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Being True
Truman L. Cobbler has not had an easy life. It’s bad enough people say he looks like Donkey from Shrek, but he’s also suffered the death of his policeman father and his mother’s remarriage to a professional swindler, who cost them everything. Now dirt poor, they live in the barrio of San Antonio, Texas. When Tru transfers to an inner-city high school halfway through his senior year, he meets Javi Castillo, a popular and hot high school jock. Javi takes an immediate liking to Tru, and the two become friends. The odd pairing, however, rocks the school and sets the cliquish social circles askew. No one knows how to act or what to think when Mr. Popular takes a stand for Mr. Donkey. Will the cliques rise up to maintain status quo and lead Tru and Javi to heartbreak and disaster or will being true to who they are rule the day?
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2014
9 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
Jacob Z. Flores
20 books320 followersJacob Z. Flores lives a double life. During the day, he is a respected college English professor and mid-level administrator. At night and during his summer vacation, he loosens the tie and tosses aside the trendy sports coat to write man on man fiction, where the hard ass assessor of freshmen level composition turns his attention to the firm posteriors and other rigid appendages of the characters in his fictional world.
Summers in Provincetown, Massachusetts, provide Jacob with inspiration for his fiction. The abundance of barely clothed man flesh and daily debauchery stimulates his personal muse. When he isn’t stroking the keyboard, Jacob spends time with his daughter. They both represent a bright blue blip in an otherwise predominantly red swath in south Texas.
You can follow Jacob’s musings on his blog at http://jacobzflores.com or become a part of his social media network by visiting http://www.facebook.com/jacob.flores2
or http://twitter.com/#!/JacobZFlores.
Summers in Provincetown, Massachusetts, provide Jacob with inspiration for his fiction. The abundance of barely clothed man flesh and daily debauchery stimulates his personal muse. When he isn’t stroking the keyboard, Jacob spends time with his daughter. They both represent a bright blue blip in an otherwise predominantly red swath in south Texas.
You can follow Jacob’s musings on his blog at http://jacobzflores.com or become a part of his social media network by visiting http://www.facebook.com/jacob.flores2
or http://twitter.com/#!/JacobZFlores.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
September 12, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“Jeez, kid,” he said. When he raised his hand, I flinched. I’d grown accustomed to quick hand gestures ending in a punch to the face or gut. I certainly hadn’t been prepared for Javi to rub my shoulder. “You must be having a really tough time, huh?”
Tears welled in my eyes again. This time, it wasn’t because I was in pain or being bullied. They were falling because someone had finally noticed me.”
I really love how these cover models are Being True to the characters that they're portraying. 😍 See what I did there? 😊 And yes, let's chalk it up to another book, which I randomly picked to read solely on my interest in the cover; for what it's worth, though, it was a sweet read, if rather a bit outdated in certain contexts.
For most of his life, Tru has been bullied for who he is - judged by his strange appearance and mannerisms, he's lived most of his life without a friend and constantly having to move schools because of the extreme extent of bullying he's had to face. Now, at his most recent change of schools, on the first day of his senior year, he catches the eyes and attention of the heart and soul of the school's student body, Javi - popular baseball jock with the kindness and spirit that could rival a saint. 💟💟
And what begins as a tentative friendship - Tru harboring disbelief that the most handsome and beautiful boy he's ever laid eyes on - could want to be his friend! - slowly evolves into this sweet and tender realization that Javi may be harboring his own latent wants that only with Tru - he has that chance to be true to himself. 🥹 🥹 (Please forgive all the unnecessary extraneous ways I will use the word true!) 😅
“That’s when a whole world of possibilities opened up. And after spending all these weeks with you, fighting what I’ve wanted for so long, I decided to just go with it. See where these feelings take us.”
He pulled me close and brushed a reassuring kiss across my temple. “And that’s how you’re here with me now. It wasn’t a choice. It just happened.”
It was really adorable how the two of them became friends to something more. How Javi went out of his way to make Tru comfortable to be himself in front of others - how he openly invited him into his house - welcomed him with such genuine warmth of comfort and affection. 🥰 It was painfully clear that Tru's feelings for him would become something else - even though he firmly believed and convinced himself in his heart that it would never happen, since Javi was straight. But, when they had the talk, how Javi wanted the two of them to try it - to be true to themselves - damn everyone else for their views - it was really really sweet. But, even happiness doesn't come without a price in a time and place that is so very prejudiced. 😔
“Being true to yourself is never easy. It’s always easier to pretend and cover up who we really are to avoid people rejecting us. But if this is what you want to do, you’ll have my full support. I’ll be there for both of you no matter what you decide.”
He exhaled. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths to calm his ragged breathing. When he opened them again, he stared first at Claudia and then at me. “Let’s do it. Let’s be true.”
When their friendship became a target of much heated scrutiny, I really admired how unflinching Tru and Javi were in the face of the bullying they had to endure. There were some really offensive racist and homophobic slurs that upset me, but I knew it was for the context of the story and character personality. Even though some derogatory and crude actions and remarks really did leave me a little surprised. I didn't quite expect, though, the bullying to take the violent turn that it did. The bathroom scene was intense - the fallout of it - even more so. 🥺🥺 Yet, in a way, it had a purpose to show just far Javi was willing to go for Tru and to do what's right in the face of all that unpleasantness - and how true their love was for each other. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“Because you are my Tru,” he said. “My true love.”
Could he be any more perfect? He knew exactly what to say every single time. “And you, Javier Castillo, are my true love.”
I did appreciative how involved their parents were and their concern to protect their children's well-being in respect to wanting them to be kept safe from people's judgment; though, I didn't quite understand why they had to sanction their intimacy, too. I have to remember that this was written in 2013, and maybe views were different back then. 🤷 And while it does very much read like a YA, it does get rather explicit in the final chapter. Well, it is their graduation night, after all, and after abstaining from consummating their love at the behest of their parents' wishes, it's finally time, so... 😌😏
And it was very cute at how they made it work and how everything came so naturally to them. (pun very much unintentional!) It was, though, made cuter even more so, when a lingering question was addressed that made Tru furiously blush and Javi gleefully smile and made me laugh and somehow still find a way for me to believe in true love. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“Jeez, kid,” he said. When he raised his hand, I flinched. I’d grown accustomed to quick hand gestures ending in a punch to the face or gut. I certainly hadn’t been prepared for Javi to rub my shoulder. “You must be having a really tough time, huh?”
Tears welled in my eyes again. This time, it wasn’t because I was in pain or being bullied. They were falling because someone had finally noticed me.”
I really love how these cover models are Being True to the characters that they're portraying. 😍 See what I did there? 😊 And yes, let's chalk it up to another book, which I randomly picked to read solely on my interest in the cover; for what it's worth, though, it was a sweet read, if rather a bit outdated in certain contexts.
For most of his life, Tru has been bullied for who he is - judged by his strange appearance and mannerisms, he's lived most of his life without a friend and constantly having to move schools because of the extreme extent of bullying he's had to face. Now, at his most recent change of schools, on the first day of his senior year, he catches the eyes and attention of the heart and soul of the school's student body, Javi - popular baseball jock with the kindness and spirit that could rival a saint. 💟💟
And what begins as a tentative friendship - Tru harboring disbelief that the most handsome and beautiful boy he's ever laid eyes on - could want to be his friend! - slowly evolves into this sweet and tender realization that Javi may be harboring his own latent wants that only with Tru - he has that chance to be true to himself. 🥹 🥹 (Please forgive all the unnecessary extraneous ways I will use the word true!) 😅
“That’s when a whole world of possibilities opened up. And after spending all these weeks with you, fighting what I’ve wanted for so long, I decided to just go with it. See where these feelings take us.”
He pulled me close and brushed a reassuring kiss across my temple. “And that’s how you’re here with me now. It wasn’t a choice. It just happened.”
It was really adorable how the two of them became friends to something more. How Javi went out of his way to make Tru comfortable to be himself in front of others - how he openly invited him into his house - welcomed him with such genuine warmth of comfort and affection. 🥰 It was painfully clear that Tru's feelings for him would become something else - even though he firmly believed and convinced himself in his heart that it would never happen, since Javi was straight. But, when they had the talk, how Javi wanted the two of them to try it - to be true to themselves - damn everyone else for their views - it was really really sweet. But, even happiness doesn't come without a price in a time and place that is so very prejudiced. 😔
“Being true to yourself is never easy. It’s always easier to pretend and cover up who we really are to avoid people rejecting us. But if this is what you want to do, you’ll have my full support. I’ll be there for both of you no matter what you decide.”
He exhaled. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths to calm his ragged breathing. When he opened them again, he stared first at Claudia and then at me. “Let’s do it. Let’s be true.”
When their friendship became a target of much heated scrutiny, I really admired how unflinching Tru and Javi were in the face of the bullying they had to endure. There were some really offensive racist and homophobic slurs that upset me, but I knew it was for the context of the story and character personality. Even though some derogatory and crude actions and remarks really did leave me a little surprised. I didn't quite expect, though, the bullying to take the violent turn that it did. The bathroom scene was intense - the fallout of it - even more so. 🥺🥺 Yet, in a way, it had a purpose to show just far Javi was willing to go for Tru and to do what's right in the face of all that unpleasantness - and how true their love was for each other. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“Because you are my Tru,” he said. “My true love.”
Could he be any more perfect? He knew exactly what to say every single time. “And you, Javier Castillo, are my true love.”
I did appreciative how involved their parents were and their concern to protect their children's well-being in respect to wanting them to be kept safe from people's judgment; though, I didn't quite understand why they had to sanction their intimacy, too. I have to remember that this was written in 2013, and maybe views were different back then. 🤷 And while it does very much read like a YA, it does get rather explicit in the final chapter. Well, it is their graduation night, after all, and after abstaining from consummating their love at the behest of their parents' wishes, it's finally time, so... 😌😏
And it was very cute at how they made it work and how everything came so naturally to them. (pun very much unintentional!) It was, though, made cuter even more so, when a lingering question was addressed that made Tru furiously blush and Javi gleefully smile and made me laugh and somehow still find a way for me to believe in true love. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
November 8, 2015
3.5 stars
Tru is being bullied at school. His mom moved him to a new school to get away from it. But it looks like he will just be bullied some more.
That is until he meets Javi. Popular and kind Javi. The two become best friends in no time and Tru cannot help himself, he falls deeply in love with his friend. Of course Javi isn’t gay, right?
Try and Javi were great. I loved how their friendship developed and I loved it when they became more than friends.
What I truly hated about this book were the parents. Tru’s mom and Javi’s mom and dad. I can do bad parents in a book, but they were supposed to be the loving wonderful parents that accepted these boys. But they forbade them to come out at school as a couple.
“We aren’t asking you to do anything. We’re telling you, as our boys, that you will not reveal your relationship to anyone else.”
‘To protect them’. Right.. protection my ass. I cannot believe these parents would teach their boys that it is okay to hide who you are. Just so you don’t get beat up. And I had a feeling the author agreed with them.
And even though Tru’s mom was great at times, I hated her rules.
Gay or straight, the same rules apply. I’m your mother, and I don’t want you to have sex before you’re out of high school, much less before you turn eighteen. You’re not mature enough to handle such an intimate physical commitment as that, and I’m certainly not going to provide the bedroom for your first time.
What is this, the Victorian era?
And again, with the way Tru just accepted this, I had a feeling the author totally agreed with this line of thinking.
But even though these things really infuriated me, I did enjoy it. It was a sweet story and oh yeah, we get the HOT sex at the end. Very important.
Tru is being bullied at school. His mom moved him to a new school to get away from it. But it looks like he will just be bullied some more.
That is until he meets Javi. Popular and kind Javi. The two become best friends in no time and Tru cannot help himself, he falls deeply in love with his friend. Of course Javi isn’t gay, right?
Try and Javi were great. I loved how their friendship developed and I loved it when they became more than friends.
What I truly hated about this book were the parents. Tru’s mom and Javi’s mom and dad. I can do bad parents in a book, but they were supposed to be the loving wonderful parents that accepted these boys. But they forbade them to come out at school as a couple.
“We aren’t asking you to do anything. We’re telling you, as our boys, that you will not reveal your relationship to anyone else.”
‘To protect them’. Right.. protection my ass. I cannot believe these parents would teach their boys that it is okay to hide who you are. Just so you don’t get beat up. And I had a feeling the author agreed with them.
And even though Tru’s mom was great at times, I hated her rules.
Gay or straight, the same rules apply. I’m your mother, and I don’t want you to have sex before you’re out of high school, much less before you turn eighteen. You’re not mature enough to handle such an intimate physical commitment as that, and I’m certainly not going to provide the bedroom for your first time.
What is this, the Victorian era?
And again, with the way Tru just accepted this, I had a feeling the author totally agreed with this line of thinking.
But even though these things really infuriated me, I did enjoy it. It was a sweet story and oh yeah, we get the HOT sex at the end. Very important.
May 2, 2016
Finally I've read a M/M romance with a Latino and a white guy as the loving couple. The setting is San Antonio, TX. Given the number of people who are HIspanic from New York to California there is a paltry number of M/M romances or gay fiction involving Hispanic characters and even fewer with Latino guys. Not only is the white kid's love interest Latino, his best friend is a Latino girl and she is a force to be reckoned with!
This is a YA book with the main characters of Truman and Javi. Truman's parents are a sympathetic but strict mother and a homophobic, alcoholic, physically abusive stepfather . Javi's parents are loving, outgoing, kind, generous, and wise. However they are strict in one way. Javi's parents agree with Truman's mother that the teens cannot have sex until they graduate from high school. So while there is lots of passionate kissing caressing, cuddling, fondling, hugging, and snuggling there is no touching or any action below the waist. This may seem like an outdated and even anachronistic rule in the twenty first century but the parents are only strict about this. For Truman and Javi who adore and admire their parents it is worthwhile to continue to be part of their loving, comforting and protective families.
It doesn't take more than the first visit from Truman for him to be made to feel very welcome in Javi's family and soon Truman is considered to be part of the family. Truman's mother, unlike Javi's mom, is a terrible cook plus she is working two jobs to provide food, clothing and shelter. She is happy that Truman and Javi found each other but doesn't have the time or skills to provide much other motherly comforts. Javi and Tru are grateful for the time they have alone in her house because it provides the place for them to do all that snogging.
Truman has always had bullying trouble at schools and keeps moving to new schools to escape it only get hassled and beat up by a new bunch of bullies at his new school. This time Javi becomes his protector. Soon Javi loses his jock buddies and football teammates as friends because of his friendship with Truman. Javi's family is not impoverished but they're have no extra money to send Javi to college so he needs to get a football scholarship. If Javi and Tru were out as gay lovers that would be in jeopardy. It is possible if Javi doesn't get a football scholarship at the nearby University of Texas at San Antonio, Javi and Tru wouldn't be able to go to the same school after graduating. Without scholarships it's possible they won't go to college at all.
I was caught up in how deep the commitment was between they guys and how loving and supportive the families were.
There's much more but this should be enough to help you decide whether to add this book to your 'to be read' list.
FYI!
Discovery! Three great stories involving Latinos with Anglo Boyfriends includes fine Latino families by Amy Lane
Candy Man Candy Man Book #1
Bitter Taffy Candy Man Book #2
Lollipop Candy Man Book #3
This is a YA book with the main characters of Truman and Javi. Truman's parents are a sympathetic but strict mother and a homophobic, alcoholic, physically abusive stepfather . Javi's parents are loving, outgoing, kind, generous, and wise. However they are strict in one way. Javi's parents agree with Truman's mother that the teens cannot have sex until they graduate from high school. So while there is lots of passionate kissing caressing, cuddling, fondling, hugging, and snuggling there is no touching or any action below the waist. This may seem like an outdated and even anachronistic rule in the twenty first century but the parents are only strict about this. For Truman and Javi who adore and admire their parents it is worthwhile to continue to be part of their loving, comforting and protective families.
It doesn't take more than the first visit from Truman for him to be made to feel very welcome in Javi's family and soon Truman is considered to be part of the family. Truman's mother, unlike Javi's mom, is a terrible cook plus she is working two jobs to provide food, clothing and shelter. She is happy that Truman and Javi found each other but doesn't have the time or skills to provide much other motherly comforts. Javi and Tru are grateful for the time they have alone in her house because it provides the place for them to do all that snogging.
Truman has always had bullying trouble at schools and keeps moving to new schools to escape it only get hassled and beat up by a new bunch of bullies at his new school. This time Javi becomes his protector. Soon Javi loses his jock buddies and football teammates as friends because of his friendship with Truman. Javi's family is not impoverished but they're have no extra money to send Javi to college so he needs to get a football scholarship. If Javi and Tru were out as gay lovers that would be in jeopardy. It is possible if Javi doesn't get a football scholarship at the nearby University of Texas at San Antonio, Javi and Tru wouldn't be able to go to the same school after graduating. Without scholarships it's possible they won't go to college at all.
I was caught up in how deep the commitment was between they guys and how loving and supportive the families were.
There's much more but this should be enough to help you decide whether to add this book to your 'to be read' list.
FYI!
Discovery! Three great stories involving Latinos with Anglo Boyfriends includes fine Latino families by Amy Lane
Candy Man Candy Man Book #1
Bitter Taffy Candy Man Book #2
Lollipop Candy Man Book #3
December 20, 2016
No me gusta dar puntuaciones bajas, pero es que no me ha gustado nada del libro, a partir de la mitad he empezado a leer en diagonal para terminar.
Tru y Javi son perfectos, pero perfectos, perfectos, oiga... Sus diálogos me resultaban artificiales, con un tono condescendiente muy cargante.
El tratamiento de algunos personajes (el jock malo-maloso y la popu slutty superficial) me ha provocado mucho rechazo, otra vez por el tono perdonavidas, mojigato y sexista que utiliza el autor (Por no hablar de la oh gran revelación final que se veía venir a la legua).
¿Y la conclusión? Pues que la vida es estupenda y maravillosa si tienes novio y está bueno.
Buuuh.
Tru y Javi son perfectos, pero perfectos, perfectos, oiga... Sus diálogos me resultaban artificiales, con un tono condescendiente muy cargante.
El tratamiento de algunos personajes (el jock malo-maloso y la popu slutty superficial) me ha provocado mucho rechazo, otra vez por el tono perdonavidas, mojigato y sexista que utiliza el autor (Por no hablar de la oh gran revelación final que se veía venir a la legua).
¿Y la conclusión? Pues que la vida es estupenda y maravillosa si tienes novio y está bueno.
Buuuh.
January 13, 2017
3.5 waffling stars. This is a very sweet, easy read. I loved Zavi and Claudia. They really added humor in all the right spots. And you had to feel for Tru, even if he felt unreal. The kid had been through a lot, and that was what felt unreal. He was practically perfect, no side effects of his trying life, no hatred, no emotion at all.
I really had a problem with the perfection of this story, the parents acting as they did about coming out publicly, and threatening to tear them apart if they broke the sex rule, and the one story line was a bit Gleeish to me.
The final thing I had issue with was how perfectly adult the sex scenes leaned. These are high school boys, and virgins at that. I know adult men who don't think like Tru did. He was incredibly knowledgeable for a seventeen-year-old with no sexual experience, whatsoever.
Other than those niggles (which are my own opinions, of course), this was a sweet story, and very, very low on the angst.
I really had a problem with the perfection of this story, the parents acting as they did about coming out publicly, and threatening to tear them apart if they broke the sex rule, and the one story line was a bit Gleeish to me.
The final thing I had issue with was how perfectly adult the sex scenes leaned. These are high school boys, and virgins at that. I know adult men who don't think like Tru did. He was incredibly knowledgeable for a seventeen-year-old with no sexual experience, whatsoever.
Other than those niggles (which are my own opinions, of course), this was a sweet story, and very, very low on the angst.
September 2, 2016
Rereading 8/31/16
12%-I love Javi! This guy is awesome
"I realized when it came to love, age didn’t matter. Its power transcended such triviality. Because once true love took hold, it never let go."
This quote from the book sums up everything!
9/16/14 - original read date
This was a great great read!! I absolutely loved this book! I would recommend this to everyone.
This story is told from the POV of Truman "Tru" Cobbler. He is someone who gets bullied on a daily basis til he meets and becomes friends with Javier "Javi" Castillo. It's a story that starts with friendship that turns into a relationship. My heart broke for Tru because I have been there in high school where people feel it's ok to bully for the sake of it. I'm really thinking about having my son read this to learn about tolerance and how words do hurt. I just hope everyone has a Javi in their life. I absolutely loved him. While he struggled with his feelings, it was the wonderful writing that made you feel for him. I cannot gush enough about it!
I found a new author to love :-)
12%-I love Javi! This guy is awesome
"I realized when it came to love, age didn’t matter. Its power transcended such triviality. Because once true love took hold, it never let go."
This quote from the book sums up everything!
9/16/14 - original read date
This was a great great read!! I absolutely loved this book! I would recommend this to everyone.
This story is told from the POV of Truman "Tru" Cobbler. He is someone who gets bullied on a daily basis til he meets and becomes friends with Javier "Javi" Castillo. It's a story that starts with friendship that turns into a relationship. My heart broke for Tru because I have been there in high school where people feel it's ok to bully for the sake of it. I'm really thinking about having my son read this to learn about tolerance and how words do hurt. I just hope everyone has a Javi in their life. I absolutely loved him. While he struggled with his feelings, it was the wonderful writing that made you feel for him. I cannot gush enough about it!
I found a new author to love :-)
January 3, 2015
Tru and Javi take us on a journey of discovery and falling in love, as a couple they were sweet.
There was not as much drama as I was expecting in this read, in fact the majority of the story is sweet and light. There is some drama at the beginning and end, but while it was well told, I felt I'd missed out on the build up in between.
For me the focus on this story was Tru and Javi's feelings rather than Tru's life of being bullied. In fact apart from once at the beginning, we are only told that Tru is bullied, we don't actually see it so it was hard for me to feel as much for him as I expected.
While this was a good strong story, it fell just a little short of the mark for me.
There was not as much drama as I was expecting in this read, in fact the majority of the story is sweet and light. There is some drama at the beginning and end, but while it was well told, I felt I'd missed out on the build up in between.
For me the focus on this story was Tru and Javi's feelings rather than Tru's life of being bullied. In fact apart from once at the beginning, we are only told that Tru is bullied, we don't actually see it so it was hard for me to feel as much for him as I expected.
While this was a good strong story, it fell just a little short of the mark for me.
February 8, 2020
Audiobook reviewI’m normally not a fan of YA novels anymore, the teenage angst and drama tends to be too much for me. Being True called to me though. There was something about it, even reading the blurb made me feel that this wasn’t the run of the mill YA story, there was more to it than that.
Truman, Tru, was starting a new school – again. It was his sixth. His looks makes him stand out, and not in the good way. He’s compared to the donkey in Shrek often enough, had his head shoved in the toilet and been beaten up often enough that he doesn’t have much hope that this school would be different. And in a way it wasn’t – and it was. He met Javi, a jock and most popular guy in school. The two become fast friends – causing confusion in the rest of the school.
I’m guessing most of us remember how it was being a teenager. The cliques, the social rules, the fear of being different, the fear of someone finding out your secrets (no matter what said secret was). Tru and Javi being friends broke all the rules – and I admire them for standing tall and not caving. Being open with their friendship. There was no hint of Javi wanting to hide Tru, he liked everyone for who they were, and in a high school student that’s remarkable and admirable.
There’s a lot of bullying and homophobia here. It’s never easy to listen to (or read about) and I think Flores handled it with great respect and, sadly, with a lot of credibility. He never gets preachy, but shows us that we only have to say no to intolerance to enforce change.
Being True wasn’t all angst and bullying. It was also a great story about friendships. I loved Claudia and would have loved to see more of this fierce young lady. But more than that it was a coming of age story, discovering who they were and what they wanted and trying to navigate life and the new feelings that arose. I really enjoyed it.
I’m going to start by saying that I don’t think that Mark Westfield was the best choice of narrator for this book. I don’t mean that his performance was lacking in any way, because it really didn’t. But this was a YA story and his deep and kind of grovely voice just didn’t fit the narrative. These boys were seventeen years old and not 35.
Ignoring the awkward fit, Westfield is a talented performer and definitely knows what he’s doing. I loved the pacing and intensity, it was just right. He also distinguished between the different characters making it easy for the listener to follow the story. I loved the special effects, like when Tru spoke in the microphone, or when someone called out from another room. It’s not something huge, and it’s only every now and then, but for me it makes such a huge difference to the feel and atmosphere of the book.
All in all this is definitely a book I’d recommend to others, it’s worth the time and heartache. Because in the end True Love does conquer all.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
January 14, 2016
Audible
Rounded up to 3 stars.
Rounded up to 3 stars.
July 13, 2015
Truman is 17, in his last year of high school, and this is his 6th school in as many years. Due to his small stature he is the object of bullying and his poor single mother can do nothing more than move them to help the situation.
Javi is the star of the baseball team and a genuinely nice, great guy, part of a loving family.
After Tru gets beat up again (on the first day by Javi’s best friend), Javi rescues him and takes him home to his family where he is immediately embraced into the fold.
After that day Javi and Tru become best friends. Javi protects him as well as really enjoys his company, more than the other kids think he should.
When push comes to shove, Javi has to face the fact that he has feelings for Tru (admittedly gay, but not out officially). After facing the truth he has to decide what to do with the information but before he can decide things have heated up at school to the point where it may already be too late.
**
OMG! I loved this story. I’m not a huge YA fan, but I really love Jacob Flores and Mark Westfield so I decided to give this a try. Boy am I glad!
First, since this is their last year in HS most of what the boys are dealing with is adult enough not to feel awkward when it comes to relationship stuff.
Second, Jacob Flores is an excellent writer and he does an excellent job of creating two believable characters in situations that feel authentic. Javi is (perhaps) a bit too good to be true, but every story needs a hero and he is an absolutely wonderful one.
There are plenty of “bad guys” in this story, including most of Javi’s “friends” from the baseball team.
Tru is another wonderful character who just keeps trying and trying. He never gives up and I really liked that he didn’t perseverate on the future or have dire thoughts of suicide. He truly lived in the now and simply focused on doing the best with what he was given in that moment.
Claudia, the BFF, is another fantastic character – serving to give some attitude to the couple who are so sappily sweet.
I also loved that most of the characters in this story were non-caucasian but that race really wasn’t made much of an issue – if any.
It was a super sweet and lovely story and I highly recommend it.
Audio
Mark Westfield (who I really admired in the THIRDS books) disappointed me with this. He does a nice enough job and is easy to listen to, he gives Javi’s folks a bit of an accent, but I think that someone like Gomez Pugh would have rocked this as most of the characters in this were Hispanic and I think more accents would have made this sound more like I had it scripted in my head.
That being said, it was a nice (if not amazing) way to listen to this book and did not detract.
Javi is the star of the baseball team and a genuinely nice, great guy, part of a loving family.
After Tru gets beat up again (on the first day by Javi’s best friend), Javi rescues him and takes him home to his family where he is immediately embraced into the fold.
After that day Javi and Tru become best friends. Javi protects him as well as really enjoys his company, more than the other kids think he should.
When push comes to shove, Javi has to face the fact that he has feelings for Tru (admittedly gay, but not out officially). After facing the truth he has to decide what to do with the information but before he can decide things have heated up at school to the point where it may already be too late.
**
OMG! I loved this story. I’m not a huge YA fan, but I really love Jacob Flores and Mark Westfield so I decided to give this a try. Boy am I glad!
First, since this is their last year in HS most of what the boys are dealing with is adult enough not to feel awkward when it comes to relationship stuff.
Second, Jacob Flores is an excellent writer and he does an excellent job of creating two believable characters in situations that feel authentic. Javi is (perhaps) a bit too good to be true, but every story needs a hero and he is an absolutely wonderful one.
There are plenty of “bad guys” in this story, including most of Javi’s “friends” from the baseball team.
Tru is another wonderful character who just keeps trying and trying. He never gives up and I really liked that he didn’t perseverate on the future or have dire thoughts of suicide. He truly lived in the now and simply focused on doing the best with what he was given in that moment.
Claudia, the BFF, is another fantastic character – serving to give some attitude to the couple who are so sappily sweet.
I also loved that most of the characters in this story were non-caucasian but that race really wasn’t made much of an issue – if any.
It was a super sweet and lovely story and I highly recommend it.
Audio
Mark Westfield (who I really admired in the THIRDS books) disappointed me with this. He does a nice enough job and is easy to listen to, he gives Javi’s folks a bit of an accent, but I think that someone like Gomez Pugh would have rocked this as most of the characters in this were Hispanic and I think more accents would have made this sound more like I had it scripted in my head.
That being said, it was a nice (if not amazing) way to listen to this book and did not detract.
September 14, 2014
Truman Cobbler’s young life has held more misery than happiness to date. After being bullied severely at several schools, he is now at his sixth school hoping to go unnoticed and untouched. He doesn’t even make it through the first day. Even though this day starts out just like every other day, Tru being used as punching bag, but the day does end quite different than any other. He makes not one, but two new friends.
Javi Castillo is the type of guy that usually joins in the fun taunting Tru. He’s good looking, popular and a jock, and best friends with the guy that broke Tru’s face. But Javi is different, he’s kind, friendly and fiercely protective of Tru from the start. Their new friendship doesn’t go unnoticed either. The rumor mill is abuzz of talk of the friendship, especially since everyone suspects that Tru is gay.
They settle into a normal friendship at the start. Javi’s family accepts his new best friend with open arms, actually appreciates Tru’s respectful mannerisms. And while Tru’s mother can sense the growing attraction that Tru has for Javi and it worries her, she’s always civil to Javi. While the cliques at school sort of accept Tru into the fold as Javi’s friend, there are people that are still rude, crude and socially unacceptable, like Rance, the guy that tore into Tru on his first day at school. When the real reason why Rance went after Tru comes to light, the damage may be irreparable.
Being True is a love story at heart about a geeky gay kid who falls for his popular protector. Javi could be just another tormenting jock, but he is respectful and open hearted, unlike his friends up until now. I think that had a lot to do with how he was raised with positive influence and his personality. He has a very short fuse though, that sometimes gets him into trouble. Tru is polar opposite in just about every way. Blonde haired, blue eyed and fair skinned to Javi’s black hair, almost black eyes and olive skin. He’s socially introverted because of the abuse he’s suffered in his life and he’s not trusting at all. But Javi changes all that for him. They are yin and yang, they balance each other out.
But with the sweets, comes the sours. Set in their senior year of high school, Javi and Tru have to deal with homophobic class mates, hate, abuse and bullying. Tru much more than Javi, but true to form, some of Javi’s “friends” are not very accepting of their friendship, much less the relationship that grows from that friendship. There is the expected amount of angst with the age group, and though at times the subject matter is dark and painful, Flores managed to keep it to a minimum. For every bad thing that happened to Tru and Javi, there was usually something good to maintain the balance, and that was very refreshing.
I devoured this book in one setting, unable to put it down once I’d started reading. It was emotional, engaging, romantic and passionate. Seriously, if the title catches your attention then you’ll enjoy this read, because it’s all about being true to yourself. I highly recommend this one, I’ll probably read it again and again and again...
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Javi Castillo is the type of guy that usually joins in the fun taunting Tru. He’s good looking, popular and a jock, and best friends with the guy that broke Tru’s face. But Javi is different, he’s kind, friendly and fiercely protective of Tru from the start. Their new friendship doesn’t go unnoticed either. The rumor mill is abuzz of talk of the friendship, especially since everyone suspects that Tru is gay.
They settle into a normal friendship at the start. Javi’s family accepts his new best friend with open arms, actually appreciates Tru’s respectful mannerisms. And while Tru’s mother can sense the growing attraction that Tru has for Javi and it worries her, she’s always civil to Javi. While the cliques at school sort of accept Tru into the fold as Javi’s friend, there are people that are still rude, crude and socially unacceptable, like Rance, the guy that tore into Tru on his first day at school. When the real reason why Rance went after Tru comes to light, the damage may be irreparable.
Being True is a love story at heart about a geeky gay kid who falls for his popular protector. Javi could be just another tormenting jock, but he is respectful and open hearted, unlike his friends up until now. I think that had a lot to do with how he was raised with positive influence and his personality. He has a very short fuse though, that sometimes gets him into trouble. Tru is polar opposite in just about every way. Blonde haired, blue eyed and fair skinned to Javi’s black hair, almost black eyes and olive skin. He’s socially introverted because of the abuse he’s suffered in his life and he’s not trusting at all. But Javi changes all that for him. They are yin and yang, they balance each other out.
But with the sweets, comes the sours. Set in their senior year of high school, Javi and Tru have to deal with homophobic class mates, hate, abuse and bullying. Tru much more than Javi, but true to form, some of Javi’s “friends” are not very accepting of their friendship, much less the relationship that grows from that friendship. There is the expected amount of angst with the age group, and though at times the subject matter is dark and painful, Flores managed to keep it to a minimum. For every bad thing that happened to Tru and Javi, there was usually something good to maintain the balance, and that was very refreshing.
I devoured this book in one setting, unable to put it down once I’d started reading. It was emotional, engaging, romantic and passionate. Seriously, if the title catches your attention then you’ll enjoy this read, because it’s all about being true to yourself. I highly recommend this one, I’ll probably read it again and again and again...
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
February 12, 2015
4.5 stars!!
Tru(man) Cobbler is a teenager entering a new school, again, in this wonderful YA novel. He hasn't had an easy life, with a bullying, drunken stepfather, who (thankfully) met his demise at the front end of a semi truck, but things might be looking up. But Tru is gay, and not into sports, and he just knows that the kids at his new school are not going to like him.
Except nobody gave Javi Castillo that memo, and while he might be a jock, admired by most kids in the school, what with playing for the football team, he doesn't let anyone dictate with whom he can be friends. He meets Tru, and the two strike up an immediate friendship.
Tru thinks it's all too good to be, well, true, but as the plot progresses, and Javi's status in the school extends to Tru, the two boys fall in love. But being gay is one thing - being gay and out in high school, in St. Antonio, TX, is quite another. Especially with Javi needing that football scholarship to go to college, they can't be open about their relationship.
What I really liked about this novel were the nuanced, honest and mostly realistic characterizations of the two main characters. It's rare that a novel pairs a white character with a Hispanic one, and I appreciated that it was done here. And done well.
Neither Tru nor Javi come from affluent backgrounds, and I liked that too. Not everyone is rich and beautiful, and I'd rather have average, relatable characters in YA novels.
I did like Javi's parents quite a bit - they were supportive of their own son, knowing this preference for the same gender, and extended their welcome to Tru, making him feel like part of the family. I also liked that both of them had chores, that not everything was done for them.
Tru's mother too was supportive, though she and Javi's parents had some rather strict rules for the two of them - no sexual contact until they graduate high school. So while the language within is explicit, and the boys partake in a lot of snogging and cuddling and touching, nothing is happening below the waist except for, well, what teenage boys do when alone. I thought that the rule was perhaps a little too harsh, though I must credit the author for creating characters for whom it made sense that they would obey their parents. The loving relationship they had with Javi's parents, and Tru's mother, went a long way to explaining why they would listen to that rule, despite their raging teenage hormones.
There is conflict, too, and there was a heart-stopping moment toward the end that had me on edge, but throughout the book, it's made clear time again that the lesson is believing in yourself and being true to yourself. Standing up for what you believe in, even if that opinion isn't popular. Standing up for others, standing up against bullies, and first and foremost standing up for yourself.
The writing flows well, easy, and with good pacing. Sweet moments at home are happening as much as situations at school, and while there were some tears on my end, there were also plenty of heartwarming moments that kept the novel form becoming too angsty.
A lovely, lovely coming-of-age story, and highly recommended!
** I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
Tru(man) Cobbler is a teenager entering a new school, again, in this wonderful YA novel. He hasn't had an easy life, with a bullying, drunken stepfather, who (thankfully) met his demise at the front end of a semi truck, but things might be looking up. But Tru is gay, and not into sports, and he just knows that the kids at his new school are not going to like him.
Except nobody gave Javi Castillo that memo, and while he might be a jock, admired by most kids in the school, what with playing for the football team, he doesn't let anyone dictate with whom he can be friends. He meets Tru, and the two strike up an immediate friendship.
Tru thinks it's all too good to be, well, true, but as the plot progresses, and Javi's status in the school extends to Tru, the two boys fall in love. But being gay is one thing - being gay and out in high school, in St. Antonio, TX, is quite another. Especially with Javi needing that football scholarship to go to college, they can't be open about their relationship.
What I really liked about this novel were the nuanced, honest and mostly realistic characterizations of the two main characters. It's rare that a novel pairs a white character with a Hispanic one, and I appreciated that it was done here. And done well.
Neither Tru nor Javi come from affluent backgrounds, and I liked that too. Not everyone is rich and beautiful, and I'd rather have average, relatable characters in YA novels.
I did like Javi's parents quite a bit - they were supportive of their own son, knowing this preference for the same gender, and extended their welcome to Tru, making him feel like part of the family. I also liked that both of them had chores, that not everything was done for them.
Tru's mother too was supportive, though she and Javi's parents had some rather strict rules for the two of them - no sexual contact until they graduate high school. So while the language within is explicit, and the boys partake in a lot of snogging and cuddling and touching, nothing is happening below the waist except for, well, what teenage boys do when alone. I thought that the rule was perhaps a little too harsh, though I must credit the author for creating characters for whom it made sense that they would obey their parents. The loving relationship they had with Javi's parents, and Tru's mother, went a long way to explaining why they would listen to that rule, despite their raging teenage hormones.
There is conflict, too, and there was a heart-stopping moment toward the end that had me on edge, but throughout the book, it's made clear time again that the lesson is believing in yourself and being true to yourself. Standing up for what you believe in, even if that opinion isn't popular. Standing up for others, standing up against bullies, and first and foremost standing up for yourself.
The writing flows well, easy, and with good pacing. Sweet moments at home are happening as much as situations at school, and while there were some tears on my end, there were also plenty of heartwarming moments that kept the novel form becoming too angsty.
A lovely, lovely coming-of-age story, and highly recommended!
** I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
January 26, 2016
Truman L. Cobbler is a smallish high school student who's left more than one high school after becoming the target of bullying. His new school seems like it's going to be another of those but when Truman meets and is befriended by Javier Castillo, the school's baseball prodigy and the most popular guy in the school, things take an unexpected turn.
Author, Jacob Z. Flores teaches writing at the university level and he's great at taking a fantasy set-up and breathing life into it while getting you to care for his characters. One can certainly do worse than that.
On the downside, This tale is told in first person but the protagonist is a high school student. The narrative sounds kinda stilted for a high-schooler. More like something someone on the OTHER side of 30 might write.
Listening to a book aloud sometimes highlights the awkwardness of the phrasings and this book has several examples of that, for example "cars' horns blared" sounds much more awkward than "car horns blared" whereas I'd probably not have noticed if I were reading rather than listening.
Mark Westfield does a commendable job with the narration here giving each character their own "voice" and deftly handling the varying levels of accents some of the Latino characters have. The women's voices are rendered as distinct without taking on the grating falsetto quality so often given them by male narrators. Also there are some special effects of sorts including speeches muffled by shoulders or made hollow by microphones that are well rendered.
Javi and True are both high school students living at home and generally, the level of physical affection is consistent with that. However,
I enjoyed this and I'll certainly try another of Mr. Flores's books someday but his slightly overwrought prose is the kind of thing that I'll need a cool-down period from before I can reasonably expect to fully enjoy another of his tales. Of course, as an aspiring writer myself, I may well be overly sensitive to this aspect of the writing and I'd urge you to judge for yourselves. From my small sampling, I'd say that his tales are sweet and generally enjoyable.
*** Note: I received a copy of this audiobook for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review ***
Author, Jacob Z. Flores teaches writing at the university level and he's great at taking a fantasy set-up and breathing life into it while getting you to care for his characters. One can certainly do worse than that.
On the downside, This tale is told in first person but the protagonist is a high school student. The narrative sounds kinda stilted for a high-schooler. More like something someone on the OTHER side of 30 might write.
Listening to a book aloud sometimes highlights the awkwardness of the phrasings and this book has several examples of that, for example "cars' horns blared" sounds much more awkward than "car horns blared" whereas I'd probably not have noticed if I were reading rather than listening.
Mark Westfield does a commendable job with the narration here giving each character their own "voice" and deftly handling the varying levels of accents some of the Latino characters have. The women's voices are rendered as distinct without taking on the grating falsetto quality so often given them by male narrators. Also there are some special effects of sorts including speeches muffled by shoulders or made hollow by microphones that are well rendered.
Javi and True are both high school students living at home and generally, the level of physical affection is consistent with that. However,
I enjoyed this and I'll certainly try another of Mr. Flores's books someday but his slightly overwrought prose is the kind of thing that I'll need a cool-down period from before I can reasonably expect to fully enjoy another of his tales. Of course, as an aspiring writer myself, I may well be overly sensitive to this aspect of the writing and I'd urge you to judge for yourselves. From my small sampling, I'd say that his tales are sweet and generally enjoyable.
*** Note: I received a copy of this audiobook for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review ***
September 24, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
You guys, this book is so good. Admittedly, I am not a huge fan of YA/young love, but I have been known to dabble here and there, and I’m so glad I picked this one up. Being True—the meaning of this book lies completely in the title. I love the double meaning because it’s about being Tru (Truman), who is the main point of focus of this book. And it’s about being true to one’s self—to your beliefs, to your love, to your families, to your friends. It’s a story of two young men who walk the path laid out before them until they meet. This book is their journey. It’s Tru finding power and confidence in himself in a way he never thought existed. And it’s Javi learning something about himself he never saw coming and remaining strong, if not stronger. This plot holds a beautiful coming of age story in which two boy from two different worlds find each other then find themselves in one another. This story is simply the beauty of friendship and how it cultivates strength and confidence. It’s the power of love against the ugliness of bullying. It’s captivating and lovely all around. It’s heartwarming and eye opening. It is empowering.
Truman Cobbler is the kid that pulls my heartstrings. I mean no kid should have to endure what this little guy goes through on a daily basis, yet in the real world, we all know this is reality and a horrible problem. When we meet Tru he is literally getting his ass kicked—a common occurrence in his life, though this time is a bit different. Truman Cobbler, though he does not see it himself, is one of the strongest boys to walk the halls of BHS. The things he walks though and how he handles them every single day—the kid is brave. Confident, no. But strong and brave, yes.
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
You guys, this book is so good. Admittedly, I am not a huge fan of YA/young love, but I have been known to dabble here and there, and I’m so glad I picked this one up. Being True—the meaning of this book lies completely in the title. I love the double meaning because it’s about being Tru (Truman), who is the main point of focus of this book. And it’s about being true to one’s self—to your beliefs, to your love, to your families, to your friends. It’s a story of two young men who walk the path laid out before them until they meet. This book is their journey. It’s Tru finding power and confidence in himself in a way he never thought existed. And it’s Javi learning something about himself he never saw coming and remaining strong, if not stronger. This plot holds a beautiful coming of age story in which two boy from two different worlds find each other then find themselves in one another. This story is simply the beauty of friendship and how it cultivates strength and confidence. It’s the power of love against the ugliness of bullying. It’s captivating and lovely all around. It’s heartwarming and eye opening. It is empowering.
Truman Cobbler is the kid that pulls my heartstrings. I mean no kid should have to endure what this little guy goes through on a daily basis, yet in the real world, we all know this is reality and a horrible problem. When we meet Tru he is literally getting his ass kicked—a common occurrence in his life, though this time is a bit different. Truman Cobbler, though he does not see it himself, is one of the strongest boys to walk the halls of BHS. The things he walks though and how he handles them every single day—the kid is brave. Confident, no. But strong and brave, yes.
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
February 15, 2015
I usually don't like reading books with bullies and that first scene with Rance and Tru was hard to read. This is the first book I've read with so many Hispanic characters and it was a pleasant surprise and very realistic, especially for someone who lives in Houston.
The first magical moment for me was how easily Mr. Castillo could read Tru. That scene in the kitchen was remarkable. I really loved Javi's parents and Tru's mom. I especially loved how supportive Tru's mom was. Claudia was a great friend to Tru and Javi.
This book almost made me cry three times!!! When a book can make you feel sorry for the villian of the piece, that's good writing. Tru has got to be the best speech giver in the history of m/m romances. I just loved his "fuck all y'all" speech closer towards the end of the book. I loved it so much I had to immediately re-read it. His second speech was an almost tear jerker too.
This is a wonderful YA book. I loved how Tru never lied and he and Javi kept their word to their parents. I'll have to check out more of Professor Flores' work.
The first magical moment for me was how easily Mr. Castillo could read Tru. That scene in the kitchen was remarkable. I really loved Javi's parents and Tru's mom. I especially loved how supportive Tru's mom was. Claudia was a great friend to Tru and Javi.
This book almost made me cry three times!!! When a book can make you feel sorry for the villian of the piece, that's good writing. Tru has got to be the best speech giver in the history of m/m romances. I just loved his "fuck all y'all" speech closer towards the end of the book. I loved it so much I had to immediately re-read it. His second speech was an almost tear jerker too.
This is a wonderful YA book. I loved how Tru never lied and he and Javi kept their word to their parents. I'll have to check out more of Professor Flores' work.
October 25, 2019
True rating: 2 stars ... rounded to 3 ONLY because of one nice thing the author did!!!! SO I'll average it out with 2.5 stars!!!!
**************************************
Wasn't crazy about the book as a whole, but I ADORE that the author had Tru telling off all the kids at school who barged into the hospital waiting room claiming to support Javi!! I ABSOLUTELY ADORE that Tru didn't shut up, shut down, or forgive ... I ABSOLUTELY ADORE that Tru called them all out in the ferocious way that he did ... he took no prisoners, gave zero fucks, and threw them out :-D!!! And I ADORE that!! I gave an extra whole star just for this author making that move, and for not being a ridiculous bleeding heart the way some authors preach that pisses me the fuck off like nobody's business!!! Thank you :-D!!!!!!!
EDIT:: HATED THAT TRU AND JAVI WANTED TO ASK THE JUDGE FOR LENIENCY FOR THAT PSYCHOPATH RANCE >:-o ... way to destroy the glad, AUTHOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!
**************************************
Wasn't crazy about the book as a whole, but I ADORE that the author had Tru telling off all the kids at school who barged into the hospital waiting room claiming to support Javi!! I ABSOLUTELY ADORE that Tru didn't shut up, shut down, or forgive ... I ABSOLUTELY ADORE that Tru called them all out in the ferocious way that he did ... he took no prisoners, gave zero fucks, and threw them out :-D!!! And I ADORE that!! I gave an extra whole star just for this author making that move, and for not being a ridiculous bleeding heart the way some authors preach that pisses me the fuck off like nobody's business!!! Thank you :-D!!!!!!!
EDIT:: HATED THAT TRU AND JAVI WANTED TO ASK THE JUDGE FOR LENIENCY FOR THAT PSYCHOPATH RANCE >:-o ... way to destroy the glad, AUTHOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 10, 2016
Audiobook provided through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
4.5 stars
What a delightful story, well-written and refreshingly narrated by Mark Westfield. Frankly, I wasn’t sure if I’d like a young adult story, or if I’d like this narrator, since it’s my first for him, but what a knockout combo Jacob and Mark turned out to be!
Truman Cobbler has had to transfer high schools yet again in his senior year. The victim of bullying in every school he’s attended, he lives with his widowed mother who is more than willing to move to accommodate her son’s safety. Tru is short of stature with hair that has an unfortunate tendency to misbehave, ears that stick out, and teeth self-described as horse teeth. He’s also very smart and apparently exudes a gay vibe. Not that it’s untrue, as he is gay, but it seems he has some magnetic field that attracts jocks and trouble—usually together.
There is one jock, however, who is not like the others. Javier Castillo is popular and friendly and the star pitcher for the baseball team, and for some reason, he befriends Tru from the moment they meet. Tru certainly needs befriending. Other than Javi, his only friend is Claudia, the classmate who is head of the yearbook and the high school newsletter committees. Since Tru loves writing and photography, and Claudia does not follow the popular kids in bullying Tru, their friendship seems made in heaven.
When it becomes known that Javi has befriended Tru, many of the “in crowd” decide to befriend Tru as well, at least on the surface. But later in the year, when one of the jocks picks on Tru and Javi comes to defend him, Javi is given an ultimatum—Tru or the friendship of the jocks. By this time, Javi has realized his feelings for Tru are more than friendship, and the two decide to reveal their relationship to both sets of parents and then come out at school.
I love the way the author handled this situation—the strength and character of their parents was remarkable, and the boys’ reaction, though not happy, was honest obedience to the principles their parents set out. It was refreshing to see authority figures act with integrity—from parents to school administrators.
Javi and Tru face both expected and unexpected hurdles, and just as their friendship grew at first, their love for each other grows after they know each other better. Tru becomes much tougher and more confident as he faces life challenges and tragedy with determination and a strength of character quite amazing for a young man.
Oh, and did I mention sex? No? Well, once the boys are eighteen, they get their chance to explore and the combination of Jacob Flores’s writing and Mark Westfield’s narration makes for some smoking hot moments.
I recommend this one to all lovers of young adult/new adult MM romance. And the audio version is outstanding, so if you haven’t tried an audiobook, this one would be a great place to start.
4.5 stars
What a delightful story, well-written and refreshingly narrated by Mark Westfield. Frankly, I wasn’t sure if I’d like a young adult story, or if I’d like this narrator, since it’s my first for him, but what a knockout combo Jacob and Mark turned out to be!
Truman Cobbler has had to transfer high schools yet again in his senior year. The victim of bullying in every school he’s attended, he lives with his widowed mother who is more than willing to move to accommodate her son’s safety. Tru is short of stature with hair that has an unfortunate tendency to misbehave, ears that stick out, and teeth self-described as horse teeth. He’s also very smart and apparently exudes a gay vibe. Not that it’s untrue, as he is gay, but it seems he has some magnetic field that attracts jocks and trouble—usually together.
There is one jock, however, who is not like the others. Javier Castillo is popular and friendly and the star pitcher for the baseball team, and for some reason, he befriends Tru from the moment they meet. Tru certainly needs befriending. Other than Javi, his only friend is Claudia, the classmate who is head of the yearbook and the high school newsletter committees. Since Tru loves writing and photography, and Claudia does not follow the popular kids in bullying Tru, their friendship seems made in heaven.
When it becomes known that Javi has befriended Tru, many of the “in crowd” decide to befriend Tru as well, at least on the surface. But later in the year, when one of the jocks picks on Tru and Javi comes to defend him, Javi is given an ultimatum—Tru or the friendship of the jocks. By this time, Javi has realized his feelings for Tru are more than friendship, and the two decide to reveal their relationship to both sets of parents and then come out at school.
I love the way the author handled this situation—the strength and character of their parents was remarkable, and the boys’ reaction, though not happy, was honest obedience to the principles their parents set out. It was refreshing to see authority figures act with integrity—from parents to school administrators.
Javi and Tru face both expected and unexpected hurdles, and just as their friendship grew at first, their love for each other grows after they know each other better. Tru becomes much tougher and more confident as he faces life challenges and tragedy with determination and a strength of character quite amazing for a young man.
Oh, and did I mention sex? No? Well, once the boys are eighteen, they get their chance to explore and the combination of Jacob Flores’s writing and Mark Westfield’s narration makes for some smoking hot moments.
I recommend this one to all lovers of young adult/new adult MM romance. And the audio version is outstanding, so if you haven’t tried an audiobook, this one would be a great place to start.
October 25, 2014
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews - 5 hearts
I love stories that not only pack an emotional wallop, but also convey an important message and that’s exactly what “Being True” delivered. Bullying is a very real and very ugly issue facing today’s youth. Anyone considered “different” becomes a target and Truman Cobbler (Tru) has had a big ole bullseye painted on him for most of his young life. And yet despite that fact, he can’t help being true to himself by being Tru. His inner strength is obvious to others, if not himself.
No one should have to suffer physical, verbal or emotional abuse for any reason. It has the dual effect of breaking my heart reading about it and making me mad enough to want to strangle every intolerant a-hole out there who thinks they are better for some reason. Having this story told from Tru’s point of view has the added effect of making the terror all too real, and yet giving a victim’s perspective. My protective side wanted nothing more than to reach out and hug the stuffing out of that young man while fending off the big meanies. Luckily for Tru, a new school came with a couple of guardian angels his own age to help with those jobs – Javi and Claudia. They couldn’t prevent all the bad stuff from happening, but they were examples of the difference that one person, one kind act/gesture can make in influencing others.
“Being True” doesn’t shy away from giving bullying a name and a face, and yet it’s wrapped in messages of hope and love. Romance develops between Tru and Javi over time and Javi has to deal with his own issues in coming out. This is a great example of how time and circumstances can truly turn things around – “it gets better” is not a myth. This story runs the gamut from hard to soft, sweet to sour, tears to glee-filled laughter, and even has a sexy little deflowering scene to satisfy those who like a little more action. It grabbed me from page one and wouldn’t let go. This is a story that will stick with me and one I’d highly recommend to everyone!!
Bonus: I got to meet the author in person at GRL 2014 and he’s every bit as lovely and sweet as he comes across online. What a thrill for me to be able to tell him how much I loved this story!!!
I love stories that not only pack an emotional wallop, but also convey an important message and that’s exactly what “Being True” delivered. Bullying is a very real and very ugly issue facing today’s youth. Anyone considered “different” becomes a target and Truman Cobbler (Tru) has had a big ole bullseye painted on him for most of his young life. And yet despite that fact, he can’t help being true to himself by being Tru. His inner strength is obvious to others, if not himself.
No one should have to suffer physical, verbal or emotional abuse for any reason. It has the dual effect of breaking my heart reading about it and making me mad enough to want to strangle every intolerant a-hole out there who thinks they are better for some reason. Having this story told from Tru’s point of view has the added effect of making the terror all too real, and yet giving a victim’s perspective. My protective side wanted nothing more than to reach out and hug the stuffing out of that young man while fending off the big meanies. Luckily for Tru, a new school came with a couple of guardian angels his own age to help with those jobs – Javi and Claudia. They couldn’t prevent all the bad stuff from happening, but they were examples of the difference that one person, one kind act/gesture can make in influencing others.
“Being True” doesn’t shy away from giving bullying a name and a face, and yet it’s wrapped in messages of hope and love. Romance develops between Tru and Javi over time and Javi has to deal with his own issues in coming out. This is a great example of how time and circumstances can truly turn things around – “it gets better” is not a myth. This story runs the gamut from hard to soft, sweet to sour, tears to glee-filled laughter, and even has a sexy little deflowering scene to satisfy those who like a little more action. It grabbed me from page one and wouldn’t let go. This is a story that will stick with me and one I’d highly recommend to everyone!!
Bonus: I got to meet the author in person at GRL 2014 and he’s every bit as lovely and sweet as he comes across online. What a thrill for me to be able to tell him how much I loved this story!!!
July 15, 2015
If I had to make a list of the exact qualities I want to read in an m/m romance, this book has them all. It was perfect!
This was such a sweet, romantic read. I love reading a book like this where a character questions their sexuality for the first time. It’s a scary thing to discover you deviate from what society considers “normal.” It is especially difficult if you face this life changing event in high school. Yikes. The author did a spectacular job of telling this story. I loved every second of it.
Another plus for me was the fact that Javier never wavered in his feelings for True, despite the difficulties he faced because of those feelings. He was an amazing character. Popular, but still compassionate and caring, he didn’t stomp on people’s feelings and self-esteem to bolster himself. He stood up for the underdog. He was simply a good person. He was definitely a well-developed character, and so was True. I felt bad for True with all the hardships he’d faced, and they were genuine situations I believed would happen in the real world. Teenagers have it rough; I don’t know how they survive, especially when they are different.
One of the best features of this novel was the chemistry between True and Javier. I felt it electrifying from the pages. I definitely recommend this book. I even recommend it for people unsure about young adult books. Although the characters were just graduating high school, I absolutely believed they’d make it in the end. I felt every hardship they overcame cemented their relationship. It felt real, not like a passing teenage crush. I will definitely read more from this author.
March 18, 2016
Although I was never the popular kid in high school, I was never a victim of bullying and I don't remember being a bully. I guess my high school was just too big so I just got lost in the crowd. I pray that my child isn't a victim of bullying as she goes through school. It's so heartbreaking to read these YA stories about kids who are so horrible to each other. I hate that peer pressure and society has allowed it to escalate to where it is now. It's sickening that we aren't teaching our kids to be better people.
I really enjoyed this story. This boy had to continually move schools because he was constantly bullied. What was wrong with the school officials to let that happen? It burned me. But he found a light in the darkness in the one person who was willing to be his friend regardless of what everyone else in the school thought. How awesome is that. And they fell in love. Even better.
I really enjoyed this story. This boy had to continually move schools because he was constantly bullied. What was wrong with the school officials to let that happen? It burned me. But he found a light in the darkness in the one person who was willing to be his friend regardless of what everyone else in the school thought. How awesome is that. And they fell in love. Even better.
July 13, 2017
Probably a little more than 4 stars but not quiiiite enough for 5. I would guess the lack of sex swayed me in my 4 star direction. And still, I loved this book. If there are real teenagers like these two in the world, I want to meet them. They were so wonderful. Poor Tru has had the absolute worst school life to date yet he keeps his chin up and treats people kindly. And then we have Javi who's had a great life so far but has something missing. He also treats everyone he meets with love...at first. I'd call this a slow burn, coming out, YA, teenagers can be mean as hell, story. We got very little in the sex department but their friendship was so all-consuming that it almost made up for it. I bet these two go sex-crazy in college!!
April 29, 2015
Для меня эта история была в виде:
Ангст, ми-ми-ми, МИ-МИ-МИ, ангст, МИ-МИ-МИ, сахар и все встали на путь истинный..
Ну такие милые речи между двумя парнями разве могут быть в реальной жизни? И такие они правильные, плеваться хочется.
Кроме того, треугольник Хавьер-Тру-Ранс ну почти один в один Брэд-Кайл-Келли из
. Только Дж. Гуд подал свою историю вкуснее. А здесь все казалось нереальным.
Кстати, имя главного героя Tru как только не обыгрывалось со словом True. Дошло до того, что (по моим ощущениям) true использовалось неуместно, т.е. там где больше подходило real.
Ангст, ми-ми-ми, МИ-МИ-МИ, ангст, МИ-МИ-МИ, сахар и все встали на путь истинный..
Ну такие милые речи между двумя парнями разве могут быть в реальной жизни? И такие они правильные, плеваться хочется.
Кроме того, треугольник Хавьер-Тру-Ранс ну почти один в один Брэд-Кайл-Келли из
. Только Дж. Гуд подал свою историю вкуснее. А здесь все казалось нереальным. Кстати, имя главного героя Tru как только не обыгрывалось со словом True. Дошло до того, что (по моим ощущениям) true использовалось неуместно, т.е. там где больше подходило real.
December 15, 2015
I think that every gay teen who has suffered enough from life does not need to hide his true self just so he can fit in in what society dictates as normal. But every gay teen does not need to go through such ordeal alone. If I think about it, at some point in our life we all needed a Javi to rock our world and at the same time make us believe that things do get better despite the pain and bullshit hurled at us on a day to day basis. We all deserved a love so powerful, it shatters the essence of what society dictates as right or wrong. Sometimes, a little Javi is a reminder that we deserve the best of the best happiness.
November 4, 2014
Awe
I heart this book.
It was a sweet sweet YA book with some dark moments. You're typical douchebag homophobes, great parents and some sweet love.
I also Heart Heart the cover of this book. It's so sweet.
Mare~Slitsread
I heart this book.
It was a sweet sweet YA book with some dark moments. You're typical douchebag homophobes, great parents and some sweet love.
I also Heart Heart the cover of this book. It's so sweet.
Mare~Slitsread
April 30, 2016
Review to be post at PRG
May 4, 2016
3.5 STARS
October 9, 2014
4.5 star review by Marieke
Tru has had a tough time in life. He’s not so good looking, he’s been bullied badly and changed schools for that multiple times, his stepdad left him and his mom with lots of debts and they are very poor.
When he starts his new school, he has little hope for improvement, but it does come––in the form of Javi.
Javi is a popular jock, everyone loves and admires him. But he’s not the typical asshole, he actually cares about others. He immediately strikes up a friendship with Tru, making the whole school change how they treat him. But do they actually see him differently or do they just pretend?
Parents are the other problem they have to deal with. They do get attacked from all sides in this emotionally laden story. The parents aren’t are big problem though, but of course the boys have to deal with coming out and parents being worried. Javi’s parents are good people–– taking Tru in and feeding and comforting him–– even if they are quiet religious.
Most of the story was great, with some tears, a lot of laughs and a few aaawwww moments. There were a couple of scenes I had a hard time with though. They didn’t feel completely believable to me. I can’t explain that without giving away a lot of the story, but the coming out was too easy and the school’s acceptance in the end too.
Not that the school accepts it just like that, nooo. But in then end, it just happens too fast and easy after all that’s happened.
Like I said before, most of the story was awesome, though. The characters were amazing, likeable and for the most part realistic. The pacing was just right, and the love between the two boys felt so warm and sweet. That their parents didn’t want eighteen year olds to have sex and they obeyed…? Maybe that’s the author’s fatherly-heart speaking, because no way would that work in real life.
It did make the boys seem even sweeter and good-hearted, so it’s forgiven. This book was very enjoyable and I’m very glad I get to review and recommend it. You won’t be sorry for buying it.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews!
Tru has had a tough time in life. He’s not so good looking, he’s been bullied badly and changed schools for that multiple times, his stepdad left him and his mom with lots of debts and they are very poor.
When he starts his new school, he has little hope for improvement, but it does come––in the form of Javi.
Javi is a popular jock, everyone loves and admires him. But he’s not the typical asshole, he actually cares about others. He immediately strikes up a friendship with Tru, making the whole school change how they treat him. But do they actually see him differently or do they just pretend?
Parents are the other problem they have to deal with. They do get attacked from all sides in this emotionally laden story. The parents aren’t are big problem though, but of course the boys have to deal with coming out and parents being worried. Javi’s parents are good people–– taking Tru in and feeding and comforting him–– even if they are quiet religious.
Most of the story was great, with some tears, a lot of laughs and a few aaawwww moments. There were a couple of scenes I had a hard time with though. They didn’t feel completely believable to me. I can’t explain that without giving away a lot of the story, but the coming out was too easy and the school’s acceptance in the end too.
Not that the school accepts it just like that, nooo. But in then end, it just happens too fast and easy after all that’s happened.
Like I said before, most of the story was awesome, though. The characters were amazing, likeable and for the most part realistic. The pacing was just right, and the love between the two boys felt so warm and sweet. That their parents didn’t want eighteen year olds to have sex and they obeyed…? Maybe that’s the author’s fatherly-heart speaking, because no way would that work in real life.
It did make the boys seem even sweeter and good-hearted, so it’s forgiven. This book was very enjoyable and I’m very glad I get to review and recommend it. You won’t be sorry for buying it.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews!
January 24, 2015
First, I have to say this cover is beautiful.
Second, I have to applaud the diverse characters.
Third, I loved every moment of this book.
Tru -- with his thrift store clothes, horse teeth and small stature -- has been bullied his whole life. He's changed schools six times in four years. On his fist day at Burbank High, it's more of the same. Then into precalc walks Javi, a popular boy who shuns cliques. Javi doesn't let the high-school hierarchy dictate who he should be friends with, and he wants to be Tru's friend. Soon, Tru and Javi are inseparable, and the rumor mill starts churning.
Tru was such a heart-breaking character. He's never had a friend before. All his life he's been invisible. Now here is Javi, dragging him into the spotlight and making his dreams come true. Javi becomes more than a friend -- he's a lifeline. Tru's confidence and self worth slowly blossom under the attention. Javi and Tru are so good to and for each other. The pacing was perfect.
I loved how supportive and protective the parents were. No stereotypes here. Javi and Tru were respectful of their parents' wishes too, which was also a nice change of pace.
This book pulled so many emotions out of me. The ending left me smiling and hopeful. I believed these boys were going to make it.
Second, I have to applaud the diverse characters.
Third, I loved every moment of this book.
Tru -- with his thrift store clothes, horse teeth and small stature -- has been bullied his whole life. He's changed schools six times in four years. On his fist day at Burbank High, it's more of the same. Then into precalc walks Javi, a popular boy who shuns cliques. Javi doesn't let the high-school hierarchy dictate who he should be friends with, and he wants to be Tru's friend. Soon, Tru and Javi are inseparable, and the rumor mill starts churning.
Tru was such a heart-breaking character. He's never had a friend before. All his life he's been invisible. Now here is Javi, dragging him into the spotlight and making his dreams come true. Javi becomes more than a friend -- he's a lifeline. Tru's confidence and self worth slowly blossom under the attention. Javi and Tru are so good to and for each other. The pacing was perfect.
I loved how supportive and protective the parents were. No stereotypes here. Javi and Tru were respectful of their parents' wishes too, which was also a nice change of pace.
This book pulled so many emotions out of me. The ending left me smiling and hopeful. I believed these boys were going to make it.
February 23, 2018
This book was nicely different from the usual stories in this genre. It starts with a main character who is not stunningly beautiful, instead, he has big ears, horse teeth, and his bullies like to call him donkey from Shrek. Truman, the young (gay and out) boy was immediately likable and it was hard to see, that in his new school he immediately got in trouble with some bullies again.
Then, however, Javi appeared, liked by everyone, big sports star and typical jock.
To Truman's and everybody else's surprises, Javi immediately befriended him and when Claudia, classmate, and editor of the school paper and yearbook also offers her friendship, it seems that finally things start to change for the better for Truman.
Of course, this is not the happy end (yet), there are many things that need to be sorted out, most of all, why Javi likes him so much, could there maybe be more than friendship?
I really liked how the story progressed, all the main but also the secondary characters were interesting and the whole setting felt genuine and well crafted.
Maybe the story was dragging a little bit before the final countdown but I could easily forgive that as the overall feeling of the book was really positive and wonderful.
Above average 4 stars from me and if you like YA and coming out stories absolutely recommended.
Then, however, Javi appeared, liked by everyone, big sports star and typical jock.
To Truman's and everybody else's surprises, Javi immediately befriended him and when Claudia, classmate, and editor of the school paper and yearbook also offers her friendship, it seems that finally things start to change for the better for Truman.
Of course, this is not the happy end (yet), there are many things that need to be sorted out, most of all, why Javi likes him so much, could there maybe be more than friendship?
I really liked how the story progressed, all the main but also the secondary characters were interesting and the whole setting felt genuine and well crafted.
Maybe the story was dragging a little bit before the final countdown but I could easily forgive that as the overall feeling of the book was really positive and wonderful.
Above average 4 stars from me and if you like YA and coming out stories absolutely recommended.
November 14, 2014
Gorgeous cover!
I adored this book so much. I'm not a fan of YA but this one did a great job to make me liking it.
I loved Tru and Javi's slow relationship. But I knew all those bigoted and denials always there.
A 'normal' reactions from Javi's father made this story more real.
I adored Claudia, what a friend!!! I even like that 'selfie' girl Alison.
Thank you author for not making female gender annoying like some m/m books I read. Sometimes,, we need a female friendly m/m story here and there.
The twist, well...scary but not really a heartbreaking one (just the way I like it), somehow, it's bearable.
And I loved Javi's reaction about this, and I loved how Javi never let Tru down even in his hard moments of his true intention.
I loved how their love grows from friends to lover, slowly but worth to wait... :)
And I love how they're even trying hard to be "a good kid" for both of their parents...*cough*..and waited for 'the right time' to 'do that'.
This is a sweet story, heart warming,and I'm looking forward to read more from this author in a near future.
Recommended!
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