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TJ's Last Summer in Cape Cod
TJ's Last Summer in Cape Cod is; bold, provocative, rude, sexy, suspenseful, unpredictable and witty. You will want to be 18 again.
TJ (Taj James) an 18 year old high school basketball star wants to make this summer his best ever, before he leaves to take up his college basketball scholarship, but he needs help. So, he rolls the dice and calls on his 55 year old Uncle Peter, a womanizer par excellence, to help him with those plans.
TJ holds secrets for Uncle Peter so TJ was very sure his uncle would do anything for him, as his uncle's promises seemed more sacred than wedding vows. As summer rolled along TJ is forced to make decisions whether to be a good boy or to practice some of the lessons his uncle is teaching him. Was it worth it when summer ended? That will depend on whose side you are on
TJ (Taj James) an 18 year old high school basketball star wants to make this summer his best ever, before he leaves to take up his college basketball scholarship, but he needs help. So, he rolls the dice and calls on his 55 year old Uncle Peter, a womanizer par excellence, to help him with those plans.
TJ holds secrets for Uncle Peter so TJ was very sure his uncle would do anything for him, as his uncle's promises seemed more sacred than wedding vows. As summer rolled along TJ is forced to make decisions whether to be a good boy or to practice some of the lessons his uncle is teaching him. Was it worth it when summer ended? That will depend on whose side you are on
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2016
11 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
Garfield Whyte
5 books87 followersGarfield Whyte, a lawyer enjoys many things outside of his main stream profession. He has always enjoyed writing and in his previous career worked in Marketing and Communications. Recently he spends more time doing creative writing, as law sometimes can be mundane. There is always room for a new challenge.
Garfield limits his practice to real estate, probates, and contract law.
A healthy debate is always encouraged, one he enjoys as long as there is respect for the opinion of each other.
He is the author of;
(a) Feelings an environmental photography and poetry, (b) Nostalgia from: A City Set Upon a Hill, his memoir about life at Munro College, his all- boys boarding high school, one of Jamaica’s most prestigious citadels of learning, his coming of age novel entitled:
(3) TJ’s Last Summer in Cape Cod (sub titled, Don’t Cry for me Cape Cod),
(4) Fate is my name, and
(4) She was born a Good Girl
He is a tennis and NBA fanatic.
Garfield limits his practice to real estate, probates, and contract law.
A healthy debate is always encouraged, one he enjoys as long as there is respect for the opinion of each other.
He is the author of;
(a) Feelings an environmental photography and poetry, (b) Nostalgia from: A City Set Upon a Hill, his memoir about life at Munro College, his all- boys boarding high school, one of Jamaica’s most prestigious citadels of learning, his coming of age novel entitled:
(3) TJ’s Last Summer in Cape Cod (sub titled, Don’t Cry for me Cape Cod),
(4) Fate is my name, and
(4) She was born a Good Girl
He is a tennis and NBA fanatic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
June 28, 2017
In the book we followed last summer eighteenth-year-old T. J. He is a basketball athlete and won a scholarship in America. For this reason, wants to take full advantage of the last summer in Cape Cod. Because of its looks, the girls on it throw, and he uses all possible ways to seduce them. For model, he accepts his uncle Peter who is a womanizer and cheating on his wife. His uncle loves it because it was two years ago, T. J. managed to get out of an awkward situation with his wife. With his help, this will be the summer of T. J. that will he remembered. Frankly, T. J.'s total manipulator and with his eloquence comes to what they want, and no hand no matter whether anybody hurt. He loves only himself and everything he does is manipulation, but apparently, women love it. The writer Garfield Whyte in this book shows how men can sometimes be a smooth-talking and lousy character to their loved ones. But the price of such procedures can be devastating, and in the end, the truth always comes to the surface. T. J., this all can be attributed to his youth and the desire to explore, but his uncle, who is 55 years old is not a good example of a man in marriage. It is easiest to give in to sin if you do not have self-discipline. Honestly, today's society sometimes shows that petite self-discipline and marriages fall apart like a house of cards. The youth is permitted to look for love, but unfortunately many do not find true love. The fact that T. J. is looking the attractiveness and beauty, love for him, it comes to physical attraction. When T. J. maybe might have found true love he has to go and who knows if found true love again.
"I received a free copy from the author without an obligation to review."
"I received a free copy from the author without an obligation to review."
February 21, 2016
Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review
TJ's Last Summer in Cape Cod by Garfield Whyte is a young coming of age tale of a young man discovering love, life, and the hope of what the future entails. Mr. Whyte takes his readers down a journey of memoirs recalled by a young teen named Taj James as he wants to make this one last summer in Cape Code the best ever he had. And in this unforgettable summer, TJ spends his summer with his Uncle Peter and in such he learns a valuable lesson about the matters of the heart. Through the trials called life, TJ shares and learns of secrets of his Uncle Peter and in such TJ makes choices that will set forth his stance on what really matters in life. Through this detailed account, Mr. Whyte spins a coming of age tale of a young man on the cusp of adulthood learning valuable life lessons that will impact his future. This book really emphasizes the choices we make while incorporating a bit of sexuality, emotions, and family themes into the story line.
TJ's Last Summer in Cape Cod by Garfield Whyte is a young coming of age tale of a young man discovering love, life, and the hope of what the future entails. Mr. Whyte takes his readers down a journey of memoirs recalled by a young teen named Taj James as he wants to make this one last summer in Cape Code the best ever he had. And in this unforgettable summer, TJ spends his summer with his Uncle Peter and in such he learns a valuable lesson about the matters of the heart. Through the trials called life, TJ shares and learns of secrets of his Uncle Peter and in such TJ makes choices that will set forth his stance on what really matters in life. Through this detailed account, Mr. Whyte spins a coming of age tale of a young man on the cusp of adulthood learning valuable life lessons that will impact his future. This book really emphasizes the choices we make while incorporating a bit of sexuality, emotions, and family themes into the story line.
July 31, 2017
I think this is meant to be a "boys will be boys" coming of age story. However, cheating is not cute. Referring to every female you know as "cutie" or "sweetie" is not cute. Telling someone "you know you want this and you want me" when they are not sure they want to sleep with you is not cute. Not one single man in this novel is capable of staying faithful to their wife/girlfriend. The uncle cheats multiple times and helps TJ cheat. The uncle got his and I was hoping TJ would face SOMETHING for his own cheating, but it never happened.
TJ is selfish and vain. All of the women he meets are either Mary Sue's or they throw themselves at him. What is supposed to be written as his love for the summer is constantly described as "naive and plain" when really, she just has no backbone because not written with one. Every time she attempts to question TJ, he tells her her can't talk to her when she's having "attitude" with him and then three lines later, she thinks she deserves for him to be mad at her and apologizes for it.
The only female I liked a little in the book that was written with some iota of strength is TJ's mother. She doesn't stop questioning until she finds out what is going on. But even she forgets about everything TJ has done when he gets news she likes and just moves on.
*edit*
I don't normally update or edit reviews, but this author joined a goodreads group for honest reviews. When I posted mine, I was then asked to justify my review of this book based on the subject matter of one of mine, which this author has never read. It left a really bad taste in my mouth, as did watching this author attack other authors, both in the comments of goodreads groups and directly on Amazon reviews if they did not leave anything less than a glowing review of this book
TJ is selfish and vain. All of the women he meets are either Mary Sue's or they throw themselves at him. What is supposed to be written as his love for the summer is constantly described as "naive and plain" when really, she just has no backbone because not written with one. Every time she attempts to question TJ, he tells her her can't talk to her when she's having "attitude" with him and then three lines later, she thinks she deserves for him to be mad at her and apologizes for it.
The only female I liked a little in the book that was written with some iota of strength is TJ's mother. She doesn't stop questioning until she finds out what is going on. But even she forgets about everything TJ has done when he gets news she likes and just moves on.
*edit*
I don't normally update or edit reviews, but this author joined a goodreads group for honest reviews. When I posted mine, I was then asked to justify my review of this book based on the subject matter of one of mine, which this author has never read. It left a really bad taste in my mouth, as did watching this author attack other authors, both in the comments of goodreads groups and directly on Amazon reviews if they did not leave anything less than a glowing review of this book
December 2, 2016
This is a very well written coming of age story and I enjoyed all the twists in the narrative.
This story shows clearly how the environment influences a young person and may alter the course of their development.
The two main characters, TJ and Uncle Peter are well developed and their interaction alters TJ’s outlook of life. I think that the author succeeded in capturing the teenager on the brink of adulthood with all that this passing means. TJ learns some brutal lessons and has to do some choices that don’t sit too well with his own selfishness. Without an example of serious commitment in relationships, TJ looks only for a summer of fun, scoring and moving away.
This is a book that young people should read. I would recommend it.
This story shows clearly how the environment influences a young person and may alter the course of their development.
The two main characters, TJ and Uncle Peter are well developed and their interaction alters TJ’s outlook of life. I think that the author succeeded in capturing the teenager on the brink of adulthood with all that this passing means. TJ learns some brutal lessons and has to do some choices that don’t sit too well with his own selfishness. Without an example of serious commitment in relationships, TJ looks only for a summer of fun, scoring and moving away.
This is a book that young people should read. I would recommend it.
December 17, 2016
I love the cover--it really draws you in. The quotes on the first pages are thoughtful. The organization of the book is a bit unique. It's a coming of age story for young T.J. His Uncle Peter is a lying Lothario—the unscrupulous seducer of women in Don Quixote. T.J. Falls under the influence of his lying Uncle and begins to emulate his lying ways with women. His parents go on a cruise, and his Uncle Peter comes to stay with him, and adventure ensues. Typical story—guy finds the girl, guy loses the girl….
There is not enough substance to TJ’s development of feelings of love for Maggie—she is admittedly a plain Jane, and he is supposed to be a real stud—athletic, tall, and good-looking. The narrative is a bit repetitive—the author repeats the same verbiage in slightly different forms over the course of several chapters. For example, a subject often revisited is how good-looking TJ is, and I can safely say, I get it—time to move on. Given the repetition and the need to narrate every minute detail, the book moves at a glacial pace and reading it becomes tedious quickly. Several chapters are dedicated to TJ’s plan to spend time alone at home while his parents are on the cruise. There is also a lot of telling and not as much showing. There is enough descriptive sex in the book to render it inappropriate for the YA audience, although it does focus of the antics of an eighteen-year-old, so I’m a bit confused as to who the audience for this book is. Technically, the book is well-written, but the pace of the narrative is just too darn slow to sustain a desire to read on until the end, which is what I’m obligated to do. Additionally, and as many of the other reviewers stated, the premise of the book—infidelity, is very unpalatable for lots of readers—Peter cheating on his wife is more tragic and less amusing than a lot of people have the stomach for, especially given all the havoc such actions reek in the lives of those around him. TJ’s Aunt is seriously injured in a car accident while driving to check up on her cheating husband, Peter confesses various other misdeeds—a baby born out of wedlock and TJ listed as the parent and alludes to similar misdeeds of TJ’s father, and I think that maybe this is a morality play along with the lines of ‘what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive.’ So, in summary, I think it’s a noble effort, but it is no “Summer of 42.”
There is not enough substance to TJ’s development of feelings of love for Maggie—she is admittedly a plain Jane, and he is supposed to be a real stud—athletic, tall, and good-looking. The narrative is a bit repetitive—the author repeats the same verbiage in slightly different forms over the course of several chapters. For example, a subject often revisited is how good-looking TJ is, and I can safely say, I get it—time to move on. Given the repetition and the need to narrate every minute detail, the book moves at a glacial pace and reading it becomes tedious quickly. Several chapters are dedicated to TJ’s plan to spend time alone at home while his parents are on the cruise. There is also a lot of telling and not as much showing. There is enough descriptive sex in the book to render it inappropriate for the YA audience, although it does focus of the antics of an eighteen-year-old, so I’m a bit confused as to who the audience for this book is. Technically, the book is well-written, but the pace of the narrative is just too darn slow to sustain a desire to read on until the end, which is what I’m obligated to do. Additionally, and as many of the other reviewers stated, the premise of the book—infidelity, is very unpalatable for lots of readers—Peter cheating on his wife is more tragic and less amusing than a lot of people have the stomach for, especially given all the havoc such actions reek in the lives of those around him. TJ’s Aunt is seriously injured in a car accident while driving to check up on her cheating husband, Peter confesses various other misdeeds—a baby born out of wedlock and TJ listed as the parent and alludes to similar misdeeds of TJ’s father, and I think that maybe this is a morality play along with the lines of ‘what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive.’ So, in summary, I think it’s a noble effort, but it is no “Summer of 42.”
December 20, 2016
Not everyone will like this book. This story in my opinion is a slice of life... today's life. A young man wanting to have a grand summer before he goes off to college. His parents are conservative so he calls upon his womanizing free spirited uncle to assist him with his plans. TJ has secrets for Uncle Peter,which TJ has come to the rescue many times to help save his Uncle's marriage, so Uncle Peter is more than willing to help his nephew with his summer plans. Some people will think the main character is shallow but for God's sake he is just 18 years.
TJ a high school basketball star got a basketball scholarship and is on cloud nine. He has girls chasing him but he wants to settle for a Maggie, a plane Jane but its hard, as more sexy girls are after him. His Uncle enjoys coaching him and encourages him to have fun as he is young. Tj tries to resist and be a good boy for the summer, he is finding to be a good 18 year old versus being influenced by his good friend, Uncle Peter. These "partners in crime" don't always get through unscathed as the book highlights the fact that, what is in the dark must come to light. No matter the outcome they remain best of friends.
Uncle wasnt the best role model for TJ, but being his nephew's best friend Uncle Peter felt like he was justifying the youth in him. He wasnt much help in guiding TJ in how best to ride the choppy waters of being on the cusp of adulthood. How did TJ manage his emotions when he tried to date the plain Jane, Maggie for the summer and when he met sexy, Sye while he was jogging by the lake. A decision many of us face not just as teenagers but even as adults.
Despite the story including moral issues such as Uncle Peter cheating on his wife, TJ really just wanted to have fun before college. Let's face it, we all were young at one point, so the story will make adults want to be 18 again.
December 19, 2016
Ok... Um... I am not sure where to begin with this book.
Beautiful cover and quite unique cover.
I started reading this book on a flight I was on with every intention of only reading a few pages and saving the rest for while I was relaxing by the pool!
The layout was really good, so that was promising. The coming of age premise was also promising. The real life drama aspect was something that appealed to me initially. But that is sort of where it ends. It is a coming of age story that doesn't go anywhere.
I found the constant reference to skin colour/ethnicity/looks to be slightly off putting and irrelevant. None of the characters have any real substance, redeeming qualities or are likeable in any way.
There is a part in which a child born as a result of an affair is briefly touched upon, then nothing... I kept expecting more, a twist of some sort, but it never came. I couldn't wait to finish the book, I found it tedious and repetitive. I wanted it to be done and over with.
I really struggled giving such a low score and have procrastinated over doing so. I thought I may be reading a different book seeing how highly some of the previous reviews have been. There is no real point where the character has a breakthrough of any sort and I failed to see how there was a coming of age.
Also, the dialogue is extremely unrealistic, especially for the age that the younger characters are meant to be.
The pace... the pace... (I had to stop myself from skipping parts of it.) Its almost as though the characters live in a town with only a handful of people and are stuck in a time warp. Incredibly slow paced.
The relationship between TJ and his uncle, albeit as a result of the uncles philandering ways, was one of the positives in the book for me.
I love a good coming of age story but this definitely wasn't for me.
Beautiful cover and quite unique cover.
I started reading this book on a flight I was on with every intention of only reading a few pages and saving the rest for while I was relaxing by the pool!
The layout was really good, so that was promising. The coming of age premise was also promising. The real life drama aspect was something that appealed to me initially. But that is sort of where it ends. It is a coming of age story that doesn't go anywhere.
I found the constant reference to skin colour/ethnicity/looks to be slightly off putting and irrelevant. None of the characters have any real substance, redeeming qualities or are likeable in any way.
There is a part in which a child born as a result of an affair is briefly touched upon, then nothing... I kept expecting more, a twist of some sort, but it never came. I couldn't wait to finish the book, I found it tedious and repetitive. I wanted it to be done and over with.
I really struggled giving such a low score and have procrastinated over doing so. I thought I may be reading a different book seeing how highly some of the previous reviews have been. There is no real point where the character has a breakthrough of any sort and I failed to see how there was a coming of age.
Also, the dialogue is extremely unrealistic, especially for the age that the younger characters are meant to be.
The pace... the pace... (I had to stop myself from skipping parts of it.) Its almost as though the characters live in a town with only a handful of people and are stuck in a time warp. Incredibly slow paced.
The relationship between TJ and his uncle, albeit as a result of the uncles philandering ways, was one of the positives in the book for me.
I love a good coming of age story but this definitely wasn't for me.
October 14, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange of my honest review.
This was a story regarding coming of age, which is not my favorite genre, however I did like this book even though it took me long time to finish it. The best part of this book was diverse and interesting characters; especially uncle peter! There was some hilarious situations like when TI was covering up for his uncle… I think this story could be every young soul’s dream; having the best summer ever and last wild one before college starts.
The story was too long for me and sometime even boring with no surprises, but it was well writer and easy to read.
Thanks Garfield!
This was a story regarding coming of age, which is not my favorite genre, however I did like this book even though it took me long time to finish it. The best part of this book was diverse and interesting characters; especially uncle peter! There was some hilarious situations like when TI was covering up for his uncle… I think this story could be every young soul’s dream; having the best summer ever and last wild one before college starts.
The story was too long for me and sometime even boring with no surprises, but it was well writer and easy to read.
Thanks Garfield!
December 18, 2016
TJ’s Last Summer in Cape Cod
I struggled to get through this book The male characters were universally unpleasant and the women naïve in the extreme. TJ and his Uncle spent the whole book taking advantage of women, of all ages. The action crawled from one immature relationship to the next. TJ seemed intent on screwing as many young women as possible but failed spectacularly to accomplish much more than some fumbled and very amateur sexual encounters with several young women of indeterminate intelligence. His uncle Peter had more success but we never were privy to any details. He went from a serial philanderer to faithful husband and returned to serial philandering at the drop of a pair of panties. TJ did his best to emulate him but failed spectacularly.
The writing style is childish. I would place it at about Grade 8 or 9. The use of the word ‘was’ grates in its excessive abundance. I do not want to be told the story with long lists of what ‘was’ happening. Chapters 1 and 2 had 52, 54 and 60 in chapter 6! There are several spelling errors, percent is 2 words. Pajamas is spelt with a y.
There are frequent POV changes. In one unreadable paragraph the viewpoint changes 3 times, from TJ to Peter to Maggie. “After TJ made the introductions, Uncle Peter smiled and said, “Nice meeting you, Maggie. You must be a very special friend of TJ.”
On one occasion, “TJ felt, Maggie wobbled and Uncle Peter smiled and said….”
TJ’s Uncle thinks he’s the smartest person on the planet so calling his aunt Judy just does not make sense. He would not be that stupid, surely?
I’m afraid the book had no real redeeming features and far from making me wish I was 18 again, this book reinforced how very immature and juvenile most 18 year old boys are. I consider the writing style very amateurish with stilted and often unrealistic dialogue. For these reasons I can only award this book one star.
I struggled to get through this book The male characters were universally unpleasant and the women naïve in the extreme. TJ and his Uncle spent the whole book taking advantage of women, of all ages. The action crawled from one immature relationship to the next. TJ seemed intent on screwing as many young women as possible but failed spectacularly to accomplish much more than some fumbled and very amateur sexual encounters with several young women of indeterminate intelligence. His uncle Peter had more success but we never were privy to any details. He went from a serial philanderer to faithful husband and returned to serial philandering at the drop of a pair of panties. TJ did his best to emulate him but failed spectacularly.
The writing style is childish. I would place it at about Grade 8 or 9. The use of the word ‘was’ grates in its excessive abundance. I do not want to be told the story with long lists of what ‘was’ happening. Chapters 1 and 2 had 52, 54 and 60 in chapter 6! There are several spelling errors, percent is 2 words. Pajamas is spelt with a y.
There are frequent POV changes. In one unreadable paragraph the viewpoint changes 3 times, from TJ to Peter to Maggie. “After TJ made the introductions, Uncle Peter smiled and said, “Nice meeting you, Maggie. You must be a very special friend of TJ.”
On one occasion, “TJ felt, Maggie wobbled and Uncle Peter smiled and said….”
TJ’s Uncle thinks he’s the smartest person on the planet so calling his aunt Judy just does not make sense. He would not be that stupid, surely?
I’m afraid the book had no real redeeming features and far from making me wish I was 18 again, this book reinforced how very immature and juvenile most 18 year old boys are. I consider the writing style very amateurish with stilted and often unrealistic dialogue. For these reasons I can only award this book one star.
February 16, 2017
What TJ wants, TJ gets... except what he deserves.
TJ has just graduated and is about to spend his last summer as a teen with his uncle Peter, notorious charmer and philanderer, before heading off to university. But he has just met the girl of his dreams...
This narrative starts off well enough, the writing is smooth, the characters realistically flawed. What could have been a great coming of age story though eventually just drones on, page after endless page, going nowhere, least of all maturity. The petulant narcissistic protagonists happily flirt, lie and cheat, only to get caught, sulk, turn around and start anew, without any sense of remorse, regard or respect. All ham and hormones, they apparently learn nothing.
Most disturbing was the light matter-of-fact tone and boys-will-be-boys attitude. TJ’s crude sexual innuendo and smug overbearing pushiness severely tests the limits of mutual consent. “Come on, you know you want this, baby.” Gag.
And the girls actually fall for that! “Cutie” and “Sweety” are just that, pretty and disposable. Hollow adornments. Even TJ’s mother is nothing more than a nagging obstacle to be ignored or evaded. And a baby is simply brushed off as collateral damage. Seriously? Arg.
A bit of fooling and fumbling around can be fun and funny, on paper as in real life. Whatever floats your boat. Stories don’t need a message or moral, but this one would have greatly benefitted from some form of narrative humor or irony, character growth or comeuppance.
TJ and uncle Peter’s, skin-deep charm, self-centered addiction to instant gratification, and chest-thumping hypocrisy, with few redeeming characteristics, is quite a damning critique of a society obsessed with hot air, outward appearances and sexual objectivation, but I doubt that was the author’s intention. This is a must read for girls - on what to avoid.
TJ has just graduated and is about to spend his last summer as a teen with his uncle Peter, notorious charmer and philanderer, before heading off to university. But he has just met the girl of his dreams...
This narrative starts off well enough, the writing is smooth, the characters realistically flawed. What could have been a great coming of age story though eventually just drones on, page after endless page, going nowhere, least of all maturity. The petulant narcissistic protagonists happily flirt, lie and cheat, only to get caught, sulk, turn around and start anew, without any sense of remorse, regard or respect. All ham and hormones, they apparently learn nothing.
Most disturbing was the light matter-of-fact tone and boys-will-be-boys attitude. TJ’s crude sexual innuendo and smug overbearing pushiness severely tests the limits of mutual consent. “Come on, you know you want this, baby.” Gag.
And the girls actually fall for that! “Cutie” and “Sweety” are just that, pretty and disposable. Hollow adornments. Even TJ’s mother is nothing more than a nagging obstacle to be ignored or evaded. And a baby is simply brushed off as collateral damage. Seriously? Arg.
A bit of fooling and fumbling around can be fun and funny, on paper as in real life. Whatever floats your boat. Stories don’t need a message or moral, but this one would have greatly benefitted from some form of narrative humor or irony, character growth or comeuppance.
TJ and uncle Peter’s, skin-deep charm, self-centered addiction to instant gratification, and chest-thumping hypocrisy, with few redeeming characteristics, is quite a damning critique of a society obsessed with hot air, outward appearances and sexual objectivation, but I doubt that was the author’s intention. This is a must read for girls - on what to avoid.
June 29, 2016
It took me some time to finish reading this book. from the premises of the book i thought it would be very interesting.
The story is about TJ; a teenager whose about to spend the last summer with his uncle before he heads to college. Peter, the uncle, is married and has lots of affairs, he constantly cheats on his wife. TJ usually covers up for his beloved uncle but still feels guilty coz he loves aunt Judy (his uncle's wife). in this last summer TJ whose in love with his naive girlfriend "Maggie", he becomes a cheater himself, and as the story goes, the reader realizes the bad influence his uncle has on him. Nevertheless; as the last summer unfolds, TJ wouldn't change a thing of his last summer before heading to college.
The idea is interesting but i found it hard to keep going back to it and read it because it was long and boring especially when the events weren't surprising enough and the style of dialogue is somehow cheesy. I wished it was a bit more shocking, or something more tragic about it.
This is the second novel i read for Garfield Whyte, while the first one i found very interesting and different, i thought this one is not one of his best works.
The story is about TJ; a teenager whose about to spend the last summer with his uncle before he heads to college. Peter, the uncle, is married and has lots of affairs, he constantly cheats on his wife. TJ usually covers up for his beloved uncle but still feels guilty coz he loves aunt Judy (his uncle's wife). in this last summer TJ whose in love with his naive girlfriend "Maggie", he becomes a cheater himself, and as the story goes, the reader realizes the bad influence his uncle has on him. Nevertheless; as the last summer unfolds, TJ wouldn't change a thing of his last summer before heading to college.
The idea is interesting but i found it hard to keep going back to it and read it because it was long and boring especially when the events weren't surprising enough and the style of dialogue is somehow cheesy. I wished it was a bit more shocking, or something more tragic about it.
This is the second novel i read for Garfield Whyte, while the first one i found very interesting and different, i thought this one is not one of his best works.
July 14, 2016
TJ’s Last Summer in Cape Cod is humorous at times. And I can see how this novel could be based off the life of a real teenage boy with an uncle who is fearful of getting old, or the fact he feels he missed out in life. TJ’s Uncle Peter is quite fit for being 55; people at times think they are brothers, even though TJ is only 18. Uncle Peter started schooling TJ in dishonesty and disloyal behaviors when he was just 15. That summer Uncle Peter had TJ accompany him to his “girlfriends” houses, and they made a promise not to tell Aunt Judy.
I didn’t like the fact that the Uncle Peter ended up having more influence on TJ then his own parents and he also subjected him to topics his parents felt he wasn’t ready. In the end the unfaithfulness caught up with Uncle Peter, as TJ picks up the torch to start a life his uncle had to quit.
I didn’t like the fact that the Uncle Peter ended up having more influence on TJ then his own parents and he also subjected him to topics his parents felt he wasn’t ready. In the end the unfaithfulness caught up with Uncle Peter, as TJ picks up the torch to start a life his uncle had to quit.
December 24, 2016
I just completed this long book and I do consider it a good read. I wanted to send out the review quickly before the holidays. There was really nothing in the book that offended me, maybe some of the things that the uncle does were questionable. But he’s just a character and I can live with it. There’s a bit of references to sex, so do keep that in mind before handing over this book to young kids. Although some sections can be considered objectionable, overall it was a good work. And I have no trouble recommending this book or reading other works by this author.
February 27, 2016
TJ has always enjoyed his summers in Cape Cod with his aunt and uncle. His Uncle Peter wishes he was still as young as TJ and is finding it hard to become of age. TJ keeps his uncles mid –life crisis secrets but hopefully is learning from his mistakes. This is TJ’s last summer before college and he wants to make it count. This book is about family, meeting girls and growing up.
4 stars out of 5.
* *I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
4 stars out of 5.
* *I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
September 3, 2017
This book is about the lessons learned by TJ in his relationship with his uncle during his summer at Cape Cod. It's a well written coming of age story where TJ grows from a rather self-centered youth into a more young adult as he learns that relationships involves commitment. TJ has come to Cape Cod to have a carefree summer, but he learns life involves more than just his choices and actions result in consequences. I enjoyed this book and recommend to the reading community and think it would be particularly good for young people and young adults to read. I look forward to reading more of Whyte's books.
August 6, 2017
TJ's Last Summer is one of those books that you either like or dislike - there's nothing in between. I personally did like that book. The author created characters in a way so they did feel real. It was fascinating seeing how TJ deals with the situations he got himself into and how other people felt about it, too. The whole book was written in a light style and it was easy to read - the type of writing style I like the most.
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December 28, 2016
The description of the life of a young boy on the cusp of becoming a man is a theme that has been attempted before. But still credit to the author for retelling such a story and yet making it interesting. I also felt the entire book was very realistically done. The many women the boy falls for and has a crush on are highly relatable. The author’s portrayal of TJ’s uncle was or at least seemed very real. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that it was based on an actual person. This book has some adorable characters and also tells a story that you are going to love. So I will definitely recommend this.
February 6, 2017
TJ is eighteen, good looking, clever, and leaving soon for university. For the past four years he's spent the summers at his Uncle Peter's house. This summer he has a girlfriend, Maggie, and doesn't want to leave her. So, he persuades Uncle Peter to come and stay at his house while his parents are away.
The relationship between the fifty-five year old Uncle Peter and TJ is like that of brothers. He is the age Uncle Peter would like to be and has spent the last few years covering up for his uncle's affairs. Both benefit from their relationship: Uncle Peter gives TJ money, lets him use his car and books him into expensive hotels. Whilst TJ is indebted to his uncle, during this last summer he begins to see him for the man he really is and takes a stand against him several times. He feels guilty and concerned for his Aunt Judy, who while driving home intent on discovering what her husband is up to, has a car accident. He's also concerned for his parents and tells his uncle that current girlfriend, Linda, can no longer stay at his parent's house.
I liked TJ, however, I was disappointed as the story progressed that he became more like a younger version of his uncle; intent on meeting up with Sye when he's at a party with Maggie and spending hours talking on the phone with Kaci. He also accepts a necklace which Uncle Peter has bought him to give to Sye, and this is while he has a girlfriend, Maggie. Uncle Peter is a bad influence and using TJ. But at eighteen, I would have liked to have seen TJ take more of a stand against him. Perhaps he truly is like his uncle after all. He certainly has plenty of charm which he uses to get what he wants.
The characterisation in this book is strong and the writing is descriptive, drawing you in and making it easy to imagine the everyday life of the characters. The relationship between Maggie and TJ is well developed and realistic, although I fear the naive and sweet Maggie is destined to be an eternal victim. TJ's parents are intriguing. His mother is overprotective and his father is hiding secrets, but neither seem to know what to do about uncle Peter.
By the end of the book TJ makes up his own mind about which university he wants to attend. Hopefully this marks the end of him being influenced by others and is a sign that he's growing up.
An interesting account of an older man's negative influence over his young and impressionable nephew. An engaging and interesting coming of age story.
The relationship between the fifty-five year old Uncle Peter and TJ is like that of brothers. He is the age Uncle Peter would like to be and has spent the last few years covering up for his uncle's affairs. Both benefit from their relationship: Uncle Peter gives TJ money, lets him use his car and books him into expensive hotels. Whilst TJ is indebted to his uncle, during this last summer he begins to see him for the man he really is and takes a stand against him several times. He feels guilty and concerned for his Aunt Judy, who while driving home intent on discovering what her husband is up to, has a car accident. He's also concerned for his parents and tells his uncle that current girlfriend, Linda, can no longer stay at his parent's house.
I liked TJ, however, I was disappointed as the story progressed that he became more like a younger version of his uncle; intent on meeting up with Sye when he's at a party with Maggie and spending hours talking on the phone with Kaci. He also accepts a necklace which Uncle Peter has bought him to give to Sye, and this is while he has a girlfriend, Maggie. Uncle Peter is a bad influence and using TJ. But at eighteen, I would have liked to have seen TJ take more of a stand against him. Perhaps he truly is like his uncle after all. He certainly has plenty of charm which he uses to get what he wants.
The characterisation in this book is strong and the writing is descriptive, drawing you in and making it easy to imagine the everyday life of the characters. The relationship between Maggie and TJ is well developed and realistic, although I fear the naive and sweet Maggie is destined to be an eternal victim. TJ's parents are intriguing. His mother is overprotective and his father is hiding secrets, but neither seem to know what to do about uncle Peter.
By the end of the book TJ makes up his own mind about which university he wants to attend. Hopefully this marks the end of him being influenced by others and is a sign that he's growing up.
An interesting account of an older man's negative influence over his young and impressionable nephew. An engaging and interesting coming of age story.
March 13, 2016
This story is a steamy, sexy summer coming of age story. It happens to all of us. We grow up and fall in love, sometimes, many times. Young love is often the center plot for many books and movies. Growing up isn't easy. Sometimes, there are those who are still struggling to grow up when they are adults. This humorous and interesting story of how you make many mistakes as you are growing up. Sometimes you make the same mistake more than once. As you are growing up you are trying to figure out exactly who you are, what you want out of life and how you will get there. A teenager is still a child, learning and facing adult problems and issues every day. That is how we grow into a mature adult. By facing the everyday obstacles with the sense you can do this and be stronger for it.
The author wrote strong characters that the average person could relate to. He shows the bonds of their relationships, and yet how hard it is to make the right decisions.
TJ could be the teenager next door or your son's best friend. You get to know him well through the developing of the character that the author has brilliantly done. It was a little hard to understand the changing of the loyalty from TJ's parents to his uncle who is a womanizer. I feel for a book to be good there has to be that relationship with the characters and that uncertainty the reader feels. Would I do that? Would I react that way? Or should I say, Did I do that or did I react that way? The author's writing was very exact when TJ was discovering his sexuality. It rears a lot of emotions, happy, sad, uneasy and full of passion that will reach out to the reader over and over. A great coming of age story.It may make the reader reflect on times past, of first loves, mistakes, happiness and sadness. Teenage love is rough.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Garfield Whyte in exchange for my unbiased view. No other compensation took place.
The author wrote strong characters that the average person could relate to. He shows the bonds of their relationships, and yet how hard it is to make the right decisions.
TJ could be the teenager next door or your son's best friend. You get to know him well through the developing of the character that the author has brilliantly done. It was a little hard to understand the changing of the loyalty from TJ's parents to his uncle who is a womanizer. I feel for a book to be good there has to be that relationship with the characters and that uncertainty the reader feels. Would I do that? Would I react that way? Or should I say, Did I do that or did I react that way? The author's writing was very exact when TJ was discovering his sexuality. It rears a lot of emotions, happy, sad, uneasy and full of passion that will reach out to the reader over and over. A great coming of age story.It may make the reader reflect on times past, of first loves, mistakes, happiness and sadness. Teenage love is rough.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Garfield Whyte in exchange for my unbiased view. No other compensation took place.
December 20, 2016
When compelled to devour a four hundred plus page novel in my every spare moment, there's really no option but to pin five stars to my book report. Whatever flaws I might identify or frustrations I might feel are trivial in comparison to a reader's pure joy in losing himself/herself in a narrative. When all the elements come together: an intriguing plot, thoughtful, profound themes, complex, troubling, hilarious, characters, and language that make me shudder for its honesty, clarity, and confidence; I gratefully set all analysis aside and give myself up to the sheer magic of a great book.
TJ's Last Summer in Cape Cod is such a book. It’s a well crafted coming of age story that will draw in both young and mature readers. And, I would imagine that fans of this genre will love having a nibble on this one! This is my first time reading this author and I must say I was very impressed. The story had every element a good story should have. An exciting plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well illustrated scenes that really make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that's something I really look for in a good book.
This captivating and commendable work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flows from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional skill when it comes to storytelling. There are twists and turns in this page turner that will take the reader on a compelling journey!
It’s one of those stories that come along once in awhile that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader!
I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Garfield Whyte in the future. I would definitely recommend this book. Five stars from me.
TJ's Last Summer in Cape Cod is such a book. It’s a well crafted coming of age story that will draw in both young and mature readers. And, I would imagine that fans of this genre will love having a nibble on this one! This is my first time reading this author and I must say I was very impressed. The story had every element a good story should have. An exciting plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well illustrated scenes that really make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that's something I really look for in a good book.
This captivating and commendable work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flows from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional skill when it comes to storytelling. There are twists and turns in this page turner that will take the reader on a compelling journey!
It’s one of those stories that come along once in awhile that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader!
I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Garfield Whyte in the future. I would definitely recommend this book. Five stars from me.
February 9, 2016
Eighteen-year-old Taj James (aka TJ) is on the cusp of adulthood and his last summer in Cape Cod involves a romance with a younger girl and a changing relationship with the 55-year-old womanizing uncle who tried to make TJ his protege. In much the manner of Evan Hunter's classic Last Summer, T.J.'s Last Summer in Cape Cod is a coming-of-age story about adolescent sexuality, but Whyte's focus on evolving and changing relationships is much more emotionally charged and detailed, making it a top recommendation for readers of adolescent experience.
Many issues are explored in the best coming of age novels: not just changing hormones and evolving sexuality but, more importantly, an understanding of and growing moral and ethical platform. Behind predictable beauty and appeal lie hearts and minds conflicted by desire, psychological challenges, and emotional puzzles. Behind every athletic boy and beautiful girl lie choices and questions and the hard edge of decisions that only go to show that in life, appearance is the tip of the iceberg.
As T.J.'s Last Summer in Cape Cod unfolds its protagonists' interactions, growth, and secrets which can change perceptions of family and life itself, so readers are carried along for a closer inspection of what it means and feels like to teeter on the cusp of adulthood. From an uncle's life-changing decision to marriages on the edge of dissolution, the story throws in all the physical, emotional, and moral challenges that will bring TJ into the adult world.
While mature teens are a predictable audience for this story, it's also strongly recommended for adults who want to look back on those years with more than a one-dimensional perspective, to understand more deeply the workings and perceptions of the young adult mind.
Many issues are explored in the best coming of age novels: not just changing hormones and evolving sexuality but, more importantly, an understanding of and growing moral and ethical platform. Behind predictable beauty and appeal lie hearts and minds conflicted by desire, psychological challenges, and emotional puzzles. Behind every athletic boy and beautiful girl lie choices and questions and the hard edge of decisions that only go to show that in life, appearance is the tip of the iceberg.
As T.J.'s Last Summer in Cape Cod unfolds its protagonists' interactions, growth, and secrets which can change perceptions of family and life itself, so readers are carried along for a closer inspection of what it means and feels like to teeter on the cusp of adulthood. From an uncle's life-changing decision to marriages on the edge of dissolution, the story throws in all the physical, emotional, and moral challenges that will bring TJ into the adult world.
While mature teens are a predictable audience for this story, it's also strongly recommended for adults who want to look back on those years with more than a one-dimensional perspective, to understand more deeply the workings and perceptions of the young adult mind.
October 19, 2016
Whyte’s TJ last Summer in Cape Cod is an eye-opening narration of TJ’s last summer at home before he heads to America on a basketball scholarship. While I do not necessarily enjoy reading about men who cheat, I think the flow of grammar is irreproachable; the sentences are effortless, and the logic is tight and transparent.
The relationship between the eighteen-year-old TJ and seventeen-year- old Maggie is very sweet and innocent. It reminds me of how it is like to fall in love for the first time, but Uncle Peter's advice convolutes TJ's innocence. I understand that some people might feel like TJ followed his Uncle Peter’s example and cheated, but TJ has not come into his own yet, his uncle is his role model. A boy of eighteen does not have the experience to ward off the advances of a determined beautiful girl or woman.
While Uncle Peter has redeeming qualities, conversely I feel like TJ’s father is a passive parent.He does nothing to stop the bond between his brother and his son, completely aware what kind of man he is.
Without getting too political, however, brief it was, the way Mr. Whyte describes the protégé’s mother struck a chord with me. When it comes to our hair, all women of different races can relate. We agonize about how to wear our hair: color, length and all.
I give the book three stars because the execution of the story could benefit from a good content editor. The dialogue was too stiff. And the book as a whole lacks a bit of pizzazz.The author’s inability to go more in depth on human body reactions and actions undermines the narrative. The complexity of emotions is absent.
Highly recommended for young adults.
The relationship between the eighteen-year-old TJ and seventeen-year- old Maggie is very sweet and innocent. It reminds me of how it is like to fall in love for the first time, but Uncle Peter's advice convolutes TJ's innocence. I understand that some people might feel like TJ followed his Uncle Peter’s example and cheated, but TJ has not come into his own yet, his uncle is his role model. A boy of eighteen does not have the experience to ward off the advances of a determined beautiful girl or woman.
While Uncle Peter has redeeming qualities, conversely I feel like TJ’s father is a passive parent.He does nothing to stop the bond between his brother and his son, completely aware what kind of man he is.
Without getting too political, however, brief it was, the way Mr. Whyte describes the protégé’s mother struck a chord with me. When it comes to our hair, all women of different races can relate. We agonize about how to wear our hair: color, length and all.
I give the book three stars because the execution of the story could benefit from a good content editor. The dialogue was too stiff. And the book as a whole lacks a bit of pizzazz.The author’s inability to go more in depth on human body reactions and actions undermines the narrative. The complexity of emotions is absent.
Highly recommended for young adults.
January 3, 2017
I don't think it's taken me so long before to read a book. But I never give up on a book. But half way through I started skip reading my way through, just to get the gist without reading every repetitious word. And repetitious it was. The book never went anywhere, it was repetitive the whole way through. A story needs to go somewhere to keep it interesting, but it was like the same four conversations over and over. In my opinion it would of been so much better as a short story. But this is all my opinion. Everyone likes different style writing. This just wasn't for me. I got the book free digitally straight from the author, and I'm thankful for that. With the description, I was hoping for something other then what it turned out to be.
But *spoiler* & language ahead. I hated the caricatures. I'm glad the uncle got found out in the end. I hate men who get married and fuck around. If you want date your whole life just don't get married. Marriage and vows are about two people. And TJ, screwing around with like five girls, blah. You should tell a girl you want to see other people instead of making them think they're the only one.
This was just a miss for me. But I'm sure this is up someone else's alley.
Also: I'm editing my review here at the end. I found the author rather annoying, contacting me over and over in a message over the span it took me to read the book. He kept asking me to not rate it if I didn't like it so he wouldn't get a bad review. That didn't help my my opinion any more. Everyone's entitled to feel how they feel. And I'm entitled to give it a 1 star, it's how I feel.
But *spoiler* & language ahead. I hated the caricatures. I'm glad the uncle got found out in the end. I hate men who get married and fuck around. If you want date your whole life just don't get married. Marriage and vows are about two people. And TJ, screwing around with like five girls, blah. You should tell a girl you want to see other people instead of making them think they're the only one.
This was just a miss for me. But I'm sure this is up someone else's alley.
Also: I'm editing my review here at the end. I found the author rather annoying, contacting me over and over in a message over the span it took me to read the book. He kept asking me to not rate it if I didn't like it so he wouldn't get a bad review. That didn't help my my opinion any more. Everyone's entitled to feel how they feel. And I'm entitled to give it a 1 star, it's how I feel.
November 14, 2016
First I should say I was given this book in exchange for an honest review from the author.
TJ has always looked forward to staying on breaks from school with his Uncle Peter. He knows that any time with his uncle-will be a good time! Uncle Peter has let TJ in on his many ummmm....adventures and TJ has become a master at getting his dear uncle out of trouble. Although his aunt and uncle are happily married-Uncle Peter isn't the most morally driven man.
The story takes place during the summer prior to TJ leaving for college. This is his last summer to live it up! Because of a girl, he decides he doesn't want to go to Peter's house so he convinces his uncle to come stay with him while his parents are away. There are no rules with Peter and he would do anything for TJ (possibly to protect his own secrets). Tragedy strikes leaving both Peter and TJ devastated. What began as a summer of fun, for both of them, turns life changing.
I didn't really appreciate this book until I got a good ways into it, which shows on how long it took me to read it-but something kept bringing me back. I wish I'd just stuck with it from the start. Uncle Peter drove me crazy on how he was influencing TJ. But in the end, this turns into a beautiful coming of age story. When you're young and invincible-you lose focus on what is real and important. This is a lesson that both TJ and Uncle Peter learn-thankfully not too late.
Thank you Garfield for the opportunity to read this!!!
TJ has always looked forward to staying on breaks from school with his Uncle Peter. He knows that any time with his uncle-will be a good time! Uncle Peter has let TJ in on his many ummmm....adventures and TJ has become a master at getting his dear uncle out of trouble. Although his aunt and uncle are happily married-Uncle Peter isn't the most morally driven man.
The story takes place during the summer prior to TJ leaving for college. This is his last summer to live it up! Because of a girl, he decides he doesn't want to go to Peter's house so he convinces his uncle to come stay with him while his parents are away. There are no rules with Peter and he would do anything for TJ (possibly to protect his own secrets). Tragedy strikes leaving both Peter and TJ devastated. What began as a summer of fun, for both of them, turns life changing.
I didn't really appreciate this book until I got a good ways into it, which shows on how long it took me to read it-but something kept bringing me back. I wish I'd just stuck with it from the start. Uncle Peter drove me crazy on how he was influencing TJ. But in the end, this turns into a beautiful coming of age story. When you're young and invincible-you lose focus on what is real and important. This is a lesson that both TJ and Uncle Peter learn-thankfully not too late.
Thank you Garfield for the opportunity to read this!!!
March 19, 2018
Disclosure: I received this book from the author at no charge in exchange for reading and posting my honest review. I do not personally know the author but we connected via goodreads.com
This is a wonderful, funny, heartfelt coming of age story. TJ, the main character is being groomed by his best friend, Uncle Peter. Uncle Peter is first and foremost a philanderer. Peter is nice looking and has kept quite physically fit so he and TJ seem to others as closer to brothers than uncle and nephew. TJ is a teenager about to graduate from high school and the world is his oyster. Uncle Peter, while he loves his wife, lives to show TJ the finer things in life. Mainly to never overlook an opportunity to fraternize with any good looking, willing female. TJ begins to see and feel things with his heart and head instead of his groin. The student may just teach the mentor a lesson before it's all said and done. TJ and Uncle Peter have many adventures and escapades and do not always come through unscathed. I thoroughly enjoyed this funny, heart felt coming of age story. I did not want to put it down as I just could not wait to see what they got into or out of next. A very entertaining read that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good story. If I had access to this book 15 to 20 years ago I would've recommended it to both of my sons as they were coming of age. A very solid 4 star rating.
This is a wonderful, funny, heartfelt coming of age story. TJ, the main character is being groomed by his best friend, Uncle Peter. Uncle Peter is first and foremost a philanderer. Peter is nice looking and has kept quite physically fit so he and TJ seem to others as closer to brothers than uncle and nephew. TJ is a teenager about to graduate from high school and the world is his oyster. Uncle Peter, while he loves his wife, lives to show TJ the finer things in life. Mainly to never overlook an opportunity to fraternize with any good looking, willing female. TJ begins to see and feel things with his heart and head instead of his groin. The student may just teach the mentor a lesson before it's all said and done. TJ and Uncle Peter have many adventures and escapades and do not always come through unscathed. I thoroughly enjoyed this funny, heart felt coming of age story. I did not want to put it down as I just could not wait to see what they got into or out of next. A very entertaining read that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good story. If I had access to this book 15 to 20 years ago I would've recommended it to both of my sons as they were coming of age. A very solid 4 star rating.
February 15, 2016
I loved this book! It’s a collection of memories of TJ, a high school student, and his unforgettable summers that he got to spend with his uncle Peter in Cape Cod. The two seemed to share even closer ties and secrets than those of a father and a son, maybe because of TJ’s fascination of his womanizing uncle, who introduces the young nephew to a new world of joy and freedom, or maybe because the two are really alike. TJ learns a lot from his uncle and decides to spend his last summer before college with a spark: a handsome hunk with a scholarship to the basketball team, TJ doesn’t find it hard to attract women’s attention, both young and the more experienced ones. He finds himself in quite a pickle between two sweet girls, Maggie and Sye, and tries to understand his own feelings without hurting either one. His uncle’s affairs and the guilt for his aunt’s accident make TJ question his actions even more, and I really appreciated the character development throughout the story.
The plot moves at a nice pace, and the southern setting really adds even more charm and feeling to the story. You just want to be there and enjoy the summer together with TJ. Highly recommended!
The plot moves at a nice pace, and the southern setting really adds even more charm and feeling to the story. You just want to be there and enjoy the summer together with TJ. Highly recommended!
May 13, 2016
As other reviews have said this is a coming of age story, which takes place on during the summer after TJ graduates high school and going to college. TJ is young man out to have fun and looks up to his uncle who is a 50 something married man who is still a player. TJ is following in his footsteps. Will he continue following in his uncle’s footsteps? Does TJ learn from his uncle’s mistakes? Does he still look up to him at the end of the summer? Does TJ learn about the girls and women during this summer? Will TJ leave to college with a good head on his shoulders? Will he listen to his parents? Some reviews feel that we need to know more, but I believe that the ending had a Gone with the Wind ending, where we as readers can figure how TJ will act in the near future. That I will not give away. Read the book and decide for yourself. Truthfully I don’t care much for coming of age stories, but I did enjoy this book and wanted to see what would happen. I do recommended this book and also wonder what other readers think TJ will do in his college years.
June 15, 2016
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I do not usually enjoy coming of age stories or books with a lot of cheating in them. I was surprised at what a fast read this was for me. I cared about the characters even when I didn't want to, I had to know what would happen. It is very well written, not predictable, engages your attention and characters are well developed. I hope this author plans to keep writing. It would be good to possibly revisit these characters in another book. I didn't like T. J.s uncle at all. I wanted his wife to leave him and make a better life without him. I wanted Uncle Peter to wish he had been a better person. I think it would have been good for T J to have some competition. Instead of having his girlfriends just waiting around for him they could have been seeing other guys like he was seeing other girls. I think some competition would have been good for his character. I thought the dialogue between the characters was very well done. I mention that because I think it is difficult to do dialogue well.
August 18, 2016
This is book is so great, a coming of age story set in California. It is about a recently graduated high school senior who has a basketball scholarship to Syracuse. His parents take a cruise and invite the uncle, Peter, down to watch after TJ until they get back. The "boys" do what boys do for one week, until a sudden twist sends them to Uncle Peter's home in San Bernardino.
The fun doesn't stop there. For a couple of weeks, the guys keep adding fun to their schedule. TJ learns what a real man is like and sort of sees a new light. I love the book because of the transformation of TJ, or is there? The whole book is kind of light, fun, summertime reading and involves a few girls. It is also a great lesson teacher, in a roundabout way. I love TJ's bond with his uncle Peter. I can relate as my sister, aunt Bonnie, has that relationship with my own daughter (who just finished college).
Thank you to Garfield Whyte and to Word Slinger for giving me a free book to read and give my honest review.
The fun doesn't stop there. For a couple of weeks, the guys keep adding fun to their schedule. TJ learns what a real man is like and sort of sees a new light. I love the book because of the transformation of TJ, or is there? The whole book is kind of light, fun, summertime reading and involves a few girls. It is also a great lesson teacher, in a roundabout way. I love TJ's bond with his uncle Peter. I can relate as my sister, aunt Bonnie, has that relationship with my own daughter (who just finished college).
Thank you to Garfield Whyte and to Word Slinger for giving me a free book to read and give my honest review.
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