The Summer Between

by Robert Raasch

So much can be lost and found in one summer

Set against the backdrop of New York City’s vibrant Greenwich Village in 1978, The Summer Between is the bittersweet, unsparingly honest coming-of-age saga of Andrew Jackson Pollock. Three days before high school graduation, Andy, a New Jersey teen who longs to break free of his suburban closet, confides in Elena Plesko, his ex-girlfriend, something he has suspected for a long time––that he’s gay. Abandoned as a child by his father, Andy begins to trade his unconventional family of women for the hopes of finding love in the newly liberated culture emerging in Greenwich Village. One night, a tragically misguided encounter leads him to Ben Hoppe, a savvy peer who becomes Andy’s protector as he navigates the meaningful romances, the brief encounters, and the enduring friendships that shape one’s character. Andy’s story brilliantly relates the confining emotions, confusion, panic, heartache, and joy of a young person’s coming to terms with their sexuality and defining their identity.

Genres: Fiction, LGBT, Gay, Queer, Coming Of Age, Literary Fiction, Adult

328 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3.25 stars ✰

“We have to pick ourselves up, shake it off, then make new mistakes.”

In the late 70s', New York - or at least Greenwich Village - was considered the epicenter for those who were brave enough to walk the path of being gay - a universal preconception that on those tantalizing streets you would find the most acceptance, the most carefree spirit, the most invigorating sense of freedom that you wouldn't find anywhere else to openly express yourself. 'This would serve as my base for my official transformation into a gay man.' Whatever it takes to find your place - play the field - or scour the streets - or even stake your claim - it's simply a time to find out who you are. A chance to reclaim and reaffirm that part of yourself to feel alive and know in your heart's core that defines the person you are and who you want to be. 💫

“Up to that point, my yearnings for men had been abstract fantasies. Meeting Hosko was the first indication that my attraction to guys was more than just sexual.

The fleeting memory of my day with Hosko stayed with me all senior year. It made me melancholy at times and probably was, I decided, the reason why I gave in to Ollie’s creepy advances when I should have known better.”

And it is The Summer Between leaving behind the comforts of his suburban lifestyle of New Jersey and before the start of his freshman year at NYU, that aspiring artist, eighteen-year-old Andrew Jackson Pollock (no relation to the actual artist, whatsoever) navigates him way through his own conflicting range of emotions and a slew of relationships and encounters that will ultimately shape his character as he comes to term with who he is and the people he genuinely wants to be a part of his life. Is it Andy's past that made him such an easy target for others to prey on? Was it his own willingness to give others the benefit of the doubt that made him eager to explore his sexuality, or was it his own confined experiences that made him so eager to spread his wings? 😥 Was it the fact that he was abandoned by his father early on in his life - 'the lone male in a family held together by love' - and raised in the company of strong women that made him seek out the solace and comfort of a more knowledgeable and older hand - no matter how illegal or wrong it may be? These thoughts whirled around in my head, as I watched Andy stumble his way through one unsuccessful encounter after another - how he sought so desperately for someone who he could make a meaningful connection with - how he felt so assured that once he made it in New York - he would be unbroken - that he would find the answers of the universe surrounded by those like him. 😕

But, maybe that was where his downfall began; how in the first few days of being in New York, he faced an unpleasant and horrible situation of being taken advantage of - a tragic and misguided violation that left him in a questionable, if not vulnerable state that he was so eager to find someone who would treat him differently. 😢 Who would care for him and make him feel wanted and loved and appreciated; meeting twenty-three-year-old Ben in the most surprising of situations was a welcome window for him. 'The shrieking, frantic whining of my victimized self had finally been calmed and my twisted psyche quieted by this awesome man.' The sexy farm boy who wasn't out to his family yet, and still deciding where he exactly fit in, was 'the perfect distraction from the ongoing pain' - a gateway, if not reprieve for him to not only forget what happened to him, but to figure out where it is that he wanted to fit into. A world he wanted to belong to, but had no right idea of how to get there. 🥺🥺

“Life had been a major shitshow lately, that’s for sure. And I sure as hell didn’t have it all figured out. Not by a longshot. Neither Ben, nor NYU, nor Lia—nor life.

But I was getting closer. The secret, I guessed: Making it up as I went along.”

At times, Andy's actions frustrated me. I was upset that he was so desperate to go to gay bars and have a one night stand with a stranger, but still refused to go all the way, because, like he thought, what kind of person would expect that of another on a first date? It was this determined way that he wanted to explore his options, but still furious with his 'my stupid impulsive Jersey Boy libido' that made him 'furious with myself' at how he was pimping himself out that my heart felt bad for him. But, then how he kept circling back to his desire of being with Ben - this ambivalent way of not understanding what his true feelings were for Ben also left me conflicted on whether or not he should go back to him. 😮‍💨 'Being an insecure moron in times of doubt, I wasn’t able to distinguish between his cryptic cues and my hopeful delusions.' Ben who really still saw him as a child and who he encouraged not to tie himself down to one person, since he had his whole life ahead of him. That he could be affectionate at one point and then indifferent and dismissive of his feelings. So, in a way, I kinda understood why he was so anxious to hang out at the clubs, observe the locals and try to see who he was attracted to - who he could see himself have a real connection with. 🥲

An aching sense of not only sadness, but loneliness that he would never find someone who would like him for who he was - that he was fated to only be with people who wanted him for his body or the thrill of the forbidden lust, or those who didn't see that he was even ready yet to settle down. How he yearned to find love and impress and be appreciated - that craving to be acknowledged and respected - it was a palpable feeling. And the other thing that made me sympathize with Andy - is that he is a protagonist that did not have someone he could trust - an older supportive male figure in his life that would guide him in the right direction. 😟 'Ben. I wanted to be with Ben. Safe on his sofa... but I also hated him. Why did he think I was too young? Because you’re crying like a six-year-old, that’s why!' There's only so much his progressive mother, Lia, could teach him - and by not having that presence in his life - he was sadly taken advantage of - time and time again. It is this part of him, I believe, that set the tone of the narrative and why he was involved with older people, who he felt were more knowledgeable and experienced than him - and had his best intentions at heart. It is a rude and cruel awakening when one learns that oftentimes, that is simply not the case. 💔😔

“Out of nowhere, a wail surged up into my throat and escaped. Like some twisted rebirth, it willed me to breathe. No more lies. The water would cleanse me of any remaining guilt.

It was time to be Andy. Just Andy.”

So, what do I honestly think of this debut? It is a solid one; it is a poignant and heartbreaking, but hopeful coming-of-age story of a young man who is at that stage where he can be taken advantage of and he needs a positive and supportive group around him to protect him. His actions are reflected in the changes that he brings into his life after the mistakes that he makes. Whether or not he is able to find that in those he hopes he can trust, is that first step of growing up - of realizing what he has to learn on his own as a person - as a gay person, no less. 😐 One bad decision after another - 'still itchy for something a little gay' - still yearning for a way to quench his own heartbreak. It's agonizingly frustrating, because you know Andy isn't really on the right path, but to grow up, sometimes you have to be on the wrong path, to find your way back to the right one. That life's experiences can teach you what it is that you rightfully want and deserve in life. The summer taught him a lot - opened his eyes to prospects and a closer and deeper look at himself - that he may not have understood before, but what he may have chosen to ignore. 🤧

I did feel that certain details were included that made the narrative feel more practical and factual than personable. But, then again, maybe someone who lived in the 70s and that scene would feel that the vibe was described accurately, instead. And while I did feel that there was a rather methodical, if not, practical depiction of the colorful cast of characters that were introduced into Andy's life - ones that were more stereotypical than impressionable - the one relationship that I valued most seeing was that of his best friend - Elena Plesko. I really liked the bond they had between the two of them; she was his girlfriend - the one he felt safe in being with, as he questioned his newfound attraction to men. 🥹 And when he came out to her, her loyalty and support and love for him was that safety net that comforted and grounded him. She was the one that he could be the most expressive and honest with - not hesitate in discussing all things queer and not afraid to point out the honest truth - no matter how much it hurt to hear. 'Andy,” she sighed, rolling her eyes. “Many people like you. But they don’t have sex with you.' They were there for each other during the tough times and were both equally learning what it means to be part of the gay scene - to celebrate the thrill of being with someone - regardless of gender, as long as it's done rightfully so. A loving sense of camaraderie and affection existed between the two friends; she was the stable link to his past that knew what he's been through - the rough start and the ending, and in turn, her confidante, as well. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

A personal grievance of mine is where I'm not too fond of dialogue that is written without the he said/she said annotations. When conversations play out without it, I feel like it becomes more of script-writing, without any infliction to their tone or how they address it, which loses some of its strength for me; where I then have to substitute my own ideas for it. 😕 Sadly, there were multiple instances where the back-and-forth dialogue played out, which made me less appreciative of the scenes, themselves. However, despite my issue with certain aspects of it, there was one particular scene, which really hit hard for me, one that I would like to thank the author for writing it the way that he did. 👍🏻👍🏻 The scene where Andy comes out to his mother; I definitely have concerns in regards to the hypocrisy of the reaction, as it was not at all what I was prepared for. But, the whole exchange was so intense, and Andy's reactions and thoughts to it - really hit a nerve with me; that I even wrote down, 'I love this scene, because I don't think I've ever seen a scene like this'. It was probably the scene that made this novel really leave a lasting impression on me. 👏🏻🙏🏻

*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[*TUDOR^QUEEN* · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pleasant book about a young man named Andy who just graduated high school and is coming to terms with being gay. He came out to his ex-girlfriend Elena who is still his soulmate and best friend. He lives in New Jersey but is about to go to college in NYU in New York City. He spends the summer after high school graduation navigating his identity, poring through reading materials and making trips to The Village in NYC to explore the gay lifestyle.

The thing I enjoyed the most about the book were the locales of NJ and NYC and the setting of the late seventies, things that coated me in the warmth of nostalgia. The many references to songs from the seventies (my favorite musical genre) dredged up golden memories. As usual in these kinds of self-exploration stories, there was a lot of drinking alcohol, some drug use, and random sexual entanglements. I also found the relationship with his single mother Lia and the safe harbor of their home in NJ a pleasure to read about.

This was a very interesting voyeur experience to this young man's life, as he rode the arc of emotions such as fear, heartbreak, exhilaration, attraction, love and friendship.

Thank you to the publisher Greenleaf Book Group Press who provided an advance reader copy via Edelweiss.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply OUTSTANDING!!! I loved every single word of it.

[Michael Joe Armijo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy reminiscing the books, songs, films the author mentioned from my own heyday. The main character had graduated high school in the late 1970s (just like me). I could identify but the storyline was too teeny-bopper for me. I kept asking myself if I cared about any of the characters and I can’t say that I did. It was a key reminder of how being gay and single is not necessarily a fun ride but it certainly can be a roller coaster ride. Some of the story was predictable for me (maybe because I lived some of it).

In any event, the lines that did capture me while reading were less than I would’ve expected. I did laugh a bit, too. Here are the clever lines that caught my attention that do not give in to the storyline:

“They always say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”—Andy Warhol

I was the slice of dry toast to mop up the yolk.

Despite my deer-in-the-headlights glare, eyes began connecting with mine—only to dart away and then return seconds later. This ritual, I’d read, was known as “cruising”.—as written to describe being a wallflower in a gay NYC bar.

I’d envision the two of us rolling around naked in my bedroom on rainy afternoons.

“The trick when walking in fishy areas is to never look anyone in the eye.”

“The world’s your oyster since you’re going to NYU, dude!”

Buckets of rain dropped all Saturday, giving me time to reflect. It was a good weekend for feeling mellow and introspective.

“The iron in medium-rare steak increases oxygen in your blood. Good for stamina and strength.”

Now I knew what Vietnam vets meant by a clusterfuck.

“My life isn’t a dirty paperback.”

As I heard ground control calling Major Tom, I sang along, repeating the refrain.

“We have to pick ourselves up, shake it off, then make new mistakes.”

“New York indeed is the Big Apple, polished on the outside but full of seeds.”

“Revenge is a dish best served cold.”

“In the city, you use your intuition to avoid confrontation.”

As I watched him vanish, I felt that familiar punch in the gut, the kind that felt like permanent loss.

I recalled a conversation in Biology about how humans assume we’re superior to all living creatures.

“You have remarkable brows—Yes, eyebrows, please never pluck. They mark your face with strength.”

“You’re a tasty dish—and I hope to have seconds and thirds.”

[V.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mother, it was illuminating to read an advance copy of this heartfelt novel. The authentic, real-life struggle and joys Andy, Elena and Ben experience in this coming-of-age saga gave me new insight into the minds of emerging adults, the difficult self-realizations young people hide so as not to disappoint. The fascinating context, the story is set in 1978, beautifully details life in a different era, yet the complexities and nuances of this trio discovering who they are as people –also rings true as contemporary and applicable to todays mores. The fascinating secondary characters woven throughout the novel pop-up like touchstones, each delivering a lesson... some sweet, some with warnings. Most of all, I fell in love with the characters. I want to know what happens next in the lives of Andy and his mates in this extremely satisfying, beautiful written novel. An instant classic of the genre. Bravo!

[Michael Pilkenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I only like gay literature written by men and this book pulled me in and did not let go. Funny, the story reminded me so much of myself at 18 and the antics that he gets himself into. The story was alluring, forthright, clever and really developed the characters without making them seem over the top and unbelievable. My only wish is that it did not end and I am hoping for a sequel or a story that picks up when college begins. I cannot stress that this is a great piece of literature and one that I will put a smile on your face while at the same makes you shake your head and cringe…but hey, this is why it resembles my fun, crazy life at eighteen years old.

[James Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who always loves a coming-of-age story, "The Summer Between" by Robert Raasch was a delightful read. This book beautifully blends the journey of self-discovery with the challenges of coming out as a teenager. Andy's story is heartwarming and relatable, especially his relationships with his mom and best friend, Elena.

Many of the experiences depicted in the book hit close to home, reminding me of the trials and lessons learned while experimenting as a gay teenager. Raasch captures the essence of finding oneself during those formative years, making this a truly impactful and memorable read.

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

A realistic cautionary tale of a gay teen from New Jersey leaving high school and about to launch into life at NYU. This is the summer in between when he makes enough mistakes and missteps to last him into his 20s. At his side is his 'one-time' girlfriend, now equally accident prone bumbling quester in the foibles of teen romance.

The message: it's a rough world out there for teens hopped up on hormones and with few skills or guidance.

[Larry H · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up.

A few days before they graduate from high school in 1978, Andy tells his best friend (and ex-girlfriend) Elena that he’s bi. Or maybe gay. While at first Elena worries that it was something about her that made Andy gay, she quickly realizes that his disclosure isn’t as surprising as she initially thought it was.

With just the summer remaining before Andy heads to NYU to study art, and Elena remains in New Jersey for college, Andy begins to take a few tentative steps out of the closet. While New York City has a reputation as a dangerous place, it’s also one of the epicenters of queer life, so he ventures into Greenwich Village.

Andy’s first foray into a gay bar leads to an unfortunate encounter that affects him more than he’s willing to admit. But it’s not long after that he meets Ben, an NYU graduate, and they begin dating. Ben also takes a protective interest in Andy, trying to help him become less sheltered and more open-minded, so hopefully he’ll stay safe.

For Andy, the summer is full of spending time with Elena and other friends, having evenings and weekends with Ben in NYC, and eagerly anticipating the start of college. But it’s also a time of crises, of wanting friendships to last forever even while growing apart, and of coming out to those you care about most.

As Andy tries to find his way, he’ll experience the highs and lows of first love, loneliness, envy, and random encounters. He’ll also realize those who are in his corner and those he can leave behind.

I love coming-of-age stories, and I really enjoyed this book. Andy’s voice was so authentic—I remember being on the cusp of adulthood yet still not there yet. I also remember what it felt like when your emotions are so close to the surface that you become attached to someone that’s not in the same mindset as you. It’s hard to believe that this is Robert Raasch’s debut, and it’s a book I’ll definitely think about for a while.See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.

[John M · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fellow writer who came of age as a young writer in New York City in the late 90s, I found myself utterly enraptured by Robert Raasch's debut novel. There's something profound about reading a story that captures the raw essence of finding yourself in the city that never sleeps—all that heartbreak, hope, and electric excitement that pulses through every street corner and late-night conversation.

What strikes me most about Andy's journey is how brilliantly Raasch captures those suffocating emotions that come with self-discovery—the confusion that keeps you up at night, the panic that grips your chest when you're forced to confront who you really are, the heartache of feeling different, and ultimately, the joy of finally understanding yourself.

As someone who lived through my own artistic awakening in NYC, I recognize every beat of this emotional symphony. The author has crafted something special here: a story that doesn't just tell us about coming to terms with sexuality and identity, but makes us feel every tremor of that seismic shift in a young person's soul.

[Alley Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Authentic characters in a fantastic queer awakening! I was a queer kid back in the 70’s and I gotta tell you it wasn’t easy! The internal conflict was loud and The Summer Between depicts this so well through Raasch’s characters! Andy is unfiltered, and his voice mixes emotional intensity with longing and self‑reflection. I loved Ben! He helps guide Andy, providing mentorship and representing both safety and the complexity of older‑younger relationships. Something I personally longed for when I realized I wasn’t like the others.
Elena & Lia illuminate how well‑meaning support can still carry bias or misunderstanding, even within loving relationships.
The Summer Between gets 5 stars because it merges colorful detail with raw emotion. It captures a moment of personal transformation set within a dynamic cultural landscape—one that feels both specific to the late 1970s and timeless in its exploration of identity and belonging. Read this now!!!

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Stupid Jersey kid with macho hang-ups’ – A fine coming out novel

Architect/designer, artist and now author Robert Raasch makes an impressive debut with THE SUMMER BETWEEN, a refreshing visit to the 1970s and the crazy world of NYC (and New Jersey) when gay liberation was beginning to blossom. The story follows high school senior – Andy – as he acknowledges his sexual identity, moving from the confines of his New Jersey existence to the raucous Greenwich Village and all of the splendors and challenges of the gay life. Raasch’s writing radiates the spectrum of defining identity, creating one of the finer novels of the coming of age adventures before the public today. Very entertaining and inspiring!

[Greg Garavanian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from start to finish! It just takes you into the world of Andy, a high school senior discovering the world and himself. It's beautifully written and keeps a perfect balance between the story and the inner workings of the main character. I read this quickly because I was always dying to know what was going to happen next. It took me back to that scary and exciting time in young adulthood when many of us start to realize there's a whole big world out there and want to figure out how to engage in it.

[Debra W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book club just completed this book and my god, did it open my eyes to what LGBTQ youth go through internally as they struggle without role models. As a mother, I found this read exemplary, enlightening. The characters are so rich and believable, the storyline coasts from beginning to end with more surprises and humor that I could have imagined. This left me wanting to know what happens to Andy next, and Elena, and Lia, and Ben. Please write a sequel. Oh and the writing, is sublime. I cannot wait for more books from this new author. Highly recommended.

[F R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured This Summer Between in one sitting — and then sat with the final pages, not ready to let go. Robert Ross perfectly captures the tension of longing, the weight of timing, and that in-between space where love feels both possible and impossible.

The chemistry between the main characters felt raw and lived-in, not just romantic but earned. And the summer setting? Gorgeous, bittersweet, and full of mood.

If you’ve ever fallen for someone at the wrong time, or loved someone deeply but quietly, this book will hit hard. It’s tender, messy, and absolutely worth your heart.

[James Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The protagonist of this tale about coming to terms with one's sexual orientation is a teenager who just finished high school and is planning to attend college. The story illustrates the feelings, perplexity, anguish, and happiness of a young man discovering his sexuality and identity in that group. Despite some of the narrative's rough edges, I still found the book to be enjoyable enough to finish. Although the teen's sensibilities were occasionally unclear and the circumstances he encountered appeared somewhat manufactured, the narrative ultimately came together in a satisfying manner.

[Erik Grosskopf · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute, bit of a slow burning, story that captures that weird period of time between starting to come out while still figuring out who you are and being terrified but also so excited about this new shiny world - and every point in between.

A good Pride read as it captures of the struggles people faced during the 70’s, while also capturing the joy and optimism of the queer nyc scene, and finding your people along the way. Made me want to dance with friends and he 21 again 🫠

[Eric Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great coming of age story set in the 70s crossing the lines of Jersey burbs and NYC. We all having our coming out stories and this one captures all the ups and downs of the experience in a fun, visual and creative way. You’ll enjoy it!

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be somewhat tedious and predictable. The characters were essentially one dimensional and caught in a coming of age drama filled story. Truly and with due respect, it should be designated YA.

[James Sheehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The joys - and pain - of coming out at 18

The summer between high school and college. In New York! Andy stumbles and eventually learns who he is as he comes out as gay. Does he fall or fly? Live his experience vicariously 🏳️‍🌈

[Michael Bartoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining but cliché

Andy's adventures will feel familiar to those of us who came out in days gone by. It adds nothing new to the coming-of-age, coming-out novel and at times can be self-consciously nostalgic for the 1970s. Still, I found myself engaged in this quick, fun read.

[James Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read in a long time! I would give this book 12 out of 5 stars if I could. I finished it in three days because I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for the authors next book.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its like I know the characters, the story is like a segment of my life. It sucked me right in and never let me go!

[Karen P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, soulful story about a young man coming to terms with his true self. Captured me from the very beginning!

[Mark Whitman · Rating 1 out of 5]

TERRIBLE

STUPID, INNANE, A COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME. Who would spend time writing this book? Do any of the characters learn anything valuable?

[Jill Carrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written story!! So enjoyed the journey and the characters were epically written and joyfully relatable. A must read!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely amazing book and definitely worth reading.

[Ajay S · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read, well written, but it never made me want to keep on reading until i finished it...

[Terry Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid, comfortable, easy read. The MC has just graduated from high school in the New Jersey suburbs. He’s will become a freshman at NYU in the fall and spends his free time evenings and weekends in the summer commuting to the city, experiencing gay sex, making gay acquaintances, and preparing for what life will be like as a young, free, gay man in the late 1970s, living in one of the world’s exciting cities.

Thanks to the publisher and author for an ARC.

[Brian Greenspan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Jersey gay and a man of a certain age, it was wonderful to read a novel to which I could so easily and quickly relate. Beautifully and heartfeltly written, The Summer Between is a joy to read for *anyone* looking for a moving story of a young man discovering himself and the world.