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Finding the Sky
Dillon Smith is so ready for the school year to be over, because he’ll get some relief from the gang that’s been pressuring him to join them. Unfortunately, when he stops for a soda, he’s implicated in the gang robbing a convenience store. Given his late father’s association with the gang, even his mother doesn’t believe him when he says he wants no part of it, and she sends him to live with his Uncle Bryan for the summer.
On the way to his uncle’s house in the country, he and Bryan rescue a hawk that was hit by a semitruck. They take it to some wildlife rehabbers living down the street, and they help open Dillon to experiences he never imagined.
When Dillon meets Scott, the son of the rehabbers, he falls in love, but the gang has a rough summer planned for him.
On the way to his uncle’s house in the country, he and Bryan rescue a hawk that was hit by a semitruck. They take it to some wildlife rehabbers living down the street, and they help open Dillon to experiences he never imagined.
When Dillon meets Scott, the son of the rehabbers, he falls in love, but the gang has a rough summer planned for him.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2016
1 person is currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 26, 2016
In general, I liked this book. It’s very neat and very quick-paced. I liked Dillon’s character. He’s only sixteen so I appreciate that his mindset and his attitude is very apt to his age. I wished that he wasn’t that prim and proper though. Actually, thinking back – I thought the dialogues were a bit too polished – almost unrealistic at times. It didn’t bother me at all. I mean, it worked in the story so that’s a win for the author.
I also loved the romance between the two teenagers. Scott is an equally great character. Perhaps a bit too perfect? Not that I’m complaining tho. Can I also say (I dunno, maybe it’s just me) that there’s this rippling sexual tension between Dillon’s uncle and Scott’s Dads? I mean, if the author wanted to explore that idea – I thought it’d be wonderful or maybe a book for Bryan as well with a different guy?
That solution to Dillon’s predicament was almost too convenient but I’m totally buying it. I loved how everything turned out, although, not as realistic as some people would see it but at the end of the day, it made me feel really good. This is a really good young adult read - not too angsty and not too light – just the right amount of zing.
I also loved the romance between the two teenagers. Scott is an equally great character. Perhaps a bit too perfect? Not that I’m complaining tho. Can I also say (I dunno, maybe it’s just me) that there’s this rippling sexual tension between Dillon’s uncle and Scott’s Dads? I mean, if the author wanted to explore that idea – I thought it’d be wonderful or maybe a book for Bryan as well with a different guy?
That solution to Dillon’s predicament was almost too convenient but I’m totally buying it. I loved how everything turned out, although, not as realistic as some people would see it but at the end of the day, it made me feel really good. This is a really good young adult read - not too angsty and not too light – just the right amount of zing.
March 8, 2016
Dillon is a good kid, trying to lead a good life. Due to some trouble with a local gang, he's put into a situation where he can, hopefully, get away from the gangs, the bad, and his mother who doesn't believe he is really an innocent guy who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. So, he's sent to stay with his uncle for the summer.
The story starts out really well, believable even. The issues I have with it have a lot to do with the mother and her complete and total inability to have any faith in her son. Her son who has never shown her any reason to doubt him. It's horrible and used as fuel to drive him away to stay with the uncle. Also, not only is his uncle gay, but the neighbors are too, and so is their adoptive kid. The story breaks up a bit and fails to keep on track and feels choppy. There is also some very unbelievable happenings toward the end with the gang that really put me off. It felt forced.
Still, there is a lot of good to it. I enjoyed the stories within the main plot. The growth of Dillon, his ability to love, and his open personality. He really is a good kid. His uncle is also a really great guy, very open to discuss anything that Dillon need to get out of his system. They have open and honest communication, something that I wish was the norm for all children and their parents.
While this isn't the best book I've read, it's probably a good read for a teenager.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story starts out really well, believable even. The issues I have with it have a lot to do with the mother and her complete and total inability to have any faith in her son. Her son who has never shown her any reason to doubt him. It's horrible and used as fuel to drive him away to stay with the uncle. Also, not only is his uncle gay, but the neighbors are too, and so is their adoptive kid. The story breaks up a bit and fails to keep on track and feels choppy. There is also some very unbelievable happenings toward the end with the gang that really put me off. It felt forced.
Still, there is a lot of good to it. I enjoyed the stories within the main plot. The growth of Dillon, his ability to love, and his open personality. He really is a good kid. His uncle is also a really great guy, very open to discuss anything that Dillon need to get out of his system. They have open and honest communication, something that I wish was the norm for all children and their parents.
While this isn't the best book I've read, it's probably a good read for a teenager.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 7, 2019
A very cute love story. I was sad when the mom and uncle didn't believe. I liked getting to know more about eagle / bird nature preserves. I liked the slow burn and build up of the relationship and how sweet it was. The scene by the river was adorable.
very sweet story.
very sweet story.
March 26, 2016
My first AM Burns book... I enjoyed it. Review previously at bmbr.
When this book was offered for review, I have to admit to being in two minds about whether to take it or not. If I'm honest it was the cover rather than the blurb that sold me, so can we all pause for a moment and give a little cover love to this book. Aaah. Feels good huh? So many fugly covers, I do appreciate it when I find one I love!
The cover persuaded me to give it a try, and I'm glad I did. Despite the fact that portions of this story are very sad, it was on the whole quite a sweet love story - which is what I hoped it would be. I have very little patience for over dramatised, overly convenient plot lines and I did worry that this might fall into that category. I was pleased though, that while it did contain drama, it wasn't of the forced nature I worried it might be.
Once Dillon had moved from the city to his uncle's house the clichés that were lurking fell away and the story of his connection to his summer home came to the fore. And it was sweet. I liked the relationships forged and shown between all of the main characters. Although Dillon was a city boy, he seemed a country boy at heart - once he'd let himself appreciate the virtues of the countryside. Whilst his mother tried hard for him (and yes, she was a bit of a cliché downtrodden, pregnant young, poor mother) it was his uncle who really helped Dillon find himself. The relationship between these two was lovely.
Scott, with his two dads and extensive knowledge of wild birds, was a great second protagonist. The romance between him and Dillon was really very sweet, and this is what I loved about the story. The angst and sadness and gang storyline were (for me) the author's way of getting Dillon and Scott together. They were there but as a carriage for the relationship development; in my opinion, it was the emotional storyline that won this story. It's what kept me reading.
Basically what I'm saying is; I liked this story. I did. While it wasn't a blow-me-away five heart read, it was exactly what I needed to read at the time I read it and it warmed the cockles of my heart despite the angsty edge.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
When this book was offered for review, I have to admit to being in two minds about whether to take it or not. If I'm honest it was the cover rather than the blurb that sold me, so can we all pause for a moment and give a little cover love to this book. Aaah. Feels good huh? So many fugly covers, I do appreciate it when I find one I love!
The cover persuaded me to give it a try, and I'm glad I did. Despite the fact that portions of this story are very sad, it was on the whole quite a sweet love story - which is what I hoped it would be. I have very little patience for over dramatised, overly convenient plot lines and I did worry that this might fall into that category. I was pleased though, that while it did contain drama, it wasn't of the forced nature I worried it might be.
Once Dillon had moved from the city to his uncle's house the clichés that were lurking fell away and the story of his connection to his summer home came to the fore. And it was sweet. I liked the relationships forged and shown between all of the main characters. Although Dillon was a city boy, he seemed a country boy at heart - once he'd let himself appreciate the virtues of the countryside. Whilst his mother tried hard for him (and yes, she was a bit of a cliché downtrodden, pregnant young, poor mother) it was his uncle who really helped Dillon find himself. The relationship between these two was lovely.
Scott, with his two dads and extensive knowledge of wild birds, was a great second protagonist. The romance between him and Dillon was really very sweet, and this is what I loved about the story. The angst and sadness and gang storyline were (for me) the author's way of getting Dillon and Scott together. They were there but as a carriage for the relationship development; in my opinion, it was the emotional storyline that won this story. It's what kept me reading.
Basically what I'm saying is; I liked this story. I did. While it wasn't a blow-me-away five heart read, it was exactly what I needed to read at the time I read it and it warmed the cockles of my heart despite the angsty edge.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Being a teenager its hard for me to find a book I can connect with. Reading Finding the Sky made me realize that there are books i can connect with.
As the final bell of Dillon's sophomore year, he would have never expected to end up where he is now. As Dillon walked home from school on the last day he stopped at a corner mart to get a soda. A gang called The Shanks, started to rob the store. As the robbery started it ended just as fast with the cashier pulling out a pistol. Dillon was taken to the police station and was questioned about the incident.
When Dillon was home, his mother called her brother, Bryan. Bryan offered to take Dillon for the summer to keep him away from the Shanks and any other trouble. On Dillon's way to Uncle Bryan's, A truck hits a hawk, Dillon and Bryan picked it up to take to the rehabilitation center.
When the two get to Uncle Bryan's house Dillon meet a boy named Scott, the son of the rehabilitation center's owners. Anytime Dillon is around Scott he gets these weird feelings that he can't describe. As the summer goes on, Dillon's feelings get stronger, and the trouble with the Shanks increase.
I love the way this book flowed, I didn't want it to end! I look forward to reading more from A.M. Burns.
Being a teenager its hard for me to find a book I can connect with. Reading Finding the Sky made me realize that there are books i can connect with.
As the final bell of Dillon's sophomore year, he would have never expected to end up where he is now. As Dillon walked home from school on the last day he stopped at a corner mart to get a soda. A gang called The Shanks, started to rob the store. As the robbery started it ended just as fast with the cashier pulling out a pistol. Dillon was taken to the police station and was questioned about the incident.
When Dillon was home, his mother called her brother, Bryan. Bryan offered to take Dillon for the summer to keep him away from the Shanks and any other trouble. On Dillon's way to Uncle Bryan's, A truck hits a hawk, Dillon and Bryan picked it up to take to the rehabilitation center.
When the two get to Uncle Bryan's house Dillon meet a boy named Scott, the son of the rehabilitation center's owners. Anytime Dillon is around Scott he gets these weird feelings that he can't describe. As the summer goes on, Dillon's feelings get stronger, and the trouble with the Shanks increase.
I love the way this book flowed, I didn't want it to end! I look forward to reading more from A.M. Burns.
February 13, 2016
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 Stars
Young adult age range: 12+. Slight violence: known but not shown, even in the moment. First love/innocent romance and the journey to discover one's sexual identity.
Finding the Sky is surely to resonate with young adult readers, especially male teens who are going through a similar situation. The novel is fast-paced, innocent. There are difficult situations shown, but the author doesn't dive too deep, not enough to terrify the youngest of the readers or connect the oldest of readers.
Dillon is a quiet, unassuming kid dealing with a gang trying to jump him in at every turn, while having insecurities about his mixed race. Gang violent during a robbery that turns tragic is the main setup that leads Dillon to the country to live with his uncle.
From that point on, the book isn't too stressful for young readers, but there are still extenuating circumstances that affect Dillon and his uncle- all quickly resolved in a manner that is age appropriate. (Not Dillon's age of 16. Younger, more like 12 years old)
Dillon meets the neighbors, a married gay couple with an adopted gay son who is Dillon's age. I appreciate the singular sentence the author delivers about how Dillon questions how the only characters shown in the book are gay males, understanding, and tolerant in this small Texas town.
The only female shown is Dillon's mother, who is the most intolerant about any given subject. This is always a point of contention with me in LGBTQ novels. In the quest to show tolerance, all women are painted with an evil paintbrush. Being that this was a book for children, it makes it all the worse that there aren't any positive, female role models, or at least some that aren't the antagonists. All readers have a mother, living or dead, sisters, aunts, and teachers, and not all women are bad, or use their wiles to gain favor, simply because they aren't male or gay. I always fear this is a setup for future resentment and disrespect by impressionable readers. men = good. Women = bad.
Dillon can talk to his uncle about nearly anything, which I appreciate and hope children all have someone they can count on without judgment. Scott, the friend/love interest who has Dillon questioning his sexuality, then accepting it, is also innocent, understanding, and patient with Dillon, to the point that he seems too perfect and not at all realistic. The respect Scott shows Dillon is sweet and admirable, but so much so than even an emotionally mature male would show his partner. Not at all the behavior of a 16 year old. Not that I expected them to act like idiots, but the life experience to learn this level of respect, patience, and understanding doesn't happen overnight. Since this is fiction, flaws make characters relatable. There are no flaws in any characters but the sole female written on the pages.
There are hints that Scott's Dads and Dillon's uncle are fooling around. Hints. While this is awesome and intriguing for adult readers, it sets an example that gays can't be monogamous. I'm reviewing this title for parents to use as a guide to whether or not their youngsters should read Finding the Sky. While this is so underlying, the youngest of readers won't pick it up, the older teens will. So I hope parents open a dialogue that no matter the sexual inclination, there are different types of relationships, none right or wrong. But I felt I should mention this in my review.
All in all, for the young adult readers' standpoint, especially young males, Finding the Sky will be a comfort read for them, without too much realism to terrify them.
Which brings me to adult readers, both male and female, who will find what the youngest readers thought appealing to be not quite enough of a hook. I enjoyed Finding the Sky, but felt it too fast-paced, too quick to gloss over the important details, which lead me to a feeling of disconnect.
Written in 3rd person, the author tried to find a way for the reader to personally connect with the narrator by using 1st person inner monologue in italics. If anything, this had the opposite effect, because it was jarring, awkward, and out of the flow of the overall storyline.
Since I am an adult, and can only empathize with the younger readers, combining the 1st person italics issue with the stilted, wooden dialogue, and the too perfect characters, I felt three stars from the adult perspective was the most I could hand out, even if I believe most young adults would find it a 5 star read.
3 Stars
Young adult age range: 12+. Slight violence: known but not shown, even in the moment. First love/innocent romance and the journey to discover one's sexual identity.
Finding the Sky is surely to resonate with young adult readers, especially male teens who are going through a similar situation. The novel is fast-paced, innocent. There are difficult situations shown, but the author doesn't dive too deep, not enough to terrify the youngest of the readers or connect the oldest of readers.
Dillon is a quiet, unassuming kid dealing with a gang trying to jump him in at every turn, while having insecurities about his mixed race. Gang violent during a robbery that turns tragic is the main setup that leads Dillon to the country to live with his uncle.
From that point on, the book isn't too stressful for young readers, but there are still extenuating circumstances that affect Dillon and his uncle- all quickly resolved in a manner that is age appropriate. (Not Dillon's age of 16. Younger, more like 12 years old)
Dillon meets the neighbors, a married gay couple with an adopted gay son who is Dillon's age. I appreciate the singular sentence the author delivers about how Dillon questions how the only characters shown in the book are gay males, understanding, and tolerant in this small Texas town.
The only female shown is Dillon's mother, who is the most intolerant about any given subject. This is always a point of contention with me in LGBTQ novels. In the quest to show tolerance, all women are painted with an evil paintbrush. Being that this was a book for children, it makes it all the worse that there aren't any positive, female role models, or at least some that aren't the antagonists. All readers have a mother, living or dead, sisters, aunts, and teachers, and not all women are bad, or use their wiles to gain favor, simply because they aren't male or gay. I always fear this is a setup for future resentment and disrespect by impressionable readers. men = good. Women = bad.
Dillon can talk to his uncle about nearly anything, which I appreciate and hope children all have someone they can count on without judgment. Scott, the friend/love interest who has Dillon questioning his sexuality, then accepting it, is also innocent, understanding, and patient with Dillon, to the point that he seems too perfect and not at all realistic. The respect Scott shows Dillon is sweet and admirable, but so much so than even an emotionally mature male would show his partner. Not at all the behavior of a 16 year old. Not that I expected them to act like idiots, but the life experience to learn this level of respect, patience, and understanding doesn't happen overnight. Since this is fiction, flaws make characters relatable. There are no flaws in any characters but the sole female written on the pages.
There are hints that Scott's Dads and Dillon's uncle are fooling around. Hints. While this is awesome and intriguing for adult readers, it sets an example that gays can't be monogamous. I'm reviewing this title for parents to use as a guide to whether or not their youngsters should read Finding the Sky. While this is so underlying, the youngest of readers won't pick it up, the older teens will. So I hope parents open a dialogue that no matter the sexual inclination, there are different types of relationships, none right or wrong. But I felt I should mention this in my review.
All in all, for the young adult readers' standpoint, especially young males, Finding the Sky will be a comfort read for them, without too much realism to terrify them.
Which brings me to adult readers, both male and female, who will find what the youngest readers thought appealing to be not quite enough of a hook. I enjoyed Finding the Sky, but felt it too fast-paced, too quick to gloss over the important details, which lead me to a feeling of disconnect.
Written in 3rd person, the author tried to find a way for the reader to personally connect with the narrator by using 1st person inner monologue in italics. If anything, this had the opposite effect, because it was jarring, awkward, and out of the flow of the overall storyline.
Since I am an adult, and can only empathize with the younger readers, combining the 1st person italics issue with the stilted, wooden dialogue, and the too perfect characters, I felt three stars from the adult perspective was the most I could hand out, even if I believe most young adults would find it a 5 star read.
February 9, 2016
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
I usually don't read within this genre and haven't in a long time but I'm glad I took the time to pick this one up.
Dillon begins his summer at the police station, two kids are dead and he's suspected of being involved. Everyone thinks he's part of the Shanks, a local gang. His mom doesn't know what to believe. The only option she has is to send him to live with his Uncle Bryan for the summer.
When Dillon meets the neighbors son, Scott, he's happy to have someone his age to hang around with for the summer. Spending more and more time with Scott brings up feelings he's never quite understood or expected.
Finding the Sky is an innocent coming out love story. It was a quick sweet read.
I usually don't read within this genre and haven't in a long time but I'm glad I took the time to pick this one up.
Dillon begins his summer at the police station, two kids are dead and he's suspected of being involved. Everyone thinks he's part of the Shanks, a local gang. His mom doesn't know what to believe. The only option she has is to send him to live with his Uncle Bryan for the summer.
When Dillon meets the neighbors son, Scott, he's happy to have someone his age to hang around with for the summer. Spending more and more time with Scott brings up feelings he's never quite understood or expected.
Finding the Sky is an innocent coming out love story. It was a quick sweet read.
February 5, 2016
The synopsis to this book reminded me of the intro to fresh prince of bel air. Dillon is a teen who has grown up in a rough area where gangs are always looking to recruit so his mother decides to send him off to visit his uncle. This is where the Book stops resembling the fresh prince.
Dillon's uncle is gay and has a few friends who are also. Scott is a teen of the same age and is happy to keep Dillon company during his stay. Scott helps Dillon realise his sexuality and helps him come to terms with it.
This book is about growing up and adapting to the surroundings when mishaps occur. I have a thing about same sex couples at the moment. This was an Interesting read 4 stars out of 5.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
Dillon's uncle is gay and has a few friends who are also. Scott is a teen of the same age and is happy to keep Dillon company during his stay. Scott helps Dillon realise his sexuality and helps him come to terms with it.
This book is about growing up and adapting to the surroundings when mishaps occur. I have a thing about same sex couples at the moment. This was an Interesting read 4 stars out of 5.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
February 13, 2016
I received this through NetGalley.
I'd like to start by commenting on the title, it couldn't have been more suitable - I especially enjoyed the parts regarding the birds, and the freedom which was metaphoric of Dillon's freedom to explore his sexuality. At the beginning the hawk was injured, wounded and broken representing Dillon's poor self esteem, confusion and vulnerability. Indeed, this was cleverly implemented.
I first requested this book because I don't usually lean towards books in which the main characters are homosexuals, I'm not homophobic - believe me, I'm tolerant and accepting of them. I wouldn't say this book made me more so, or less so for that matter.
But I did learn about the development of human relationships. I have little else to say in regard to this. Just that a month back I read a book with homosexual characters, I didn't complete it. At first I thought that it was because of the homosexuality element to it, but I wasn't sure. I'm pleased to find that I can read books with characters with different sexualities or gender orientations.
The novel itself was fairly good, it was about a young boy who comes of an age where he quickly becomes confused with his sexuality. His uncle and a guy he meets help him come to terms with it.
Whilst I did follow through with reading it, the novel provided no sort of compelling ideas, nor did it create a sense of urgency for me to find out how it ends. As a result I couldn't give it five stars. I know that a certain allure was there, since I did enjoy it for the most part.
Also the novel had a sort of hidden story to it regarding Dillon's father and his history with gangs and Molly's attempt to keep it from Dillon. This was almost scandalous, it was disappointing that it was not explored instead both Dillon's parents die. Because Milly is described as homophobic, as told by her gay brother Bryan, it'd definitely have been interesting to see her confront her own son's homosexuality. Instead we are deprived of this and we can't witness Dillon's relationship with Molly once this comes out. I'm sure you can agree that there were so many other ways this story could have been told, but at the end of the day we just have to accept it as it is, it's the same as all tales. I suppose the author didn't want to detract from the key ideas: that we can build a family from anywhere; that we'd always be surrounded by those we love; that sometimes we just need a helping hand to pick us up and keep us going- as signified by the injured hawk.
I'd like to start by commenting on the title, it couldn't have been more suitable - I especially enjoyed the parts regarding the birds, and the freedom which was metaphoric of Dillon's freedom to explore his sexuality. At the beginning the hawk was injured, wounded and broken representing Dillon's poor self esteem, confusion and vulnerability. Indeed, this was cleverly implemented.
I first requested this book because I don't usually lean towards books in which the main characters are homosexuals, I'm not homophobic - believe me, I'm tolerant and accepting of them. I wouldn't say this book made me more so, or less so for that matter.
But I did learn about the development of human relationships. I have little else to say in regard to this. Just that a month back I read a book with homosexual characters, I didn't complete it. At first I thought that it was because of the homosexuality element to it, but I wasn't sure. I'm pleased to find that I can read books with characters with different sexualities or gender orientations.
The novel itself was fairly good, it was about a young boy who comes of an age where he quickly becomes confused with his sexuality. His uncle and a guy he meets help him come to terms with it.
Whilst I did follow through with reading it, the novel provided no sort of compelling ideas, nor did it create a sense of urgency for me to find out how it ends. As a result I couldn't give it five stars. I know that a certain allure was there, since I did enjoy it for the most part.
Also the novel had a sort of hidden story to it regarding Dillon's father and his history with gangs and Molly's attempt to keep it from Dillon. This was almost scandalous, it was disappointing that it was not explored instead both Dillon's parents die. Because Milly is described as homophobic, as told by her gay brother Bryan, it'd definitely have been interesting to see her confront her own son's homosexuality. Instead we are deprived of this and we can't witness Dillon's relationship with Molly once this comes out. I'm sure you can agree that there were so many other ways this story could have been told, but at the end of the day we just have to accept it as it is, it's the same as all tales. I suppose the author didn't want to detract from the key ideas: that we can build a family from anywhere; that we'd always be surrounded by those we love; that sometimes we just need a helping hand to pick us up and keep us going- as signified by the injured hawk.
February 19, 2017
Quick spoilers:
Also, the book just wasn't very good - lacked depth, dialogue was unrealistically proper, main characters had zero faults, all conflict resolution (gang, his mom, Robbie) was very tidy/simplistic.
Also, the book just wasn't very good - lacked depth, dialogue was unrealistically proper, main characters had zero faults, all conflict resolution (gang, his mom, Robbie) was very tidy/simplistic.
February 10, 2016
Dillon Smith doesn't live in the best part of Dallas. And he's looking forward to the end of the school year, so he can spend the summer away from the gangs and the classmates who are pressuring him to join one. Even though he doesn't have a lot of friends, a gang's just not something he wants to be a part of. But when he stumbles into the gang's activities, he finds himself being treated as guilty for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Though he's never been in trouble, his mother doesn't believe him. Dillon's uncle, Bryan, offers to take him for the summer, giving him the opportunity to spend time at Bryan's house away from the city. Dillon isn't jumping for joy at the prospect, but he gets along with his uncle and at least he won't have to worry about any run-ins with the gang for the rest of the summer.
On the way to Bryan's house, they come across an injured hawk along the side of the road. To Dillon's surprise, Bryan suggests that they take the bird with him--his neighbors run a wildlife rehab, and their specialty just happens to be birds. This is just the start of Dillon's journey and the whole new world of possibilities that opens up to him. Over the course of the summer, perhaps in having the space to do so for the first time, he discovers more about himself and about life than he ever could have imagined. And his fast friendship with the son of Bryan's neighbors, Scott, proves to be a whole new experience all its own.
A coming-of-age story with some unique twists. Too many times those stories where young people question and come to terms with their sexuality are filled with pining and crushing over the hottest jock in school, harsh bullying, and overnight epiphanies accompanied with sudden confidence. While these are all realistic situations, it's great to read a book that looks at different challenges that a young man in this situation might face. Dillon's journey is one that definitely has its own challenges--and some of those are heartbreaking--but his story struck me as both fresh and authentic. A great LGBT YA title!
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
On the way to Bryan's house, they come across an injured hawk along the side of the road. To Dillon's surprise, Bryan suggests that they take the bird with him--his neighbors run a wildlife rehab, and their specialty just happens to be birds. This is just the start of Dillon's journey and the whole new world of possibilities that opens up to him. Over the course of the summer, perhaps in having the space to do so for the first time, he discovers more about himself and about life than he ever could have imagined. And his fast friendship with the son of Bryan's neighbors, Scott, proves to be a whole new experience all its own.
A coming-of-age story with some unique twists. Too many times those stories where young people question and come to terms with their sexuality are filled with pining and crushing over the hottest jock in school, harsh bullying, and overnight epiphanies accompanied with sudden confidence. While these are all realistic situations, it's great to read a book that looks at different challenges that a young man in this situation might face. Dillon's journey is one that definitely has its own challenges--and some of those are heartbreaking--but his story struck me as both fresh and authentic. A great LGBT YA title!
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
April 17, 2016
This beautiful book is about finding love where you least expect it, having that much needed support from those who love you and trying really hard to escape the dark side. I absolutely loved it !
Scott is so cute, I literally can't even. I loved seeing Dillion and his relationship grow as well as Dillion's relationship with his uncle Bryan. I feel like a terrible person for feeling like this but I wasn't really sorry when Dillion's mom was out of the picture. I didn't like the thought of him having to go back to the city once the summer was over.
I'd like everybody to read this book, so recommendations go to everyone !
This title was provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Scott is so cute, I literally can't even. I loved seeing Dillion and his relationship grow as well as Dillion's relationship with his uncle Bryan. I feel like a terrible person for feeling like this but I wasn't really sorry when Dillion's mom was out of the picture. I didn't like the thought of him having to go back to the city once the summer was over.
I'd like everybody to read this book, so recommendations go to everyone !
This title was provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
January 26, 2016
An entertaining read that had a lighter feel to it than the previous book I recently finished. A relatively good story even if parts were a bit underwhelming and I felt like they were either glossed over or a bit far fetched. I would've liked to have had a little bit more grit to it when dealing with the Gang or Dillon's relationship with his mother.
Overall I enjoyed it and give it 3.5 Stars!
Overall I enjoyed it and give it 3.5 Stars!
January 23, 2016
I really enjoyed this fast paced novel. It had the perfect amount of intrigue and budding romance! I devoured this in one sitting
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