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Braden's Story
Braden is 13, an only child and the member of a devout Christian family, and everything couldn't be better until he begins realizing his attraction for the same sex. Soon, the family that once felt indestructible begins faltering and is seemingly torn apart by the simple fact he struggles to fulfil the expectation of who he's meant to be in the eyes of his parents and God. In fact, everyone seems to know what's best but him. occasional coarse language and a mild sex scene. masonscrawls.com for updates on my gay fiction and other musings.
494 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2014
20 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 17, 2015
This story is about a boy that is raised in a Christian home and has a great life but..... a must read
April 22, 2015
One of the Best Coming Out Novels
This book is long, unlike what many so called gay authors are calling books today and publishing on Kindle. 27 pages is a pamphlet, not a book. Then, to have the Gaul to publish 3 to 10 ten to forty page pamphlets and call it a "series," just makes you, as an author, a greedy person. Mason Dodd gives you and me a real, over 400 page novel, with developed characters and a story that I could not put down. If you read just one gay novel this year, read Braden's Story!
This book is long, unlike what many so called gay authors are calling books today and publishing on Kindle. 27 pages is a pamphlet, not a book. Then, to have the Gaul to publish 3 to 10 ten to forty page pamphlets and call it a "series," just makes you, as an author, a greedy person. Mason Dodd gives you and me a real, over 400 page novel, with developed characters and a story that I could not put down. If you read just one gay novel this year, read Braden's Story!
April 15, 2017
Anyone interested in well written, emotionally charged stories about gay boys up against the views of their hardcore Christian parents should read (in this order) "Aaron's Story" and "Braden's Story" by Mason Dodd. I think these are two of the best novels on the subject.
February 1, 2015
Read both stories (Aaron and Braden) one after the other in two days...
I came out late in my life, and though I'm now in a wonderful relationship for 12 year, I tend to miss/wonder what my teenager year would have been if I had came out at that time.
So, I really enjoyed both stories, as I believe they do complement each others quite well, and should be, in my opinion, read to grasp the complex situation Aaron and Braden are living in. In terms of family, friend and school backgrounds.
Mot sure which story I preferred more... Braden's one is really more family struggles based, and I felt a bit more "complex"...
Aaron's story seems to reflect more the mindset and hurdles gay teenagers still go through on the daily basis.
Now both touched my heart and made me wish I could do more in real life, to help young people to come to term with their identities.
Looking forward to next chapters... Michael and/or Steven's stories
I came out late in my life, and though I'm now in a wonderful relationship for 12 year, I tend to miss/wonder what my teenager year would have been if I had came out at that time.
So, I really enjoyed both stories, as I believe they do complement each others quite well, and should be, in my opinion, read to grasp the complex situation Aaron and Braden are living in. In terms of family, friend and school backgrounds.
Mot sure which story I preferred more... Braden's one is really more family struggles based, and I felt a bit more "complex"...
Aaron's story seems to reflect more the mindset and hurdles gay teenagers still go through on the daily basis.
Now both touched my heart and made me wish I could do more in real life, to help young people to come to term with their identities.
Looking forward to next chapters... Michael and/or Steven's stories
Want to read
April 21, 20154/21/2015 Free on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Bradens-Story-M... and Smashwords.
June 6, 2015
rating: 1/5
I feel terrible for giving this book one star because this book tries to address a variety of real issues of growing up gay in a severely religious household and being forced out the closet in school.
But this book just didn't work for me.
I can see where the author was coming from and where he wanted to go but unfortunately the execution was greatly lacking. The characters lacked depth and complexity. Many interactions took the form of an episode of Jerry Springer where there was yelling and hitting involved at the apex of all fights. Character development also felt false, they stagnated in place and then suddenly magically changed in a moment *queue sappy music for dramatic effect* when it was most melodramatically convenient, cheaply playing on reader emotions (because the reality of what kids in these kinds of situations go through is heartbreaking enough, no need for cheap tricks to make it more so).
And then there was the awful attempt at text messaging (thgs lik netspk hapns bc txt sukd w 3 ltr 1 btn kybrds but now we have smartphones with autocorrect so netspeak would actually require extra work so it just doesn't make sense for anything published in 2014).
Half-way through I was bored. By the end I wanted to throw my Kindle at the wall out of sheer frustration.
I feel terrible for giving this book one star because this book tries to address a variety of real issues of growing up gay in a severely religious household and being forced out the closet in school.
But this book just didn't work for me.
I can see where the author was coming from and where he wanted to go but unfortunately the execution was greatly lacking. The characters lacked depth and complexity. Many interactions took the form of an episode of Jerry Springer where there was yelling and hitting involved at the apex of all fights. Character development also felt false, they stagnated in place and then suddenly magically changed in a moment *queue sappy music for dramatic effect* when it was most melodramatically convenient, cheaply playing on reader emotions (because the reality of what kids in these kinds of situations go through is heartbreaking enough, no need for cheap tricks to make it more so).
And then there was the awful attempt at text messaging (thgs lik netspk hapns bc txt sukd w 3 ltr 1 btn kybrds but now we have smartphones with autocorrect so netspeak would actually require extra work so it just doesn't make sense for anything published in 2014).
Half-way through I was bored. By the end I wanted to throw my Kindle at the wall out of sheer frustration.
February 8, 2015
Best story I've read
Very good story line, made me laugh, cry and get angry. I felt for every character even when things just seemed to get worse and worse I think I cried for a couple hours while reading this, but in my opinion Braden is a hero in his own right
Very good story line, made me laugh, cry and get angry. I felt for every character even when things just seemed to get worse and worse I think I cried for a couple hours while reading this, but in my opinion Braden is a hero in his own right
April 27, 2015
awesome book free on book bub a few days ago could not put this book down the book has so many similarities to my own it is uncanny good to know there are awesome authors out there willing to tell this side of the glbt life 5 stars has me in tears 5 times
May 9, 2015
I am of several minds about this story. One one level it was amazingly engrossing and the deeper I went the more I couldn't put it down. On another level I thought it a cautionary tale for young gay boys to not discount their true nature and for parents of the same to love and support them. I also really liked that it was set in Australia and was different hearing about what it's like for a young gay kid there.
Tons of angst. I almost felt I was reading a "Job's tale" with all the things that could go wrong for a kid and his family. Many times you think you've reached the climax and everything will turn for the better now and of course there is another zinger that spirals out of control.
The author gets kids pretty well, especially with texting. I don't profess to know what kids do with their smartphones but I know my peers use them for searching the Internet and so some of the scenes/circumstances didn't quite ring true for me. If you feel your religion is under attack you just might search out more understanding of bible interpretations. For all the really good arguments the author uses to combat homophobic Christians, he does not really bring up all the denouncements that are readily available. He does have some great dialog about all of the anti gay people.
A lot of what he wrote feels amazingly true and realistic to me. I came out almost 40 years ago.
I grew up in a very religious household where my father was a former minister in a conservative evangelical denomination. I always new I was gay from maybe 7 or 8 but I knew I couldn't ever say anything...to anyone, let alone my parents. Even though homosexuality was preached against and I heard it all the time, I never felt separated from the love of God. I clung to the belief that he created me gay to begin with. After high school I was outed by the mother of a close friend and my parents went nuts saying they wished I was a drug addict because they could get me help for that. It was a rough time, but I wasn't kicked out and we eventually reconciled and made peace. They even came to regard my husband as a son of theirs....I teased my dad he was the son I never was, because he could talk car repair, sports and quote scripture like a scholar. I'm still a Christian and sing in my church choir...well it's kind of hard not to when your husband is the Director of Music.
So at the end, I was captivated by the overall story but disappointed in how the supportive gay friendly church was under represented and how "preachy" it sometimes was.
Tons of angst. I almost felt I was reading a "Job's tale" with all the things that could go wrong for a kid and his family. Many times you think you've reached the climax and everything will turn for the better now and of course there is another zinger that spirals out of control.
The author gets kids pretty well, especially with texting. I don't profess to know what kids do with their smartphones but I know my peers use them for searching the Internet and so some of the scenes/circumstances didn't quite ring true for me. If you feel your religion is under attack you just might search out more understanding of bible interpretations. For all the really good arguments the author uses to combat homophobic Christians, he does not really bring up all the denouncements that are readily available. He does have some great dialog about all of the anti gay people.
A lot of what he wrote feels amazingly true and realistic to me. I came out almost 40 years ago.
I grew up in a very religious household where my father was a former minister in a conservative evangelical denomination. I always new I was gay from maybe 7 or 8 but I knew I couldn't ever say anything...to anyone, let alone my parents. Even though homosexuality was preached against and I heard it all the time, I never felt separated from the love of God. I clung to the belief that he created me gay to begin with. After high school I was outed by the mother of a close friend and my parents went nuts saying they wished I was a drug addict because they could get me help for that. It was a rough time, but I wasn't kicked out and we eventually reconciled and made peace. They even came to regard my husband as a son of theirs....I teased my dad he was the son I never was, because he could talk car repair, sports and quote scripture like a scholar. I'm still a Christian and sing in my church choir...well it's kind of hard not to when your husband is the Director of Music.
So at the end, I was captivated by the overall story but disappointed in how the supportive gay friendly church was under represented and how "preachy" it sometimes was.
April 27, 2015
what heartache. some people push their believes on their children and do not realise the consequences that can occur.
Braden's parents are overly religious and anti guy. They preach guy hate 24/7 to Braden and the rest of the family. Little do they know that at that moment he is questioning his sexuality even at 13.
This is a must read, if you are in it for the angst or the sex, don't bother. but have a hankie at the read.
great book.
Braden's parents are overly religious and anti guy. They preach guy hate 24/7 to Braden and the rest of the family. Little do they know that at that moment he is questioning his sexuality even at 13.
This is a must read, if you are in it for the angst or the sex, don't bother. but have a hankie at the read.
great book.
May 2, 2015
Reality check
This is the best book I've read in the genre. This book is a very emotional and up front experience of a coming out story. It puts you inside of the characters minds. I would recommend it anyone and everyone should read.
This is the best book I've read in the genre. This book is a very emotional and up front experience of a coming out story. It puts you inside of the characters minds. I would recommend it anyone and everyone should read.
May 25, 2015
Кому семейную драму и подростковый ангст на гомо-религиозной почве? Налетай.
Любови настоящей и вечной у героя тут, кстати, нет.
Любови настоящей и вечной у героя тут, кстати, нет.
December 14, 2015
Overall it was a good story, I got attached to the characters. Review to follow
May 11, 2022
Chilling Story
This story seemed even more intense than Aaron’s Story. Perhaps this should be required reading for everyone stuck in a religious mindset, even if they don’t have a gay child.
This story seemed even more intense than Aaron’s Story. Perhaps this should be required reading for everyone stuck in a religious mindset, even if they don’t have a gay child.
December 17, 2024
Powerful
Ran the gamut of emotions for me. Unfortunately true that people thought like that. I'm sure somewhere some narrow minded people still do. Also unfortunate were the glaring typos and grammatical errors .
Ran the gamut of emotions for me. Unfortunately true that people thought like that. I'm sure somewhere some narrow minded people still do. Also unfortunate were the glaring typos and grammatical errors .
July 29, 2015
I personally thought the book was important. It shared the personal struggle of a teen, who was trapped in a Christian-belief family. Sometimes life could really be hard on those who were, no matter what non-believer would say, living a life that was different. It was never a choice. It was as natural as the feeling a hetero man for a woman. Unfortunately, not many could see this and this happened to be Braden's story - a boy divided between the family he loved and accepting himself for who he was.
I thought the writer did a good job in holding the interest of the readers. I enjoyed all the messages shared between Braden and others. Some made me chuckled happy for Braden and some made me jealous of him, for having all this blossoming romance around him. Mia was really vocal and matured for a character who was just 13 years old. Braden's mother was portrayed well. It was so believable such a woman would exist. Broken record - I enjoyed the label thrown upon Lydia. There were several other characters in the book that made the book worthwhile in reading. I have only wished that we were going to see Jack involved at the end. Pity that did not happen.
However, at times, I thought the story line was too angry and true enough, repetitive (broken record). It was interesting to find characters so young and so affected by the surrounding.
I did not enjoy the second last chapter. I thought the change was too fast and less believable.
****SPOILER ALERT****
Still, I am worried for any misinterpretation of the story. In the TV series Glee, when the homophobic closet bully tried to take his life and failed, it seemed that life was better for those who tried, and failed, in attempting suicide. What if this was misinterpreted by some - that the solution for acceptance by family would be an attempt at suicide. I seriously hope that I am wrong.
I thought the writer did a good job in holding the interest of the readers. I enjoyed all the messages shared between Braden and others. Some made me chuckled happy for Braden and some made me jealous of him, for having all this blossoming romance around him. Mia was really vocal and matured for a character who was just 13 years old. Braden's mother was portrayed well. It was so believable such a woman would exist. Broken record - I enjoyed the label thrown upon Lydia. There were several other characters in the book that made the book worthwhile in reading. I have only wished that we were going to see Jack involved at the end. Pity that did not happen.
However, at times, I thought the story line was too angry and true enough, repetitive (broken record). It was interesting to find characters so young and so affected by the surrounding.
I did not enjoy the second last chapter. I thought the change was too fast and less believable.
****SPOILER ALERT****
Still, I am worried for any misinterpretation of the story. In the TV series Glee, when the homophobic closet bully tried to take his life and failed, it seemed that life was better for those who tried, and failed, in attempting suicide. What if this was misinterpreted by some - that the solution for acceptance by family would be an attempt at suicide. I seriously hope that I am wrong.
August 6, 2015
Must read with Aaron's Story
This story synchronizes with Aaron's Story and both should be made available to all middle school and high school students and their families. Both are movie worthy for those with short attention spans and no desire to learn. Both books should be followed by a group or family discussion of the events and characters to feel the real value of the message.
Both books entwine the inevitable shift of teenagers from the importance of family to the needs for good friends as they try to move towards independence and self responsibility in life. Self esteem follows self awareness and awareness of others. This is not an easy process for anyone, but is considerably harder for those with personal baggage and religious challenges.
Both books provide great insight into the emotions, fears, thought process, and actions so the reader can feel and understand the character more fully as the story develops. Too often the response of people are misunderstood, or not provided with the full backstory leading up to this one event, an each person sees it through the filter of their knowledge and experience. That is usually wrong, and usually complicated by the misunderstanding of the reasons, and really confused by the misunderstood communication, or worse by the rejection of all communication with others who turn off or twist the conversation into undesired paths.
The conflicts of religion and/or morality are at least underlying if not the main reason for wars. Wars are best fought between very different and identifiable people. The collateral damage strongly affects both sides, but if the sides are closely tied and difficult to separate, such as during civil wars and family guess, the fallout and ramifications are extensive, deadly, destructive and lasting for centuries with no one really knowing why.
This story synchronizes with Aaron's Story and both should be made available to all middle school and high school students and their families. Both are movie worthy for those with short attention spans and no desire to learn. Both books should be followed by a group or family discussion of the events and characters to feel the real value of the message.
Both books entwine the inevitable shift of teenagers from the importance of family to the needs for good friends as they try to move towards independence and self responsibility in life. Self esteem follows self awareness and awareness of others. This is not an easy process for anyone, but is considerably harder for those with personal baggage and religious challenges.
Both books provide great insight into the emotions, fears, thought process, and actions so the reader can feel and understand the character more fully as the story develops. Too often the response of people are misunderstood, or not provided with the full backstory leading up to this one event, an each person sees it through the filter of their knowledge and experience. That is usually wrong, and usually complicated by the misunderstanding of the reasons, and really confused by the misunderstood communication, or worse by the rejection of all communication with others who turn off or twist the conversation into undesired paths.
The conflicts of religion and/or morality are at least underlying if not the main reason for wars. Wars are best fought between very different and identifiable people. The collateral damage strongly affects both sides, but if the sides are closely tied and difficult to separate, such as during civil wars and family guess, the fallout and ramifications are extensive, deadly, destructive and lasting for centuries with no one really knowing why.
June 4, 2015
Coming out is rarely easy
I didn't know this story seems to be intended for a younger and male oriented group. However, that being said, I think the author handled the topic very well. I'm sure there will be a few folks that can relate to the difficulty of this process. I've seen first hand how being raised in a strict religious home doesn't make it easy to be open to the ones you love and need the support of during such a tumultuous time, especially in such a young life.
Mr. Dodd covers most of the difficulties that young folks are confronted with in growing up. It was heart-breaking when Braden's parents couldn't get past their own misguided interpretations of man's words in the bible. I shed some tears over the senseless waste of time this caused their family.
There were a couple of spots in the story that seemed disjointed and out of place, as if someone didn't proof read it carefully enough.
All in all, the story comes around with a decent ending. It's just so sad it's so difficult for so many young folks to go through this period of their lives, when love, understanding and acceptance are so much easier to give than hate.
I didn't know this story seems to be intended for a younger and male oriented group. However, that being said, I think the author handled the topic very well. I'm sure there will be a few folks that can relate to the difficulty of this process. I've seen first hand how being raised in a strict religious home doesn't make it easy to be open to the ones you love and need the support of during such a tumultuous time, especially in such a young life.
Mr. Dodd covers most of the difficulties that young folks are confronted with in growing up. It was heart-breaking when Braden's parents couldn't get past their own misguided interpretations of man's words in the bible. I shed some tears over the senseless waste of time this caused their family.
There were a couple of spots in the story that seemed disjointed and out of place, as if someone didn't proof read it carefully enough.
All in all, the story comes around with a decent ending. It's just so sad it's so difficult for so many young folks to go through this period of their lives, when love, understanding and acceptance are so much easier to give than hate.
May 12, 2015
This was a tough book to read. It really made me more aware of the struggles that a gay teen has with coming out and getting his family to accept it. The author seemed to do a good job of showing the different sides of the argument. It just made me sad reading about these supposed Christians and how they were always doing the wrong thing. The radicals were all hate and unbending. The accepting ones just ignored what the Bible says because "if we don't like it, we should ignore it, things change." Priorities were placed backwards, family first, then God; if what family believes isn't what God says, then just ignore God. God was either an unbending bastard or just a warm fuzzy who accepts everyone if they are good and try. That isn't who God is and that is not what faith is about.
This is a very difficult subject and there are no easy answers.
This is a very difficult subject and there are no easy answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2015
Rating is primarily for character development and presentation of the story. This is not fluff and people die, lives are destroyed. The voices in the first part of the book were too immature and strident but the second part, which took place four years later was much more quiet and mature. It fit.
The language used jerked me out of the story. The screaming and cursing reduced the power of the emotions being conveyed. I've got the filthiest mouth in town so its not a case of being offended.
There's not a lot of happy here but that makes it more real. Its definitely a worthwhile read. The church and its effect on people is a major part of this book, as it should be. From my experience, its not at all overdone and that's what makes it a serious book to remember long after you finish the last page.
The language used jerked me out of the story. The screaming and cursing reduced the power of the emotions being conveyed. I've got the filthiest mouth in town so its not a case of being offended.
There's not a lot of happy here but that makes it more real. Its definitely a worthwhile read. The church and its effect on people is a major part of this book, as it should be. From my experience, its not at all overdone and that's what makes it a serious book to remember long after you finish the last page.
September 8, 2015
This is the second book in this gay teen series and it was better than the first one. I thought that the story was more believable this time round although very similar in aspects to the first story. It was nice that as Braden is a cousin of Aaron the subject of the first book, we got to catch up with the other characters. I felt for Braden even more than for Aaron as he was younger and going through more than just being gay. I also found him stronger as a person with better friends. I know that might sound odd given what happens later in the book, but it took him longer and with lots more provocation to get there. I like how each teen featured is linked to the one in the previous book. This provides an overlay of certain characters and scenes that provide extra detail and an alternative view point. Looking forward to the next book; Michael's story.
May 8, 2015
Brilliant story
i read Mason Dodd's first book Aaron Story and I thought is was wonderful. The trials and tribulations he went through were unbelievable.
However, Braden's Story is so much more it's just an amazing story of strength and courage in a young gay teen. He fights his parents at every turn doing everything he can to be the most perfect son he can be.What I love about these both books is the secondary characters are so strong and are so believable that you wish you had known them yourself.
I would recommend both of these books and remember to bring your tissues.
i read Mason Dodd's first book Aaron Story and I thought is was wonderful. The trials and tribulations he went through were unbelievable.
However, Braden's Story is so much more it's just an amazing story of strength and courage in a young gay teen. He fights his parents at every turn doing everything he can to be the most perfect son he can be.What I love about these both books is the secondary characters are so strong and are so believable that you wish you had known them yourself.
I would recommend both of these books and remember to bring your tissues.
December 12, 2015
Written for teen age readers about life as a teen, it is filled to overflowing with drama and the Christian anti gay venom is beaten to death, but not unrealistically, given the dogmatic nature of fundamentalist Christians. Braden at 13 realizes he is gay and enters a relationship with the minister’s son Michael. Despite its shortcomings, it is a gripping story that many people need to read to understand what it is like to be verbally attacked and hated by your own parents because of your sexuality.
April 26, 2015
Sad Story
I thought this was a good tale, well told. I spent a lot of the bok wondering where in the United States , people used so many britishisms. Then at the very very end , I saw something mentioning Australia. Now I know.
I thought this was a good tale, well told. I spent a lot of the bok wondering where in the United States , people used so many britishisms. Then at the very very end , I saw something mentioning Australia. Now I know.
May 6, 2015
Realization and Acceptance
There is real need for so many people to read and understand the importance of the issues highlighted in this book. It must be understood that God looks at HOW we lovingly relate to ALL our neighbors.
There is real need for so many people to read and understand the importance of the issues highlighted in this book. It must be understood that God looks at HOW we lovingly relate to ALL our neighbors.
May 6, 2015
Inspirational
I felt so much for these characters. No one should have to feel the hate or fear that Braden or Aaron felt. This is a must read that should hopefully open others eyes to the damage they do with words of hate.
I felt so much for these characters. No one should have to feel the hate or fear that Braden or Aaron felt. This is a must read that should hopefully open others eyes to the damage they do with words of hate.
May 10, 2015
Amazing!!
I read this out of mere interest in what goes through the minds of our youth that struggle with sexuality. Great story! This is a book I could not put down!! Haven't had one of them in a very long time
I read this out of mere interest in what goes through the minds of our youth that struggle with sexuality. Great story! This is a book I could not put down!! Haven't had one of them in a very long time
March 5, 2015
Great story, but a bit heavy on the Christian themes.....
May 12, 2015
Broke my heart just reading it. I know people like the mom. I have seen the hate first hand. Amazing story line and can't wait to read more.
June 5, 2015
this book w was very well written. The style to find yourself is real and this story touched on so much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews