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Tales from Foster High #3
151 Days
Sequel to End of the Innocence
Tales from Foster Book Three
With just 151 days left until the school year ends, Kyle Stilleno is running out of time to fulfill the promise he made and change Foster, Texas, for the better. But Kyle and his boyfriend, Brad Graymark, have more than just intolerance to deal with. Life, college, love, and sex have a way of distracting them, and they're realizing Foster is a bigger place than they thought. When someone from their past returns at the worst possible moment, graduation becomes the least of their worries.
Tales from Foster Book Three
With just 151 days left until the school year ends, Kyle Stilleno is running out of time to fulfill the promise he made and change Foster, Texas, for the better. But Kyle and his boyfriend, Brad Graymark, have more than just intolerance to deal with. Life, college, love, and sex have a way of distracting them, and they're realizing Foster is a bigger place than they thought. When someone from their past returns at the worst possible moment, graduation becomes the least of their worries.
350 pages, Hardcover
First published March 19, 2014
21 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
About the author
John Goode
35 books668 followersJohn Goode is a member of the class of '88 from Hogwarts school of wizardry, specializing in incantations and spoken spells. At the age of 14 he proudly represented District 13 in the 65th Panem games where he was disqualified for crying uncontrollably before the competition began. After that he moved to Forks, Washington where, against all odds, dated the hot, incredibly approachable werewolf instead of the stuck up jerk of a vampire but was crushed when he found out the werewolf was actually gayer than he was. After that he turned down the mandatory operation everyone must receive at 16 to become pretty citing that everyone pretty were just too stupid to live before moving away for greener pastures. After falling down an oddly large rabbit hole he became huge when his love for cakes combined with his inability to resist what sparsely worded notes commanded and was finally kicked out when he began playing solitaire with the Red Queen's 4th armored division. By 18 he had found the land in the back of his wardrobe but decided that thinly veiled religious allegories where not the neighbors he desired. When last seen he had become obsessed with growing a pair of wings after becoming obsessed with Fang's blog and hasn't been seen since.
Or he is this guy who lives in this place and writes stuff he hopes you read.
Or he is this guy who lives in this place and writes stuff he hopes you read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
June 27, 2016
Not completely believable but still a really emotional read!
The novel documents the events that take place in the last 151 days of the school year before Kyle and Brad leave Foster for college. The question is will they end up going to the same college or will their relationship end with graduation?
First, what I didn't like about the novel. As with the other books in the series, the story is told from different character's perspectives. Until this installment I never had an issue with that but I found myself reading about things I'd already read. Now I understand reviewing events from previous books to help the reader remember them and that's fine, but having to read the same dialog twice simply from a different perspective is a bit much and slowed the pace of the book down too much. Finally, there were events in the book that I simply didn't buy. I went to a conservative high school, came out in my junior year in much the same way Brad did, and had to deal with the narrow minded Christian student body and administration. My boyfriend and I struggled against the bullying and did our best to change it and I hope we had a lasting effect but the pressure placed on the school by the "church" in this area negated any lasting effect I think we had. I hope that our generation really does let go of the hate and bias of our parents but I don't see it happening like it does in the book. But one can hope!
What I love about the love the novel. I can't help but relate to Kyle and Brad because their life's parallel mine and my boyfriend's so much. We went through a lot of the same struggles they go through in the series and this book. Wondering what we're going to do for college. Being told over and over again how high school romances rarely last. Seriously it was like John Goode has been spying on us. The book made me laugh and it made me cry. In some ways, like I said it was not realistic, but in other ways it was VERY real, almost too real. Like many of the other books in this series, you can't help but be changed after reading it.
Whether you're gay, know someone who is, or are straight as they come, you really should read this series. It will give you an understanding that I think we all need in this world.
August 7, 2018
5 +++ stars!
My favorite in the series so far.
151 remaining days until school is over which means that Brad and Kyle can leave Foster. 151 days until freedom. But a lot can happen in 151 days.
I LOVE relationship angst. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. There are hearts and flowers and Brad and Kyle growing stronger and stronger. There is also the best off page sex scene ever.
BUT there a shit ton of relationship angst too and I ate it with a spoon. Brad (and Kyle me thinks) fuck up. Nobody’s right and nobody’s wrong. Brad was an idiot and Kyle overreacted and there are a billion things behind that argument. It’s just a big fuck up and it got almost too late. Almost.
The narrative took some getting used to here, what with the multiple POVs narrating the same event, but it worked.
I love the complexity of the secondary characters. It’s almost impossible to point fingers and tell the villains from the good guys because there are no real villains here.
The ending was magnificent. One of the most satisfying ever. Overall, the messages that this book tried and managed to convey are enormous, but in the end, the reason I loved it so much is the romance. Kyle and Brad’s tale is one of the most romantic ever.
P.S Damn you and you author notes, mister.
-Posted on Gay Book Reviews.-
“We aren’t going to accept there is a time and place for things, and that someday they will get better. The place is here, and the time is now. We are the ones who survived!”
My favorite in the series so far.
151 remaining days until school is over which means that Brad and Kyle can leave Foster. 151 days until freedom. But a lot can happen in 151 days.
I LOVE relationship angst. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. There are hearts and flowers and Brad and Kyle growing stronger and stronger. There is also the best off page sex scene ever.
“So then that part, where I was….” He nodded as he got my hint.
“So that was good?” He moved his leg against mine.
“That was incredible. I mean, like fireworks.”
“And the part where you were….” And he nodded again.
“That was okay?” He looked over at me.
“That was when you ruined me for all other men.”
BUT there a shit ton of relationship angst too and I ate it with a spoon. Brad (and Kyle me thinks) fuck up. Nobody’s right and nobody’s wrong. Brad was an idiot and Kyle overreacted and there are a billion things behind that argument. It’s just a big fuck up and it got almost too late. Almost.
The narrative took some getting used to here, what with the multiple POVs narrating the same event, but it worked.
I love the complexity of the secondary characters. It’s almost impossible to point fingers and tell the villains from the good guys because there are no real villains here.
The ending was magnificent. One of the most satisfying ever. Overall, the messages that this book tried and managed to convey are enormous, but in the end, the reason I loved it so much is the romance. Kyle and Brad’s tale is one of the most romantic ever.
P.S Damn you and you author notes, mister.
-Posted on Gay Book Reviews.-
January 16, 2024
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
“There are things in life that you can never ready yourself for. People around you changing for the good is definitely one of them.”
While 151 Days was still as emotionally charged as ever, I found myself slightly disappointed in the way the author chose to write this installment. While I do understand his reasoning, it made for a slightly lesser impactful read than what I had anticipated. 😔
“Don’t be upset because you think you didn’t do enough—be upset about the people who did too much. Be pissed at the town that created the environment, the school that fostered the attitude, and be furious at the people who egged him on, but not at yourself.
You were his friend, and he knew that. In the end, it’s all we can be to each other.”
There are 151 days left till graduation, not nearly enough for Kyle to feel the overwhelming pressure, but still dtermined to bring change to Foster High, if it's the last thing he ever does. After the traumatic events, tensions are high and emotions are flaring - someone is out for blood, someone is seeking blame. It is these heightened feelings that make a community so submerged in their own fear and discrimination to slowly come out of hiding - the woodwork, so to speak, simply to speak out against the injustice and discrimination and unfairness of people's homophobic behavior. 😢 It is that catalyst that also spurns so much anger and displaced hatred - leading people to point the blame at someone - eager to seek retribution for the cause of their own misgivings and resentment - enough even to take steps so drastic - that it could endanger the lives of everyone involved.
For that alone, the story was an incredibly emotional one. Feelings are fluctuating, people's views are changing, but there is still that prevalent need to prove a point - to justify the cause of their actions - and to share their own opinions of the matter at hand. And for everyone involved in Kyle and Brad's story, somehow, the author felt the need to share multiple varying perspectives on different situations and offer insight into the background of their feelings. I did like how all the extra dynamics played such an integral part to the overall storyline; it was rather impressive and each had a pivotal role in assisting Kyle and Brad's relationship. 👍🏻 But, the way it was written!! 😩😩 I had to read through multiple scenes in different outtakes - simply so I could glean a little insight into the other character's thoughts. It made for a lot of repeated scenes that just felt unnecessary and ruined the momentum of the story - I was not comfortable with that. To keep it in the first person POV, I get why it was necessary, but it detracted from the overall appeal for me. Even though I understand what he was trying to achieve - to show how people can change - I just wish it could have been done differently. 😣
“He chuckled as I nudged against him. “Shut up.” He nudged me back.
“So then that part, where I was….” He nodded as he got my hint. “So that was good?”
He moved his leg against mine. “That was incredible. I mean, like fireworks.”
“And the part where you were….” And he nodded again. “That was okay?”
He looked over at me. “That was when you ruined me for all other men.”
And although Kyle is still hurting and struggling to come to terms with the events of what happened, his relationship with Brad - despite their emotional hurdles and separation - their love is still as pure and intact - stronger than ever. They had some very sweet moments, some highly impressionable moments - but the trajectory of their relationship really felt so very natural. 🥰 Even when they argued, Brad never abandoned his love for him. '..You aren’t his crush, and you aren’t his love. You’re the center of his universe, the sun he orbits around, and if you were gone, he’d just go flying out into the dark. Never to be seen again.' 🥺
With future college prospects circling their uncertain future - how family's dynamics are still on the fritz - not knowing if they'll be enough for their parents - it was also depicted believably so. Even how they navigated their next approach to physical intimacy, how they addressed their insecurities and vulnerabilities was something I also appreciated. And, of course the piece de resistance - when the climax was over and Kyle rushed out into Brad's arms - the intense fierceness in which he clung onto him after the escalated fear of uncertainty of not knowing about each other's safety - my heart was beating in tandem with theirs. ❤️🩹 🥹 ❤️🩹
Kyle - especially, he really is a tour de force - he has this desperate need to bring about change - despite the hurt and pain that he's carrying - the emotional frustration of being helpless to help others and show the wrong in people's thoughts - he never stops fighting - he never backs down. 'He’s being Kyle again, isn’t he?” I nodded, trying to weigh which impulse I wanted to do more—kiss him or strangle him.' 😅 He rises to every challenge - unafraid, absolutely resolute in his determination to prove his points valid - to show how affected people are by the damaging views that he won't stop till people are open to change. 'We’re all lonely, we’re all hurt, and we’re all broken... I don’t know why no one wants to say that out loud, but I don’t care anymore. I’m broken, I’m fucking broken, and I need a friend, Jeremy. I need to know that it’s okay to be like this and that I’m not alone.' I really admired him for that - and even when he was wrong, he was never afraid to admit it and change himself for it. 🫡
“Go get the thing in life that is going to make us complete, and fuck the rest of the world. Because I’d rather be a happy me than a miserable someone else.”
It wasn't quite the continuation I was expecting, nor was it the way I would have hoped the issues to have been addressed, but in a way, I still get it. By giving us insight into each person's past, we were offered glimpses into how Foster became the way it was - and I do respect the reasoning behind it - sort of like an interim into the next change of Kyle and Brad's future. 😟 Because change does come - not in the way many would have intended - as heavy-handed on the trigger that it was - but it sets up another stage in their lives that I am still very much curious about and certainly invested in seeing where life will take them together. 🩶🤍
“There are things in life that you can never ready yourself for. People around you changing for the good is definitely one of them.”
While 151 Days was still as emotionally charged as ever, I found myself slightly disappointed in the way the author chose to write this installment. While I do understand his reasoning, it made for a slightly lesser impactful read than what I had anticipated. 😔
“Don’t be upset because you think you didn’t do enough—be upset about the people who did too much. Be pissed at the town that created the environment, the school that fostered the attitude, and be furious at the people who egged him on, but not at yourself.
You were his friend, and he knew that. In the end, it’s all we can be to each other.”
There are 151 days left till graduation, not nearly enough for Kyle to feel the overwhelming pressure, but still dtermined to bring change to Foster High, if it's the last thing he ever does. After the traumatic events, tensions are high and emotions are flaring - someone is out for blood, someone is seeking blame. It is these heightened feelings that make a community so submerged in their own fear and discrimination to slowly come out of hiding - the woodwork, so to speak, simply to speak out against the injustice and discrimination and unfairness of people's homophobic behavior. 😢 It is that catalyst that also spurns so much anger and displaced hatred - leading people to point the blame at someone - eager to seek retribution for the cause of their own misgivings and resentment - enough even to take steps so drastic - that it could endanger the lives of everyone involved.
For that alone, the story was an incredibly emotional one. Feelings are fluctuating, people's views are changing, but there is still that prevalent need to prove a point - to justify the cause of their actions - and to share their own opinions of the matter at hand. And for everyone involved in Kyle and Brad's story, somehow, the author felt the need to share multiple varying perspectives on different situations and offer insight into the background of their feelings. I did like how all the extra dynamics played such an integral part to the overall storyline; it was rather impressive and each had a pivotal role in assisting Kyle and Brad's relationship. 👍🏻 But, the way it was written!! 😩😩 I had to read through multiple scenes in different outtakes - simply so I could glean a little insight into the other character's thoughts. It made for a lot of repeated scenes that just felt unnecessary and ruined the momentum of the story - I was not comfortable with that. To keep it in the first person POV, I get why it was necessary, but it detracted from the overall appeal for me. Even though I understand what he was trying to achieve - to show how people can change - I just wish it could have been done differently. 😣
“He chuckled as I nudged against him. “Shut up.” He nudged me back.
“So then that part, where I was….” He nodded as he got my hint. “So that was good?”
He moved his leg against mine. “That was incredible. I mean, like fireworks.”
“And the part where you were….” And he nodded again. “That was okay?”
He looked over at me. “That was when you ruined me for all other men.”
And although Kyle is still hurting and struggling to come to terms with the events of what happened, his relationship with Brad - despite their emotional hurdles and separation - their love is still as pure and intact - stronger than ever. They had some very sweet moments, some highly impressionable moments - but the trajectory of their relationship really felt so very natural. 🥰 Even when they argued, Brad never abandoned his love for him. '..You aren’t his crush, and you aren’t his love. You’re the center of his universe, the sun he orbits around, and if you were gone, he’d just go flying out into the dark. Never to be seen again.' 🥺
With future college prospects circling their uncertain future - how family's dynamics are still on the fritz - not knowing if they'll be enough for their parents - it was also depicted believably so. Even how they navigated their next approach to physical intimacy, how they addressed their insecurities and vulnerabilities was something I also appreciated. And, of course the piece de resistance - when the climax was over and Kyle rushed out into Brad's arms - the intense fierceness in which he clung onto him after the escalated fear of uncertainty of not knowing about each other's safety - my heart was beating in tandem with theirs. ❤️🩹 🥹 ❤️🩹
Kyle - especially, he really is a tour de force - he has this desperate need to bring about change - despite the hurt and pain that he's carrying - the emotional frustration of being helpless to help others and show the wrong in people's thoughts - he never stops fighting - he never backs down. 'He’s being Kyle again, isn’t he?” I nodded, trying to weigh which impulse I wanted to do more—kiss him or strangle him.' 😅 He rises to every challenge - unafraid, absolutely resolute in his determination to prove his points valid - to show how affected people are by the damaging views that he won't stop till people are open to change. 'We’re all lonely, we’re all hurt, and we’re all broken... I don’t know why no one wants to say that out loud, but I don’t care anymore. I’m broken, I’m fucking broken, and I need a friend, Jeremy. I need to know that it’s okay to be like this and that I’m not alone.' I really admired him for that - and even when he was wrong, he was never afraid to admit it and change himself for it. 🫡
“Go get the thing in life that is going to make us complete, and fuck the rest of the world. Because I’d rather be a happy me than a miserable someone else.”
It wasn't quite the continuation I was expecting, nor was it the way I would have hoped the issues to have been addressed, but in a way, I still get it. By giving us insight into each person's past, we were offered glimpses into how Foster became the way it was - and I do respect the reasoning behind it - sort of like an interim into the next change of Kyle and Brad's future. 😟 Because change does come - not in the way many would have intended - as heavy-handed on the trigger that it was - but it sets up another stage in their lives that I am still very much curious about and certainly invested in seeing where life will take them together. 🩶🤍
October 24, 2015
Teenage love is like glitter. Don’t look at me that way. I have logic on my side. You see, glitter is a wondrous thing. It is sparkly and beautiful, and it can be entrancing in the right light. Glitter, on the surface, seems to be one of the best things in the world, especially in a club as you kiss that boy at midnight and it is falling all around you, making even the nastiest dive look magical. But then that’s it. It falls to the ground, and it gathers under your feet and just makes a huge mess. It doesn’t look so nice later in the night, and everyone just tries to ignore it, and the people whose job it is to clean it up? I assure you they hate glitter in a biblical way. So then you go home, you change, you shower, you wonder how all that crap got in your hair, and you go to sleep. The glitter is in a trash bag and the night is over. In the end, it served no purpose at all outside of being a momentary flash of magic in an otherwise mundane life.
The only other time glitter matters is months later, when you pull a shirt out and you see some embedded into it. And you wonder how it got there, and then the memory of that night drifts through your mind, and through the filter of time passed, the whole night becomes magical retroactively. Then you shake your head, wonder whatever happened to that guy, brush it out of your shirt, and get ready for work. And that’s it. A moment of magic and then the memory of it later. Glitter and teenage romance—equally useless, equally disposable.
-Robbie
By far the most emotional book of the series. I spent more than half the time either tearing up or doing the ugly cry. None of it was pretty and I have a sore nose to show for it. There is a lot going on in this book. A lot of ups and downs. Loss's and wins. But through it all it's just so damn honest. The emotions are real and you feel every one of them. At least I did. This book made me laugh, cry, scream, anxious, angry, sad, and happy. That is a lot of emotions to pack into one person from just one book. But I felt them all and more than once. It drained me. But as I was reading I just kept thinking, "More people need to read this story". I think it is a story that has the ability to make a change in people just like the character, Kyle did. There is much to learn from this story and I feel so grateful that I finally picked up this series and I got to learn about these characters and most of all, I got to find another author that has truly touched me with his words of wisdom and his brilliant stories.
~John Goode, your writing is inspiring.
August 17, 2015
Review on the 2nd read August 2015
I won't do a big full review for my second read since the one before still says all I feel about the book, but I do want to say that this time around Jeremy's POV and story was the one that touched me the most.. I guess after knowing the outcome already it was easier to just concentrate on hearing his story. I cried for most of it because no child, teenager or adult should fell like him, EVER.. and sadly there are many like him out there.. we should do our best to help and guide them to a happy life. There's a beautiful author's note at the end regarding this, check it out.
And I will leave you with a few lines from Kyle's valedictorian speech:
EPIC Reread August 2015 with Paul and Els
---------------------------------------
Review September 2014
I'm giving this stunning-amazing-beautiful-heartbreaking-heartwarming book 10 stars and I don't care if you say I can't:
OK.. OK.. *deep breathing* I can do this!
I'm really nervous about writing this review since I'm not good at them and I loved this extraordinary book so much there's no way I an do it justice..
Most of you, my reading friends, have read or are in the process of reading it now so I won't try to do a summary because I most definitely be all spoilerish (I'll still probably be so if you haven't read it yet GO READ IT RIGHT THIS SECOND!!!)
OK, so.. *exhale*
I adore John Goode's voice so he had me enthralled right from the dedication page! Or if you (read "I") insist to be corny..
John..
What I enjoyed most about "151 days" were the different POVs. The fact that I was able to have a glimpse in the mind of each character made me connect with them so much better. I would have never been able to understand why Jeremy did what he did if not for this.
DOROTHY AIMES: not the best mother (massive understatement) and woke up too little to late, but by reading her thoughts I was able to not hate her.
COACH GUNN: A wonderful and honest man. He impressed me so much with the way he saw the world, being gay and just being a human being! I loved seeing Brad and Kyle through his eyes and most importantly:
"So I don’t want you thinking I’m some old, homophobic asshole who hates fags, ’cause I
don’t. I’m allowed to not like something if I want; that’s my right.
What isn’t my right is taking rights away from other people.
When a person puts a uniform on, raises their hand, and swears to uphold and defend
the Constitution, the rights given to Americans by that Constitution become something
special. If I am going to take a bullet for those damn words, those words better mean something.
Not just for the people I agree with, but for everyone."
(one of the best scenes in this book)
JENNIFER: I think any young woman would be lucky to have her as a role model. The scene when she was thirteen and decided that she will be her own person was beautiful! (and also funny :P) She may have lost her way for a while there but in the end she was a very good friend.
ROBBIE: Oh, Robbie! I may do the unspeakable and say he is my favorite character (OK, so he's tied with Kyle). I can never imagine what would be like to go through loosing your partner the way he did. So I get that he was at times maybe too mean or too jaded bla bla bla.. Still he has a strength about him that is beautiful to see and also he's so funny I was lol-ing all over the place!! I can't wait for his story!!!!
(As a side note I just want to say that I will always be heartbroken because of Riley..his letter for Robbie was just... *sniff* John, can you maybe make a ghost story for him? So we can see him happy and well? Pretty please with a cherry on top?)
JEREMY: Ah, yes.. Jeremy.. You see while reading his POV, I was always torn between wanting to cuddle him to protect him from this cruel world and smack him on the back of his head! While I know there are many, many children out there being abused and ignored I always ask myself: how is this possible? HOW? So while Jeremy's actions were misguided and at times evil, I could never really condemn him.. He just wanted to be loved and noticed.. Imagine going through what he did.. Would you still be alive? I'm so happy with the way John chose to handle the end. I'm so happy Jeremy got a second chance!
There were other POVs, but they didn't mean to me as much as the ones mentioned here.
BRAD: He's awesome as we all know! I loved seeing him growing to be a wonderful young man who knows what he wants and takes care of him man. I loved that he choose to be real, choose to support Kyle even when he didn't get the whys of it.. All teenage guys/girls out there should be so lucky as to have him as a first (and only) love!
Kyle: I adore him! He's unique and smart and funny and determined and I could go on forever.. But he's not perfect.. and it killed me to see them suffer through that terrible and stupid breakup. It made me afraid to realize that if we're not careful we can transform a lovely idealist young man into a distrustful bitter person.. His speech at the end made me cry and hope that sometimes in the future people will stop hating what they don't understand; will stop hating what's different; will stop hating other people just because they exist.. WILL STOP HATING!
JOHN, as always your author's note was beautiful despite the sad facts that you shared with us. I'm happy you are now a writer who can bring us these magnificent stories and hopefully reach the hearts of many, many people! I adored this book!
Anyways..
Hugs!
p.s. I'm afraid to re-read this so forgive any spelling, expressing and stupid mistakes!
I won't do a big full review for my second read since the one before still says all I feel about the book, but I do want to say that this time around Jeremy's POV and story was the one that touched me the most.. I guess after knowing the outcome already it was easier to just concentrate on hearing his story. I cried for most of it because no child, teenager or adult should fell like him, EVER.. and sadly there are many like him out there.. we should do our best to help and guide them to a happy life. There's a beautiful author's note at the end regarding this, check it out.
And I will leave you with a few lines from Kyle's valedictorian speech:
“We are going to go out into the world, and we are going to find those people who are filled with hatred, and we are going to tell them their time is done here. That we will not tolerate that crap anymore. You want to know who we are and where we are going?”
“We are coming for you, and we are coming for your world, and we are pissed. If you stand for hate and for discrimination and you can’t see that all people are worth something, then know this. We are the graduating class of Foster High, and your days are numbered.”
EPIC Reread August 2015 with Paul and Els
---------------------------------------
Review September 2014
I'm giving this stunning-amazing-beautiful-heartbreaking-heartwarming book 10 stars and I don't care if you say I can't:
OK.. OK.. *deep breathing* I can do this!
I'm really nervous about writing this review since I'm not good at them and I loved this extraordinary book so much there's no way I an do it justice..
Most of you, my reading friends, have read or are in the process of reading it now so I won't try to do a summary because I most definitely be all spoilerish (I'll still probably be so if you haven't read it yet GO READ IT RIGHT THIS SECOND!!!)
OK, so.. *exhale*
I adore John Goode's voice so he had me enthralled right from the dedication page! Or if you (read "I") insist to be corny..
John..
What I enjoyed most about "151 days" were the different POVs. The fact that I was able to have a glimpse in the mind of each character made me connect with them so much better. I would have never been able to understand why Jeremy did what he did if not for this.
DOROTHY AIMES: not the best mother (massive understatement) and woke up too little to late, but by reading her thoughts I was able to not hate her.
COACH GUNN: A wonderful and honest man. He impressed me so much with the way he saw the world, being gay and just being a human being! I loved seeing Brad and Kyle through his eyes and most importantly:
"So I don’t want you thinking I’m some old, homophobic asshole who hates fags, ’cause I
don’t. I’m allowed to not like something if I want; that’s my right.
What isn’t my right is taking rights away from other people.
When a person puts a uniform on, raises their hand, and swears to uphold and defend
the Constitution, the rights given to Americans by that Constitution become something
special. If I am going to take a bullet for those damn words, those words better mean something.
Not just for the people I agree with, but for everyone."
(one of the best scenes in this book)
JENNIFER: I think any young woman would be lucky to have her as a role model. The scene when she was thirteen and decided that she will be her own person was beautiful! (and also funny :P) She may have lost her way for a while there but in the end she was a very good friend.
ROBBIE: Oh, Robbie! I may do the unspeakable and say he is my favorite character (OK, so he's tied with Kyle). I can never imagine what would be like to go through loosing your partner the way he did. So I get that he was at times maybe too mean or too jaded bla bla bla.. Still he has a strength about him that is beautiful to see and also he's so funny I was lol-ing all over the place!! I can't wait for his story!!!!
(As a side note I just want to say that I will always be heartbroken because of Riley..his letter for Robbie was just... *sniff* John, can you maybe make a ghost story for him? So we can see him happy and well? Pretty please with a cherry on top?)
JEREMY: Ah, yes.. Jeremy.. You see while reading his POV, I was always torn between wanting to cuddle him to protect him from this cruel world and smack him on the back of his head! While I know there are many, many children out there being abused and ignored I always ask myself: how is this possible? HOW? So while Jeremy's actions were misguided and at times evil, I could never really condemn him.. He just wanted to be loved and noticed.. Imagine going through what he did.. Would you still be alive? I'm so happy with the way John chose to handle the end. I'm so happy Jeremy got a second chance!
There were other POVs, but they didn't mean to me as much as the ones mentioned here.
BRAD: He's awesome as we all know! I loved seeing him growing to be a wonderful young man who knows what he wants and takes care of him man. I loved that he choose to be real, choose to support Kyle even when he didn't get the whys of it.. All teenage guys/girls out there should be so lucky as to have him as a first (and only) love!
Kyle: I adore him! He's unique and smart and funny and determined and I could go on forever.. But he's not perfect.. and it killed me to see them suffer through that terrible and stupid breakup. It made me afraid to realize that if we're not careful we can transform a lovely idealist young man into a distrustful bitter person.. His speech at the end made me cry and hope that sometimes in the future people will stop hating what they don't understand; will stop hating what's different; will stop hating other people just because they exist.. WILL STOP HATING!
JOHN, as always your author's note was beautiful despite the sad facts that you shared with us. I'm happy you are now a writer who can bring us these magnificent stories and hopefully reach the hearts of many, many people! I adored this book!
Anyways..
Hugs!
p.s. I'm afraid to re-read this so forgive any spelling, expressing and stupid mistakes!
September 6, 2016
Sexta entrega (o tercera, según la edición) de Tales from Foster High y volvemos con Kyle y Brad.
Me ha gustado muchísimo, el libro no es corto y consigue mantener la tensión y el interés del lector sin que decaiga. Es muy interesante, no se ve mucho, la presencia de múltiples POV aunque los principales sean los de nuestros protagonistas. El múltiple POV se utiliza para ver cómo ven distintos personajes hechos cruciales de la historia, no solo de este libro, también de libros anteriores. Es apasionante comprobar cómo un mismo hecho se ve de distinta forma según quién lo cuente, y es apasionante ver cómo otros personajes perciben a la pareja protagonista.
Es un libro complejo, no hay descanso y constantemente ocurren cosas tocándose temas muy importantes no solo en lo relativo al colectivo LGBT+, hay momentos para reir, para llorar, para enfadarse, para sentirse confuso y para sonreir por la adorabilidad de Brad y Kyle.
Al final, tal y cómo dice el autor, todo este viaje a través de los libros no es solo la historia de amor de Kyle y Brad, es el intento de enseñarnos cómo una persona, en este caso Kyle, puede ir transformando poco a poco lo que le rodea guiándose por la empatía, la generosidad, la lucha, la valentía y la compasión.
No es un libro perfecto, el autor a veces abusa, en mi opinión, de momentos poco creíbles o peliculeros, pero a veces se agradece, se agradece poder permitirse el ser opitimista y pensar que algo así puede pasar. Y aunque algún recurso resulta algo fácil, he de confesar que he llorado más de una vez. No es un libro perfecto, pero ha sido una lectura perfecta para mi. Muchos sentimientos.
Un último apunte muy personal, la historia se desarrolla en Foster, una ciudad de Texas, Texas es un estado con mucha presencia hispana, habría sido bonito e interesante encontrar en algún momento algún personaje hispano.
Muy muy recomendable, como toda la serie.
Me ha gustado muchísimo, el libro no es corto y consigue mantener la tensión y el interés del lector sin que decaiga. Es muy interesante, no se ve mucho, la presencia de múltiples POV aunque los principales sean los de nuestros protagonistas. El múltiple POV se utiliza para ver cómo ven distintos personajes hechos cruciales de la historia, no solo de este libro, también de libros anteriores. Es apasionante comprobar cómo un mismo hecho se ve de distinta forma según quién lo cuente, y es apasionante ver cómo otros personajes perciben a la pareja protagonista.
Es un libro complejo, no hay descanso y constantemente ocurren cosas tocándose temas muy importantes no solo en lo relativo al colectivo LGBT+, hay momentos para reir, para llorar, para enfadarse, para sentirse confuso y para sonreir por la adorabilidad de Brad y Kyle.
Al final, tal y cómo dice el autor, todo este viaje a través de los libros no es solo la historia de amor de Kyle y Brad, es el intento de enseñarnos cómo una persona, en este caso Kyle, puede ir transformando poco a poco lo que le rodea guiándose por la empatía, la generosidad, la lucha, la valentía y la compasión.
No es un libro perfecto, el autor a veces abusa, en mi opinión, de momentos poco creíbles o peliculeros, pero a veces se agradece, se agradece poder permitirse el ser opitimista y pensar que algo así puede pasar. Y aunque algún recurso resulta algo fácil, he de confesar que he llorado más de una vez. No es un libro perfecto, pero ha sido una lectura perfecta para mi. Muchos sentimientos.
Un último apunte muy personal, la historia se desarrolla en Foster, una ciudad de Texas, Texas es un estado con mucha presencia hispana, habría sido bonito e interesante encontrar en algún momento algún personaje hispano.
Muy muy recomendable, como toda la serie.
December 15, 2014
Wow. Just... W-O-W. This book took me there and back again. It didn't shy away from a damn thing.
It had been 2 years since I'd read End of Innocence, the last book with Kyle and Brad as the main focal point, but I don't remember that one feeling quite so whiplash'y.
Not that that's in any way a bad thing, but this book had a whole lot of rewinding the time line to re-tell the same sequence of events from another person's perspective, then another, and another. So that took me a little while to get used to.
But in that re-telling, we die hard Foster fans pick up a ton of great insight into the psyches of familiar characters (Jennifer, Robbie, Kelly's mom, Coach Gunn, Jeremy, etc.), which I enjoyed. It also re-categorized a lot of my 'liked them' characters into 'loved them' status.
But for me, this story was mostly about maturing and gaining the courage to do what you know is right. Not necessarily that of Kyle and Brad as much as the rest of Foster's other residents.
I was completely blown away by many of them. In particular Coach Gunn and Kelly's mom, but especially Brad's (self-admitted asshole) father. It was great to see that even the older generation recognized their need to re-evaluate deeply-engrained, long-held beliefs and prejudices.
And yes, Jeremy's meltdown and lashing out were incredibly hard for me to read, especially knowing that honest-to-God real life kids are experiencing the same things every day. But I'm really glad that the book took us to that dark place.
So many people hear about these things and don't understand that, many times, they happen because the true victims finally snap and decide to fight back. In horrifying, disastrous ways.
Wow, this dark review wasn't what I had in mind at all when I started writing.
But the book had a lot of entertaining parts as well, so to take this to a happier place, here were a few of my favorite humorous parts:
----------------------------------------------------------------
--> Josh in the ice tub after practice: “And no matter how much swag you think you got, there is no way to recover from openly crying like a bitch in the locker room. You know?”
--> Kyle on quickie butt sex: We figured out that night that we only needed fourteen minutes of alone time to get our business done. It was a handy number to know.
--> Robbie to Jennifer: "... if you feel like verbally vomiting all over me again, do not think I am above slapping a hysterical woman. Like my mom always said, if you want to act like a crazy person, you get treated like a crazy person.”
--> Robbie when Matt entered his shop: This guy was rocking some decent hetero camouflage, but I’m sorry, sweetie, your shoes just clocked you as a ’mo.
--> Kyle while being held hostage: “Fuck off.” Needless to say, I did indeed fuck right the hell off.
--> Kyle on Brad after being held hostage:
--> Kyle while being asked to prom: I went pale as I realized what was going on. I was having a Glee stroke.
--> Robbie on motivating Kyle: The key to getting any teenage nerd into a suit is one part fear, two parts peer pressure, and one part Time Lord. If you don’t know what I mean, look it up. It will serve you well in the future, trust me.
--> Robbie on the *alternate* Prom: “Did I plan a party in the middle of some old woods, outside, with bugs? Bitch, you don’t know me at all.”
----------------------------------------------------------------
But nothing was quite as moving for me as Kyle's up front, pissed off Valedictorian speech to Foster's students and the town:
--> “You want to make the world a better place? Do it. You want to be a better person? Be it." ... "We aren’t going to accept there is a time and place for things, and that someday they will get better. The place is here, and the time is now.” ... “We are tired of your world. We are sick of your hatred and your bigotry and of your bullshit. We are not going to stand for it anymore—we won’t." ... “We are coming for you, and we are coming for your world, and we are pissed. If you stand for hate and for discrimination and you can’t see that all people are worth something, then know this. We are the graduating class of Foster High, and your days are numbered.”
I wanted to include that here, because I know a lot of you probably haven't started this series yet and if you don't, that would be a shame. This is a great, great series of books that I can't recommend highly enough.
So on that note, as the Foster portion of the series comes to an end for Kyle and Brad, I will leave you with the same very wise words that Robbie put on a sign in the window of his shop for Kyle and Brad to see as they drove out of town...
"Make Your Own Happy Ending"
----------------------------------------------------------------
5 HUGE Kyle-&-Brad-Loving Stars.
★★★★★
It had been 2 years since I'd read End of Innocence, the last book with Kyle and Brad as the main focal point, but I don't remember that one feeling quite so whiplash'y.
Not that that's in any way a bad thing, but this book had a whole lot of rewinding the time line to re-tell the same sequence of events from another person's perspective, then another, and another. So that took me a little while to get used to.
But in that re-telling, we die hard Foster fans pick up a ton of great insight into the psyches of familiar characters (Jennifer, Robbie, Kelly's mom, Coach Gunn, Jeremy, etc.), which I enjoyed. It also re-categorized a lot of my 'liked them' characters into 'loved them' status.
But for me, this story was mostly about maturing and gaining the courage to do what you know is right. Not necessarily that of Kyle and Brad as much as the rest of Foster's other residents.
I was completely blown away by many of them. In particular Coach Gunn and Kelly's mom, but especially Brad's (self-admitted asshole) father. It was great to see that even the older generation recognized their need to re-evaluate deeply-engrained, long-held beliefs and prejudices.
And yes, Jeremy's meltdown and lashing out were incredibly hard for me to read, especially knowing that honest-to-God real life kids are experiencing the same things every day. But I'm really glad that the book took us to that dark place.
So many people hear about these things and don't understand that, many times, they happen because the true victims finally snap and decide to fight back. In horrifying, disastrous ways.
Wow, this dark review wasn't what I had in mind at all when I started writing.
But the book had a lot of entertaining parts as well, so to take this to a happier place, here were a few of my favorite humorous parts:
----------------------------------------------------------------
--> Josh in the ice tub after practice: “And no matter how much swag you think you got, there is no way to recover from openly crying like a bitch in the locker room. You know?”
--> Kyle on quickie butt sex: We figured out that night that we only needed fourteen minutes of alone time to get our business done. It was a handy number to know.
--> Robbie to Jennifer: "... if you feel like verbally vomiting all over me again, do not think I am above slapping a hysterical woman. Like my mom always said, if you want to act like a crazy person, you get treated like a crazy person.”
--> Robbie when Matt entered his shop: This guy was rocking some decent hetero camouflage, but I’m sorry, sweetie, your shoes just clocked you as a ’mo.
--> Kyle while being held hostage: “Fuck off.” Needless to say, I did indeed fuck right the hell off.
--> Kyle on Brad after being held hostage:
--> Kyle while being asked to prom: I went pale as I realized what was going on. I was having a Glee stroke.
--> Robbie on motivating Kyle: The key to getting any teenage nerd into a suit is one part fear, two parts peer pressure, and one part Time Lord. If you don’t know what I mean, look it up. It will serve you well in the future, trust me.
--> Robbie on the *alternate* Prom: “Did I plan a party in the middle of some old woods, outside, with bugs? Bitch, you don’t know me at all.”
----------------------------------------------------------------
But nothing was quite as moving for me as Kyle's up front, pissed off Valedictorian speech to Foster's students and the town:
--> “You want to make the world a better place? Do it. You want to be a better person? Be it." ... "We aren’t going to accept there is a time and place for things, and that someday they will get better. The place is here, and the time is now.” ... “We are tired of your world. We are sick of your hatred and your bigotry and of your bullshit. We are not going to stand for it anymore—we won’t." ... “We are coming for you, and we are coming for your world, and we are pissed. If you stand for hate and for discrimination and you can’t see that all people are worth something, then know this. We are the graduating class of Foster High, and your days are numbered.”
I wanted to include that here, because I know a lot of you probably haven't started this series yet and if you don't, that would be a shame. This is a great, great series of books that I can't recommend highly enough.
So on that note, as the Foster portion of the series comes to an end for Kyle and Brad, I will leave you with the same very wise words that Robbie put on a sign in the window of his shop for Kyle and Brad to see as they drove out of town...
"Make Your Own Happy Ending"
----------------------------------------------------------------
5 HUGE Kyle-&-Brad-Loving Stars.
★★★★★
August 4, 2017
5 Stars
This series keeps going from strength to strength.
The way in which this story was written—using multiple POV’s to retell several sequences of events—was epically executed. Not once did I think “ugh, again!?” (which i find is often the case when this style of storytelling is used). Instead, I was forced to attack-read as fast as possible, due to the way each POV (within a segment of retelling) ended on somewhat of a cliff-hanger. I absolutely loved this writing format, and I have nothing but praise for the author in the way he accomplished this.
Once again, this series and its characters have sent me into a state of emotional turmoil. I literally spent 70% of this story crying, and that’s not an exaggeration. Sometimes it was merely a wayward tear here and there, but other times I was uncontrollably sobbing like a hot mess (note to self: re-stock tissues). There is just something about these characters and the many trying situations they face, which simply wrecks me.
Some of my highlighted moments of emotional ruin include:
To be clear, I loved every second of my book-induced emotional distress.
Another fabulous BR with R!
This series keeps going from strength to strength.
The way in which this story was written—using multiple POV’s to retell several sequences of events—was epically executed. Not once did I think “ugh, again!?” (which i find is often the case when this style of storytelling is used). Instead, I was forced to attack-read as fast as possible, due to the way each POV (within a segment of retelling) ended on somewhat of a cliff-hanger. I absolutely loved this writing format, and I have nothing but praise for the author in the way he accomplished this.
Once again, this series and its characters have sent me into a state of emotional turmoil. I literally spent 70% of this story crying, and that’s not an exaggeration. Sometimes it was merely a wayward tear here and there, but other times I was uncontrollably sobbing like a hot mess (note to self: re-stock tissues). There is just something about these characters and the many trying situations they face, which simply wrecks me.
Some of my highlighted moments of emotional ruin include:
To be clear, I loved every second of my book-induced emotional distress.
Another fabulous BR with R!
March 22, 2014
John Goode has done it again. I'm still trying to recover from this book...
My review of 151 Days on GreedyBug Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Harmony Ink Press in exchange for a fair and honest review
My review of 151 Days on GreedyBug Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Harmony Ink Press in exchange for a fair and honest review
January 23, 2020
Just as Goode as ever!!!
Riley just continues to kill me. kill me...
"Smile, baby, we're going to Disney World."
Always Yours,
Riley
*********************************************
(first review 2014, August 8th)
(BR) with Julie!!
review Julie
I have no words to say what I think of this series, this 5th book of “Tales from Foster High”.
It was a difficult read because of all the different POV’s. First I didn’t understand the purpose of doing that. I was getting impatient, just wanted to know about Kyle and Brad… Later on, I understood the author just wanted to let us know how some decisions effect other people. After understanding that I liked it very much. I loved reading about the background of the coach, Robbie, Taylor, Kelly’s mother etc.
There will not be many days that I will not think:
”What would Kyle do?”
“We are tired of your world. We are sick of your hatred and your bigotry and of your bullshit. We are not going to stand for it anymore—we won’t. We are going to go out into the world, and we are going to change it, one person at a time. We are going to meet people, and we are going to tell them these stories from where we grew up, and we are going to share them. And one by one we will change the way people think about the world and the people in it. One by one we will find hatred and intolerance, and we will destroy it.”
We all make mistakes and want to be forgiven. Seeing Brad and Kyles actually doing that, after everything they endured with each other, made me humble!!! If they can forgive who are we that we can’t…..
Brad
Wonderful Brad, I loved him so much. He loved Kyle so much and was even
Now it’s time to say goodbye to Kyle, Brad, Jennifer, Josh, Robbie, Gayle, Taylor and so more…
Hope to read more about Kyle and Brad, would love to find out what Brad
Reviews "Tales from Foster High"
review - Maybe With a Chance of Certainty (book 1)
review - End of the Beginning (book 2)
review - Raise Your Glass (book 3)
review - To Wish for Impossible Things (book 3,5)
review - End of the Innocence (book 4)
review - Dear God (book 4,5)
review - Taking Chances (spin-off) 
March 22, 2014
Before anything else, I just want say that this series has been with me since I read the first book. And I love every book of the series. I’ve been following the author’s updates on facebook and been waiting for this to finally come out! So yeah, if it’s still not clear, I’m a fan.
151 Days deals with the aftermath of Kelly’s death (Brad’s friend), the repercussions of that event that will change Foster and of course the remaining high school days of Brad and Kyle and on how it will affect their relationship with the decisions they have to make for their future.
This book is well wrapped-up for me. I mean if the author is looking for a nice way end the series, this is it! There is no better way to end the series. But let me just tell you that Kyle and Brad’s story may be over in Foster, but I still want to read their story as they move to college. Yep. I am that attached to them.
I like how all the characters in this book kind of evolve. They all changed for the better. They’ve all been on the same line of dominoes when the first one started to fall. Like I said, well wrapped up. Every one of the character has their own resolution.
The writing is great. I know I’ve been saying that to a lot of book I’ve reviewed but it really is. The narration is entertaining for me. It’s like the character invited me over for tea and told me the story firsthand. And man, we drank a lot of tea. One of the best parts of this book? The humor and sarcasm! Man, I swear Mr. Goode mastered the sarcasm 101. I meant that in a good way. You’ll just laugh your ass off with lines in this book. Just thinking about it now, writing this sentence makes me laugh remembering the funny lines.
Though I had my fair share of crying. I expected that part. I’ve known that there will be a bump on Kyle and Brad’s relationship. But nothing prepared me for it. It was hard seeing them miserable to the point that I can’t take it. But let me assure you that I’ve been rewarded at the end.
The multi-point of view kind of surprised me because I’ve been used to Kyle and Brad’s POV but it did well on solidifying the plot and resolution of the book. It makes us take a closer on the secondary characters and understand them better why they’ve done the thing they’ve done. Especially Jeremy and Robbie’s character. Because of what happened to them, they are bitter to the world. Like it’s out to get them. They became cynical and they are the reason they are not happy. The happy side is that they did realize that and it worked out for them in the end.
I’d also like to point out that even a lot of dramas, there are still a lot of Kyle and Brad sweet moments.
For me, this is not just a book. This is a book with a message that someone out there needs our help. I have friends who had been bullied. Some of them became stronger because of it but some just chose to forget that part of their high school life. It’s sad because no one deserve that. NO ONE. (Let just me clarify that I am not running for Mr. Universe.)
Super-duper enjoyable read for me. I devoured the whole book. If you read the series, you know this book is a must. And if you haven’t, go read the first book. I swear you’ll love it.
P.S. Read the Author's note after!
P.P.S. Mr. Raymond, (The principal) is a dick!
More reviews on Sidlove.com
151 Days deals with the aftermath of Kelly’s death (Brad’s friend), the repercussions of that event that will change Foster and of course the remaining high school days of Brad and Kyle and on how it will affect their relationship with the decisions they have to make for their future.
This book is well wrapped-up for me. I mean if the author is looking for a nice way end the series, this is it! There is no better way to end the series. But let me just tell you that Kyle and Brad’s story may be over in Foster, but I still want to read their story as they move to college. Yep. I am that attached to them.
I like how all the characters in this book kind of evolve. They all changed for the better. They’ve all been on the same line of dominoes when the first one started to fall. Like I said, well wrapped up. Every one of the character has their own resolution.
The writing is great. I know I’ve been saying that to a lot of book I’ve reviewed but it really is. The narration is entertaining for me. It’s like the character invited me over for tea and told me the story firsthand. And man, we drank a lot of tea. One of the best parts of this book? The humor and sarcasm! Man, I swear Mr. Goode mastered the sarcasm 101. I meant that in a good way. You’ll just laugh your ass off with lines in this book. Just thinking about it now, writing this sentence makes me laugh remembering the funny lines.
Though I had my fair share of crying. I expected that part. I’ve known that there will be a bump on Kyle and Brad’s relationship. But nothing prepared me for it. It was hard seeing them miserable to the point that I can’t take it. But let me assure you that I’ve been rewarded at the end.
The multi-point of view kind of surprised me because I’ve been used to Kyle and Brad’s POV but it did well on solidifying the plot and resolution of the book. It makes us take a closer on the secondary characters and understand them better why they’ve done the thing they’ve done. Especially Jeremy and Robbie’s character. Because of what happened to them, they are bitter to the world. Like it’s out to get them. They became cynical and they are the reason they are not happy. The happy side is that they did realize that and it worked out for them in the end.
I’d also like to point out that even a lot of dramas, there are still a lot of Kyle and Brad sweet moments.
For me, this is not just a book. This is a book with a message that someone out there needs our help. I have friends who had been bullied. Some of them became stronger because of it but some just chose to forget that part of their high school life. It’s sad because no one deserve that. NO ONE. (Let just me clarify that I am not running for Mr. Universe.)
Super-duper enjoyable read for me. I devoured the whole book. If you read the series, you know this book is a must. And if you haven’t, go read the first book. I swear you’ll love it.
P.S. Read the Author's note after!
P.P.S. Mr. Raymond, (The principal) is a dick!
More reviews on Sidlove.com
August 3, 2016
I have been a fan of the Foster High books, since the first edition of the short story, Maybe With a Chance of Certainty, the one that started everything. I definitely didn’t imagine that it would come to this point – a story that started with that lovely feeling of first love, has now covered bullying, being outcast, and in the last book…
Now, at the 176k word count, 151 Days is the longest story to date and marked an ending to tales coming from Foster High School (though stories from the characters might continue).
There were so many issues that John Goode presented in this book – at times I did feel it became overwhelming. I tried not to spoil much but there was one VERY intense chapter and a LOT of drama, including between the adults. It did seem that John wanted to make sure that every question was answered and every problem got the closure. I could understand though. I saw these changes that happened in Foster and all these things were highly related. It brought up things that were buried secret, and these kids forced people in Foster to face it with them. So yes, it was overwhelming but it was good.
The characters were excellent – again, it was such a journey seeing how these kids developed from the previous stories. I loved how Kyle became Brad’s sun and sky, because Kyle was the one with the dream and determination. But at the same time, Brad was Kyle’s “earth” so to speak, because Brad kept Kyle grounded.
Another shout out is for Robbie. He was one of a kind. I didn’t know if I wanted to hate him or to feel sorry for him or just hug him. Robbie is one of John’s most complex characters, and I’d love to see his story of moving on. Josh became one of my favorite secondary characters and I loved how Jennifer was written as well.
There was one technical issue that I wanted to raise in this review. We had perspectives from multiple characters relating to specific events. For me, it bogged the story down. It was like taking one step forward and two steps back. We have one character narrating then it stopped and I was transported back to beginning of that scene from different perspectives. Especially during a chapter that involved a character named Jeremy – it took steps back way, way before, back to the previous books. It felt repetitive and I skimmed some of the dialogues because of that. I understand that this is the way for me, as a reader, to understand the reason behind every action. But it disrupted the flow of the story.
So all in all, I do think some readers will find it as too much drama. Other readers will find the writing annoying. Others may find it a bit too “after-school-special” preachy. But I think no readers – who have followed this series from beginning – will think that there are loose ends. It has been a great journey, especially for Kyle and Brad, and I’m happy that I’ve been with them throughout.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Now, at the 176k word count, 151 Days is the longest story to date and marked an ending to tales coming from Foster High School (though stories from the characters might continue).
There were so many issues that John Goode presented in this book – at times I did feel it became overwhelming. I tried not to spoil much but there was one VERY intense chapter and a LOT of drama, including between the adults. It did seem that John wanted to make sure that every question was answered and every problem got the closure. I could understand though. I saw these changes that happened in Foster and all these things were highly related. It brought up things that were buried secret, and these kids forced people in Foster to face it with them. So yes, it was overwhelming but it was good.
The characters were excellent – again, it was such a journey seeing how these kids developed from the previous stories. I loved how Kyle became Brad’s sun and sky, because Kyle was the one with the dream and determination. But at the same time, Brad was Kyle’s “earth” so to speak, because Brad kept Kyle grounded.
Another shout out is for Robbie. He was one of a kind. I didn’t know if I wanted to hate him or to feel sorry for him or just hug him. Robbie is one of John’s most complex characters, and I’d love to see his story of moving on. Josh became one of my favorite secondary characters and I loved how Jennifer was written as well.
There was one technical issue that I wanted to raise in this review. We had perspectives from multiple characters relating to specific events. For me, it bogged the story down. It was like taking one step forward and two steps back. We have one character narrating then it stopped and I was transported back to beginning of that scene from different perspectives. Especially during a chapter that involved a character named Jeremy – it took steps back way, way before, back to the previous books. It felt repetitive and I skimmed some of the dialogues because of that. I understand that this is the way for me, as a reader, to understand the reason behind every action. But it disrupted the flow of the story.
So all in all, I do think some readers will find it as too much drama. Other readers will find the writing annoying. Others may find it a bit too “after-school-special” preachy. But I think no readers – who have followed this series from beginning – will think that there are loose ends. It has been a great journey, especially for Kyle and Brad, and I’m happy that I’ve been with them throughout.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
June 14, 2017
As with all the books in this series, this is about decisions - decisions whether to listen, to be heard, to change. It literally takes only one person to bring about impressive results. However it also takes knowledge, and this showed how vital it is to realize that every situation, motive, or action, always has two sides to its story. Jumping to conclusions can have just as dire consequences as inaction, and it was a tough lesson to learn.
This was also about growth. Kyle may be perfect in his ideas and determination, but he wasn't infallible. His one track mind on righting wrongs was almost too black and white, preventing him from seeing the whole picture and shutting off those people he had originally set out to protect and support. Of course he does come around and he does realize the error of his ways, but Goode is excellent at throwing wrenches into the most obvious of plans.
Here, Brad was able to shine the most. He had goals, he had heart, and though he meticulously planned his future and had it at his fingertips, he once again refused to make any more concessions on who he is and what he wants. I loved that about him.
For some reason, this was the hardest book to get through. Harsh in subject matter, I flinched at the pull no punches attitude. I wanted a 100% fairy tale ending for Kyle, and especially Brad, but real life isn't fair. Yes many things were resolved but they definitely have a tough road ahead. What continues is Goode's message of fostering community through his books, of reaching out to those who may feel alone and hopeless. Despite what may seem like a no-win situation, there is another alternative - you just have to take that first step and speak up.
This was also about growth. Kyle may be perfect in his ideas and determination, but he wasn't infallible. His one track mind on righting wrongs was almost too black and white, preventing him from seeing the whole picture and shutting off those people he had originally set out to protect and support. Of course he does come around and he does realize the error of his ways, but Goode is excellent at throwing wrenches into the most obvious of plans.
Here, Brad was able to shine the most. He had goals, he had heart, and though he meticulously planned his future and had it at his fingertips, he once again refused to make any more concessions on who he is and what he wants. I loved that about him.
For some reason, this was the hardest book to get through. Harsh in subject matter, I flinched at the pull no punches attitude. I wanted a 100% fairy tale ending for Kyle, and especially Brad, but real life isn't fair. Yes many things were resolved but they definitely have a tough road ahead. What continues is Goode's message of fostering community through his books, of reaching out to those who may feel alone and hopeless. Despite what may seem like a no-win situation, there is another alternative - you just have to take that first step and speak up.
July 14, 2015
All his life he's been told
He'll be nothing when he's old
All the kicks and all the blows
He won't ever let it show
'Cause he's stronger than you know
A heart of steel starts to grow
When you've been fighting for it all your life
You've been struggling to make things right
That's how a superhero learns to fly
"Superheroes" by The Script
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIm1G...
In this story:
Brad the Popular became Brad the Victor
and invisible Kyle became invincible Kyle.
...and it was beautiful and amazing. The beginning will make you smile. It was basically sweet moments between Kyle & Brad and their friends. They were also new romances brewing.
The middle? It was very, very, very hard to read. The author tackled SCHOOL SHOOTINGS in this one. For me this dragged a little bit.
The ending was very satisfying. Everything was resolved. It was HEAVEN.
I have some issues though. There were a lot of POVs. Some of which I think I didn't need. And I have to mention this, the voices in the POVs sounded similar. Most of them have a similar pattern of narration. I actually noticed this from Book 1, but in this one the similarities were quite glaring.
Thumbs up for the Pop Music references! They were great.
Overall, this is a GREAT CLOSURE for Kyle & Brad's life in Foster. You MUST read this if you follow this series. And thank you Mr. Goode for bringing Kyle & Brad to us. They're an inspiration. :D
4.25 STARS!
MY OTHER REVIEWS FROM THE FOSTER HIGH UNIVERSE:
Maybe with a Chance of Certainty
End of the Beginning
Raise Your Glass
End of Innocence
Taking Chances
January 12, 2017
151 hopeful stars.
I started this book right after I finished End of the Innocence and Only in the middle of it I realized that there's another book before it, but that book is from another couple so I didn't affect the quality and I wasn't lost at all.
This book is about a lot of things, Kyle's vision to make a change in his school before he graduates, he doesn't want to let what happen in the previous christmas break be forgotten, he needs to make people see that change is necessary the problem is, he is not sure yet how.
There a few other storilnes mentioned here that are explored in other books of the series, which I loved because I was left very curious about three characters, about their past and future.
There a few POVs scatter throughout the book that made you understand the people in the story and the story whole a bit more, this I honestly felt it was too much BUT in didn't bothered me enough to change my rating because in the end those POVs made me apreciate the story as whole a little bit more.
I love what John goode has done with this series because it touches a lot of important issues that homosexual people and teenagers in general deal with all the time, yes things are changing but sadly not fast enough.
The thing is though, this book is not only about those things, this is a beautiful love story about two very different but very strong boys. My love and respect for Brad and Kyle only grew in this book, they had a lot of growing to do.
I liked finding out things about the past of this town and the last chapter gives you hope for the future, even if whatever books come next in the series are not set in the town we know that things are going to improve because in the end Kyle and Brad did it, they changed things.
I started this book right after I finished End of the Innocence and Only in the middle of it I realized that there's another book before it, but that book is from another couple so I didn't affect the quality and I wasn't lost at all.
This book is about a lot of things, Kyle's vision to make a change in his school before he graduates, he doesn't want to let what happen in the previous christmas break be forgotten, he needs to make people see that change is necessary the problem is, he is not sure yet how.
There a few other storilnes mentioned here that are explored in other books of the series, which I loved because I was left very curious about three characters, about their past and future.
There a few POVs scatter throughout the book that made you understand the people in the story and the story whole a bit more, this I honestly felt it was too much BUT in didn't bothered me enough to change my rating because in the end those POVs made me apreciate the story as whole a little bit more.
I love what John goode has done with this series because it touches a lot of important issues that homosexual people and teenagers in general deal with all the time, yes things are changing but sadly not fast enough.
The thing is though, this book is not only about those things, this is a beautiful love story about two very different but very strong boys. My love and respect for Brad and Kyle only grew in this book, they had a lot of growing to do.
I liked finding out things about the past of this town and the last chapter gives you hope for the future, even if whatever books come next in the series are not set in the town we know that things are going to improve because in the end Kyle and Brad did it, they changed things.
September 10, 2015
I would give 10 stars if possible!
September 25, 2014
**** 4 stars ****
You know, sometimes en inspiration hits you from out of nowhere. I was thinking about how I felt about this book,
and for some reason it got me thinking of the ending of Lord of the Rings movie. Yeah, I don't even know how my mind
works half the time either. Well, it's more accurate to say how my feelings works. Because reading the last book of
the Foster High series made me feel exactly like watching the end of LOTR at Grey Havens.
Please watch from the beginning till about 0:46. What Gandalf says with the lovely music in the background!
Farewell at Grey Havens (Youtube link)
"Farewell, my brave Hobbits. My work is now finished. Here at last on the shores of the Sea comes the end of our fellowship. I will not say: Do not weep;for not all tears are an evil."
Through the Foster High series I've been through so much, seen many battles and victories, through hardship and pain, but also meaning, hope and of course love.
In the end I got my Happily Ever After. So I feel so happy about that, but at the same time sad as it had to end, and that is heartbreaking.
Just like the end at Grey Havens in LOTR.
*bawl*
Me getting some much needed hug. :)
But...
...there is still hope. There is always hope.
"The ship" travels to new shores.
And I'm itching to see where John steers his new ship. I'll be waiting to leap ashore.
So thank you, John! I have really appreciated these books you have written. You have a gift with words, almost like a wizard. Heh ;) I'm so happy you have been able to put them together to make these books.
And, uhm.. sorry about the beard... LOL
The end
But not the end, really.
Thanks to my buddy readers!
You know, sometimes en inspiration hits you from out of nowhere. I was thinking about how I felt about this book,
and for some reason it got me thinking of the ending of Lord of the Rings movie. Yeah, I don't even know how my mind
works half the time either. Well, it's more accurate to say how my feelings works. Because reading the last book of
the Foster High series made me feel exactly like watching the end of LOTR at Grey Havens.
Please watch from the beginning till about 0:46. What Gandalf says with the lovely music in the background!
Farewell at Grey Havens (Youtube link)
"Farewell, my brave Hobbits. My work is now finished. Here at last on the shores of the Sea comes the end of our fellowship. I will not say: Do not weep;for not all tears are an evil."
Through the Foster High series I've been through so much, seen many battles and victories, through hardship and pain, but also meaning, hope and of course love.
In the end I got my Happily Ever After. So I feel so happy about that, but at the same time sad as it had to end, and that is heartbreaking.
Just like the end at Grey Havens in LOTR.
*bawl*
Me getting some much needed hug. :)
But...
...there is still hope. There is always hope.
"The ship" travels to new shores.
And I'm itching to see where John steers his new ship. I'll be waiting to leap ashore.
So thank you, John! I have really appreciated these books you have written. You have a gift with words, almost like a wizard. Heh ;) I'm so happy you have been able to put them together to make these books.
And, uhm.. sorry about the beard... LOL
The end
But not the end, really.
Thanks to my buddy readers!
November 12, 2014
Writing a review for this book is nearly impossible. If you have followed the Foster High series you’ll know that 151 days is the book where all the loose ends will be tied up. Still 151 days left until graduation.
Watching Brad and Kyle’s love break through all obstacles was heartbreaking and heartwarming to watch. it was intense, it was painful, and it was tough.
I loved the book, I loved the characters although it wasn’t always easy to switch between the different point of views. I guess it was vital for the book but there were times I just didn’t want to read one and the same scene from a different perspective. Plus I can live without flashbacks as well… Okay, I got over it… :)
151 Days had a very important message: Don’t give homophobia a chance, fight with everything you have for a life of equality and the right to love anyone you want regardless the gender.
I know that 151 is the official end of the Foster High series but I’m very glad we don’t have to live without Kyle, Brad and the other guys. Thank you, John for creating all these wonderful characters and giving us the opportunity to accompany them on their heartwarming, moving and painful journey.
June 12, 2016
John, I'm making an exception, just for you :-x
My original review is on Leafmarks, where all my updates are and it would probably be better to read it there, but well, better like this than not at all.
Review:
When I was younger, I was still a bit reckless, and that’s why I ended up watching the tripple feature of The Lord Of The Rings in the movie theatre.
After watching the movies for more then ten hours, I felt exhausted and tired, happy and uplifted, but most prominent, I felt altered. I came awake after a long, life-changing journey. I felt alive, somehow out of myself, and close to my fellow travellers.
After a week of 151 Days, that is exactly how I feel now. Therefore, it is no wonder, I kept thinking of ‘Into The West’ by Annie Lennox, the song that is played at the end of The Return Of The King.
After I finished John’s epilogue this morning, I thought it was a splendid idea to play this song, and that’s how I ended up on my sofa with tears streaming down my face. Because I can be a very emotional person and music can touch me very deeply. Because, while I always knew that I wasn’t just reading any story, John’s epilogues always make me see that I am kinda reading his story, that this is real. Because I am altered, I am not the same.
So, I’m gonna try and get this song for you in here, so that you can hear it while reading the rest of my review. Yes, that actually works on Leafmarks... You'll have to use the link
Thanks for the heads up, John. You were right! This was a hell of a ride. But in the end, I have no regrets, it was worth it.
I don’t want to say anything about the plot or the characters. That is for John to tell. But I want to tell you something about him and his beautiful writing.
First, about John… I have never met an author who values his readers as much as he does. It is so precious to see how he obviously is delighted that people read his story and even like it. It is awesome that he pops in on our status updates and reviews to give some background and insights. Of course, making sure he is welcome there.
His writing… Here, let me point out the shelves that were inspired by John alone:
author-is-a-god-and-genius
I-m-a-puppet-in-almighty-author-s-hands
author-knows-better-than-I
author-is-full-of-wisdom
to-read-will-read-every-single-book-by-the-author
characters-so-real-I-meet-them-someday
it-is-so-good-I-didn-t-even-miss-the-sex
content-my-inner-Kyle-jumped-out
John has earned every single one of them. Above that his plot, world and character build is beyond this world. I am awed by his talent.
Let me further point out the shelf that 151 Days in particular has earned
favourites-plus—because-no-one-deserves-to-be-shelved-next-to-it
Coming back to ‘Into The West’
This is the end of Tales From Foster High, but on the horizon there is more. More about Kyle and Brad, and more about Robbie.
***
I encourage you to read through my updates, because there are a lot of awesome quotes in them and they show my journey’s progress. Um, yes, sorry, go to Leafmarks to read them...
***
To the Fellowship of Foster High: Thank you for going on this life altering journey with me, for carrying a part of the burden, and for getting on this ship with me now. We will never be the same.
My original review is on Leafmarks, where all my updates are and it would probably be better to read it there, but well, better like this than not at all.
Review:
When I was younger, I was still a bit reckless, and that’s why I ended up watching the tripple feature of The Lord Of The Rings in the movie theatre.
After watching the movies for more then ten hours, I felt exhausted and tired, happy and uplifted, but most prominent, I felt altered. I came awake after a long, life-changing journey. I felt alive, somehow out of myself, and close to my fellow travellers.
After a week of 151 Days, that is exactly how I feel now. Therefore, it is no wonder, I kept thinking of ‘Into The West’ by Annie Lennox, the song that is played at the end of The Return Of The King.
After I finished John’s epilogue this morning, I thought it was a splendid idea to play this song, and that’s how I ended up on my sofa with tears streaming down my face. Because I can be a very emotional person and music can touch me very deeply. Because, while I always knew that I wasn’t just reading any story, John’s epilogues always make me see that I am kinda reading his story, that this is real. Because I am altered, I am not the same.
So, I’m gonna try and get this song for you in here, so that you can hear it while reading the rest of my review. Yes, that actually works on Leafmarks... You'll have to use the link
A lot of things can happen in 151 days. A lot of things that people might not be ready for.
So I'm telling you now, hold on. This might get a little bumpy.
Thanks for the heads up, John. You were right! This was a hell of a ride. But in the end, I have no regrets, it was worth it.
I don’t want to say anything about the plot or the characters. That is for John to tell. But I want to tell you something about him and his beautiful writing.
First, about John… I have never met an author who values his readers as much as he does. It is so precious to see how he obviously is delighted that people read his story and even like it. It is awesome that he pops in on our status updates and reviews to give some background and insights. Of course, making sure he is welcome there.
His writing… Here, let me point out the shelves that were inspired by John alone:
author-is-a-god-and-genius
I-m-a-puppet-in-almighty-author-s-hands
author-knows-better-than-I
author-is-full-of-wisdom
to-read-will-read-every-single-book-by-the-author
characters-so-real-I-meet-them-someday
it-is-so-good-I-didn-t-even-miss-the-sex
content-my-inner-Kyle-jumped-out
John has earned every single one of them. Above that his plot, world and character build is beyond this world. I am awed by his talent.
Let me further point out the shelf that 151 Days in particular has earned
favourites-plus—because-no-one-deserves-to-be-shelved-next-to-it
Coming back to ‘Into The West’
“Lay down your sweet and weary head. Night is falling. You have come to journey’s end.
Why do you weep? What are the tears upon your face?
What can you see on the horizon?”
This is the end of Tales From Foster High, but on the horizon there is more. More about Kyle and Brad, and more about Robbie.
***
I encourage you to read through my updates, because there are a lot of awesome quotes in them and they show my journey’s progress. Um, yes, sorry, go to Leafmarks to read them...
***
To the Fellowship of Foster High: Thank you for going on this life altering journey with me, for carrying a part of the burden, and for getting on this ship with me now. We will never be the same.
September 16, 2014
I will start by saying that John Goode is brilliant. The way this was written was exquisite. You know the saying that there are two sides to every story? Well, there were several sides to this story as we got the privilege of getting a first hand glimpse into several of the character's minds. It's amazing how much one can jump to conclusions while reading. I found myself doing this throughout this book and then when I would read it from another person's point of view I could see a totally different side. That happened several times and it kept me on my toes.
I really fell in love with Jennifer's dad, Brad's dad, and Coach Gunn. I had always liked Jennifer's dad from the previous books, but he really made me fall for him in this one. I loved the conversation that he had with Jennifer in the diner about college. I think it just spoke so much about his character and how much he loved his daughter. Coach Gunn and Brad's dad had some making up to do as I wasn't too in love with them previously. I always thought Brad's dad was an ass, but the conversations he had with Brad throughout this portion of the story totally changed my mind. I think it's impossible to make up for the previous 18 years of Brad's life, but I think Brad actually *wants* a relationship with his father now, and that's awesome. Now to Coach Gunn....I really loved the parts from his POV. Parts of the story that had already happened, but as a reader, we weren't privy to until this book. I gained a new respect for Coach Gunn and I really liked his teaching methods. He really helped Brad become a better person.
Of course, I will always love Robbie and his fantastic wit. And I love the fact and him and Tyler had a little closure because I think Robbie needed it (and so did Tyler). I love how Matt is quick to be on Tyler's side, I really like them as a couple.
The part about Jeremy was really hard to read. I think it was so hard because this stuff happens in real life. He was constantly getting kicked and when he fought back, it turned into a terrible tragedy which lead him to dive further down than he was originally. It was just sad to read and it brought back feelings of how upset I was about Kelly.
Lastly, I will forever love Kyle and Brad (and Jennifer and Sammy)! I was very happy to read that more stories about Kyle and Brad will be coming (and Tyler and Matt too....and Robbie...WOO HOO).
This was a wonderful ending to life in Foster, I loved reading every bit of it!
I really fell in love with Jennifer's dad, Brad's dad, and Coach Gunn. I had always liked Jennifer's dad from the previous books, but he really made me fall for him in this one. I loved the conversation that he had with Jennifer in the diner about college. I think it just spoke so much about his character and how much he loved his daughter. Coach Gunn and Brad's dad had some making up to do as I wasn't too in love with them previously. I always thought Brad's dad was an ass, but the conversations he had with Brad throughout this portion of the story totally changed my mind. I think it's impossible to make up for the previous 18 years of Brad's life, but I think Brad actually *wants* a relationship with his father now, and that's awesome. Now to Coach Gunn....I really loved the parts from his POV. Parts of the story that had already happened, but as a reader, we weren't privy to until this book. I gained a new respect for Coach Gunn and I really liked his teaching methods. He really helped Brad become a better person.
Of course, I will always love Robbie and his fantastic wit. And I love the fact and him and Tyler had a little closure because I think Robbie needed it (and so did Tyler). I love how Matt is quick to be on Tyler's side, I really like them as a couple.
The part about Jeremy was really hard to read. I think it was so hard because this stuff happens in real life. He was constantly getting kicked and when he fought back, it turned into a terrible tragedy which lead him to dive further down than he was originally. It was just sad to read and it brought back feelings of how upset I was about Kelly.
Lastly, I will forever love Kyle and Brad (and Jennifer and Sammy)! I was very happy to read that more stories about Kyle and Brad will be coming (and Tyler and Matt too....and Robbie...WOO HOO).
This was a wonderful ending to life in Foster, I loved reading every bit of it!
June 13, 2015
Foster High, I'm DEFINITELY not sorry to see you go. Foster, a small Texan town populated by mostly small-minded, bigoted and cowardly people...good riddance!! 5 stars from me for this, the last in the Foster High series. Kyle and Brad in California, bring it on dude!!
There were parts that I absolutely loved, there were parts that I didn't like quite so much but I suggest that you read BJ's wonderful and extremely eloquent review, and as far as I'm concerned I can only say how impressed I was once again with the quality of John's writing, superb as always.
I totally get why Robbie had problems with Tyler...I would have had problems too!! The fact that Robbie finally got some sort of closure however was great, and his generous offer...well, no wonder Kyle and Brad were overwhelmed!!
One of the amazing things about this series has been the Pop Culture refs, and I'm so glad John didn't take the easy way out with the 'villain of the piece' and make any references to a certain Pearl Jam song, that would have been too much to take in view of the seriousness of the situation. I didn't like that particular character at all, but given the circumstances of his upbringing and the crap he still had to endure from his 'father', is anyone surprised he turned out like he did??
I love that Josh finally got his girl, and wouldn't be too surprised if they make appearances in the California book(s...she says hopefully). I think Jennifer was the best friend that everyone of us deserves but rarely gets, OK it may have taken her a little while to get used to the fact that Brad preferred Kyle to her, but once she'd accepted it, she was solid with both Brad and Kyle, and definitely had their backs!!
Who else did I like....Gayle at the diner, and I'm glad that she seems to have a future with Coach Gunn, who finally manned up and stood up to the Head of the school cos he thought how disappointed his dead wife would have been with him...that was an 'ah bless' moment!!
Dislikes...well, the most aggravating part of the story for me was the fact that some parts of it were repeated...but from different perspectives. It took a little getting used to I have to admit, and I'm still not quite sure whether it worked; however, it didn't stop me from enjoying this last instalment.
Many thanks John for an outstanding series, and I love that you made Kyle a sex fiend, hehe!!
There were parts that I absolutely loved, there were parts that I didn't like quite so much but I suggest that you read BJ's wonderful and extremely eloquent review, and as far as I'm concerned I can only say how impressed I was once again with the quality of John's writing, superb as always.
I totally get why Robbie had problems with Tyler...I would have had problems too!! The fact that Robbie finally got some sort of closure however was great, and his generous offer...well, no wonder Kyle and Brad were overwhelmed!!
One of the amazing things about this series has been the Pop Culture refs, and I'm so glad John didn't take the easy way out with the 'villain of the piece' and make any references to a certain Pearl Jam song, that would have been too much to take in view of the seriousness of the situation. I didn't like that particular character at all, but given the circumstances of his upbringing and the crap he still had to endure from his 'father', is anyone surprised he turned out like he did??
I love that Josh finally got his girl, and wouldn't be too surprised if they make appearances in the California book(s...she says hopefully). I think Jennifer was the best friend that everyone of us deserves but rarely gets, OK it may have taken her a little while to get used to the fact that Brad preferred Kyle to her, but once she'd accepted it, she was solid with both Brad and Kyle, and definitely had their backs!!
Who else did I like....Gayle at the diner, and I'm glad that she seems to have a future with Coach Gunn, who finally manned up and stood up to the Head of the school cos he thought how disappointed his dead wife would have been with him...that was an 'ah bless' moment!!
Dislikes...well, the most aggravating part of the story for me was the fact that some parts of it were repeated...but from different perspectives. It took a little getting used to I have to admit, and I'm still not quite sure whether it worked; however, it didn't stop me from enjoying this last instalment.
Many thanks John for an outstanding series, and I love that you made Kyle a sex fiend, hehe!!
September 20, 2014
BR with Marco, Marte, Mel, Sonia, Cory & Dawn
Review to follow soon...
Review to follow soon...
March 8, 2017
4.5 STARS
August 29, 2014
This book finishes the Foster High series. I've become very attached to Brad and Kyle, and look forward to seeing them again as college students someday. But this story neatly wraps up the challenges of the town of Foster, and the fates of the people who live in it.
In some ways, this story is comfort-food. It's an affirmation that one person can change another person, and that if enough people do that, together they can change a town, and someday change the world.
Things happen in this book, both bad and good, but there is a pervasive sense of hope by the end. I appreciated that Kyle was allowed a few moments of being a jerk, and lost a little of his perfection and gained some humanity in the process. There were in fact, no perfect heroes and no pure villains in the story, just people with flaws and strengths and history. The effort to get the reader to empathize was well done, and if the eventual redemption was a bit universal across the characters, I think sometimes we all need that hope. Young adults most of all, perhaps.
I did feel that the device of showing the same scenes from more than one point of view led to too much repetition, particularly of dialogue, some of which I found myself skimming. It also resulted in a timeline that backtracked here and there, occasionally by years, and so this story didn't have the smooth flow of previous books in the series. On the positive side, the device gave us a deeper understanding of numerous characters and what motivated them. One of the hallmarks of a good story is that everyone's actions are well-motivated and understandable. There were no pure villains, just a lot of wrongdoing produced from old pain and hidden history.
This is one of several Young Adult books I've read lately that felt like a plea to teens, to learn from the painful experiences of those of us who came before. Like Two Boys Kissing, there were passages here which spoke eloquently and clearly the words I've more than once wanted to get some teenager to hear. And like with that book, I do wonder if this is something that a young audience will take away from the story, or something they will disregard as "grown-up preaching" and have to relearn through their own bitter experiences. But it never hurts to try, and I did read this in one straight marathon, eager to see not only Kyle and Brad, but Robbie, Tyler, Jennifer, Sammy and many others come through to the end of the story.
In some ways, this story is comfort-food. It's an affirmation that one person can change another person, and that if enough people do that, together they can change a town, and someday change the world.
Things happen in this book, both bad and good, but there is a pervasive sense of hope by the end. I appreciated that Kyle was allowed a few moments of being a jerk, and lost a little of his perfection and gained some humanity in the process. There were in fact, no perfect heroes and no pure villains in the story, just people with flaws and strengths and history. The effort to get the reader to empathize was well done, and if the eventual redemption was a bit universal across the characters, I think sometimes we all need that hope. Young adults most of all, perhaps.
I did feel that the device of showing the same scenes from more than one point of view led to too much repetition, particularly of dialogue, some of which I found myself skimming. It also resulted in a timeline that backtracked here and there, occasionally by years, and so this story didn't have the smooth flow of previous books in the series. On the positive side, the device gave us a deeper understanding of numerous characters and what motivated them. One of the hallmarks of a good story is that everyone's actions are well-motivated and understandable. There were no pure villains, just a lot of wrongdoing produced from old pain and hidden history.
This is one of several Young Adult books I've read lately that felt like a plea to teens, to learn from the painful experiences of those of us who came before. Like Two Boys Kissing, there were passages here which spoke eloquently and clearly the words I've more than once wanted to get some teenager to hear. And like with that book, I do wonder if this is something that a young audience will take away from the story, or something they will disregard as "grown-up preaching" and have to relearn through their own bitter experiences. But it never hurts to try, and I did read this in one straight marathon, eager to see not only Kyle and Brad, but Robbie, Tyler, Jennifer, Sammy and many others come through to the end of the story.
August 17, 2016
Wow just WOW. This book is one of the most moving books I've read.
I've loved Brad and Kyle from the start. They are just so cute. Reading about their lives and their struggles was both heart-aching and heart-lifting.
But this book looks so much deeper than the majority out there. This was not just Brad and Kyles story. This was the story of a small town.
We get a much closer look at the adults this time around, and through this I found myself losing my superiority over them. Its easy to look at the drunk parent and blame them, but once you can see through their eyes things change. So often we only see the outside, and we judge on only the parts we see. Often its the hidden parts we need to look at to get the bigger picture. This book does just that.
As for the kids, they just broke my heart over and over. Jeremy came to life in these pages as I never thought possible from the previous book. In fact nearly everyone from the previous books took on a whole new light in this one. Even Kyle gave me pause at times.
That's not to say there are not just some nasty people out there that delight in being spiteful. Sadly there are, but they are not as many as we assume.
This book is so much more than just a high school romance read. I wish I could find the words but alas my thoughts rarely make it into words on paper lol.
Recommended for all.
ETA These books need to be standard reading in schools.
October 2, 2015
151 Days takes place during the last couple of months of Kyle and Brad's High School Senior year. And those last months are not only told through their eyes, but also through the POVs of most of the characters we have come across during this series. And through their perspective it allowed us to see them in a different light. But most importantly it shows us that it's never too late.
After finishing this book there's no way I could see this quote and not think of Kyle.
I alone can't change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create ripples.
-Mother Theresa
Perfect ending was perfect!
I'm just in awe with Mr. Goode's writing ability. His books are more than just a couple of hours of entertainment. More than just words on a page. They are real, eye-opening, and powerful. Highly recommended!
After finishing this book there's no way I could see this quote and not think of Kyle.
I alone can't change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create ripples.
-Mother Theresa
Perfect ending was perfect!
I'm just in awe with Mr. Goode's writing ability. His books are more than just a couple of hours of entertainment. More than just words on a page. They are real, eye-opening, and powerful. Highly recommended!
January 11, 2015
i have a feeling that this will be my first 5-star read of 2015. ;)
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WOW! I mean WOW! John Goode thank you for this! :) *sanding ovation while wiping tears*
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WOW! I mean WOW! John Goode thank you for this! :) *sanding ovation while wiping tears*
March 26, 2014
I usually don't write reviews for books. I'm kind of lazy and I'm scared to have any kind of sample of my writing ability out there on the internet. With that said, here we go!
These characters are so amazingly written. They are so complicated, interesting and relatable. I teared up several times throughout this book (while on the metro, oops) because I felt so strongly for many of the characters. I would compare Mr. Goode with Stephen King in the sense that these are two authors that are able to write people. Real people. Their character writing has been some of the best that I've found so far in the many books that I've read in my life.
Kyle and Brad have a lot of problems throughout the book. The one that seemed the most heartbreaking was this feeling that Kyle had to break up with Brad to let him go and live his life. It's something that I think many people run into throughout their lives. I came very close to having to make a similar decision in my life. I felt for Kyle. I was stressed for him and sad for him. I understood him.
Brad is a truly wonderful character and fiercely loyal. In fact, I think that he could use some more faults because he is pretty close to perfect in a lot of ways. I wouldn't change him for better or worse though; I'm just jealous of him a little bit. I loved Brad's decision with his future and I thought that it was great that he stood up for himself. However, I think that the fact that he made that decision and then he and Kyle just kind of went living on betrayed their true characters. I feel like Coach Gunn, Kyle, and Brad would have contacted other places to ensure him a future.
I will say that I did get a bit frustrated through the repetition of the same scene through different perspectives. I found it interesting and awesome, but I think that having your reader stressed that long about the characters was kind of almost cruel. I felt myself having to slow down my reading because I wanted to get to the part where I found out whether or not everything was going to be okay. However, it's a bit hard to discredit Mr. Goode too much because there are so many characters in this small town and every time he wrote for one of them I felt a very distinct voice speaking in my head. In fact, I'm not sure I would even have to look at the chapter title to know who was speaking and could just guess with their inner dialogue and interactions. That is an incredibly difficult thing to accomplish in writing and I feel like Mr. Goode should be really proud of himself for accomplishing that task so well.
There is so much more I could say, and if Mr. Goode is reading this and wants me to say it to him in a message I would gladly oblige, but I want it to be known that this book was truly touching and has influenced me. The town of Foster was a living breathing thing, alluded to many times in the story, and we saw this great big Foster being become something very different than at the start of this series.
Also, when I read the post script I literally said an audible, "YES!" I am so excited that we are not done with Kyle, Brad, Robbie, Matt, and Tyler. However, a personal request, I would really like to keep tabs on Josh and Jennifer as well to be honest. I want to see what they do with their lives together. I cared about them a lot as well.
Unfocused review, but there are some musings for you.
Thank you Mr. Goode, I look forward to more from these people that I have grown so close to in this past week.
These characters are so amazingly written. They are so complicated, interesting and relatable. I teared up several times throughout this book (while on the metro, oops) because I felt so strongly for many of the characters. I would compare Mr. Goode with Stephen King in the sense that these are two authors that are able to write people. Real people. Their character writing has been some of the best that I've found so far in the many books that I've read in my life.
Kyle and Brad have a lot of problems throughout the book. The one that seemed the most heartbreaking was this feeling that Kyle had to break up with Brad to let him go and live his life. It's something that I think many people run into throughout their lives. I came very close to having to make a similar decision in my life. I felt for Kyle. I was stressed for him and sad for him. I understood him.
Brad is a truly wonderful character and fiercely loyal. In fact, I think that he could use some more faults because he is pretty close to perfect in a lot of ways. I wouldn't change him for better or worse though; I'm just jealous of him a little bit. I loved Brad's decision with his future and I thought that it was great that he stood up for himself. However, I think that the fact that he made that decision and then he and Kyle just kind of went living on betrayed their true characters. I feel like Coach Gunn, Kyle, and Brad would have contacted other places to ensure him a future.
I will say that I did get a bit frustrated through the repetition of the same scene through different perspectives. I found it interesting and awesome, but I think that having your reader stressed that long about the characters was kind of almost cruel. I felt myself having to slow down my reading because I wanted to get to the part where I found out whether or not everything was going to be okay. However, it's a bit hard to discredit Mr. Goode too much because there are so many characters in this small town and every time he wrote for one of them I felt a very distinct voice speaking in my head. In fact, I'm not sure I would even have to look at the chapter title to know who was speaking and could just guess with their inner dialogue and interactions. That is an incredibly difficult thing to accomplish in writing and I feel like Mr. Goode should be really proud of himself for accomplishing that task so well.
There is so much more I could say, and if Mr. Goode is reading this and wants me to say it to him in a message I would gladly oblige, but I want it to be known that this book was truly touching and has influenced me. The town of Foster was a living breathing thing, alluded to many times in the story, and we saw this great big Foster being become something very different than at the start of this series.
Also, when I read the post script I literally said an audible, "YES!" I am so excited that we are not done with Kyle, Brad, Robbie, Matt, and Tyler. However, a personal request, I would really like to keep tabs on Josh and Jennifer as well to be honest. I want to see what they do with their lives together. I cared about them a lot as well.
Unfocused review, but there are some musings for you.
Thank you Mr. Goode, I look forward to more from these people that I have grown so close to in this past week.
April 12, 2015
From the beginning I've thought that John Goode would be more accurately named John Great. The man can tell one hell of a story with the greatest of ease. His words are like music that gently wraps itself around you, pulling you in. His characters are identifiable because they are the people I grew up with. I can see bits and pieces of my adolescent high school years and the characteristics of the people that surrounded me in John's characters.
Brad and Kyle are two of my all time favorite fictional characters. They love, they fight, they forgive, they make-up, they make out. In other words, they are us. The only difference is that they're doing it all in rural Texas, not exactly the most progressive and welcoming of places for a gay teen to grow up. Gays have been treated like crap everywhere, not just in Texas. I grew up in a very rural place. There were more cows than people in my home town. We were so small we probably didn't even qualify as a town. We had one traffic light and damn, but we were proud of that light. That light made us special. But it was still a town filled with the people who surround Brad and Kyle in this story.
John Goode writes a good story that is engaging, gripping, and sucks you in. I did have one minor issue with this book. These are not issues with the story because he has, as usual, plotted a great story. 151 Days is a very long book with very small print. My primary thought was that there could have been far fewer words and the story would have been tighter and just as strong. As someone who writes, I know that we become wedded to our words and hate when an editor suggests we trim some words - or paragraphs, or even entire scenes. But sometimes it is necessary.
Basically, if John Goode writes it, it automatically goes on my To Read list with no questions asked. If you haven't read something he's written, do yourself a favor and correct that oversight right now. You won't be disappointed. He writes with a style that makes the words somehow wrap themselves around you and draw you into the story. You can see it happening, and you can almost smell things the characters encounter - it is that intense. I don't know how he does it, but the man makes the reader a part of the story and I love his writing. In addition to creating wonderfully rich, multi-dimensional characters in each and every one of his books, he knows how to weave a tale into a beautiful story.
Brad and Kyle are two of my all time favorite fictional characters. They love, they fight, they forgive, they make-up, they make out. In other words, they are us. The only difference is that they're doing it all in rural Texas, not exactly the most progressive and welcoming of places for a gay teen to grow up. Gays have been treated like crap everywhere, not just in Texas. I grew up in a very rural place. There were more cows than people in my home town. We were so small we probably didn't even qualify as a town. We had one traffic light and damn, but we were proud of that light. That light made us special. But it was still a town filled with the people who surround Brad and Kyle in this story.
John Goode writes a good story that is engaging, gripping, and sucks you in. I did have one minor issue with this book. These are not issues with the story because he has, as usual, plotted a great story. 151 Days is a very long book with very small print. My primary thought was that there could have been far fewer words and the story would have been tighter and just as strong. As someone who writes, I know that we become wedded to our words and hate when an editor suggests we trim some words - or paragraphs, or even entire scenes. But sometimes it is necessary.
Basically, if John Goode writes it, it automatically goes on my To Read list with no questions asked. If you haven't read something he's written, do yourself a favor and correct that oversight right now. You won't be disappointed. He writes with a style that makes the words somehow wrap themselves around you and draw you into the story. You can see it happening, and you can almost smell things the characters encounter - it is that intense. I don't know how he does it, but the man makes the reader a part of the story and I love his writing. In addition to creating wonderfully rich, multi-dimensional characters in each and every one of his books, he knows how to weave a tale into a beautiful story.
March 30, 2014
This is far and away the most intense read of the year so far and Kyle is definitely one of my favorite characters of all time.
Normally I am not a fan of head hopping and POV shifts in a book. However in this marathon story at the end of the Foster High series, I think it works and is even necessary. Without it, I don't think the book would have been nearly as powerful because literally the earth is shifting in Foster, TX and without a lot of views into the hearts and minds of those characters, a LOT of the message would have been lost.
Life is hard and this book doesn't shy away from any of it. Shitty parents, poverty, alcoholism, bigotry, revenge, bullying, abuse, bitterness, disappointment, isolation, vanity, cowardice, apathy, grief - yeah, it's all in there. And it's all out there too - in the world every day. And these kids do their best, with the help of some of the adults in their world (and hindrance from others), to make it out the other side.
I don't want to spoil any of the plot on this because it's important to let the story just unfold. Were there some things I could predict a bit? Maybe. Did it matter? Not one iota. In the end the path that this story takes is the end of one journey but also leads to the beginning of another journey.
Sometime I really hate it when people say to kids that their life is really gonna start when they get out of high school. Some of us have lived a whole lifetime of shit well before we get out of high school and to belittle that as inconsequential doesn't help. Will things eventually and hopefully get better? Maybe yes, maybe no. Are there usually more avenues to help than we think there are? Hopefully yes. Does time and perspective make us see that differently at some point in our lives? Again, hopefully. But make no mistake. What happens to these kids before they get out of high school is important and will impact them for the rest of their lives.
All I can say is read this book. Then go and hug your kid if you have one. If not, make sure the kids in your life know that they can count on you. Yeah, life is hard. But we shouldn't be making it harder on these kids than it already is. Hopefully this book makes it clear that we have a lot of work to do. All of us.
Normally I am not a fan of head hopping and POV shifts in a book. However in this marathon story at the end of the Foster High series, I think it works and is even necessary. Without it, I don't think the book would have been nearly as powerful because literally the earth is shifting in Foster, TX and without a lot of views into the hearts and minds of those characters, a LOT of the message would have been lost.
Life is hard and this book doesn't shy away from any of it. Shitty parents, poverty, alcoholism, bigotry, revenge, bullying, abuse, bitterness, disappointment, isolation, vanity, cowardice, apathy, grief - yeah, it's all in there. And it's all out there too - in the world every day. And these kids do their best, with the help of some of the adults in their world (and hindrance from others), to make it out the other side.
I don't want to spoil any of the plot on this because it's important to let the story just unfold. Were there some things I could predict a bit? Maybe. Did it matter? Not one iota. In the end the path that this story takes is the end of one journey but also leads to the beginning of another journey.
Sometime I really hate it when people say to kids that their life is really gonna start when they get out of high school. Some of us have lived a whole lifetime of shit well before we get out of high school and to belittle that as inconsequential doesn't help. Will things eventually and hopefully get better? Maybe yes, maybe no. Are there usually more avenues to help than we think there are? Hopefully yes. Does time and perspective make us see that differently at some point in our lives? Again, hopefully. But make no mistake. What happens to these kids before they get out of high school is important and will impact them for the rest of their lives.
All I can say is read this book. Then go and hug your kid if you have one. If not, make sure the kids in your life know that they can count on you. Yeah, life is hard. But we shouldn't be making it harder on these kids than it already is. Hopefully this book makes it clear that we have a lot of work to do. All of us.
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