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Waiting for Walker
Micah Jaeger's life is a mess. His folks have split, and his mother is seeing a medium to communicate with Micah's older brother, killed in Afghanistan. He had to change schools for his junior year, which made him retreat further into himself, hiding behind his camera--and hiding that he's gay.
One sunny day in June, as he's shooting a dead seagull on the shore of Long Island Sound, a mysterious guy appears in a beautiful sailboat. At first, the guy's boat shoes are the image that stays with Micah. But soon it's the person himself, Walker Donnell, who haunts Micah's dreams.
Walker's life looks perfect to Micah. His wealthy parents adore him. He has everything he could want. He's gorgeous and generous. And he falls hard for Micah. But he has a secret: Walker is intersex.
The closer Walker and Micah grow, the more Walker feels the need to be sure of himself in ways he hasn't fully faced before, and now it's his turn to retreat. Micah knows Walker is worth waiting for, so he waits. And waits.
From the foreword by author Cody Kennedy:
Waiting for Walker is a captivating novel from page one. Woven into this story are myriad issues germane to our youth of today: socio-economic disparity, familial loss through military service, divorce, Christian and Muslim dynamics, and a more subtle message, but no less important--being intersex is not a new phenomenon.
Intersex people have existed throughout history. At times revered, at times reviled, the treatment of intersex people is profound. It wasn't until post-World-War-II environs gave way to genuine research that intersex individuals began being viewed as human beings. Still and yet, it wasn't until 2006 that laws began being enacted in the United States to give intersex individuals rights--human and humane rights--civil liberties that those who are born within the binary genders enjoy from the day they are born. While the United States has come far, there remains a long road ahead and, largely, throughout the world, intersex people have no rights.
Walker is a beautiful, confused, vulnerable human being with the tensile strength of steel. Micah is wonderful; down-to-earth with a noir bent, he is an average gay teenager who is falling hopelessly in love with Walker. He is loyal, protective, supportive, and understanding of Walker's, at times, precarious emotional state. More importantly, Walker and Micah wend their ways through the complicated labyrinth of their relationship to find, in the end, they are meant for each other. Walker's and Micah's parents also add a positive message to this story: not all people reject intersex youth.
Superb, courageous, and finely tuned to realism, Robin Reardon creates extraordinary characters. She puts Walker boldly and unconditionally forward as an intersex character and shows us but a fraction of what he endures in coming to terms with his sexuality, his sexual identity, and most crucially, who he is determined to be. A master storyteller with a rare talent for grounding stories in everyday reality, Ms. Reardon breathes new life into the fragile notion that we are all equal. She shows us that financial and marital status, religious beliefs, familial loss, and our genetics are only parts of us--that what we say and do speaks to who we are.
The elements contained in this story can be polarizing, and I don't want to give the impression Ms. Reardon minimizes them. The reader clearly understands what Walker has gone through, and goes through, and at times, it is heartrending. But Ms. Reardon doesn't render Walker with a blunt instrument; she renders him with finesse. This coming-of-age story is one of discovery, love, hope, and healing.
One sunny day in June, as he's shooting a dead seagull on the shore of Long Island Sound, a mysterious guy appears in a beautiful sailboat. At first, the guy's boat shoes are the image that stays with Micah. But soon it's the person himself, Walker Donnell, who haunts Micah's dreams.
Walker's life looks perfect to Micah. His wealthy parents adore him. He has everything he could want. He's gorgeous and generous. And he falls hard for Micah. But he has a secret: Walker is intersex.
The closer Walker and Micah grow, the more Walker feels the need to be sure of himself in ways he hasn't fully faced before, and now it's his turn to retreat. Micah knows Walker is worth waiting for, so he waits. And waits.
From the foreword by author Cody Kennedy:
Waiting for Walker is a captivating novel from page one. Woven into this story are myriad issues germane to our youth of today: socio-economic disparity, familial loss through military service, divorce, Christian and Muslim dynamics, and a more subtle message, but no less important--being intersex is not a new phenomenon.
Intersex people have existed throughout history. At times revered, at times reviled, the treatment of intersex people is profound. It wasn't until post-World-War-II environs gave way to genuine research that intersex individuals began being viewed as human beings. Still and yet, it wasn't until 2006 that laws began being enacted in the United States to give intersex individuals rights--human and humane rights--civil liberties that those who are born within the binary genders enjoy from the day they are born. While the United States has come far, there remains a long road ahead and, largely, throughout the world, intersex people have no rights.
Walker is a beautiful, confused, vulnerable human being with the tensile strength of steel. Micah is wonderful; down-to-earth with a noir bent, he is an average gay teenager who is falling hopelessly in love with Walker. He is loyal, protective, supportive, and understanding of Walker's, at times, precarious emotional state. More importantly, Walker and Micah wend their ways through the complicated labyrinth of their relationship to find, in the end, they are meant for each other. Walker's and Micah's parents also add a positive message to this story: not all people reject intersex youth.
Superb, courageous, and finely tuned to realism, Robin Reardon creates extraordinary characters. She puts Walker boldly and unconditionally forward as an intersex character and shows us but a fraction of what he endures in coming to terms with his sexuality, his sexual identity, and most crucially, who he is determined to be. A master storyteller with a rare talent for grounding stories in everyday reality, Ms. Reardon breathes new life into the fragile notion that we are all equal. She shows us that financial and marital status, religious beliefs, familial loss, and our genetics are only parts of us--that what we say and do speaks to who we are.
The elements contained in this story can be polarizing, and I don't want to give the impression Ms. Reardon minimizes them. The reader clearly understands what Walker has gone through, and goes through, and at times, it is heartrending. But Ms. Reardon doesn't render Walker with a blunt instrument; she renders him with finesse. This coming-of-age story is one of discovery, love, hope, and healing.
366 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2017
4 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Robin Reardon
23 books180 followersI'm an inveterate observer of human nature, and my primary writing goal is to create stories about all kinds of people, some of whom happen to be gay or transgender—people whose destinies are not determined solely by their sexual orientation or identity. My secondary writing goal is to introduce readers to concepts or information they might not know very much about. On my website, robinreardon.com, see individual book pages for “Digging Deeper” sections that link to background information and research done for the novel.
My motto is this: The only thing wrong with being gay is how some people treat you when they find out.
Interests outside of writing include singing, nature photography, and the study of comparative religions. I write in a butter yellow study with a view of the Boston, Massachusetts skyline.
My motto is this: The only thing wrong with being gay is how some people treat you when they find out.
Interests outside of writing include singing, nature photography, and the study of comparative religions. I write in a butter yellow study with a view of the Boston, Massachusetts skyline.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 16, 2017
Micah is another of this author's very relatable young guys - at seventeen, he's spending his last summer before senior year of high school under difficult circumstances. His older brother was killed in the military overseas, and the loss broke his parents apart. He lives with his mom in the motel she manages. Micah goes his own way while she drinks too much, ignores him too often, and tries to find comfort in a psychic who claims to be channeling her dead son. Micah's father has his own apartment and they see each other every couple of weeks, but their relationship is more superficial than it once was. Micah has not trusted either of them enough to tell them he's gay.
Micah has become isolated, partly by the circumstances, partly deliberately. Nothing can hurt you if you don't let it in, and he's trying to be sufficient unto himself. He's a photographer, hoping to make that his career. Through the lens of his camera, he can both examine the world and hold it at a distance. Until one day he meets Walker, a young guy in a pair of white-soled boat shoes, who intrudes into his lens, his dreams, and his life.
Walker is wealthy, but almost as isolated. He's been home-schooled, and doesn't trust his "friends" to like him more than they like his money. As Micah comes to know him, it's clear that Walker also has family stresses to navigate. What isn't clear, is whether Walker is gay. Or interested in Micah. There's a risk in opening yourself up to someone, and Micah will have to decide whether and when to step out of the closet. Although Micah doesn't realize it at first, his summer is going to be all about taking risks and facing surprises and fears.
I really enjoyed the LGBTQIA part of this story. Coming out and self-understanding happened for Micah, and Walker, in a variety of ways, some good, some not so much. The reactions of those around them covered a very believable range as well. The ability of today's teens to find information online can smooth some bumps, but people are still people, with flaws and preconceptions and prejudices. There are not many YA books available with intersex characters, and this story did a good job of informing, without losing sight of the plot and characters I cared about.
The book also has a wide cast of secondary characters, whose viewpoints bring in additional issues of divorce and remarriage, of grief, and trust, of religion including Catholicism and Islam, of wealth, adoption, mysticism, phobias, and more. If I had any issue with this book, it was that it was a bit too jam packed with important topics. Even for an author as skilled as Reardon, doing justice to all of them without either a lecture or a too-easy resolution didn't quite fit comfortably within the limits of one YA novel. These are interesting side-characters, with stories I wanted to know more about from the inside. I'd have loved to see the Muslim plot threads, in particular, given their own space with a slower focus. Waiting for Walker is still an admirable effort, and a book I enjoyed, with both great information and real, sympathetic and interesting characters whom I was sorry to say goodbye to, despite their solid HFN ending.
(I received an advance copy of this book as a free gift, without constraints.) Note that there is a small amount of non-graphic but on-page, plot-related sex content, appropriate for most YA.
Micah has become isolated, partly by the circumstances, partly deliberately. Nothing can hurt you if you don't let it in, and he's trying to be sufficient unto himself. He's a photographer, hoping to make that his career. Through the lens of his camera, he can both examine the world and hold it at a distance. Until one day he meets Walker, a young guy in a pair of white-soled boat shoes, who intrudes into his lens, his dreams, and his life.
Walker is wealthy, but almost as isolated. He's been home-schooled, and doesn't trust his "friends" to like him more than they like his money. As Micah comes to know him, it's clear that Walker also has family stresses to navigate. What isn't clear, is whether Walker is gay. Or interested in Micah. There's a risk in opening yourself up to someone, and Micah will have to decide whether and when to step out of the closet. Although Micah doesn't realize it at first, his summer is going to be all about taking risks and facing surprises and fears.
I really enjoyed the LGBTQIA part of this story. Coming out and self-understanding happened for Micah, and Walker, in a variety of ways, some good, some not so much. The reactions of those around them covered a very believable range as well. The ability of today's teens to find information online can smooth some bumps, but people are still people, with flaws and preconceptions and prejudices. There are not many YA books available with intersex characters, and this story did a good job of informing, without losing sight of the plot and characters I cared about.
The book also has a wide cast of secondary characters, whose viewpoints bring in additional issues of divorce and remarriage, of grief, and trust, of religion including Catholicism and Islam, of wealth, adoption, mysticism, phobias, and more. If I had any issue with this book, it was that it was a bit too jam packed with important topics. Even for an author as skilled as Reardon, doing justice to all of them without either a lecture or a too-easy resolution didn't quite fit comfortably within the limits of one YA novel. These are interesting side-characters, with stories I wanted to know more about from the inside. I'd have loved to see the Muslim plot threads, in particular, given their own space with a slower focus. Waiting for Walker is still an admirable effort, and a book I enjoyed, with both great information and real, sympathetic and interesting characters whom I was sorry to say goodbye to, despite their solid HFN ending.
(I received an advance copy of this book as a free gift, without constraints.) Note that there is a small amount of non-graphic but on-page, plot-related sex content, appropriate for most YA.
June 23, 2017
Waiting for Walker is a true breath of fresh air. I've read thousands of books but this one was something I actually never encountered. It's sad really but this is the first book I've read with an intersex MC. Intersex people are everywhere but it's like there's this stigma that they are "freaks" and no one should discuss them. Well this author is shining a much needed light on Walker.
Micah, the other MC, is dealing with a lot. His life doesn't seem to be going very well. Everything feels bleak and he's drowning in his own sorrows. It isn't until Walker appears that Micah feels something hopeful.
Walker, what can I say about Walker? Outstanding human being. Stronger than so many, Awe inspiring. So Brave. Walker is not written like a seen and not heard character. Robin Reardon does not put rose colored glasses on her reader's faces when discussing Walker being intersex at all. She shows us the frustrations, confusions, and the patience. She weaves a tale so beautiful and full of understanding I felt like a new person after reading it.
Robin Reardon focuses on the internal struggles of Walker. The emotion behind the depth this character is built. It's so vital to understand.
Micah and Walker deal with their own struggles but in this book they discover they aren't alone. Even though we are taught our path is ours to take there's nothing that says someone can't walk beside you.
This is more than a coming of age story this is a waking up story. This is a book that everyone should read.
Micah, the other MC, is dealing with a lot. His life doesn't seem to be going very well. Everything feels bleak and he's drowning in his own sorrows. It isn't until Walker appears that Micah feels something hopeful.
Walker, what can I say about Walker? Outstanding human being. Stronger than so many, Awe inspiring. So Brave. Walker is not written like a seen and not heard character. Robin Reardon does not put rose colored glasses on her reader's faces when discussing Walker being intersex at all. She shows us the frustrations, confusions, and the patience. She weaves a tale so beautiful and full of understanding I felt like a new person after reading it.
Robin Reardon focuses on the internal struggles of Walker. The emotion behind the depth this character is built. It's so vital to understand.
Micah and Walker deal with their own struggles but in this book they discover they aren't alone. Even though we are taught our path is ours to take there's nothing that says someone can't walk beside you.
This is more than a coming of age story this is a waking up story. This is a book that everyone should read.
July 12, 2017
I read an amazing review of this book by Sammy Goode, and bought the book straight off. Ah, the power of word-of-mouth.
Loved, just loved this story, about people we so seldom see. With beautiful language and turns of phrase that hit me just so.
Beautiful.
”You came back to that rock and looked for me, out on the water. I think you want a new friend, too.”
Courage, when you realize you can no longer do nothing – but you still haven’t figured out what you can do.
We need more stories like this one, to lift us up, to see that it is possible to change, it is possible to take a road less traveled.
And that it is possible that other people’s truths are just as valid as your own. Only different.
Simply loved it. Warmly recommend it, especially as there was next to no sex in there, and sweet and slow, what was there.
Perfect.
*** Bought this book with my own monies after reading a smashing review.***
August 30, 2018
Important, Intense, and Interesting!
Gay teen coming-of-age stories are -thankfully- becoming more popular yet Waiting for Walker is the very first I've read to tackle both the issues of being homosexual as well as being intersex. Robin Reardon thrusts Walker Donnell into the life of Micah Jaeger with no warning of what kind of struggle loving Walker will prove to be. Her depiction of intersex life was a real glimpse into the challenges and concerns an intersex teen would have to face; Micah is alternately accepting and confused by Walker's condition which I found to be very in-keeping with any teenager trying to find themselves alongside experiencing their first love. I truly believe people should read Waiting for Walker to gain new insight into the intersex world. There's a beautiful love story here, true, but there's also beautiful people in this book who should be known and exemplified in everyday life.
Sexuality and gender identity are two different things which is what throws Micah for a loop when he learns of Walker's condition. He's not put off so much by the physical limitations Walker faces as he's confused about the idea of someone questioning their gender. What does it mean to be a boy? To be a girl? What does it take to definitively decide on a gender? Micah is a biological male with no physical impairments or medical complications. He's a boy. He's always been a boy. He's attracted to other boys so he's a gay boy. Walker is intersex though he has outward male genitals -he faces medical complications and physical impairment with his sex organs, but, physically, he appears male. How is it he thinks he might be a "she"? How can he even think he's not a gay boy? He's a boy who physically reacted in a positive way to another boy who he cares about in a "boyfriend" way: Walker has to be a gay boy!
Micah really does come across as so defensive of his love and his ideas on the subjects of Walker's gender identity and sexuality. It is so easy to believe in him as an adolescent who only wants his first love to work out. There's never a moment when Reardon pushes the reader into believing these two characters think they'll be together "forever" so much as the understanding they boy want to be together now. They want this romance together while they can have it for as long as they can have it. I loved the whole feeling of seizing the moment in the novel.
Walker raises a lot of questions for the reader throughout the text. He's a character of a type I haven't seen before; I really appreciated his uniqueness. I loved his comfort with his wealth because it's a rare case where the "rich loves poor" storyline doesn't focus exclusively on the differences between the two characters' class distinctions. Walker has a lot more going on in his life than the fact he has his own sailboat, his father owns a yacht, and his family lives on an island with their own private dock. Money is, literally, not something he thinks about to the point where he shrugs off to Micah the question of whether or not he "takes it for granted." Does he take it for granted? Yes. Does taking his privileged life for granted make sense for him as a character? Yes. Micah grows to understand it isn't about money with Walker; all the money in the world can't make up for the struggles Walker faces simply as a human being trying to understand himself.
Tolerance, acceptance, and understanding are inscribed in every part of Waiting for Walker. This book feels important to me. I loved reading it. I loved the writing. I loved all the characters -including Paige who struggles to understand herself and her place as an adopted Muslim child of a privileged Catholic family- and I loved how Micah's life didn't center wholly around Walker in the story. He had issues of his own coming up -his father finding new love, his mother refusing to accept his brother's death in combat in Afghanistan, his entire family having to face an impossible situation together when the unimaginable happens- which were every bit as important as coming to terms with how he feels for Walker.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review; I purchased a copy for my permanent library as I cannot imagine never reading this book again. I can't stress enough how much I loved Waiting for Walker. I truly hope others decide to dive into this novel to see the world through a perspective rarely showcased today.
Gay teen coming-of-age stories are -thankfully- becoming more popular yet Waiting for Walker is the very first I've read to tackle both the issues of being homosexual as well as being intersex. Robin Reardon thrusts Walker Donnell into the life of Micah Jaeger with no warning of what kind of struggle loving Walker will prove to be. Her depiction of intersex life was a real glimpse into the challenges and concerns an intersex teen would have to face; Micah is alternately accepting and confused by Walker's condition which I found to be very in-keeping with any teenager trying to find themselves alongside experiencing their first love. I truly believe people should read Waiting for Walker to gain new insight into the intersex world. There's a beautiful love story here, true, but there's also beautiful people in this book who should be known and exemplified in everyday life.
Sexuality and gender identity are two different things which is what throws Micah for a loop when he learns of Walker's condition. He's not put off so much by the physical limitations Walker faces as he's confused about the idea of someone questioning their gender. What does it mean to be a boy? To be a girl? What does it take to definitively decide on a gender? Micah is a biological male with no physical impairments or medical complications. He's a boy. He's always been a boy. He's attracted to other boys so he's a gay boy. Walker is intersex though he has outward male genitals -he faces medical complications and physical impairment with his sex organs, but, physically, he appears male. How is it he thinks he might be a "she"? How can he even think he's not a gay boy? He's a boy who physically reacted in a positive way to another boy who he cares about in a "boyfriend" way: Walker has to be a gay boy!
Micah really does come across as so defensive of his love and his ideas on the subjects of Walker's gender identity and sexuality. It is so easy to believe in him as an adolescent who only wants his first love to work out. There's never a moment when Reardon pushes the reader into believing these two characters think they'll be together "forever" so much as the understanding they boy want to be together now. They want this romance together while they can have it for as long as they can have it. I loved the whole feeling of seizing the moment in the novel.
Walker raises a lot of questions for the reader throughout the text. He's a character of a type I haven't seen before; I really appreciated his uniqueness. I loved his comfort with his wealth because it's a rare case where the "rich loves poor" storyline doesn't focus exclusively on the differences between the two characters' class distinctions. Walker has a lot more going on in his life than the fact he has his own sailboat, his father owns a yacht, and his family lives on an island with their own private dock. Money is, literally, not something he thinks about to the point where he shrugs off to Micah the question of whether or not he "takes it for granted." Does he take it for granted? Yes. Does taking his privileged life for granted make sense for him as a character? Yes. Micah grows to understand it isn't about money with Walker; all the money in the world can't make up for the struggles Walker faces simply as a human being trying to understand himself.
Tolerance, acceptance, and understanding are inscribed in every part of Waiting for Walker. This book feels important to me. I loved reading it. I loved the writing. I loved all the characters -including Paige who struggles to understand herself and her place as an adopted Muslim child of a privileged Catholic family- and I loved how Micah's life didn't center wholly around Walker in the story. He had issues of his own coming up -his father finding new love, his mother refusing to accept his brother's death in combat in Afghanistan, his entire family having to face an impossible situation together when the unimaginable happens- which were every bit as important as coming to terms with how he feels for Walker.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review; I purchased a copy for my permanent library as I cannot imagine never reading this book again. I can't stress enough how much I loved Waiting for Walker. I truly hope others decide to dive into this novel to see the world through a perspective rarely showcased today.
December 6, 2024
DNF @ 54%
Me @ 31%: The mom thinking is making me so uncomfortable.
Me @ 58%: Man, why does no one talk to the mom honestly? Yes, she's obviously mentally unstable and has regressed to sometimes acting like a petulant teenager - but does that mean MC and his dad can't talk to her like the adult she is? She's being mean and self-righteous, but everyone is tap dancing with eggshells on their big toe around her, or some shit. :/
This book is stressing me TF ooooout.
Me @ 64%: Every good thing that happens in this book is swiftly followed by something doubly upsetting.
JFC, I'm so done with this book.
Me @ 31%: The mom thinking is making me so uncomfortable.
Me @ 58%: Man, why does no one talk to the mom honestly? Yes, she's obviously mentally unstable and has regressed to sometimes acting like a petulant teenager - but does that mean MC and his dad can't talk to her like the adult she is? She's being mean and self-righteous, but everyone is tap dancing with eggshells on their big toe around her, or some shit. :/
This book is stressing me TF ooooout.
Me @ 64%: Every good thing that happens in this book is swiftly followed by something doubly upsetting.
JFC, I'm so done with this book.
March 24, 2019
Not your average summer
Not sure where this book’s journey was going to take me. Divorced parents, only child, death, poor, wealthy, psychic, religion, culture and first love. The story was addicting. I took every spare moment just to get closer to the end. My only complaint was a missed sailing opportunity that was mentioned midway through the story. Even that omission didn’t knock it out of a great score. 4.75 for dreams.
Not sure where this book’s journey was going to take me. Divorced parents, only child, death, poor, wealthy, psychic, religion, culture and first love. The story was addicting. I took every spare moment just to get closer to the end. My only complaint was a missed sailing opportunity that was mentioned midway through the story. Even that omission didn’t knock it out of a great score. 4.75 for dreams.
May 10, 2017
I love how Robin Reardon takes the common ordinary coming out story that we all love and adds other major themes that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
This time the "other issues" include parental divorce following the loss of a sibling, converting to Islam, sailing, psychics, photography, and falling for someone who's not only intersex but of a very different financial strata.
These themes all blend together to give a unique and engaging read that is never quite what you expect and never run of the mill. The characters are some of the most likeable she's written about to date and while the ending is a hopeful and satisfying one, I'll miss my new friends. If Robin ever runs out of new areas of interest I'd love for her to revisit some of the characters from her earlier books. In this one, like her earlier works, I'd like to know more about how these people's stories continue.
This time the "other issues" include parental divorce following the loss of a sibling, converting to Islam, sailing, psychics, photography, and falling for someone who's not only intersex but of a very different financial strata.
These themes all blend together to give a unique and engaging read that is never quite what you expect and never run of the mill. The characters are some of the most likeable she's written about to date and while the ending is a hopeful and satisfying one, I'll miss my new friends. If Robin ever runs out of new areas of interest I'd love for her to revisit some of the characters from her earlier books. In this one, like her earlier works, I'd like to know more about how these people's stories continue.
November 17, 2017
Micah Jaeger is just like any other teenager in high school. He is trying to discover who he is and be happy in his own skin. This parents are divorced and he lives with his drunken mother, a strange woman who is obsessed with her dead son. Through a medium named Madam Alberta, his mother discovers that Dylan, Micah’s brother who died in Afghanistan, is supposedly “alive.” To complicate matters for Micah, his father wants to him to be like other boys until Micah reveals he is gay. Add Walker Donnell, whom Micah meets while photographing a dead seagull, and Micah’s life becomes more complicated with the discovery that Walker is intersex.
As always with Reardon’s novels, I learn something. Yachting terminology is explained in a way that landlubber would understand. Micah’s galeophobia, due to a shark biting him when he was young, is tested while yachting with Walker’s parents and overcome when he saves Walker’s cousin Cam from a bull shark. I have watched Shark Week numerous times and always have been fascinated by these hunters.
Photography has always interested me, enough to become a yearbook teacher for three years, but a new appreciation of black and white photography is introduced through a reference to Vivian Maier. Micah’s photography inspired me to take up the camera again and take my own photos.
The characters are memorable and unique, descriptively vivid in my mind. The anxiety that comes with each of Reardon’s novels dissipated with the resolution she provides at the end, nicely wrapping up each character’s story. And lastly, the Star Trek reference to Anton Yelchin is always a plus in my book.
Warning Spoiler: Another aspect I learned was Reardon’s inclusion of Muslim customs, which enlightened me on a religion I knew very little about. This is integral to the story as Dylan is alive, married to a Muslim woman who is moving to the States, and Walker’s sister, Paige, was adopted from a Muslim family. Raised a Catholic, comparative religions and mythology forces me to question the differences and similarities.
As always with Reardon’s novels, I learn something. Yachting terminology is explained in a way that landlubber would understand. Micah’s galeophobia, due to a shark biting him when he was young, is tested while yachting with Walker’s parents and overcome when he saves Walker’s cousin Cam from a bull shark. I have watched Shark Week numerous times and always have been fascinated by these hunters.
Photography has always interested me, enough to become a yearbook teacher for three years, but a new appreciation of black and white photography is introduced through a reference to Vivian Maier. Micah’s photography inspired me to take up the camera again and take my own photos.
The characters are memorable and unique, descriptively vivid in my mind. The anxiety that comes with each of Reardon’s novels dissipated with the resolution she provides at the end, nicely wrapping up each character’s story. And lastly, the Star Trek reference to Anton Yelchin is always a plus in my book.
Warning Spoiler: Another aspect I learned was Reardon’s inclusion of Muslim customs, which enlightened me on a religion I knew very little about. This is integral to the story as Dylan is alive, married to a Muslim woman who is moving to the States, and Walker’s sister, Paige, was adopted from a Muslim family. Raised a Catholic, comparative religions and mythology forces me to question the differences and similarities.
January 7, 2022
I loved Robin Reardon's newest novel. The characters are fascinating, their lives complex and overwhelming, but the narrative follows a path of humanity that allows them to work through their issues and come to a better plane of life. Things don't always work out perfectly: Reardon holds back on saccharine perfection. But the point of rest at the end of the novel is satisfying and rewarding. I like her use of her research about certain topics in the novel, without creating the impression that she is clothing non-fiction in a fictional guise - she creates real people in complicated situations. Some of the issues involved include: the travails of an intersex person, the effects on ordinary families of the USA's recent wars, the integration of Muslim people in American society, and - for the main character - coming out as gay (which, in the wider context, almost seems mundane!). The blurbs about the book does not prepare the reader for the unusual spin about the psychic portrayed in the book - I wonder whether and how this may play out in a future novel. As with Throwing stones, Waiting for Walker is a novel I will definitely reread. But I might go on a more extensive Reardon binge first!
Robin Reardon skep 'n diggeweefde verhaal vol oortuigende karakters met komplekse lewens. Sy ondersoek 'n tienerseun se seksualiteit, 'n interseks persoon se besondere uitdagings, die effek van die VSA se onlangse oorloë op gewone gesinne, die integrasie van Moslem-mense in die Amerikaanse samelewing, asook die bydrae en vermoëns van 'n medium. 'n Ryke feesmaal wat die leser gelukkig laat by die kadenspunt wat die einde van die roman vorm.
Robin Reardon skep 'n diggeweefde verhaal vol oortuigende karakters met komplekse lewens. Sy ondersoek 'n tienerseun se seksualiteit, 'n interseks persoon se besondere uitdagings, die effek van die VSA se onlangse oorloë op gewone gesinne, die integrasie van Moslem-mense in die Amerikaanse samelewing, asook die bydrae en vermoëns van 'n medium. 'n Ryke feesmaal wat die leser gelukkig laat by die kadenspunt wat die einde van die roman vorm.
August 8, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
This story was an absolute joy to read. Reardon’s characters popped right off the page and enveloped me in their world. I love the balance struck between maturity and naivety with each of the main characters, which clearly include Micah and Walker, but I’d also say Micah’s mom qualifies as well. The supporting cast of Micah’s father, his brother, his brother’s wife, Walker’s sister, and the rest of his family also complement the various elements of the story. One particular strength is how even a relatively minor character like Walker’s sister passes the believability test (which has an actual name that I cannot recall)—basically, she clearly is not simply thrown on-page as a foil to Walker and even undergoes a little developmental journey of her own despite how little she actually appears on page.
As far as the plot goes, this book offers so much more than a sweet, racy first-love story. To be sure, it’s biggest hitter is the romance we see develop between Micah and Walker. Yet when that takes a huge pause as Walker is made to evaluate core aspects of his existence (is he male or female? is he gay or not? how far is he willing to bend for the sake of his very Catholic mother?), I had no sense of the book waffling away the pages with fluff about Micah and his family. This is due in large part to the careful relationship Reardon builds—and most importantly shows—on page for the reader.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
This story was an absolute joy to read. Reardon’s characters popped right off the page and enveloped me in their world. I love the balance struck between maturity and naivety with each of the main characters, which clearly include Micah and Walker, but I’d also say Micah’s mom qualifies as well. The supporting cast of Micah’s father, his brother, his brother’s wife, Walker’s sister, and the rest of his family also complement the various elements of the story. One particular strength is how even a relatively minor character like Walker’s sister passes the believability test (which has an actual name that I cannot recall)—basically, she clearly is not simply thrown on-page as a foil to Walker and even undergoes a little developmental journey of her own despite how little she actually appears on page.
As far as the plot goes, this book offers so much more than a sweet, racy first-love story. To be sure, it’s biggest hitter is the romance we see develop between Micah and Walker. Yet when that takes a huge pause as Walker is made to evaluate core aspects of his existence (is he male or female? is he gay or not? how far is he willing to bend for the sake of his very Catholic mother?), I had no sense of the book waffling away the pages with fluff about Micah and his family. This is due in large part to the careful relationship Reardon builds—and most importantly shows—on page for the reader.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
June 5, 2017
I knew it was a mistake to start reading Robin Reardon's new book, Waiting for Walker, at 10PM... i was up till 3AM finishing it! As I've said on previous reviews of Robin's books, I absolutely love her as an author. There is something about her books that I really enjoy reading. They are not always easy books to read and she tackles some pretty heavy topics from today's society.
Waiting for Walker is the story of Micah, a 16 year old boy from Rhode Island, who falls for the rich kid who lives nearby, Walker. What Micah doesn't know, but soon finds out, is that Walker is intersex, a chromosomal condition that leads to combined and underdeveloped sexual organs and identity. Micah identifies as gay, and Walker is trying to come to terms with his sexuality in light of his intersex status as well. As usual, Robin had done a great deal of research into the topic of intersex and tries to bring out the issues faced by the people born with this condition and their families. There are additional story lines surrounding Micah's brother, missing in action in Afghanistan, and Walker's adopted sister. Robin also tackles Micah's family's divorce, his fear of sharks (well-founded!), and the issues of the Muslim faith and the story line gets pretty complicated. As always, Robin does a great job balancing all of these story lines and brings them to a HFN (Happy for now) conclusion.
I'm not always sure how to classify Robin's books. Because most of her characters are high school age, I would normally classify them as YA, Young Adult, but the themes she deals with and the complexity of them makes me wonder if they wouldn't be better classified as NA, New Adult. Although there is some sexual content to this new book, I think it has less than her other most recent novels. As a teacher, I've never been bothered by the amount of sex in her books (many other YA authors are much more graphic and have a great deal more sexual content) but there could be parents that express concerns, especially dealing with the issues of intersex and homosexuality.
Overall, this is another great novel by Robin. My biggest complaint (and I think I said the same thing in my review of her last novel, Throwing Stones) is that because she does so much research for her novels, it takes a long time until the next one comes out!
Waiting for Walker is the story of Micah, a 16 year old boy from Rhode Island, who falls for the rich kid who lives nearby, Walker. What Micah doesn't know, but soon finds out, is that Walker is intersex, a chromosomal condition that leads to combined and underdeveloped sexual organs and identity. Micah identifies as gay, and Walker is trying to come to terms with his sexuality in light of his intersex status as well. As usual, Robin had done a great deal of research into the topic of intersex and tries to bring out the issues faced by the people born with this condition and their families. There are additional story lines surrounding Micah's brother, missing in action in Afghanistan, and Walker's adopted sister. Robin also tackles Micah's family's divorce, his fear of sharks (well-founded!), and the issues of the Muslim faith and the story line gets pretty complicated. As always, Robin does a great job balancing all of these story lines and brings them to a HFN (Happy for now) conclusion.
I'm not always sure how to classify Robin's books. Because most of her characters are high school age, I would normally classify them as YA, Young Adult, but the themes she deals with and the complexity of them makes me wonder if they wouldn't be better classified as NA, New Adult. Although there is some sexual content to this new book, I think it has less than her other most recent novels. As a teacher, I've never been bothered by the amount of sex in her books (many other YA authors are much more graphic and have a great deal more sexual content) but there could be parents that express concerns, especially dealing with the issues of intersex and homosexuality.
Overall, this is another great novel by Robin. My biggest complaint (and I think I said the same thing in my review of her last novel, Throwing Stones) is that because she does so much research for her novels, it takes a long time until the next one comes out!
June 30, 2017
“Love isn’t a choice. You fall for the person, not their chromosomes.” ~ I.W. Gregorio (None of the Above)
Sixteen is a difficult age for any teenager, but for Micah Jeager of 'Waiting for Walker', it is fraught with even more problems than the usual getting-to-know-yourself phase. Micah lives in a dumpy motel that his mom manages. Micah's father lives nearby and still sees him regularly. After his brother died in Afghanistan, the grief of it tore his family apart and his mother started drinking. Consequently, his parents got a divorce. Micah is trying to balance his grief about his dead brother, his parents' divorce, the hurt and disappointment of his father not being there, and, oh yes, the fact that he is gay. For fear of driving his parents even further away than they already are, he's afraid to tell them.
Micah has a lot to handle in dealing with his parents. His father is concerned about his mother's drinking and odd behavior and its effect on Micah. Apparently, she's seeing a psychic, who is helping her connect with Dylan, her deceased son. Needless to say, Micah and his dad are suspicious, afraid Madam Alberta is just milking her for money. It makes Micah's life even less certain than it already is because he has to judge his behavior on how much she has had to drink. He also has to endure his mom's behavior after her visits to the psychic, such as getting out the chest with his brother's personal effects every time and crying over it. Micah resents it because it's like she is the only one who can be sad about Dylan.
One thing Micah enjoys tremendously is photography and he's quite good at it. His subject matter is out of the ordinary sometimes, like the dead sea gull he is photographing by the ocean, when he's startled out of his concentration by another boy (Walker) he's not seen before. Micah is in no mood to be bothered so he's rude to the young man who, judging by his clothes and sailboat, comes from money. Irritated, Micah walks away from him as soon as he can. The next time he sees Blondie, as Micah calls him, Walker invites him to meet at a local cafe. Not knowing what Walker wants, but curious, Micah agrees. They get to know each other over lunch and find that they click. Their friendship quickly becomes physical, although Walker isn't even sure he is gay, but before they go too far, Walker tells Micah that he's never gone to public school, or camp because he has a secret. Walker is intersex. Micah admits he knows little about the subject so he thoroughly researches it so he can be more understanding. It doesn't matter to their relationship. However, it does matter to Walker's mother. When she discovers the true nature of their relationship, she forbids Micah to see Walker again.
This is a deep book, with a lot of heavy issues from intersex to alcoholism, with a few other unexpected surprises. It's not particularly a comfortable book to read, but it often takes discomfort for change to occur. Robin does a great job of discussing the issues surrounding Walker and his status as intersex without getting too technical. It's obviously a complex subject that needs more explanation than Robin could or would want to put in one story. I appreciated her introduction along with the references she added. Another reason the book appealed to me is that the boys sounded like sixteen-year-olds. I've read other YA stories where the characters are supposed to be teenagers and sound either like they are too old or too young for their roles. I found Robin's characters quite refreshing in that regard. Thanks, Robin, for introducing me to Walker and Micah and for making me more aware of intersex people and their unique issues in society.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Sixteen is a difficult age for any teenager, but for Micah Jeager of 'Waiting for Walker', it is fraught with even more problems than the usual getting-to-know-yourself phase. Micah lives in a dumpy motel that his mom manages. Micah's father lives nearby and still sees him regularly. After his brother died in Afghanistan, the grief of it tore his family apart and his mother started drinking. Consequently, his parents got a divorce. Micah is trying to balance his grief about his dead brother, his parents' divorce, the hurt and disappointment of his father not being there, and, oh yes, the fact that he is gay. For fear of driving his parents even further away than they already are, he's afraid to tell them.
Micah has a lot to handle in dealing with his parents. His father is concerned about his mother's drinking and odd behavior and its effect on Micah. Apparently, she's seeing a psychic, who is helping her connect with Dylan, her deceased son. Needless to say, Micah and his dad are suspicious, afraid Madam Alberta is just milking her for money. It makes Micah's life even less certain than it already is because he has to judge his behavior on how much she has had to drink. He also has to endure his mom's behavior after her visits to the psychic, such as getting out the chest with his brother's personal effects every time and crying over it. Micah resents it because it's like she is the only one who can be sad about Dylan.
One thing Micah enjoys tremendously is photography and he's quite good at it. His subject matter is out of the ordinary sometimes, like the dead sea gull he is photographing by the ocean, when he's startled out of his concentration by another boy (Walker) he's not seen before. Micah is in no mood to be bothered so he's rude to the young man who, judging by his clothes and sailboat, comes from money. Irritated, Micah walks away from him as soon as he can. The next time he sees Blondie, as Micah calls him, Walker invites him to meet at a local cafe. Not knowing what Walker wants, but curious, Micah agrees. They get to know each other over lunch and find that they click. Their friendship quickly becomes physical, although Walker isn't even sure he is gay, but before they go too far, Walker tells Micah that he's never gone to public school, or camp because he has a secret. Walker is intersex. Micah admits he knows little about the subject so he thoroughly researches it so he can be more understanding. It doesn't matter to their relationship. However, it does matter to Walker's mother. When she discovers the true nature of their relationship, she forbids Micah to see Walker again.
This is a deep book, with a lot of heavy issues from intersex to alcoholism, with a few other unexpected surprises. It's not particularly a comfortable book to read, but it often takes discomfort for change to occur. Robin does a great job of discussing the issues surrounding Walker and his status as intersex without getting too technical. It's obviously a complex subject that needs more explanation than Robin could or would want to put in one story. I appreciated her introduction along with the references she added. Another reason the book appealed to me is that the boys sounded like sixteen-year-olds. I've read other YA stories where the characters are supposed to be teenagers and sound either like they are too old or too young for their roles. I found Robin's characters quite refreshing in that regard. Thanks, Robin, for introducing me to Walker and Micah and for making me more aware of intersex people and their unique issues in society.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 4, 2017
Honestly, I am a bit overwhelmed even at the thought of writing the review for this amazing piece of fiction. Waiting for Walker by Robin Reardon is perhaps one of the most sensitive and compelling stories I have read, to this day, about intersex and gay youth. We get both an amazing education about what it means and feels to be intersex, and also walk away from this story with a keen awareness of what it looks like when teenagers confront their own doubts about their sexuality. We watch as two boys grapple with first love and what that means realistically and we are schooled on how our insensitivity and, yes, fears about physical differences have a devastating affect on those who live their lives, every day, dealing with a body that is both male and female, and how confusing that can be for them. However, beyond all that, we are given a rich and beautiful story about two teens who simply want to discover if they can love and be loved, and it is done so very well—written so brilliantly!
Done from the viewpoint of a sixteen-year-old boy who is fighting off multiple troubling life circumstances himself, Micah is unsure of most things in his life, especially the boy who sails into his life and upsets it in so many ways. Walker is rich and gorgeous and lonely, just like Micah. Well, in terms of loneliness, anyway. You see these two boys could not be more opposite, financially or personally. Micah’s parents are divorced, driven apart by their differences in how they grieved over their oldest son being lost in combat. Walker’s parents, on the other hand, could not be more stable, relationally or in love. Micah’s mother is currently seeing a psychic, who has told her Micah’s brother is still alive. His father has started dating again, and is not overwhelmingly supportive when Micah finally blurts out that he is gay. Dealing with a mother who is insensitive (she tells Micah that when his brother finally comes home, he will have to leave and live with his Dad, for she won’t have room for him and his brother) and fairly erratic, behavior-wise, and a father who is trying his best but often sticks his foot in his mouth, more often than not, Micah just wants to be left alone with his camera—until he meets Walker.
While Walker seems to have the best of all possible worlds, we quickly discover he has more than his fair share of problems as well, which includes an ultra-religious mother, a mean-hearted and bitter adopted older sister, and a cousin who is pure and simply a bully. The two boys quickly find that they like each other, and as we watch them fumble through the beginnings of an early relationship, we are stunned to discover that Walker is hiding a secret that may end their summer romance before it has a chance to start. When Walker bravely shares his secret with Micah, both boys will be faced with decisions that will affect the rest of their lives. Walker, despite the hormone treatments, struggles with whether or not he is gay, or is that his feminine side taking the lead? Micah is gay and really likes Walker, but what if Walker decides he isn’t necessarily gay? What does that mean for the two of them? So many questions dance around what is a decided attraction between the two boys, and make it just that much more difficult. When things suddenly change drastically, and Micah’s life is dealt yet another strange blow, at the same time Walker is yanked away by a frightened parent. The future for the two boys becomes most decidedly unsure.
I know this choppy synopsis does little justice to this incredible novel, but I fear I have already given a bit too much away. Let me tell you what was so outstanding about this story. First is the clear and careful way it dealt with educating the reader about intersex individuals—their feelings and how they grapple with who they are, and what that means when thinking about being in a relationship. There were times when my heart just broke for Walker—not only his shame over his physical appearance and having to explain to others about it, but his deep sense of questioning about whether or not he was a gay male. Robin Reardon gave her young men such unique and realistic voices; these are kids who need their parents, who deal with every day problems, some so unique that it set them apart. I never felt as though these were fictional boys; they were as real as the folks who lived next door.
If my heart broke for Walker, it was wrung out for Micah. When he admits to himself that he had hoped that his parents would reconcile—oh my, that was just so terribly sad. Yet, there was a resilience within both these boys that carried the day, and gives you such hope. We are privy to every doubt and question Micah has about himself, Walker, and their potential for a future together. I loved how the author allowed us to see the struggle within, and kept it realistic to the end.
Waiting for Walker is an exceptional novel that is intelligently written, compelling to read, and emotionally charged. I highly recommend it to you.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
Done from the viewpoint of a sixteen-year-old boy who is fighting off multiple troubling life circumstances himself, Micah is unsure of most things in his life, especially the boy who sails into his life and upsets it in so many ways. Walker is rich and gorgeous and lonely, just like Micah. Well, in terms of loneliness, anyway. You see these two boys could not be more opposite, financially or personally. Micah’s parents are divorced, driven apart by their differences in how they grieved over their oldest son being lost in combat. Walker’s parents, on the other hand, could not be more stable, relationally or in love. Micah’s mother is currently seeing a psychic, who has told her Micah’s brother is still alive. His father has started dating again, and is not overwhelmingly supportive when Micah finally blurts out that he is gay. Dealing with a mother who is insensitive (she tells Micah that when his brother finally comes home, he will have to leave and live with his Dad, for she won’t have room for him and his brother) and fairly erratic, behavior-wise, and a father who is trying his best but often sticks his foot in his mouth, more often than not, Micah just wants to be left alone with his camera—until he meets Walker.
While Walker seems to have the best of all possible worlds, we quickly discover he has more than his fair share of problems as well, which includes an ultra-religious mother, a mean-hearted and bitter adopted older sister, and a cousin who is pure and simply a bully. The two boys quickly find that they like each other, and as we watch them fumble through the beginnings of an early relationship, we are stunned to discover that Walker is hiding a secret that may end their summer romance before it has a chance to start. When Walker bravely shares his secret with Micah, both boys will be faced with decisions that will affect the rest of their lives. Walker, despite the hormone treatments, struggles with whether or not he is gay, or is that his feminine side taking the lead? Micah is gay and really likes Walker, but what if Walker decides he isn’t necessarily gay? What does that mean for the two of them? So many questions dance around what is a decided attraction between the two boys, and make it just that much more difficult. When things suddenly change drastically, and Micah’s life is dealt yet another strange blow, at the same time Walker is yanked away by a frightened parent. The future for the two boys becomes most decidedly unsure.
I know this choppy synopsis does little justice to this incredible novel, but I fear I have already given a bit too much away. Let me tell you what was so outstanding about this story. First is the clear and careful way it dealt with educating the reader about intersex individuals—their feelings and how they grapple with who they are, and what that means when thinking about being in a relationship. There were times when my heart just broke for Walker—not only his shame over his physical appearance and having to explain to others about it, but his deep sense of questioning about whether or not he was a gay male. Robin Reardon gave her young men such unique and realistic voices; these are kids who need their parents, who deal with every day problems, some so unique that it set them apart. I never felt as though these were fictional boys; they were as real as the folks who lived next door.
If my heart broke for Walker, it was wrung out for Micah. When he admits to himself that he had hoped that his parents would reconcile—oh my, that was just so terribly sad. Yet, there was a resilience within both these boys that carried the day, and gives you such hope. We are privy to every doubt and question Micah has about himself, Walker, and their potential for a future together. I loved how the author allowed us to see the struggle within, and kept it realistic to the end.
Waiting for Walker is an exceptional novel that is intelligently written, compelling to read, and emotionally charged. I highly recommend it to you.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
June 23, 2017
This is another wonderful new novel by the great Robin Reardon. She has hit it out of the ballpark with her newest book, WAITING FOR WALKER. Reardon’s writing style is smooth, fluent, and clear to the point, which is why I love her work so much. She gives us something new to think about with each new book. In this one, we get an up close and personal experience with intersexuality, a subject I knew absolutely nothing about. In addition, Reardon gives us a picture of Muslin immigrants coming to the United States and the struggles they face both culturally and personally. The underlying theme of this latest release is facing and overcoming the demons that haunt us. This is a wonderful book. I could hardly put it down. I highly recommend WAITING FOR WALKER.
June 17, 2017
Waiting for Walker is a captivating novel from page one. Woven into this story are myriad issues germane to our youth of today: socio-economic disparity, familial loss through military service, divorce, Christian and Muslim dynamics, and a more subtle message, but no less important—being intersex is not a new phenomenon.
Intersex people have existed throughout history. At times revered, at times reviled, the treatment of intersex people is profound. It wasn’t until post-World-War-II environs gave way to genuine research that intersex individuals began being viewed as human beings. Still and yet, it wasn’t until 2006 that laws began being enacted in the United States to give intersex individuals rights—human and humane rights—civil liberties that those who are born within the binary genders enjoy from the day they are born. While the United States has come far, there remains a long road ahead and, largely, throughout the world, intersex people have no rights.
Walker is a beautiful, confused, vulnerable human being with the tensile strength of steel. Micah is wonderful; down-to-earth with a noir bent, he is an average gay teenager who is falling hopelessly in love with Walker. He is loyal, protective, supportive, and understanding of Walker’s, at times, precarious emotional state. More importantly, Walker and Micah wend their ways through the complicated labyrinth of their relationship to find, in the end, they are meant for each other. Walker’s and Micah’s parents also add a positive message to this story: not all people reject intersex youth.
Superb, courageous, and finely tuned to realism, Robin Reardon creates extraordinary characters. She puts Walker boldly and unconditionally forward as an intersex character and shows us but a fraction of what he endures in coming to terms with his sexuality, his sexual identity, and more crucially, who he is determined to be. A master storyteller with a rare talent for grounding stories in everyday reality, Ms. Reardon breathes new life into the fragile notion that we are all equal. She shows us that financial and marital status, religious beliefs, familial loss, and our genetics are only parts of us—that what we say and do speaks to who we are.
The elements contained in this story can be polarizing, and I don’t want to give the impression Ms. Reardon minimizes them. The reader clearly understands what Walker has gone through, and goes through, and at times, it is heartrending. But Ms. Reardon doesn’t render Walker with a blunt instrument; she renders him with finesse. This coming-of-age story is one of discovery, love, hope, and healing.
Waiting for Walker is an important story. Please read it, and discuss it with your family and friends. Librarians and teachers, please share this story. Beautifully written, it stays with you long after you have turned the last page. Please join me in lauding Walker and Micah. May their legacies endure and inspire youth for generations to come.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BEING INTERSEX? TAKE A LOOK AT THESE RESOURCES
What’s It Like to be Intersex?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAUDK...
InterACT:
http://interactadvocates.org/
Differences of Sex Development (DSD)
http://aisdsd.org/intersex-faq-intera...
http://aisdsd.org/fact-check/
Intersex Society of North America:
http://www.isna.org/
National Institute of Health - U.S. Library of National Medicine:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
OII - Organization Intersex International
http://oii-usa.org/about/our-intersex...
American Library Association:
http://www.ala.org/glbtrt/sites/ala.o...
Intersex people have existed throughout history. At times revered, at times reviled, the treatment of intersex people is profound. It wasn’t until post-World-War-II environs gave way to genuine research that intersex individuals began being viewed as human beings. Still and yet, it wasn’t until 2006 that laws began being enacted in the United States to give intersex individuals rights—human and humane rights—civil liberties that those who are born within the binary genders enjoy from the day they are born. While the United States has come far, there remains a long road ahead and, largely, throughout the world, intersex people have no rights.
Walker is a beautiful, confused, vulnerable human being with the tensile strength of steel. Micah is wonderful; down-to-earth with a noir bent, he is an average gay teenager who is falling hopelessly in love with Walker. He is loyal, protective, supportive, and understanding of Walker’s, at times, precarious emotional state. More importantly, Walker and Micah wend their ways through the complicated labyrinth of their relationship to find, in the end, they are meant for each other. Walker’s and Micah’s parents also add a positive message to this story: not all people reject intersex youth.
Superb, courageous, and finely tuned to realism, Robin Reardon creates extraordinary characters. She puts Walker boldly and unconditionally forward as an intersex character and shows us but a fraction of what he endures in coming to terms with his sexuality, his sexual identity, and more crucially, who he is determined to be. A master storyteller with a rare talent for grounding stories in everyday reality, Ms. Reardon breathes new life into the fragile notion that we are all equal. She shows us that financial and marital status, religious beliefs, familial loss, and our genetics are only parts of us—that what we say and do speaks to who we are.
The elements contained in this story can be polarizing, and I don’t want to give the impression Ms. Reardon minimizes them. The reader clearly understands what Walker has gone through, and goes through, and at times, it is heartrending. But Ms. Reardon doesn’t render Walker with a blunt instrument; she renders him with finesse. This coming-of-age story is one of discovery, love, hope, and healing.
Waiting for Walker is an important story. Please read it, and discuss it with your family and friends. Librarians and teachers, please share this story. Beautifully written, it stays with you long after you have turned the last page. Please join me in lauding Walker and Micah. May their legacies endure and inspire youth for generations to come.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BEING INTERSEX? TAKE A LOOK AT THESE RESOURCES
What’s It Like to be Intersex?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAUDK...
InterACT:
http://interactadvocates.org/
Differences of Sex Development (DSD)
http://aisdsd.org/intersex-faq-intera...
http://aisdsd.org/fact-check/
Intersex Society of North America:
http://www.isna.org/
National Institute of Health - U.S. Library of National Medicine:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
OII - Organization Intersex International
http://oii-usa.org/about/our-intersex...
American Library Association:
http://www.ala.org/glbtrt/sites/ala.o...
June 22, 2017
There was a lot going on in this amazing book. Micah is dealing with so much - a new home, the loss of his brother, his parents' divorce- when he first meets Walker. Between his cousin and sister, Walker has family drama of his own. While Micah has some growing pains to contend with, I was in awe of his bravery and patience in this story. He was helpful to many of the characters in this book, and was particularly protective of Walker. The characters were realistic which drew me into the story.
June 26, 2017
Beautifully written, complex coming of age story with believable characters and issues.
June 11, 2017
Waiting for Walker is another excellent novel from Robin Reardon! I finished it in 1 sitting because I was enthralled from the very beginning.
Micah is part of a strange world: his brother was killed in the war; his parents are divorced; he spends his days photographing things that others might not see the beauty in; he doesn't have many friends; and to top it all off, he's gay and hasn't really told anyone.
Everything changes when he stumbles upon Walker while shooting photographs. He's tall, handsome, and charming and the two strike up a pseudo-friendship. Micah soon discovers that his new friend is part of a wealthy family- sailboats; yachts; large houses. But this doesn't change how he feels about his new friend... and they soon fall for each other. There's just one thing: Walker is intersex. And Micah doesn't know what that means... but he's willing to put in the work to find out.
This is just the beginning of this beautiful story. There's shark attacks, yacht trips, rude cousins and sister, Catholicism, and unexpected return with unknown consequences, and, of course, family.
I cannot even do this book justice. It is a book that will not leave your head or heart anytime soon. I learned so much in the process of reading this novel, and I know you will too.
*Full disclosure: I was given a free copy by the author on exchange for my Honest review
Micah is part of a strange world: his brother was killed in the war; his parents are divorced; he spends his days photographing things that others might not see the beauty in; he doesn't have many friends; and to top it all off, he's gay and hasn't really told anyone.
Everything changes when he stumbles upon Walker while shooting photographs. He's tall, handsome, and charming and the two strike up a pseudo-friendship. Micah soon discovers that his new friend is part of a wealthy family- sailboats; yachts; large houses. But this doesn't change how he feels about his new friend... and they soon fall for each other. There's just one thing: Walker is intersex. And Micah doesn't know what that means... but he's willing to put in the work to find out.
This is just the beginning of this beautiful story. There's shark attacks, yacht trips, rude cousins and sister, Catholicism, and unexpected return with unknown consequences, and, of course, family.
I cannot even do this book justice. It is a book that will not leave your head or heart anytime soon. I learned so much in the process of reading this novel, and I know you will too.
*Full disclosure: I was given a free copy by the author on exchange for my Honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2017
An intense, emotional, and sometimes funny look at what it means to be both gay and intersex. Reardon also deals with family life, Islamaphobia, PSTD, divorce, adoption, and housebreaking your dog in this very compelling novel.
June 28, 2017
This book surprised me in many ways. I picked it up because it had a character that was intersex. In my opinion, that was handled in a respectful and even-handed way, bringing to light some of the difficulties that might go along with that. But it was the depth of the characters, even with a first-person POV, and how they handled a host of issues that made this come to life for me.
Micah is an almost 17-year old young man that has a lot anger, and rightfully so. His older brother had died in Afghanistan. His parents, in handling their separate grief, had broken up. Micah is now living with his mother in the managerial apartment of a motel. He had to move schools. He has to watch his mother focus almost solely on her grief. It is no wonder that he has the feelings that he has. He tries to separate from those feelings, putting his camera between him and the world around him, giving him a needed buffer from the pains of life.
Even with that, though, he welds his raw honesty like a knife with his limited interactions with others. (It was amazing that Walker would even venture to have a second interaction with Micah.) But it's here that the transformation in Micah occurs, and how learning to "wait for Walker" helps Micah in more ways than imagined. He is still honest, and frankly he still has to temper that initial response of striking out. But when he does temper that, when he pauses and waits, he is able to bring that honesty as a guide to others. His emotional growth throughout the book is amazing.
But my love for this book didn't stop with Micah. All the secondary characters brought this book to life for me, especially Micah's family. Watching them heal, grow, and learn after being so fractured gave me a very good feeling by the end of the book.
This is the first book that I've read by Robin Reardon, and because of the depth of this book, I will be reading more of her works.
Micah is an almost 17-year old young man that has a lot anger, and rightfully so. His older brother had died in Afghanistan. His parents, in handling their separate grief, had broken up. Micah is now living with his mother in the managerial apartment of a motel. He had to move schools. He has to watch his mother focus almost solely on her grief. It is no wonder that he has the feelings that he has. He tries to separate from those feelings, putting his camera between him and the world around him, giving him a needed buffer from the pains of life.
Even with that, though, he welds his raw honesty like a knife with his limited interactions with others. (It was amazing that Walker would even venture to have a second interaction with Micah.) But it's here that the transformation in Micah occurs, and how learning to "wait for Walker" helps Micah in more ways than imagined. He is still honest, and frankly he still has to temper that initial response of striking out. But when he does temper that, when he pauses and waits, he is able to bring that honesty as a guide to others. His emotional growth throughout the book is amazing.
But my love for this book didn't stop with Micah. All the secondary characters brought this book to life for me, especially Micah's family. Watching them heal, grow, and learn after being so fractured gave me a very good feeling by the end of the book.
This is the first book that I've read by Robin Reardon, and because of the depth of this book, I will be reading more of her works.
July 1, 2017
Waiting for Walker is a novel that is rich with characters who aren't perfect, but that just makes them even better. Robin Reardon has a gift for not only fully fleshed characters, but also for portraying people from many different walks of life. The result is a beautiful story about beautiful, if flawed, characters that are very real.
My only concern with the book is that the first third or so of the book contains a mystery that Micah is trying to figure out - mainly what's up with Walker. The problem is, because many readers will have read the synopsis of the novel, we already know the mystery. It does take some time to get to the reveal and at times, this made the story drag a little for me, especially with the many setups that would bring about the wonderful payouts later in the story.
But knowing about Walker is the draw of the novel, especially for people with his same uniqueness. I'm deliberately trying to NOT tell what makes him different and encourage you to not read the synopsis. The problem with this is that knowing about Walker beforehand is the best way for people like him to find a novel ABOUT them!
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, slow beginning and all. I loved these characters - the main ones and the part-time players. Okay... there was one I didn't like, but he eventually gets his!! HA! If you'd like to learn a little more about a topic I bet you may not know much about, this is a great read to learn about it! And I don't just mean sailing and Islam!
My only concern with the book is that the first third or so of the book contains a mystery that Micah is trying to figure out - mainly what's up with Walker. The problem is, because many readers will have read the synopsis of the novel, we already know the mystery. It does take some time to get to the reveal and at times, this made the story drag a little for me, especially with the many setups that would bring about the wonderful payouts later in the story.
But knowing about Walker is the draw of the novel, especially for people with his same uniqueness. I'm deliberately trying to NOT tell what makes him different and encourage you to not read the synopsis. The problem with this is that knowing about Walker beforehand is the best way for people like him to find a novel ABOUT them!
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, slow beginning and all. I loved these characters - the main ones and the part-time players. Okay... there was one I didn't like, but he eventually gets his!! HA! If you'd like to learn a little more about a topic I bet you may not know much about, this is a great read to learn about it! And I don't just mean sailing and Islam!
July 21, 2017
Mrs. Reardon has again brought many interesting and dynamic elements into one story. I was able to learn about an aspect of the LGBT+ community, that was not well known to me. I am glad that I was able to become more informed about what it is to be intersex. She is able to like in her other books to be able to give fantastic insights not only into the mindset of a person who is intersex but the outside viewer reactions as well. Then to throw to teaching about the Islamic faith on top of all that has already transpired, was a brilliant turn of events. For me, I felt that since I knew most of what the author stated there wasn't much for me to learn on that front. That being said, I would highly recommend this book to be used as a teaching tool, for both young and old. This book also serves as a great story for coming out and acceptance. I loved reading this book, like all of Reardon's stories. I would recommend this book to young gay men trying to find their place, people who want to know more about their community that is not discussed much, and finally to people who see the faith of Islam as being the enemy. The latter does take an open mind, that is willing to learn. I look forward to reading the next book that Robin Reardon will put out.
July 3, 2017
Waiting for Walker, this is the first book I have read about an intersex character. I enjoyed the slow-building relationship between Micah and Walker. Both Walker and Micah are wonderfully likable characters and by the end of the book I wanted to keep reading about them. I would have preferred more from Walker’s POV but overall, I recommend this as a compelling enjoyable read and eagerly await Robin’s next book.
July 26, 2017
Well that was outstanding. I love books like this. You know, really good.
Great characters, great plot - I want to read more books about all these people. I wish she'd write more about ... I can't even say without spoiling !
There's a thing that happens at 59% which turns the whole book on its head. It was just great. I love it when a book goes in a completely different direction from how it started.
Great characters, great plot - I want to read more books about all these people. I wish she'd write more about ... I can't even say without spoiling !
There's a thing that happens at 59% which turns the whole book on its head. It was just great. I love it when a book goes in a completely different direction from how it started.
Read
June 17, 2017Graded By: Brian
Cover Story: Small Press Clip Art
Drinking Buddy: White Wine Spritzer
Testosterone Level: Mighty Mite
Talky Talk: So Close
Bonus Factors: Intersex, Rich People, Sharks
Bromance Status: Summer Fling
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Small Press Clip Art
Drinking Buddy: White Wine Spritzer
Testosterone Level: Mighty Mite
Talky Talk: So Close
Bonus Factors: Intersex, Rich People, Sharks
Bromance Status: Summer Fling
Read the full book report here.
October 15, 2017
I've read quite a few books this year and Waiting for Walker is certainly one of the best.
Characters, plot - everything was entertaining and if you are looking for diversity in your reads, then this is the book for you!
It's a multi-layered novel, dealing with sexuality, gender, family, loss, tolerance, fear, courage and even religion at some point. You'd think that with so many themes in it, the book will be too much, too stuffed with facts and in-your-face messages the author tries to convey, but that assumption couldn't be further from the truth. The novel is a well-paced, smooth read with the characters gradually coming to understand each other's feelings and differing points of view.
When I picked Waiting for Walker, I thought that romance would be the predominant theme, but family plays a big role here too. We get to see how each member attempts to deal with loss, fear and prejudice. The book is a very realistic exploration of learning about oneself and opening to others and even though at the end it dips its toes into the paranormal, the hint that there might be something supernatural doesn't take away from the gravity of the situations the characters find themselves in.
The novel is beautifully written and you'll find yourself bonding with the characters and wishing you could spend time with them in real life. I'm not much of a sea person, but while reading Waiting for Walker, I wanted to take a walk on the beach, dive into the sea or even get on a boat with Micah and Walker.
I'd recommend Waiting for Walker to everyone who enjoys reading not only about Romance in the LGBT community, but also the everyday dramas the people in it face, dramas that have nothing to do with their sexual orientation or gender.
Characters, plot - everything was entertaining and if you are looking for diversity in your reads, then this is the book for you!
It's a multi-layered novel, dealing with sexuality, gender, family, loss, tolerance, fear, courage and even religion at some point. You'd think that with so many themes in it, the book will be too much, too stuffed with facts and in-your-face messages the author tries to convey, but that assumption couldn't be further from the truth. The novel is a well-paced, smooth read with the characters gradually coming to understand each other's feelings and differing points of view.
When I picked Waiting for Walker, I thought that romance would be the predominant theme, but family plays a big role here too. We get to see how each member attempts to deal with loss, fear and prejudice. The book is a very realistic exploration of learning about oneself and opening to others and even though at the end it dips its toes into the paranormal, the hint that there might be something supernatural doesn't take away from the gravity of the situations the characters find themselves in.
The novel is beautifully written and you'll find yourself bonding with the characters and wishing you could spend time with them in real life. I'm not much of a sea person, but while reading Waiting for Walker, I wanted to take a walk on the beach, dive into the sea or even get on a boat with Micah and Walker.
I'd recommend Waiting for Walker to everyone who enjoys reading not only about Romance in the LGBT community, but also the everyday dramas the people in it face, dramas that have nothing to do with their sexual orientation or gender.
November 20, 2017
I really enjoyed the story of Micah & Walker. Right from the start you get a good feel for Micah and his life & how different it is from Walker's. I really enjoyed watching their friendship grow as they got to know each other.
Poor Micah, I found the situation with his mother for the first half of the book quite sad.
Wow, then the surprise at the middle of the book... I totally did not see that coming!!
I thought it was very well written, giving me a great sense of how both Micah & Walker were feeling, everything from fear, confusion, hesitation, hope and bravery. Their families so different but each of them with their own challenges.
A story full of interesting characters, woven together in a great book.
Poor Micah, I found the situation with his mother for the first half of the book quite sad.
Wow, then the surprise at the middle of the book... I totally did not see that coming!!
I thought it was very well written, giving me a great sense of how both Micah & Walker were feeling, everything from fear, confusion, hesitation, hope and bravery. Their families so different but each of them with their own challenges.
A story full of interesting characters, woven together in a great book.
Read
January 1, 2018Micah's parents alternate between emotional neglect and emotional abuse towards him. Micah himself is grim and unfriendly. Nonetheless, he manages to form a friendship with Walker. I thought Walker was an interesting character. As far as I could tell as a cis-gendered person, the revelations about his anatomy were done sensitively, and Micah reacted relatively well.
There are surprise developments with Micah's family, and what may be seen as happy events still take a great deal of adjustments for everyone.
The "waiting" part of the book really dragged on for me. I got the sense that time passed, but I would have been as happy with less waiting and more happening between the lead characters.
Recommended, especially for the treatment of intersex subjects.
There are surprise developments with Micah's family, and what may be seen as happy events still take a great deal of adjustments for everyone.
The "waiting" part of the book really dragged on for me. I got the sense that time passed, but I would have been as happy with less waiting and more happening between the lead characters.
Recommended, especially for the treatment of intersex subjects.
July 17, 2017
This book contains fascinating characters and the story line is both emotional and overwhelming. This author has such a way with words that you immediately find yourself immersed in the story. The author takes social issues and puts them into words that are easy to comprehend and are also enlightening. You will find it hard to put this book down. Make sure to have some tissues at the ready.
{I requested a copy for review purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.}
{I requested a copy for review purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.}
February 26, 2018
Dear heaven, this was one hell of a book. Wow. The story about an intersex relationship. Before anyone jumps down my throat, whatever any intersex person, trans, gay etc has to go through is unbelievably excruciating rough. Some, yes, have an easier time of transitioning, but for the most part it's hard. But for those that TRULY love that person, sometimes it's hard for them too. The relationships can be difficult. There's fear, doubt, questions, and so much that goes on. And that's just what I KNOW about. I could NEVER put myself in someone's position to know how they feel because I've never been through it. I've never been through it with someone. I've had people come out to me first, and I loved them no matter what. But that's still different. And this book shows what's it's like on both sides. Kinda on the loved ones side a bit more, but it's a journey that both had to go through. And for the author not having known much about the subject, I think it was written very well. And if I'm wrong in any way, let me be the first to apologize. Also, I have to say for anyone who is intersex, and possibly reading this review, know that there are people who love you no matter what. Who don't think of you any different than who you are. If anything, know that I may not know you, but I love you too.
Micah was on summer break from school. He doesn't have any friends, and life just flat out sucks right now. He lost his brother in the war, his parents have divorced, he had to move, no one seems to be getting along real great and he's hiding the fact he's gay. All he has really is his camera. He hopes he can go to college one day and study photography. He loves to shoot things. One day, in the middle of a shoot, he was interrupted. Rather rudely he thought. But something about this boy has stuck with him. He can't get the boy in the sailboat out of his head. When he gets an invitation thrown at him, rather rudely again, he thought, he debates whether or not to go. But he has to. He can't stop thinking about this boy. When he meets Walker, he thinks there's no way they could have anything. Walker is so out of his league. But as they get to know each other, Walker has a secret of his own. He's intersex. Micah was shocked at first, but immediately realized that part of Walker doesn't matter to him. He still wants this boy. But Walker has some issues he has to overcome before he can be with Micah. If he can at all. Walker's being pressured in ways Micah can't imagine and Micah decides he will wait. The journey is hard but it will be ok. Because Walker is worth waiting for.
These two boys made an incredible journey. And as teenagers, there is SOOO much crap that they have to deal with already. But add being gay, and/or intersex to the mix and you have a recipe for super crap. Micah doesn't know what to do with himself. He has so much he's dealing with already. His mom still hangs on to his brother being gone, his parents divorced because of it, and Micah feels like he doesn't add up. He feels like he's not the son they want. He's been hiding he's gay because he's terrified of what will happen. Some days he feels like he'd be better off not there. He hides behind his camera trying to find himself and his way of coping and surviving. When he meets Walker, Walker is like a breath of fresh air. But Walker is so out of his league. He's made of money and Walker is struggling to get by. But Walker doesn't have it easy either. He's homeschooled so he doesn't have any friends either. And those who want to be his friends just want to be because of his money. He is intersex. His sister and his cousin saw him naked and ridicule him over it. So he's humiliated often. His mother wants him to be just so. And he's struggling himself with who he is. He gets testosterone to be a guy. He feels he is a guy, but that other part of him is still there. He's still part girl. He feels he has to test everyone to make sure he can trust someone before he gets to know them too much. And now he's pretty sure he's gay as well. He is really interested in Micah. He's pretty sure Micah is in to him too. Both of these boys have to do a lot of soul searching. They have to decide who they want to be and how they want to be. They have to make decisions that would scare most adults. But I love these boys so much. Because both finally make a stand. They are who they are. And that's all that matters.
This book makes you see things that you don’t often see. I think it’s more of the fact that people turn a blind eye to it so they don’t have to acknowledge it. And when they do, it’s usually not nice. I know it made me understand things a little better. But no matter what your sexuality is, everyone deserves love and to be loved. Period. I definitely recommend this book. It was so good. And hopefully it will open your eyes to things if they aren’t already.
Micah was on summer break from school. He doesn't have any friends, and life just flat out sucks right now. He lost his brother in the war, his parents have divorced, he had to move, no one seems to be getting along real great and he's hiding the fact he's gay. All he has really is his camera. He hopes he can go to college one day and study photography. He loves to shoot things. One day, in the middle of a shoot, he was interrupted. Rather rudely he thought. But something about this boy has stuck with him. He can't get the boy in the sailboat out of his head. When he gets an invitation thrown at him, rather rudely again, he thought, he debates whether or not to go. But he has to. He can't stop thinking about this boy. When he meets Walker, he thinks there's no way they could have anything. Walker is so out of his league. But as they get to know each other, Walker has a secret of his own. He's intersex. Micah was shocked at first, but immediately realized that part of Walker doesn't matter to him. He still wants this boy. But Walker has some issues he has to overcome before he can be with Micah. If he can at all. Walker's being pressured in ways Micah can't imagine and Micah decides he will wait. The journey is hard but it will be ok. Because Walker is worth waiting for.
These two boys made an incredible journey. And as teenagers, there is SOOO much crap that they have to deal with already. But add being gay, and/or intersex to the mix and you have a recipe for super crap. Micah doesn't know what to do with himself. He has so much he's dealing with already. His mom still hangs on to his brother being gone, his parents divorced because of it, and Micah feels like he doesn't add up. He feels like he's not the son they want. He's been hiding he's gay because he's terrified of what will happen. Some days he feels like he'd be better off not there. He hides behind his camera trying to find himself and his way of coping and surviving. When he meets Walker, Walker is like a breath of fresh air. But Walker is so out of his league. He's made of money and Walker is struggling to get by. But Walker doesn't have it easy either. He's homeschooled so he doesn't have any friends either. And those who want to be his friends just want to be because of his money. He is intersex. His sister and his cousin saw him naked and ridicule him over it. So he's humiliated often. His mother wants him to be just so. And he's struggling himself with who he is. He gets testosterone to be a guy. He feels he is a guy, but that other part of him is still there. He's still part girl. He feels he has to test everyone to make sure he can trust someone before he gets to know them too much. And now he's pretty sure he's gay as well. He is really interested in Micah. He's pretty sure Micah is in to him too. Both of these boys have to do a lot of soul searching. They have to decide who they want to be and how they want to be. They have to make decisions that would scare most adults. But I love these boys so much. Because both finally make a stand. They are who they are. And that's all that matters.
This book makes you see things that you don’t often see. I think it’s more of the fact that people turn a blind eye to it so they don’t have to acknowledge it. And when they do, it’s usually not nice. I know it made me understand things a little better. But no matter what your sexuality is, everyone deserves love and to be loved. Period. I definitely recommend this book. It was so good. And hopefully it will open your eyes to things if they aren’t already.
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