative is overblown and the protagonist at 17 could not possess such insights. With that said, it is a beautiful book from a very gifted writer!
February 12, 2024
Everybody who feels 'different' should read this book.
August 24, 2023
A Beautiful Story of Self-Discovery and Love
I absolutely loved reading Glass Closet: The Price of Silence, The Triumph of Voice by Iam Obsydian. This book is truly a symphony of emotion, a resounding anthem of self-love and acceptance. Iam Obsydian does a great job of capturing the delicate lines of fear, resilience, and acceptance Ethan, the protagonist, experiences in his journey of self-discovery. I was particularly moved by the relationship between Ethan and Alex, and it was beautiful to read about the light they both shone on all around them and the love they shared.
Throughout the book, I was reminded of the courage and strength within us all when we embrace our true selves. Following Ethan's story touched my heart and I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with coming out or anyone looking for an inspiring and impactful story.
I absolutely loved reading Glass Closet: The Price of Silence, The Triumph of Voice by Iam Obsydian. This book is truly a symphony of emotion, a resounding anthem of self-love and acceptance. Iam Obsydian does a great job of capturing the delicate lines of fear, resilience, and acceptance Ethan, the protagonist, experiences in his journey of self-discovery. I was particularly moved by the relationship between Ethan and Alex, and it was beautiful to read about the light they both shone on all around them and the love they shared.
Throughout the book, I was reminded of the courage and strength within us all when we embrace our true selves. Following Ethan's story touched my heart and I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with coming out or anyone looking for an inspiring and impactful story.
January 28, 2024
Viciously enforced conformity is a disaster for all
From my own life experience, too much of this is very real and little has been done to change it over the past 50 years and more. This author has a valid and accurate viewpoint but the approach is perhaps too literate and intellectual to ever reach the people who need shaking up. By that, I mean those who believe that the purpose of schooling is to protect the status quo and force children into "acceptable" thought patterns and behavior rather than teaching them to think and evaluate.
From my own life experience, too much of this is very real and little has been done to change it over the past 50 years and more. This author has a valid and accurate viewpoint but the approach is perhaps too literate and intellectual to ever reach the people who need shaking up. By that, I mean those who believe that the purpose of schooling is to protect the status quo and force children into "acceptable" thought patterns and behavior rather than teaching them to think and evaluate.
January 1, 2024
Wonderful, Touching , So many life lessons!
This is not a genre that I delve into. In fact, this is my second such book, having decided to be a more eclectic reader. And what an experience!
The greatest sin has to be man’s inhumanity to man and this is seen so often when one person, whether by choice or by fate, happens to be different than the majority. Ethan is one such person - a teenager, grappling with himself and soon enough comes face to face with his true self-he is gay.
Faced with the heckling, bullying and hatred that high school teen boys can dish out to minors, Ethan is beaten unconscious at school and is hospitalized. But in hospital his life takes a positive turn -he finds love in someone he can identify with and he shares the secret that had been threatening to stifle him.
The story takes an interesting path, one that reveals Ethan’s inner strength and gives us life lessons in love, acceptance and tolerance … "Firstly,... I am all too familiar with the loneliness that can envelop you when you're wrestling with your identity. When you feel like an outsider, when the world around you appears uncomprehending. But always remember, there's an entire community out there who understands, who cares, and who will stand beside you."
"The world can be a harsh place. Yet, it can also be beautiful. It can accept, it can support. And the onus falls on us to sculpt that world. A world where love escapes judgment, where identities dodge ridicule, where every individual basks in the celebration of their unique self."
Nathan digs deep into his inner self and leaves a potent message to the world: “We won't buckle under ignorance's weight or cower in bigotry's shadow. We won't embrace defeat or allow ourselves to be belittled, devalued. We'll rise, stand tall, and continue to soar, unshackled by fear or shame, until the world acknowledges us for who we truly are. We aren't merely characters populating the margins of a mainstream narrative. We aren't footnotes in someone else's tale. We are the protagonists of our own lives, deserving of the spotlight, deserving of respect, acceptance. We are diverse, we are vibrant, we are real. We come in different shapes, colours, sizes. We carry different stories, confront different struggles, harbour different dreams. Yet, we share a common truth. A truth that defines us, unites us, empowers us. Our love might differ, but that's okay. Because love, in all its forms, in all its hues, is valid. It's beautiful. It's human.”
I really love this touching story and commend the author for a good effort.
Having said that, I would have liked to read more dialogue and wish the author had included more action. He is a gifted writer but has to be careful that he doesn’t overwrite. Notwithstanding, I did enjoy the word -flow from his magic pen.
This is not a genre that I delve into. In fact, this is my second such book, having decided to be a more eclectic reader. And what an experience!
The greatest sin has to be man’s inhumanity to man and this is seen so often when one person, whether by choice or by fate, happens to be different than the majority. Ethan is one such person - a teenager, grappling with himself and soon enough comes face to face with his true self-he is gay.
Faced with the heckling, bullying and hatred that high school teen boys can dish out to minors, Ethan is beaten unconscious at school and is hospitalized. But in hospital his life takes a positive turn -he finds love in someone he can identify with and he shares the secret that had been threatening to stifle him.
The story takes an interesting path, one that reveals Ethan’s inner strength and gives us life lessons in love, acceptance and tolerance … "Firstly,... I am all too familiar with the loneliness that can envelop you when you're wrestling with your identity. When you feel like an outsider, when the world around you appears uncomprehending. But always remember, there's an entire community out there who understands, who cares, and who will stand beside you."
"The world can be a harsh place. Yet, it can also be beautiful. It can accept, it can support. And the onus falls on us to sculpt that world. A world where love escapes judgment, where identities dodge ridicule, where every individual basks in the celebration of their unique self."
Nathan digs deep into his inner self and leaves a potent message to the world: “We won't buckle under ignorance's weight or cower in bigotry's shadow. We won't embrace defeat or allow ourselves to be belittled, devalued. We'll rise, stand tall, and continue to soar, unshackled by fear or shame, until the world acknowledges us for who we truly are. We aren't merely characters populating the margins of a mainstream narrative. We aren't footnotes in someone else's tale. We are the protagonists of our own lives, deserving of the spotlight, deserving of respect, acceptance. We are diverse, we are vibrant, we are real. We come in different shapes, colours, sizes. We carry different stories, confront different struggles, harbour different dreams. Yet, we share a common truth. A truth that defines us, unites us, empowers us. Our love might differ, but that's okay. Because love, in all its forms, in all its hues, is valid. It's beautiful. It's human.”
I really love this touching story and commend the author for a good effort.
Having said that, I would have liked to read more dialogue and wish the author had included more action. He is a gifted writer but has to be careful that he doesn’t overwrite. Notwithstanding, I did enjoy the word -flow from his magic pen.
October 21, 2024
It started off really well, but then I became exhausted by this author’s prose. For me personally, it seemed like he was trying too hard to write as lyrical as possible and that just didn’t resonate with me. Also, some things really bothered me. Like when Ethan gets bullied and harassed so hard that he spends a week or so at the hospital and yet, when he returns to school, his bullies are still around, waiting for their second chance. I mean, how?! They should have had a severe punishment, maybe even police involvement.
Also, the way Ethan and Alex talk? No way is that how 17 years old do.
But it’s Ethan’s journey to accept himself and to accept the world is a harsh place a lot of times, but also a place where he can dare to be himself.
I did like the graphics in this book, which adds to my rating. I wished I had enjoyed this more, but unfortunately I didn’t. Must be on me, a lot of readers loved it.
Also, the way Ethan and Alex talk? No way is that how 17 years old do.
But it’s Ethan’s journey to accept himself and to accept the world is a harsh place a lot of times, but also a place where he can dare to be himself.
I did like the graphics in this book, which adds to my rating. I wished I had enjoyed this more, but unfortunately I didn’t. Must be on me, a lot of readers loved it.
February 4, 2024
2.5 Stars - Rounded down
For several reasons Iam Obsydian’s Glass Closet: The Price of Silence, The Triumph of Voice is particularly difficult to rate and review.
I’m always reminded that it’s much easier to criticize than to create, and this has to be the first reason. Obsydian is a new author and anyone willing to put pen to paper should be encouraged and applauded.
But, as another reviewer has already noted, Glass Closet reads “as though the author used a thesaurus to sound more profound, which really just made it miss the mark on writing a relatable, authentic-sounding narrative.”
Still, among all the words, the protagonists Ethan and Alex do have a story to tell. It’s a beautiful story that somehow is overwhelmed by the narrative.
One real 5-STAR feature of the Kindle version is the extraordinary set of uncredited illustrations throughout. It would be nice if the illustrator had been acknowledged as well.
For several reasons Iam Obsydian’s Glass Closet: The Price of Silence, The Triumph of Voice is particularly difficult to rate and review.
I’m always reminded that it’s much easier to criticize than to create, and this has to be the first reason. Obsydian is a new author and anyone willing to put pen to paper should be encouraged and applauded.
But, as another reviewer has already noted, Glass Closet reads “as though the author used a thesaurus to sound more profound, which really just made it miss the mark on writing a relatable, authentic-sounding narrative.”
Still, among all the words, the protagonists Ethan and Alex do have a story to tell. It’s a beautiful story that somehow is overwhelmed by the narrative.
One real 5-STAR feature of the Kindle version is the extraordinary set of uncredited illustrations throughout. It would be nice if the illustrator had been acknowledged as well.
June 10, 2024
A beautiful, honest, and tender coming out teenage story. Pulls at your heartstrings.
Read
February 7, 2024This book was fine. It felt like it was the final project for a literature student though. It was primarily inner monologue and it was full of metaphors, personification and similes. There was no real world building or character establishment, and there was a very unnecessary plot twist/not plot twist that I feel like would have been better if it was a plot twist.
I can't say I'd recommend this book to anyone but I am glad I gave it a chance.
I can't say I'd recommend this book to anyone but I am glad I gave it a chance.
February 6, 2024
At least he tried.
I was hoping that this would be a novel that could become a classic in gay literature. Sadly, I don’t think that will happen. First, the novel is grossly overwritten. The author tried too hard to sound erudite. Adjectives and flowery language were overused. Secondly, the main character’s journey to his truth came too easily and too quickly. Any teenager reading this will be sadly disappointed when they realize that such a journey is not that easy. Thirdly, events were just not believable. The author’s message is an admirable one, but the events leading to his truth just don’t match reality. As someone who has worked with students for many years, I could never recommend reading this.
I was hoping that this would be a novel that could become a classic in gay literature. Sadly, I don’t think that will happen. First, the novel is grossly overwritten. The author tried too hard to sound erudite. Adjectives and flowery language were overused. Secondly, the main character’s journey to his truth came too easily and too quickly. Any teenager reading this will be sadly disappointed when they realize that such a journey is not that easy. Thirdly, events were just not believable. The author’s message is an admirable one, but the events leading to his truth just don’t match reality. As someone who has worked with students for many years, I could never recommend reading this.
March 20, 2024
This book had such potential. The author used every word they could find in the dictionary to make it sounds
elaborate it seemed. It took away from the story. It was so hard for me to concentrate while reading this due to this.
elaborate it seemed. It took away from the story. It was so hard for me to concentrate while reading this due to this.
February 8, 2024
Let's be honest!
I've got to admit, deciding to read this book was a bit of a tug-of-war for me. You see, I have this habit of sifting through the bad reviews first to see what I might be getting into, and this one... well, it was a tough call.
The main gripes I kept seeing were about how the book was overwritten and dove deep into the main character Ethan's thoughts. But something about that cover and the title just snagged my attention, and I thought, "Why not?"
So here's the real deal from me:
Straight up, slapping a 1-star on this book feels way overboard. Yes, it gets wordy at times, which is why I'm rating it 4 stars. But honestly, everything else about it? Pretty darn amazing.
The book throws some pretty demanding vocabulary at you, sure, but since when is that a bad thing? It's like poetry or a beautiful song – it's meant to make you feel something deeper.
And it does deliver. This novel is like a beautifully written poem. The way it captures Ethan's rollercoaster of feelings and thoughts is just incredible. It totally took me back to my own drama-filled teenage years as a gay kid. My mind was all over the place, obsessing over some boy or getting wrecked by something mean that some bully said, just like Ethan.
I get it, not every gay person's experience is a mirror image of this. Maybe it's more for the introspective or shy folks out there. But if the book had just toned down the wordiness a bit, it would've been an easy 5 stars from me.
I'd say it's a must-read for anyone, gay or straight, who's got a big heart and a curious mind. If you're looking to really get into someone else's head and see how they tick, this is your book.
Otherwise, if you're hunting for something with a bit more spice, the kind of stuff you'd find in a typical MM romance novel, this might not hit the spot. This one digs deeper than that.
So, that's my two cents. If you were on the fence like I was, wondering if this book's worth your time, I hope this helps you decide. It's definitely worth a shot, overwritten parts and all.
I've got to admit, deciding to read this book was a bit of a tug-of-war for me. You see, I have this habit of sifting through the bad reviews first to see what I might be getting into, and this one... well, it was a tough call.
The main gripes I kept seeing were about how the book was overwritten and dove deep into the main character Ethan's thoughts. But something about that cover and the title just snagged my attention, and I thought, "Why not?"
So here's the real deal from me:
Straight up, slapping a 1-star on this book feels way overboard. Yes, it gets wordy at times, which is why I'm rating it 4 stars. But honestly, everything else about it? Pretty darn amazing.
The book throws some pretty demanding vocabulary at you, sure, but since when is that a bad thing? It's like poetry or a beautiful song – it's meant to make you feel something deeper.
And it does deliver. This novel is like a beautifully written poem. The way it captures Ethan's rollercoaster of feelings and thoughts is just incredible. It totally took me back to my own drama-filled teenage years as a gay kid. My mind was all over the place, obsessing over some boy or getting wrecked by something mean that some bully said, just like Ethan.
I get it, not every gay person's experience is a mirror image of this. Maybe it's more for the introspective or shy folks out there. But if the book had just toned down the wordiness a bit, it would've been an easy 5 stars from me.
I'd say it's a must-read for anyone, gay or straight, who's got a big heart and a curious mind. If you're looking to really get into someone else's head and see how they tick, this is your book.
Otherwise, if you're hunting for something with a bit more spice, the kind of stuff you'd find in a typical MM romance novel, this might not hit the spot. This one digs deeper than that.
So, that's my two cents. If you were on the fence like I was, wondering if this book's worth your time, I hope this helps you decide. It's definitely worth a shot, overwritten parts and all.
September 14, 2024
The Most Beautiful Out of Closet Ever Written!
Author, Iam Obsydian, is one of the talented writers I’ve ever encountered! In this novel, “Glass Closet: The Price of Silence, The Triumph of Voice” he shines like a star to those in darkness. The author’s writing is deep and engaging, which makes the MC, ‘Ethan’ and his inner thoughts the driving force in this novel, “as Ethan goes from his closed room and daydreaming to reality the reader gets a glimpse into his life, and fears. The thought of being exposed as gay.” Each chapter is a journey through Ethan’s thoughts and experiences, “Some very unpleasant encounters at school and bullies”, and the fallout lands him in the hospital. Thus enters, ‘Alex, a chronically ill young man with a heart of gold and wisdom’. It was beautiful reading their story, and realizing the impact of Ethan’s newly found voice in an accepting community and family!
Every coffee shop I frequent should have this book on their shelves! It’s that good.
Author, Iam Obsydian, is one of the talented writers I’ve ever encountered! In this novel, “Glass Closet: The Price of Silence, The Triumph of Voice” he shines like a star to those in darkness. The author’s writing is deep and engaging, which makes the MC, ‘Ethan’ and his inner thoughts the driving force in this novel, “as Ethan goes from his closed room and daydreaming to reality the reader gets a glimpse into his life, and fears. The thought of being exposed as gay.” Each chapter is a journey through Ethan’s thoughts and experiences, “Some very unpleasant encounters at school and bullies”, and the fallout lands him in the hospital. Thus enters, ‘Alex, a chronically ill young man with a heart of gold and wisdom’. It was beautiful reading their story, and realizing the impact of Ethan’s newly found voice in an accepting community and family!
Every coffee shop I frequent should have this book on their shelves! It’s that good.
October 1, 2024
It is a nice story, and a beginners one
This is a short book, almost a novella, about a young man’s figuring out of himself and and then dealing with the world around him. It covers bullying, outing, physical assault and hurt. But it’s also about self exploration, self love, self confidence and love of a loved one. I know this is the author’s first book so some stumbling is to be expected.
My critique would be three things; it is sometimes very slow and extensively descriptive of the smallest things. It is repetitive about some of these wordy descriptions and finally it is almost looked the author tried to use absolutely the full extent of the English language. There really so many synonyms used for mundane things that it feels overdone, but sometimes also poetic.
This is a short book, almost a novella, about a young man’s figuring out of himself and and then dealing with the world around him. It covers bullying, outing, physical assault and hurt. But it’s also about self exploration, self love, self confidence and love of a loved one. I know this is the author’s first book so some stumbling is to be expected.
My critique would be three things; it is sometimes very slow and extensively descriptive of the smallest things. It is repetitive about some of these wordy descriptions and finally it is almost looked the author tried to use absolutely the full extent of the English language. There really so many synonyms used for mundane things that it feels overdone, but sometimes also poetic.
August 4, 2023
A heartwarming tale of courage and acceptance!
This book is a gust of emotions that will sway you on all sides. I felt sad and happy while reading Ethan's tumultuous journey opening up to the world about his sexuality. Alex was a prized character that I instantly fell in love with. His support transformed Ehtan as Ethan's company gave Alex the will power to overcome his prolonged ailment. They rise above their problems, shining their light on all around them. Their love is the most beautiful thing I have read in a while.
I highly recommend this beautiful tale of love and friendship to anyone who takes interest in romance reads.
This book is a gust of emotions that will sway you on all sides. I felt sad and happy while reading Ethan's tumultuous journey opening up to the world about his sexuality. Alex was a prized character that I instantly fell in love with. His support transformed Ehtan as Ethan's company gave Alex the will power to overcome his prolonged ailment. They rise above their problems, shining their light on all around them. Their love is the most beautiful thing I have read in a while.
I highly recommend this beautiful tale of love and friendship to anyone who takes interest in romance reads.
April 4, 2024
I thought the story line was good and for anyone who hasn't come out about their sexuality this may be a relatable book for them to read.
What was frustrating in this book was it felt like the author needed to use as many complex and interesting words as possible when it really wasn't necessary. It's also a story full of similes; and how many times can you describe a situation or a person as "a beacon of light" in one book?.. I'll tell you how many, a lot!
The main character is supposed to be a very introverted bookworm so maybe the vocabulary used does make a little sense but seeing as he's supposed to be a teenager it was all just a bit unbelievable. Plus his parents accepted his sexuality, he stood up to bullies at school and he ended up finding love.. things could have been a complete catastrophe, so overall he seems to have had a very tame "coming out story".
What was frustrating in this book was it felt like the author needed to use as many complex and interesting words as possible when it really wasn't necessary. It's also a story full of similes; and how many times can you describe a situation or a person as "a beacon of light" in one book?.. I'll tell you how many, a lot!
The main character is supposed to be a very introverted bookworm so maybe the vocabulary used does make a little sense but seeing as he's supposed to be a teenager it was all just a bit unbelievable. Plus his parents accepted his sexuality, he stood up to bullies at school and he ended up finding love.. things could have been a complete catastrophe, so overall he seems to have had a very tame "coming out story".
June 11, 2024
powerful and heartfelt
At its core, “Glass Closet” is a poignant exploration of adolescence, captured through the lens of Ethan, an introspective teen navigating a world that is quick to judge but slow to understand. Ethan’s journey of self-discovery is a delicate dance of fear, resilience, and acceptance, serving as a testament to the indomitable strength of the human spirit. The novella deftly traces his path, capturing the raw, often painful process of coming to terms with one’s identity in a society that demands conformity.
At its core, “Glass Closet” is a poignant exploration of adolescence, captured through the lens of Ethan, an introspective teen navigating a world that is quick to judge but slow to understand. Ethan’s journey of self-discovery is a delicate dance of fear, resilience, and acceptance, serving as a testament to the indomitable strength of the human spirit. The novella deftly traces his path, capturing the raw, often painful process of coming to terms with one’s identity in a society that demands conformity.
June 22, 2024
self awareness
I have to say that I admired everything about this book. There was so much creativity in the style of writing. when turning each page it captured a feeling of poetry which made this book different in my opinion. I also have to say that this book shines a light on what it’s like being a member of the LGBT an it could definitely bring self awareness to those that feel isolated from society. While also educating those around that happens to be misunderstood. On what it’s like to be gay. This was a great book I enjoyed
I have to say that I admired everything about this book. There was so much creativity in the style of writing. when turning each page it captured a feeling of poetry which made this book different in my opinion. I also have to say that this book shines a light on what it’s like being a member of the LGBT an it could definitely bring self awareness to those that feel isolated from society. While also educating those around that happens to be misunderstood. On what it’s like to be gay. This was a great book I enjoyed
February 12, 2024
Tossed up between 2 or 3 stars. This book has the potential to be really great - I liked the characters and the story was beautiful. However it lost me two thirds of the way through, it was very, very repetitive, and it felt like every word was looked up in a thesaurus to sound more insightful but really just made it really wordy and honestly a bit wanky.
3 stars because it was still a heartwarming story that really resonated with me and my coming out experience.
3 stars because it was still a heartwarming story that really resonated with me and my coming out experience.
August 5, 2023
I absolutely loved "Glass Closet: The Price of Silence, The Triumph of Voice." This was a moving tale about a sensitive boy named Ethan and his journey of self-acceptance and coming out. I especially enjoyed the author's use of first-person narrative and Ethan's introspection. Following Ethan's story touched my heart. For anyone struggling with coming out, this is a must-read.
January 28, 2024
An interesting novella. The writing was a lot, and overwritten at times, but somehow I liked it anyway. The narrative of coming out and self-acceptance was a little idealised but still effective. Some parts felt authentic, some felt more like wishful thinking, but as Ethan says, it's important to hold on to your wishes.
February 5, 2024
24% and I have to stop.
It just wasn't moving forward. It was just staying in one spot. Weirdly from the beginning one minute at school he is questioning/denying himself then is home and just states he's gay. Then beat up. I'm not sure what I wanted, but eh not this.
It just wasn't moving forward. It was just staying in one spot. Weirdly from the beginning one minute at school he is questioning/denying himself then is home and just states he's gay. Then beat up. I'm not sure what I wanted, but eh not this.
February 17, 2024
Alex and Ethan
This is a powerful story of one young man's journey of discovery and acceptance.
After a beating that almost killed him, Ethan becomes friends with another patient, Alex.
With Alex's support Ethan finds the strength to stop hiding.
This is a powerful story of one young man's journey of discovery and acceptance.
After a beating that almost killed him, Ethan becomes friends with another patient, Alex.
With Alex's support Ethan finds the strength to stop hiding.
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