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Permanent Jet Lag
Nineteen-year-old Lucas Burke prefers being alone. He likes the silence, and he loves not having to care about anyone else’s problems: the less he’s forced to feel, the better. But after a year of college-induced isolation from everyone he used to know, the wedding of a former classmate sends Lucas back home, and that means reconciling with a group of friends that now might as well be strangers.
His sister hardly knows him, his “genius” best friend is nothing more than an addict, and his ex-boyfriend is still in a coma. All the while, wedding preparations send Lucas head first into a relationship with the groom’s best man—a recently cancer-free ex-Olympian who can’t stop talking.
Lucas knows that if he wants to survive the summer, he’ll have to learn to be a friend again, but it doesn’t come easy, and it might already be too late.
Word count: 87,000.
His sister hardly knows him, his “genius” best friend is nothing more than an addict, and his ex-boyfriend is still in a coma. All the while, wedding preparations send Lucas head first into a relationship with the groom’s best man—a recently cancer-free ex-Olympian who can’t stop talking.
Lucas knows that if he wants to survive the summer, he’ll have to learn to be a friend again, but it doesn’t come easy, and it might already be too late.
Word count: 87,000.
234 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2017
899 people want to read
About the author
A.N. Casey
1 book33 followersA.N. Casey graduated from the University of San Francisco in 2016 with a Bachelors in Creative Writing. His short stories and essays have been published in the Indiana Review, Steam Ticket Literary Magazine, and Writing for a Real World. He can be found on twitter at @an_casey. He currently works at the University of Hawaii.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 28, 2017
Coming out tomorrow. So excited! Use the code "preorder" on the NSP shop and you can get it 20% off!
This is a MUSTMUSTMUSTMUSTMUST read. I can't even tell you.
---
Every once in a while you come across a book that you just know you will remember years from now. It's the book that sticks with you like a battle wound, partly because you it just did something to you and partly because you wear a badge of honor that you were able to get through the book in one piece. This is that book. I'm scarred. A complete mess.
But I'm so glad I did it. So glad I read it and lived it and lived in the words.
This isn't an easy book by any means. It deals with topics that will make you ache and want to close the book to escape. But I am telling you it is worth it. Every ache and pain is worth it.
Not everyone is going to like this - I get that. But I think it's a book you should try and let yourself experience, for better or worse.
This is a MUSTMUSTMUSTMUSTMUST read. I can't even tell you.
---
Every once in a while you come across a book that you just know you will remember years from now. It's the book that sticks with you like a battle wound, partly because you it just did something to you and partly because you wear a badge of honor that you were able to get through the book in one piece. This is that book. I'm scarred. A complete mess.
But I'm so glad I did it. So glad I read it and lived it and lived in the words.
Crushes are very strange things; they’re a warning sign in the word itself—crush: to deform, pulverize, or force inward by compressing forcefully. Whoever decided it was a good idea to equate deformity and compression to blooming affection was either very high or a genius—or maybe lost somewhere in between. But for good or bad, I could feel it: my heart pressing inward until the sound of it beating filled my ears again. I had a deformed, pulverized, compressed force on Chris, and there was nothing I could do about it.A.N. is an amazing author. Their way with words astounds me, and I had such a pleasure to work with him and edit the story. I could pick out a thousand lines that just sang so powerfully, because each line was so well thought out and full of heart.
This isn't an easy book by any means. It deals with topics that will make you ache and want to close the book to escape. But I am telling you it is worth it. Every ache and pain is worth it.
Something inside me ached for him—a feeling a bit like leaving San Francisco behind or like getting punched in the face by my first schoolyard crush because boys weren’t supposed to kiss boys. It wasn’t the sort of ache that had a name, but the type that sat on top of your heart—dull and throbbing and easy to ignore if you piled enough on top of it, the kind you could swim away from with one easy move.Please know that this is not a conventional romance. It truly falls more into the literary genre. If you are looking for hot, steamy romance, you won't find it here. But I'd be lying if I said that there wasn't such a love and passion in this book. It takes intimacy in a very different way and boy do you feel it.
Not everyone is going to like this - I get that. But I think it's a book you should try and let yourself experience, for better or worse.
July 17, 2017
Not for me- depressing, rambling - too Long about ??? Did not like any of he characters
July 31, 2017
Yes, this book made me literally cry. It also made me gasp loud enough that my wife, who was sitting near me, asked what was wrong.
PJL is a really, really good book. Not only is it really well-written -- though I was worried that the number of characters would make it difficult to remember who each person was and what they were going through, the characters were memorable and each had their own very distinguishable voices -- but it has emotional intensity that I, frankly, have very rarely seen in a book. I cry a lot, don't get me wrong, but this is literally the first book that I've read in YEARS (I have really bad ADHD and memory loss, which makes it hard for me to pick up a book, read the whole thing, and remember what's been happening through the whole thing), and honestly the emotions I got through this book made me want to get back into it in general.
I know you're supposed to list "Pros And Cons" of a book in a review, but I can't really think of any cons I want to list. The book was really good, the characters were really good, the plot was really good, and it made me cry, which is always a good sign that I've gotten attached to the characters.
Good book, A+, etc.
PJL is a really, really good book. Not only is it really well-written -- though I was worried that the number of characters would make it difficult to remember who each person was and what they were going through, the characters were memorable and each had their own very distinguishable voices -- but it has emotional intensity that I, frankly, have very rarely seen in a book. I cry a lot, don't get me wrong, but this is literally the first book that I've read in YEARS (I have really bad ADHD and memory loss, which makes it hard for me to pick up a book, read the whole thing, and remember what's been happening through the whole thing), and honestly the emotions I got through this book made me want to get back into it in general.
I know you're supposed to list "Pros And Cons" of a book in a review, but I can't really think of any cons I want to list. The book was really good, the characters were really good, the plot was really good, and it made me cry, which is always a good sign that I've gotten attached to the characters.
Good book, A+, etc.
May 31, 2017
It took me a bit of time to get into A.N. Casey’s Permanent Jet Lag. The somber vibe made me feel like I was watching an Ang Lee film; I didn’t immediately love it. But, as is also the case with some Ang Lee films, the payoff of sticking with it was well worth it. This poignant debut novel was absolutely worth every difficult moment…every moment that maybe struck too close to home and brought up painful memories, or made me uncomfortable. That’s not to say that it was nothing more than a series of difficult moments I had to ’get through.’ Not at all. There were some lighter moments as well, and some beautifully romantic moments—mostly courtesy of my favorite character, Chris, whose character, oddly, was also responsible for many of the most feels-crushing moments in the book.
The story is centered on Lucas, a nineteen-year-old college student who, at least in his mind, escaped the soul-sucking nothingness of Sacramento to head off to college in San Francisco, where he has spent the past year. Back in town for the summer wedding of one of his childhood best friends, Lucas initially feels completely validated. Looking around at the state of things back home, it seems clear that leaving the way he did, dropping out of everyone’s lives, was definitely the best decision. However, as the summer goes on, he learns things about himself, and about his friends and family, that open his eyes quite a bit. Much of this personal metamorphosis is directly related to meeting Chris.
Chris—the groom’s best man mentioned in the blurb—is such a beautiful soul. I loved him and the impact he had on every character in the story. He forever changed Todney for the better, and enriched his and Rylie’s lives. He taught Lucas so much about the things that are truly important in life, and about love. And, his philosophy really couldn’t have been any simpler…
That was Chris. And, though Lucas fought it tooth and nail, he ultimately realized it was impossible not to love him.
There are so many things going on in this story. Casey tackles friendships, family, love and loss, addiction, and illness; and he does an admirable job with each subject. I did feel that because of being pulled in so many directions, I wasn’t as able to connect with Lucas and Chris as a couple as much as I would have liked. I did get a sense of them falling in love, but, it was mostly in hindsight, to be honest. I felt more of their connection as I thought about the book later. Which is a nice testament to the power of Casey’s storytelling, I suppose.
Lucas’s growth over the course of the summer is exactly what coming-of-age stories are all about. His initial instinct has always been to run. In fact, even at the end, that urge tugs at him. But, as he gets ready to head back to school, and Rylie is assuming this means ‘radio silence’ from Lucas once again, his weariness hits him.
And, this epiphany was so powerful:
The writing in Permanent Jet Lag is fantastic, and Casey kept me on my toes. There were times when I wasn’t sure which direction he was going to take things, though I was sure it was going to hurt no matter what. And, it did. There were a couple of scenes that had me reaching for the Kleenex; this one should definitely come with an Extreme Feels warning. But, don’t let that scare you off! Grab this one, guys. As I said, it’s well worth it; I will absolutely be on the lookout for more from this author.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
The story is centered on Lucas, a nineteen-year-old college student who, at least in his mind, escaped the soul-sucking nothingness of Sacramento to head off to college in San Francisco, where he has spent the past year. Back in town for the summer wedding of one of his childhood best friends, Lucas initially feels completely validated. Looking around at the state of things back home, it seems clear that leaving the way he did, dropping out of everyone’s lives, was definitely the best decision. However, as the summer goes on, he learns things about himself, and about his friends and family, that open his eyes quite a bit. Much of this personal metamorphosis is directly related to meeting Chris.
Chris—the groom’s best man mentioned in the blurb—is such a beautiful soul. I loved him and the impact he had on every character in the story. He forever changed Todney for the better, and enriched his and Rylie’s lives. He taught Lucas so much about the things that are truly important in life, and about love. And, his philosophy really couldn’t have been any simpler…
“I believe in human decency. I believe that when you make a promise to someone, you keep it. I believe that when you say ‘I love you,’ you should mean it. I believe that all of this….this is all excess, and life is crappy and strange and too much most of the time. And it’s hard. Hell, I know it’s hard. But it’s also really damn simple. You just live it, and you try not to treat people like crap while you do.”
That was Chris. And, though Lucas fought it tooth and nail, he ultimately realized it was impossible not to love him.
There are so many things going on in this story. Casey tackles friendships, family, love and loss, addiction, and illness; and he does an admirable job with each subject. I did feel that because of being pulled in so many directions, I wasn’t as able to connect with Lucas and Chris as a couple as much as I would have liked. I did get a sense of them falling in love, but, it was mostly in hindsight, to be honest. I felt more of their connection as I thought about the book later. Which is a nice testament to the power of Casey’s storytelling, I suppose.
Lucas’s growth over the course of the summer is exactly what coming-of-age stories are all about. His initial instinct has always been to run. In fact, even at the end, that urge tugs at him. But, as he gets ready to head back to school, and Rylie is assuming this means ‘radio silence’ from Lucas once again, his weariness hits him.
For a small moment, a moment where the lump in my throat that Chris had left seemed too big to swallow and Nathan’s silence was deafening, I thought about agreeing. God knows it would have been easier. But there were bruises on my soles from running so long, and this was the finish line.
And, this epiphany was so powerful:
I’d run cities away to make sure no one was ever counting on me; I had never wanted to be anyone’s anything, never wanted to be depended on, but it was impossible, and I knew that now. We’re dependent creatures, humankind, and I was no different…. I had needed Rylie to remind me how to fight for what you wanted; I had needed Clay to lean on; I had needed Chris to remind me of all the things I’d forced myself to forget. And maybe the me in the mirror didn’t look like the me I knew, but I finally felt like him: better than what I remembered.
The writing in Permanent Jet Lag is fantastic, and Casey kept me on my toes. There were times when I wasn’t sure which direction he was going to take things, though I was sure it was going to hurt no matter what. And, it did. There were a couple of scenes that had me reaching for the Kleenex; this one should definitely come with an Extreme Feels warning. But, don’t let that scare you off! Grab this one, guys. As I said, it’s well worth it; I will absolutely be on the lookout for more from this author.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
May 31, 2017
In this impressive debut by author A.N. Casey we get a story about life, loss, and love. Permanent Jet Lag is a book that will definitely leave its mark on you once you've finished and I can guarantee it'll stick with you long after as well. I know for me it will be a long time before I forget Lucas, Chris, Clay, Rylie and Todney. Characters that were so well developed they leaped off the page and who you couldn't help but love.
I wouldn't say that Permanent Jet Lag is a traditional romance. That doesn't mean that there's not plenty of it, far from it, and I don't know that I'd refer to this as a coming of age story either, but it has some of the same elements. Lucas Burke is back in his hometown after his first year away at college. He's cut off all but bare minimum communication with friends from back home but that all changes when he returns for one of his friend's wedding. And the groom's best man, former Olympian Chris seems like a nice, easy diversion from the wedding madness and the fact that all his friends have changed.
Lucas was such a contradiction. At nineteen not many of us have our lives figured out. And it's not so much that Lucas does, it's that he thinks he does. He thinks it's better to be alone and isolated, if only to keep yourself from being hurt. It's made him bitter and cynical and it's not until Chris enters his life that he begins to question everything he's tried to tell himself. There are times when it was really difficult to like Lucas and others where you just wanted to give him a hug and cookie and tell him everything would be okay. Getting to know Chris causes Lucas to take a hard look at himself, and sometimes what he sees isn't all that pretty. Chris is recently cancer-free and even though his Olympic dreams will never come true, it's Chris's outlook on life that affects Lucas the most.
Permanent Jet Lag wasn't the easiest book to read, but it was very emotional and authentic. Growing up is hard. Life is hard and messy at times and bad things happen to good people. Like Lucas's ex-boyfriend Nathan who has been in a coma for months and months and to Chris when his cancer comes back. Lucas learns some hard life lessons throughout the book and his growth from the beginning until the end was something to see. I liked all of the relationships in this book. Lucas and Chris, Lucas and his sister, Lucas and his parents, and Lucas's with his friends. They were all important and play such a pivotal role in Lucas's growth.
I’d run cities away to make sure no one was ever counting on me; I had never wanted to be anyone’s anything, never wanted to be depended on, but it was impossible, and I knew that now. We’re dependent creatures, humankind, and I was no different. Rylie might need me now, might need us all now, but I’d needed her too. I had needed Rylie to remind me how to fight for what you wanted; I had needed Clay to lean on; I had needed Chris to remind me of all the things I’d forced myself to forget. And maybe the me in the mirror didn’t look like to me I knew, but I finally felt like him: better than what I remembered.
I'm so impressed with this book. Extremely well written, memorable characters, tons of emotions and intensity and a realism that I found so refreshing. Like I said, Permanent Jet Lag isn't all sunshine and roses, but it does show that life, in all it's messy, beautiful ways is never quite what you expect. Do yourselves a favor and be sure to check out this stunning book. You'll be sorry if you don't!
*this review will also be posted on www.diversereader.blogspot.com*
I wouldn't say that Permanent Jet Lag is a traditional romance. That doesn't mean that there's not plenty of it, far from it, and I don't know that I'd refer to this as a coming of age story either, but it has some of the same elements. Lucas Burke is back in his hometown after his first year away at college. He's cut off all but bare minimum communication with friends from back home but that all changes when he returns for one of his friend's wedding. And the groom's best man, former Olympian Chris seems like a nice, easy diversion from the wedding madness and the fact that all his friends have changed.
Lucas was such a contradiction. At nineteen not many of us have our lives figured out. And it's not so much that Lucas does, it's that he thinks he does. He thinks it's better to be alone and isolated, if only to keep yourself from being hurt. It's made him bitter and cynical and it's not until Chris enters his life that he begins to question everything he's tried to tell himself. There are times when it was really difficult to like Lucas and others where you just wanted to give him a hug and cookie and tell him everything would be okay. Getting to know Chris causes Lucas to take a hard look at himself, and sometimes what he sees isn't all that pretty. Chris is recently cancer-free and even though his Olympic dreams will never come true, it's Chris's outlook on life that affects Lucas the most.
Permanent Jet Lag wasn't the easiest book to read, but it was very emotional and authentic. Growing up is hard. Life is hard and messy at times and bad things happen to good people. Like Lucas's ex-boyfriend Nathan who has been in a coma for months and months and to Chris when his cancer comes back. Lucas learns some hard life lessons throughout the book and his growth from the beginning until the end was something to see. I liked all of the relationships in this book. Lucas and Chris, Lucas and his sister, Lucas and his parents, and Lucas's with his friends. They were all important and play such a pivotal role in Lucas's growth.
I’d run cities away to make sure no one was ever counting on me; I had never wanted to be anyone’s anything, never wanted to be depended on, but it was impossible, and I knew that now. We’re dependent creatures, humankind, and I was no different. Rylie might need me now, might need us all now, but I’d needed her too. I had needed Rylie to remind me how to fight for what you wanted; I had needed Clay to lean on; I had needed Chris to remind me of all the things I’d forced myself to forget. And maybe the me in the mirror didn’t look like to me I knew, but I finally felt like him: better than what I remembered.
I'm so impressed with this book. Extremely well written, memorable characters, tons of emotions and intensity and a realism that I found so refreshing. Like I said, Permanent Jet Lag isn't all sunshine and roses, but it does show that life, in all it's messy, beautiful ways is never quite what you expect. Do yourselves a favor and be sure to check out this stunning book. You'll be sorry if you don't!
*this review will also be posted on www.diversereader.blogspot.com*
August 30, 2017
(I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
When I first read the premise, I’ll be honest: it didn’t catch my attention at all. If I were at the bookstore and I read the summary of the book right there, I most definitely would’ve put it back down then go skim through something else. I only gave it a shot because of the chance to read something for free. Plus, I like my MM romances every now and then so I thought, what the heck.
Upon reading, I expected your usual commercial romance clichés: main character meets lover, love at first sight, they do the dirty, “I know we just met five minutes ago but I love you”, spend maybe two to three pages or less on other characters because this is our love story after all, end with a happily ever after, done. But what I got was something more than I bargained for.
Meet Lucas, the taciturn protagonist who likes to mumble only a word or two. For a guy who doesn’t talk much, he sure has lots of deep, philosophical thoughts and insights about the little things – and that’s where the beauty of the entire book comes from. As I read, I continue to be left in awe with just how beautiful and well-crafted the writing is. Every page has something to say about people and life that makes you go, “Wow, you put it into words.” This is so far from your typical commercial romance novel. I would classify it more of a coming-of-age literary genre that’s more character-driven than plot. The storyline doesn’t centre on the romance between the two lovers. If anything, the romance shares equal screen time with everything else as Casey carefully yet effectively tackles themes of family, addiction, love, life, and death.
Four stars, one star shy from a perfect five because it just didn’t leave a mark on me. There were a lot of emotional scenes where this book might as well just ripped my heart out but it didn’t keep me on my toes long enough to constantly want to know what happens next, nor did I care about any of the characters (okay, except Chris – I care too much about Chris). Nevertheless, it’s the kind of book I would still recommend for every book lovers to read at least once in their lifetime. It was like reading poetic prose; you rarely come across a novel written so well you’re taken aback by the beauty of the writing and you’ll find yourself falling in love with words.
(I’ll just end this off by saying finding Chris’ #1 thing on his bucket list took a pang in my heart the most.)
When I first read the premise, I’ll be honest: it didn’t catch my attention at all. If I were at the bookstore and I read the summary of the book right there, I most definitely would’ve put it back down then go skim through something else. I only gave it a shot because of the chance to read something for free. Plus, I like my MM romances every now and then so I thought, what the heck.
Upon reading, I expected your usual commercial romance clichés: main character meets lover, love at first sight, they do the dirty, “I know we just met five minutes ago but I love you”, spend maybe two to three pages or less on other characters because this is our love story after all, end with a happily ever after, done. But what I got was something more than I bargained for.
Meet Lucas, the taciturn protagonist who likes to mumble only a word or two. For a guy who doesn’t talk much, he sure has lots of deep, philosophical thoughts and insights about the little things – and that’s where the beauty of the entire book comes from. As I read, I continue to be left in awe with just how beautiful and well-crafted the writing is. Every page has something to say about people and life that makes you go, “Wow, you put it into words.” This is so far from your typical commercial romance novel. I would classify it more of a coming-of-age literary genre that’s more character-driven than plot. The storyline doesn’t centre on the romance between the two lovers. If anything, the romance shares equal screen time with everything else as Casey carefully yet effectively tackles themes of family, addiction, love, life, and death.
Four stars, one star shy from a perfect five because it just didn’t leave a mark on me. There were a lot of emotional scenes where this book might as well just ripped my heart out but it didn’t keep me on my toes long enough to constantly want to know what happens next, nor did I care about any of the characters (okay, except Chris – I care too much about Chris). Nevertheless, it’s the kind of book I would still recommend for every book lovers to read at least once in their lifetime. It was like reading poetic prose; you rarely come across a novel written so well you’re taken aback by the beauty of the writing and you’ll find yourself falling in love with words.
(I’ll just end this off by saying finding Chris’ #1 thing on his bucket list took a pang in my heart the most.)
May 23, 2017
Impressive debut. Well worth reading. <3 Full review coming to www.thenovelapproachreviews.com !
August 2, 2017
This book is easily within my top 10 books for 2017. I don't think I'll be able to ever do it complete justice in the brilliance of A.N. Casey's writing. Absolutely in love with the concept, story, writing style, and devotion to the characters.
You can see my full review here: http://christinasbookshelf.net/2017/0...
You can see my full review here: http://christinasbookshelf.net/2017/0...
September 5, 2017
I really loved the stories in this book and the characters, Lucas and Chris were amazing. This book literally made me go through every emotion there is, now I hope there is going to be more! I can't wait to see where Lucas, Clay and Rylie end up! While i love how the story ended I feel like there is so much more to be told!
September 10, 2017
Very Well Written and an emotion-engendering story
This author knows his craft and this novel was a great, flowing read. However, I was more than a little upset by the death of one of the protagonists. The wrong person died, IMO.
Maybe there will be a sequel or two?
This author knows his craft and this novel was a great, flowing read. However, I was more than a little upset by the death of one of the protagonists. The wrong person died, IMO.
Maybe there will be a sequel or two?
October 14, 2017
I really liked this book. It was NA which isn't really my thing but it was still a good read.
January 29, 2022
Rep: gay mc, bi li with cancer
August 5, 2017
I don't even know where to begin. Permanent Jet Lag had my heart swelling in happiness, crying in heartbreak, and relearning important lessons along with the characters. It was a similar emotional experience of an Adam Silvera novel, except a tad more happy! Once I started this book, it was hard to put down. If I didn't have to sleep or work, I would have finished this in a day. And now I am itching to see what A. N. Casey has up his sleeve next.
The story follows a 19-year-old named, Lucas. He just finished his freshman year of university and is coming home for the summer. I connected heavily to Lucas, because similar to me, he ran off to university to hide from his problems. He pushed his friends and family away and claimed that his hometown was where nothing good could ever happen, that he'd need to thrive elsewhere--even if he wasn't. The beginning narrative felt like I was reliving my past. Like me, Lucas was trying to find happiness in other people, instead of looking within himself.
While this very much so follows Lucas' story, it follows the story of his hometown friends as well. We have a boy who is still in love with the bride, we have a boy who is engaged to the bride, and we have a cancer-free ex-Olympian in one group of friends. What A. N. Casey does is brilliant. He lets us get deep into each character's story. We learn about the quirks and difficulties and both sides of each story. And you're left choosing sides and reflecting alongside each character. Every character is fully developed and realistic in what life would actually be like. Even though Luke was the main character, just like in real life, our friends and family make up a part of who we are, and what they go through is just as important as what we go through. Often times, this can be neglected in books.
Not only does this story cover alcoholism and the battle of cancer--two separate characters--it involves a wedding and a funeral, but also follows the idea of love. What it means to love, how to love when someone doesn't love you back, and how even if you try your hardest not to fall in love, it'll inevitably happen. I hadn't anticipated so many different storylines interlaced in one while reading the synopsis. It did catch me by surprise when one story line was focused on more than I originally thought it may be. But A.N. Casey knows exactly what he's doing. With strong characters, dialogue, and storyline, he could continue to write about the lives of these characters and I'd never grow bored.
Lucas learns valuable life lessons about love--loving another person as well as loving himself--and how he doesn't have to run. All life lessons that as a reader, you may or may not know already, and if you do, it's an added reassurance to take care of yourself and take care of those around you. And if you haven't heard them yet, take what Lucas is learning to heart and learn with him.
What I loved about this book as well, was the timeline of it all. It takes place during one summer and continuously counts down to the wedding the friends are all planning. The countdown for each chapter is another reminder of how fast your life can change in just a single summer.
While this is A. N. Casey's debut novel, I anticipate he'll have a prosperous career as a writer! I definitely recommend this book!
The story follows a 19-year-old named, Lucas. He just finished his freshman year of university and is coming home for the summer. I connected heavily to Lucas, because similar to me, he ran off to university to hide from his problems. He pushed his friends and family away and claimed that his hometown was where nothing good could ever happen, that he'd need to thrive elsewhere--even if he wasn't. The beginning narrative felt like I was reliving my past. Like me, Lucas was trying to find happiness in other people, instead of looking within himself.
While this very much so follows Lucas' story, it follows the story of his hometown friends as well. We have a boy who is still in love with the bride, we have a boy who is engaged to the bride, and we have a cancer-free ex-Olympian in one group of friends. What A. N. Casey does is brilliant. He lets us get deep into each character's story. We learn about the quirks and difficulties and both sides of each story. And you're left choosing sides and reflecting alongside each character. Every character is fully developed and realistic in what life would actually be like. Even though Luke was the main character, just like in real life, our friends and family make up a part of who we are, and what they go through is just as important as what we go through. Often times, this can be neglected in books.
Not only does this story cover alcoholism and the battle of cancer--two separate characters--it involves a wedding and a funeral, but also follows the idea of love. What it means to love, how to love when someone doesn't love you back, and how even if you try your hardest not to fall in love, it'll inevitably happen. I hadn't anticipated so many different storylines interlaced in one while reading the synopsis. It did catch me by surprise when one story line was focused on more than I originally thought it may be. But A.N. Casey knows exactly what he's doing. With strong characters, dialogue, and storyline, he could continue to write about the lives of these characters and I'd never grow bored.
Lucas learns valuable life lessons about love--loving another person as well as loving himself--and how he doesn't have to run. All life lessons that as a reader, you may or may not know already, and if you do, it's an added reassurance to take care of yourself and take care of those around you. And if you haven't heard them yet, take what Lucas is learning to heart and learn with him.
What I loved about this book as well, was the timeline of it all. It takes place during one summer and continuously counts down to the wedding the friends are all planning. The countdown for each chapter is another reminder of how fast your life can change in just a single summer.
While this is A. N. Casey's debut novel, I anticipate he'll have a prosperous career as a writer! I definitely recommend this book!
July 8, 2017
Professional Opinion: ★★★★★
Personal Opinion: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Every so often, I encounter my favorite problem: how to describe the virtues of a good book with words instead of hitting people in the head with it while shouting, “READ IT!” until they do. I’m going to do my best with the words and hope that they do Permanent Jet Lag justice.
From the very first page, I was hooked. The sense of character was immediate and gripping. In one, maybe two pages, I had a firm grasp of Lucas’s personality and demeanor as someone who had come to say very little and view his opinions as “less than,” and was running from his problems. Everything I learned about him in the next few pages and chapters subtly reinforced that characterization without ever over-explaining. The rest of the characters are introduced in much the same way, through a combination of Lucas’s memories and their current selves, to paint a strong mental image without pausing the story. I was blown away by how much I was immediately able to identify with so many different characters.
There is a key difference between yelling at a character because the stupidity of their actions is contrived and their choices are made solely to advance the plot, and yelling at a character because they’re making a mistake and you want to desperately grab them by the shoulders and shake until they start taking better care of themselves. The former is the result of poor writing and wanting the book to just be done, or at least less predictable; the latter is the result of stellar writing and legitimately caring about the character and wanting what’s best for them in the same way that you would if they were a real, breathing person standing in front of you. And that is what the cast of Permanent Jet Lag are--real, breathing people in literary form. Their actions and motives and personalities are beautifully imperfect. They make mistakes that have lasting consequences, they don’t all deal with adversity the same way (or sometimes at all), and the group chemistry is so spot-on that what little exposition there is never feels like exposition.
I also enjoyed the fact that the book doesn’t dally on will-they-or-won’t-they with Lucas and Chris, instead using the time usually taken up by witty one-liners and the slap-slap-kiss formula to actually explore the characters and the reasons why they’re attracted to each other. Lucas and Chris go on dates and get to know each other and develop inside jokes and feel like a real couple instead of being over-romanticized for the sake of meeting a quota of tropes for the genre.
I briefly considered giving four stars (actually four and a half) for Professional Opinion due to the pacing taking a little time to get going, but the slow build enhances the mood and tone rather than detracting from it and I was never bored or wishing something would happen. Once the action does get going, it takes off, and it becomes practically impossible to put the book down. The fact that there is a ticking clock sprinkled throughout also helps smooth over any possible issues with pacing. Due to the heavy themes and darker undertones of the story, there were times as early as halfway through when I started to get the suspicion that the ticking clock might be for something more sinister than the wedding, which definitely served to ramp up the tension and suspense.
Permanent Jet Lag masterfully deals with themes of life, death, love, and loss with realism, wit, and a miraculous amount of heart--and I look forward to the next time A. N. Casey breaks mine.
Personal Opinion: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Every so often, I encounter my favorite problem: how to describe the virtues of a good book with words instead of hitting people in the head with it while shouting, “READ IT!” until they do. I’m going to do my best with the words and hope that they do Permanent Jet Lag justice.
From the very first page, I was hooked. The sense of character was immediate and gripping. In one, maybe two pages, I had a firm grasp of Lucas’s personality and demeanor as someone who had come to say very little and view his opinions as “less than,” and was running from his problems. Everything I learned about him in the next few pages and chapters subtly reinforced that characterization without ever over-explaining. The rest of the characters are introduced in much the same way, through a combination of Lucas’s memories and their current selves, to paint a strong mental image without pausing the story. I was blown away by how much I was immediately able to identify with so many different characters.
There is a key difference between yelling at a character because the stupidity of their actions is contrived and their choices are made solely to advance the plot, and yelling at a character because they’re making a mistake and you want to desperately grab them by the shoulders and shake until they start taking better care of themselves. The former is the result of poor writing and wanting the book to just be done, or at least less predictable; the latter is the result of stellar writing and legitimately caring about the character and wanting what’s best for them in the same way that you would if they were a real, breathing person standing in front of you. And that is what the cast of Permanent Jet Lag are--real, breathing people in literary form. Their actions and motives and personalities are beautifully imperfect. They make mistakes that have lasting consequences, they don’t all deal with adversity the same way (or sometimes at all), and the group chemistry is so spot-on that what little exposition there is never feels like exposition.
I also enjoyed the fact that the book doesn’t dally on will-they-or-won’t-they with Lucas and Chris, instead using the time usually taken up by witty one-liners and the slap-slap-kiss formula to actually explore the characters and the reasons why they’re attracted to each other. Lucas and Chris go on dates and get to know each other and develop inside jokes and feel like a real couple instead of being over-romanticized for the sake of meeting a quota of tropes for the genre.
I briefly considered giving four stars (actually four and a half) for Professional Opinion due to the pacing taking a little time to get going, but the slow build enhances the mood and tone rather than detracting from it and I was never bored or wishing something would happen. Once the action does get going, it takes off, and it becomes practically impossible to put the book down. The fact that there is a ticking clock sprinkled throughout also helps smooth over any possible issues with pacing. Due to the heavy themes and darker undertones of the story, there were times as early as halfway through when I started to get the suspicion that the ticking clock might be for something more sinister than the wedding, which definitely served to ramp up the tension and suspense.
Permanent Jet Lag masterfully deals with themes of life, death, love, and loss with realism, wit, and a miraculous amount of heart--and I look forward to the next time A. N. Casey breaks mine.
August 13, 2017
I have no clue where I should start! First off, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
I enjoyed this book a great deal and if you're into queer literature with diverse characters (sexually, racially, you name it), you will like it.
It's a pretty slowpace read in the beginning, but it is very satisfying. Big things get revealed about the characters' lives through dialogue instead of flashback and it's extremely brilliant. Definitely one of my fave aspects of this book.
You will laugh. You will cry. You will cry while you laugh. You will also cringe a lot.
This novel feels so darn realistic. I think everyone can relate to at least one character here.
I can't wait to read A.N. Casey's next showstopping novel!
I enjoyed this book a great deal and if you're into queer literature with diverse characters (sexually, racially, you name it), you will like it.
It's a pretty slowpace read in the beginning, but it is very satisfying. Big things get revealed about the characters' lives through dialogue instead of flashback and it's extremely brilliant. Definitely one of my fave aspects of this book.
You will laugh. You will cry. You will cry while you laugh. You will also cringe a lot.
This novel feels so darn realistic. I think everyone can relate to at least one character here.
I can't wait to read A.N. Casey's next showstopping novel!
August 20, 2017
Why Permanent Jet Lag intriguing for so many from the beginning isn't a surprise. The writing style is nice, maintaining a sort of prettiness and a realistic view from Lucas, the characters are nice on the surface and the romance between the two main characters isn't obnoxious like so many other YA contemporary novels.
However, that's all there really is to the novel. It was hard to read, but not because was bad, more so due to its lack of substance. It was hard to get through because it was almost as if it was disguised as something fresh and different, but it got more and more boring as I read got past the beginning.
The characters were clearly thought out and developed and that definitely is something I appreciated, but they weren't executed in a way that makes sure all those things come out in the story. Nothing they said felt as if it was stupidly chosen or could've been changed, their words fit each and weren't annoyingly contradicting of what the author is trying to get them to be. Our protagonist Lucas was realistic but not in the sense where it's obvious that the author was trying to make them 'relatable' to their audience. I love that at the beginning of the story Lucas thinks of the small town as something terrible, something to run away from, but then as we go farther into the book, he realizes that the town isn't hell, it's just now where he wants to be. I just wished there could have been more to the characters, I wished they would have been more interesting. They all have their pasts and interesting decisions sure, but there just was something missing in their personalities. I wished that we could have dug deeper into each of the characters. They almost felt vague due to the way they were written. They easily could have been the kind of characters that we would love and care for deeply, they had the potential to be so much more than they were.
Another issue with the book is that it's missing an interesting plot. Chris's cancer came back and there was wedding drama but it all felt so juvenile, in a way. Realistic yes, but also boring. It's like waiting for the explosion of interest to kick in but it never really does. Its pacing felt annoyingly slow but then went too fast and sudden. It just continued on and on, but it felt like nothing happened even when something did actually happen. It's sloppily executed and disguised with pretty writing.
All in all, I'm not the biggest fan of Permanent Jet Lag, but I do definitely feel like the skeleton of it had the potential to be something great. I'm looking forward to see how A. N. Casey develops as a writer. A shining debut isn't something every author has the luck of creating, but 'second time's a charm' is a popular saying for a reason.
*Copy provided from author in exchange for an honest review.
However, that's all there really is to the novel. It was hard to read, but not because was bad, more so due to its lack of substance. It was hard to get through because it was almost as if it was disguised as something fresh and different, but it got more and more boring as I read got past the beginning.
The characters were clearly thought out and developed and that definitely is something I appreciated, but they weren't executed in a way that makes sure all those things come out in the story. Nothing they said felt as if it was stupidly chosen or could've been changed, their words fit each and weren't annoyingly contradicting of what the author is trying to get them to be. Our protagonist Lucas was realistic but not in the sense where it's obvious that the author was trying to make them 'relatable' to their audience. I love that at the beginning of the story Lucas thinks of the small town as something terrible, something to run away from, but then as we go farther into the book, he realizes that the town isn't hell, it's just now where he wants to be. I just wished there could have been more to the characters, I wished they would have been more interesting. They all have their pasts and interesting decisions sure, but there just was something missing in their personalities. I wished that we could have dug deeper into each of the characters. They almost felt vague due to the way they were written. They easily could have been the kind of characters that we would love and care for deeply, they had the potential to be so much more than they were.
Another issue with the book is that it's missing an interesting plot. Chris's cancer came back and there was wedding drama but it all felt so juvenile, in a way. Realistic yes, but also boring. It's like waiting for the explosion of interest to kick in but it never really does. Its pacing felt annoyingly slow but then went too fast and sudden. It just continued on and on, but it felt like nothing happened even when something did actually happen. It's sloppily executed and disguised with pretty writing.
All in all, I'm not the biggest fan of Permanent Jet Lag, but I do definitely feel like the skeleton of it had the potential to be something great. I'm looking forward to see how A. N. Casey develops as a writer. A shining debut isn't something every author has the luck of creating, but 'second time's a charm' is a popular saying for a reason.
*Copy provided from author in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2017
Not every book with a teenager protagonist has to be full of angst and clichéd ideas of romance. And reading Permanent Jet Lag recently reminded me of that. Don't get me wrong, teenage angst and romance can and have had their fair deal of realistic portrayals in some of my favourite books and movies. But what kept me engaged in this one was how the author effortlessly managed to steer clear of the tried and tested without entirely dismissing the platitudes.
There's a love triangle but it doesn't follow the usual irrational trajectory. There's a tragedy but it isn't elevated to
something that completely shakes the identity and transforms the outlook of all the characters involved. It is treated as an event that builds character and infuses meaning in the art of going on.
The book is sprinkled with some cute moments between Lucas, the protagonist, and his love interest Chris (read: trying to string together a few sentences in French, failing, and making the moment memorable with the hilarious rejoinders). And there's an equal share of philosophy, like Chris making this observation: "You project all the things you weren't comfortable or happy about yourself onto the place and the people you were with when you felt those things."
One of my favourite parts was Lucas's inner monologue about Nat King Cole's Love. He doesn't get why there's such a short time between 'meet' and 'love' in romantic comedies. Well, there's something about a perceptive narrator that weaves a story into more of a journey.
Another great moment was towards the end when he is making a to-do list and his best friend and family members chime in with suggestions. It just serves as a mild reminder of how far he's come, from being a loner escapist to a grateful person, who is now far more in touch with his emotions and realises the importance of being there for loved ones. All in all, Permanent Jetlag made for a delightful Sunday read.
There's a love triangle but it doesn't follow the usual irrational trajectory. There's a tragedy but it isn't elevated to
something that completely shakes the identity and transforms the outlook of all the characters involved. It is treated as an event that builds character and infuses meaning in the art of going on.
The book is sprinkled with some cute moments between Lucas, the protagonist, and his love interest Chris (read: trying to string together a few sentences in French, failing, and making the moment memorable with the hilarious rejoinders). And there's an equal share of philosophy, like Chris making this observation: "You project all the things you weren't comfortable or happy about yourself onto the place and the people you were with when you felt those things."
One of my favourite parts was Lucas's inner monologue about Nat King Cole's Love. He doesn't get why there's such a short time between 'meet' and 'love' in romantic comedies. Well, there's something about a perceptive narrator that weaves a story into more of a journey.
Another great moment was towards the end when he is making a to-do list and his best friend and family members chime in with suggestions. It just serves as a mild reminder of how far he's come, from being a loner escapist to a grateful person, who is now far more in touch with his emotions and realises the importance of being there for loved ones. All in all, Permanent Jetlag made for a delightful Sunday read.
November 8, 2017
It started really slow and i wasnt immediately sucked into any of the characters. so it got put aside for a while. but i am very glad i finally went back and finished it because it was a really good, sad, hopeful story. give it time, it picks up.
February 26, 2019
This book surprised me so much. I wasn't expecting such an emotional turmoil from the summary. That ending killed me. Ugly tears all around.
July 30, 2017
Let me start this review by pointing out that the author is giving away free copies of the book in exchange for honest reviews, and so here goes mine.
Permanent Jet Lag is a relationship book. I'd say it's character driven, and there's sort of little to no action advancements in the story, other than the part where my heart was completely destroyed. I do think the events in this book could use a little more humor and dynamic, to kind of balance it out, but I liked many things in this book: the way depression/anxiety is handled (not pushed out like a newborn baby, but fleshed out like a marble statue); the way issues like alcoholism in young people are depicted; understanding abused friends at a young age; it's has a sense of realness to it.
I think mainly what caused me to lower my rating was that there was no land sighted at the end of the raging sea this read was, no common goal the characters survived ordeals to (other than, you know, life) reach, no mystery to be solved, no tension that built and built and built. It was a very descriptive story, and sometimes it felt like I was reading a diary, which was a different format for me to read, so it was nice, but I found out it actually caused me to distance myself a bit from what was happening, and I lost interest in the narrative, mainly because I felt like I couldn't connect to Lucas, I think (which was weird because he is me. Maybe I hate myself oh man look I'm like ready to wear a toga and recite some philosophy now), or maybe it was just the unfamiliarity of it all, I'm not sure.
Thanks to the way it's written it has the feel and aura of those road trip books, like On The Road (read this book to understand the cool irony of what I just wrote!). I just felt like sometimes the writing was a bit...Apathetic? Maybe it was Lucas' point of view (and I do think it was, and when I realized that I actually thought it was interesting because Lucas is supposed to be a depressing sunuvabitch), but sometimes I had to skim ahead a few paragraphs, or read really fast because it dragged a bit, and nothing much was really happening but drama (which is not exactly a negative thing, as I think the drama was good, but just not my thing, to this amount?). But the writing is pretty, and because I have no better way to describe it, soothing.
It was like a John Green book, only gay, and more complex and fleshed out, and without the veiled-misogyny and the white-straight-savior, and I actually really liked this book, and I didn't feel like I had to roll my eyes every 2 seconds, and- Okay, you get the point.
In the end, it was very a teenager drama book, touching key points of that sort of story: It's about growing up in that confusing time of your life (which is always, I'll give you that, but well, you know what time in particular), and being sad, and not knowing why or how to stop it, and it was a really great story for that.
I loved the ending because I'm a sucker for those (what can I say, I eat pain for breakfast (look at my amazing puns)).
Either way, when I think about the fact a character in a book actually said the words "I'm bi" not once, not once, but twice!! Twice!! And it was depicted like a good thing, or well, not a thing at all, well then I die inside and I rise again because I feel strong enough to be immortal.
Permanent Jet Lag is a relationship book. I'd say it's character driven, and there's sort of little to no action advancements in the story, other than the part where my heart was completely destroyed. I do think the events in this book could use a little more humor and dynamic, to kind of balance it out, but I liked many things in this book: the way depression/anxiety is handled (not pushed out like a newborn baby, but fleshed out like a marble statue); the way issues like alcoholism in young people are depicted; understanding abused friends at a young age; it's has a sense of realness to it.
I think mainly what caused me to lower my rating was that there was no land sighted at the end of the raging sea this read was, no common goal the characters survived ordeals to (other than, you know, life) reach, no mystery to be solved, no tension that built and built and built. It was a very descriptive story, and sometimes it felt like I was reading a diary, which was a different format for me to read, so it was nice, but I found out it actually caused me to distance myself a bit from what was happening, and I lost interest in the narrative, mainly because I felt like I couldn't connect to Lucas, I think (which was weird because he is me. Maybe I hate myself oh man look I'm like ready to wear a toga and recite some philosophy now), or maybe it was just the unfamiliarity of it all, I'm not sure.
Thanks to the way it's written it has the feel and aura of those road trip books, like On The Road (read this book to understand the cool irony of what I just wrote!). I just felt like sometimes the writing was a bit...Apathetic? Maybe it was Lucas' point of view (and I do think it was, and when I realized that I actually thought it was interesting because Lucas is supposed to be a depressing sunuvabitch), but sometimes I had to skim ahead a few paragraphs, or read really fast because it dragged a bit, and nothing much was really happening but drama (which is not exactly a negative thing, as I think the drama was good, but just not my thing, to this amount?). But the writing is pretty, and because I have no better way to describe it, soothing.
It was like a John Green book, only gay, and more complex and fleshed out, and without the veiled-misogyny and the white-straight-savior, and I actually really liked this book, and I didn't feel like I had to roll my eyes every 2 seconds, and- Okay, you get the point.
In the end, it was very a teenager drama book, touching key points of that sort of story: It's about growing up in that confusing time of your life (which is always, I'll give you that, but well, you know what time in particular), and being sad, and not knowing why or how to stop it, and it was a really great story for that.
I loved the ending because I'm a sucker for those (what can I say, I eat pain for breakfast (look at my amazing puns)).
Either way, when I think about the fact a character in a book actually said the words "I'm bi" not once, not once, but twice!! Twice!! And it was depicted like a good thing, or well, not a thing at all, well then I die inside and I rise again because I feel strong enough to be immortal.
August 6, 2017
I was given an ARC of Permanent Jet Lag in exchange for a review and since I have to be honest, it's a difficult review for me because I'm totally split on this one.
I would've liked it a lot if it wasn't for the indulgent page after page of 'absolutely nothing happening' in the first part. I'm not saying every book should be packed with action but it was kind of like Proust's "In Search of Lost Time" told in the voice of apathetic 19 year old millennial who wants to put the whole world to sleep. There were few points when I absolutely wanted to put it away.
I'm glad I didn't in the end. The second part of the novel (because it felt for me like it had this great divide in it) is remarkable. It is well written, there's finally some true emotions to speak of and it is moving. It's the kind of story that feels real. One that shows you that life happens, and that death happens too, that love is not always requited and that, whatever comes your way, if you can go on, you should.
Nevertheless I can't ignore the struggle to read the first more than two hundred pages. The one thing clear from them was that the main character, Lucas didn't like his life in the small town an the mentality of the people there but he's too apathetic to enjoy the freedom of the big city. I also found all the scenes with the family slightly annoying and unnecessary. From all of the characters Chris was the only ray of sunshine, as ironic as it might be. He was the one to give life to the book. I also liked Clay a lot, the way he was fleshed out with all his issues. I didn't care about the rest, though.
It's not a traditional romance, especially for the lack of any sort of happy ending but there's a great love story nonetheless as sad as it might be.
Don't get me wrong, the writing is good. I probably would have loved it if it was more focused.
I would've liked it a lot if it wasn't for the indulgent page after page of 'absolutely nothing happening' in the first part. I'm not saying every book should be packed with action but it was kind of like Proust's "In Search of Lost Time" told in the voice of apathetic 19 year old millennial who wants to put the whole world to sleep. There were few points when I absolutely wanted to put it away.
I'm glad I didn't in the end. The second part of the novel (because it felt for me like it had this great divide in it) is remarkable. It is well written, there's finally some true emotions to speak of and it is moving. It's the kind of story that feels real. One that shows you that life happens, and that death happens too, that love is not always requited and that, whatever comes your way, if you can go on, you should.
Nevertheless I can't ignore the struggle to read the first more than two hundred pages. The one thing clear from them was that the main character, Lucas didn't like his life in the small town an the mentality of the people there but he's too apathetic to enjoy the freedom of the big city. I also found all the scenes with the family slightly annoying and unnecessary. From all of the characters Chris was the only ray of sunshine, as ironic as it might be. He was the one to give life to the book. I also liked Clay a lot, the way he was fleshed out with all his issues. I didn't care about the rest, though.
It's not a traditional romance, especially for the lack of any sort of happy ending but there's a great love story nonetheless as sad as it might be.
Don't get me wrong, the writing is good. I probably would have loved it if it was more focused.
February 25, 2018
This book is best read like a puzzle, in my opinion. The game here is to piece together the lives of this small town full of the usual small town secrets. Or, not so much secrets as ushed down events that you're eager to discover.
The same goes for the characters, all very high in colors. And then there is the main character, who seems to hate everything and everyone. Or does he?
The first few chapters had me intrigued and not sure what I was about to read. You're thrown in a whirlwind of friendships, love and hate, lust and apathy, without quite knowing where to starts first.
But as you go along on Lucas' journey back into his hometown, charmed into life again by Chris, you understand what this tale is trully about.
And once you're there, it's too late: you're in for the tears.
I cried multiple times reading this book. As a matter of fact, I had to stop several times because my eyes were physically useless. But I wouldn't put this in the "sad drama" area.
It's a story made to remind you of the joyfull parts of life. The cloudy parts are there only to have the rays of sunshine be brighter.
I'm very glad to have been able to read this book, which counts as one of the "food for the soul" experience, and I'll recommend it to my friends.
It's also very well written, with multi-dimensional characters and some genius lines that strike you when you less expect it. Lucas will grow on you, going from "sarcastic little shit" to "sarcastic little shit with a soul bleeding out its emotions".
Overall a great read, where the only off putting parts were a messy start story-wise, and a first meeting a bit too stereotypical for Chris and Lucas, with the whole "he's so beautiful and perfect I've never felt like this before".
The same goes for the characters, all very high in colors. And then there is the main character, who seems to hate everything and everyone. Or does he?
The first few chapters had me intrigued and not sure what I was about to read. You're thrown in a whirlwind of friendships, love and hate, lust and apathy, without quite knowing where to starts first.
But as you go along on Lucas' journey back into his hometown, charmed into life again by Chris, you understand what this tale is trully about.
And once you're there, it's too late: you're in for the tears.
I cried multiple times reading this book. As a matter of fact, I had to stop several times because my eyes were physically useless. But I wouldn't put this in the "sad drama" area.
It's a story made to remind you of the joyfull parts of life. The cloudy parts are there only to have the rays of sunshine be brighter.
I'm very glad to have been able to read this book, which counts as one of the "food for the soul" experience, and I'll recommend it to my friends.
It's also very well written, with multi-dimensional characters and some genius lines that strike you when you less expect it. Lucas will grow on you, going from "sarcastic little shit" to "sarcastic little shit with a soul bleeding out its emotions".
Overall a great read, where the only off putting parts were a messy start story-wise, and a first meeting a bit too stereotypical for Chris and Lucas, with the whole "he's so beautiful and perfect I've never felt like this before".
August 5, 2017
First of all, I would like to thank the author of Permanent Jetlag, who gave me a chance to read this novel for absolutely free.
Permanent Jetlag is a lovely YA book with a cute story, that deserves to be told. The chapters are counting down to something, and it takes a while to understand what it is counting down to, and why. When the realisation comes, my heart was destroyed - this is exactly the kind of love that deserves a book!
The only thing that annoyed me, to the point where I - almost - thought about putting the book away for a while, is that it is filled with stereotypes. Of cause, not about the LGBT+ community, but about Americans. It can very well be because I’m European, but the whole “ordinary American family” is a little boring for some reason. The father of our hero Lucas is almost non-present, his siblings are annoying or lack personality, and his mother is of cause overprotective, blabbering and hysterical. Though this book has a wide-ranging cast, the family is what bothers me the most - and luckily, the book isn’t about them.
Whit that said; for an YA book, it’s good. For an LGBT+ book its perfect. Young love, finding out what kind of person you want to be, this is a brilliant piece of what young adults need to learn and experience during college or younger. For me, it was a cute story to read while on vacation. And I would mind that A.N Casey broke my heart with another story like this.
Permanent Jetlag is a lovely YA book with a cute story, that deserves to be told. The chapters are counting down to something, and it takes a while to understand what it is counting down to, and why. When the realisation comes, my heart was destroyed - this is exactly the kind of love that deserves a book!
The only thing that annoyed me, to the point where I - almost - thought about putting the book away for a while, is that it is filled with stereotypes. Of cause, not about the LGBT+ community, but about Americans. It can very well be because I’m European, but the whole “ordinary American family” is a little boring for some reason. The father of our hero Lucas is almost non-present, his siblings are annoying or lack personality, and his mother is of cause overprotective, blabbering and hysterical. Though this book has a wide-ranging cast, the family is what bothers me the most - and luckily, the book isn’t about them.
Whit that said; for an YA book, it’s good. For an LGBT+ book its perfect. Young love, finding out what kind of person you want to be, this is a brilliant piece of what young adults need to learn and experience during college or younger. For me, it was a cute story to read while on vacation. And I would mind that A.N Casey broke my heart with another story like this.
August 15, 2017
These are more thought and reactions than a tidy, proper review per se.
First, it's clear the writer has talent and includes numerous original insights into the story's broader themes.
The low star rating reflects how I felt at the end - a bit impatient with pacing and more dragged down than uplifted by the heavy subject matter. But that's just personal taste. Others are likely to enjoy this take on bittersweet romance and an MC reluctant to trust his heart.
In terms of skills, I thought the character development was a bit uneven. Some of the MC's reflections on love and loss were packaged a little to tightly - verging on a Hallmark card sensibility while others felt more appropriate as observations that would be more authentic coming from a much older character.
I'm willing to read another by the author to see how he grows. (Spoken like teacher, sigh.)
First, it's clear the writer has talent and includes numerous original insights into the story's broader themes.
The low star rating reflects how I felt at the end - a bit impatient with pacing and more dragged down than uplifted by the heavy subject matter. But that's just personal taste. Others are likely to enjoy this take on bittersweet romance and an MC reluctant to trust his heart.
In terms of skills, I thought the character development was a bit uneven. Some of the MC's reflections on love and loss were packaged a little to tightly - verging on a Hallmark card sensibility while others felt more appropriate as observations that would be more authentic coming from a much older character.
I'm willing to read another by the author to see how he grows. (Spoken like teacher, sigh.)
December 4, 2017
2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Permanent Jet Lag A.N. Casey
1) I have to admit this love story between Lukas and Chris had me tearing up several times. How often will you berate yourself for not saying those elusive words, "I love you" until it's too late? Wonderful characters, humor, and heartbreak make this beautiful novel a must read.
2) Wonderful story of a young man who left his hometown for college, and the problems he faced before leaving, only to have to come back and face them all over again. As peace is made with each one, a new chapter in life opens, and things will never be the same again. Excellent!
3) I was shocked at how much this book affected me and how attached I became to the characters. Wonderfully done.
1) I have to admit this love story between Lukas and Chris had me tearing up several times. How often will you berate yourself for not saying those elusive words, "I love you" until it's too late? Wonderful characters, humor, and heartbreak make this beautiful novel a must read.
2) Wonderful story of a young man who left his hometown for college, and the problems he faced before leaving, only to have to come back and face them all over again. As peace is made with each one, a new chapter in life opens, and things will never be the same again. Excellent!
3) I was shocked at how much this book affected me and how attached I became to the characters. Wonderfully done.
August 5, 2017
This book had me feeling like I had jet lag; it was so lacklustre.
November 11, 2020
Excellent story
Well written book, not what I expected but enjoyed reading it and seeing the story unfold through Lucas’ eyes. I definitely recommend this book to readers.
Well written book, not what I expected but enjoyed reading it and seeing the story unfold through Lucas’ eyes. I definitely recommend this book to readers.
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