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Oskar Blows a Gasket
Oskar Braithwaite is bold, brash and gorgeous. Just ask him.
Armed with designer backpack full of make-up and retro music galore, Oskar sets off for college. And, with attitude even spikier than his heels, nothing is going to hold him back. Except maybe one thing…his past is shouting louder than the 80s songs he adores and it won't be ignored. Behind the effervescence are secrets, lies and sadness. Try as he might, not even Oskar can hide forever, and one day it isn't only pop icon Simon Le Bon who's going to catch up.
Who is writing letters? And why is a spy secretly following?
Enter Bear, with dancing eyes and secrets of his own. Bear's kindness sparkles brighter than Lycra leggings, and everyone knows Oskar loves shiny things. Like every prophecy, their fates seem inevitably linked. As the walls of Oskar's defence crumble, Bear shows his hidden strength, but will it be enough to save them?
Find out in this far-out, zany tale of fame, first love and retro DJs.
Armed with designer backpack full of make-up and retro music galore, Oskar sets off for college. And, with attitude even spikier than his heels, nothing is going to hold him back. Except maybe one thing…his past is shouting louder than the 80s songs he adores and it won't be ignored. Behind the effervescence are secrets, lies and sadness. Try as he might, not even Oskar can hide forever, and one day it isn't only pop icon Simon Le Bon who's going to catch up.
Who is writing letters? And why is a spy secretly following?
Enter Bear, with dancing eyes and secrets of his own. Bear's kindness sparkles brighter than Lycra leggings, and everyone knows Oskar loves shiny things. Like every prophecy, their fates seem inevitably linked. As the walls of Oskar's defence crumble, Bear shows his hidden strength, but will it be enough to save them?
Find out in this far-out, zany tale of fame, first love and retro DJs.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2018
7 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 30, 2018
4.5
You know when you read books by your favourite Authors and they all end up using the same format with different characters?
Well,that's not the case with these Authors,their stories are brilliantly unique and this is no exception.
Everyone might not appreciate it but I absolutely LOVE how they keep it British.
Oskar is pretty fabulous, or at least he thinks he is,
From his,
-sassiness,
-love of six inch heels,
-make up,
-bitchiness.
When he walks into a room he wants people to notice him,to be the one everyone's attention is focused on...if people snigger behind his back all the better because the focus is on him.So what if he tells Tall tales and tries to make himself appear mysterious/alluring....after all,so he tells people,he's the secret love child of the 80's icon Simon le Bon....and hello,all the drama that goes with it.....if there isn't drama there will be as far as Oskar is concerned.
But,behind all that sass there's an 18 year old boy hurting...terrified to let anyone get anywhere remotely close to him...
ENTER,
Gareth who Oskar names Bear....you'll have to read it to get it.....
Gareth is the polar opposite to Oskar.He wants to fit in,wants to be accepted but,above everything,wants to be Loved
Oskar and Bear meet on a train destined for University in Bangor in Wales.Was their meeting destiny/fate....I like to think so....
Mixed with all of Oskar's delicious sass and Bear's insecurities this is a quite poignant story in more ways than one.
More pics,
This was Totally my thing...
A recommended read...
Review copy
You know when you read books by your favourite Authors and they all end up using the same format with different characters?
Well,that's not the case with these Authors,their stories are brilliantly unique and this is no exception.
Everyone might not appreciate it but I absolutely LOVE how they keep it British.
Oskar is pretty fabulous, or at least he thinks he is,
From his,
-sassiness,
-love of six inch heels,
-make up,
-bitchiness.
When he walks into a room he wants people to notice him,to be the one everyone's attention is focused on...if people snigger behind his back all the better because the focus is on him.So what if he tells Tall tales and tries to make himself appear mysterious/alluring....after all,so he tells people,he's the secret love child of the 80's icon Simon le Bon....and hello,all the drama that goes with it.....if there isn't drama there will be as far as Oskar is concerned.
But,behind all that sass there's an 18 year old boy hurting...terrified to let anyone get anywhere remotely close to him...
ENTER,
Gareth who Oskar names Bear....you'll have to read it to get it.....
Gareth is the polar opposite to Oskar.He wants to fit in,wants to be accepted but,above everything,wants to be Loved
Oskar and Bear meet on a train destined for University in Bangor in Wales.Was their meeting destiny/fate....I like to think so....
Mixed with all of Oskar's delicious sass and Bear's insecurities this is a quite poignant story in more ways than one.
More pics,
This was Totally my thing...
A recommended read...
Review copy
March 7, 2018
Oskar is shameless and mean. He rocks high heels, rainbow hair, and makeup, and is obsessed with the 80s. He makes Bear take the bad mattress. He's showy and confident, and tells Bear (really Gareth) that he's Simon Le Bon's love child.
But Oskar with a "k" is a cover; Oscar with a "c" is a scared, insecure boy from the "hood" who's lost everything.
Oskar meets Gareth in the middle of a panic attack. Gareth helps him, calms him, and eventually becomes Oskar's everything, but it's not easy because Oskar has built up a thick shell, a persona. It works to keep people out.
When I read a Claire and Al story, I know I'm going to get something uniquely British with authentic dialogue and real-life angst. But that's all I know. Their stories aren't easy to categorize. They don't fit a mold, and that's my favorite thing about their writing.
Oskar Blows a Gasket is a story about Oskar finding himself and falling in love. It's real. It's happy and sad all at once.
Cameo appearances by Simon Le Bon and a psychotic cat.
Bodacious!
But Oskar with a "k" is a cover; Oscar with a "c" is a scared, insecure boy from the "hood" who's lost everything.
Oskar meets Gareth in the middle of a panic attack. Gareth helps him, calms him, and eventually becomes Oskar's everything, but it's not easy because Oskar has built up a thick shell, a persona. It works to keep people out.
When I read a Claire and Al story, I know I'm going to get something uniquely British with authentic dialogue and real-life angst. But that's all I know. Their stories aren't easy to categorize. They don't fit a mold, and that's my favorite thing about their writing.
Oskar Blows a Gasket is a story about Oskar finding himself and falling in love. It's real. It's happy and sad all at once.
Cameo appearances by Simon Le Bon and a psychotic cat.
Bodacious!
April 1, 2018
Who does Oskar Braithwaite claims to be?
He's Simon Le Bon's son (not really), grew up in a posh estate (more like a shithole called Brinsted Gardens), chased by the paparazzi (lol).
What do other people think of Oskar Braithwaite?
He's mean spirited and vindictive. He's petty and cynical. Big drama queen.
Who Oskar Braithwaite really is.
Scared, insecure, bullied, unloved, lonely.
But in Bear's eyes....
“Contrary,” Bear murmured, and tugged his hair...
“Rude.” Bear tickled under his chin.
“Sexy.” Bear stroked his neck as he swallowed, and it was the final proof that Oskar was lost.
I think Oskar is Claire Davis and Al Stewart's most special (and controversial) character. This speaks volumes because if you follow that author duo's work, you know that their heroes are very different than your usual stuff. But Oskar...Oskar is even more unique.
Years of bulling and abuse, and the inability to express himself the way he feels have led Oskar to build a hard exterior that keeps him from getting hurt. It's almost like a whole different persona who hurts others before letting them hurt him.
"I don't want to be like that. It’s like there’s two sides of me. And if we’re going to date and all that— you have to know what I’m like.”
But Bear (Gareth) will see through ALL of Oskar's bullshit. He's not fooled, not for a second. I loved the letters (although they wrecked me) and the change of POV was brilliant!
Unapologetically British, quirky, funny, SEXY, with some mystery thrown in, Oskar Braithwaite Blows a Gasket made me laugh but it also gutpunched me so sneakily, I didn't know where it came from.
Also, best first kiss (and first everything) ever!
“Are we kissing now? Is this a kiss?” Bear’s lips moved open and shut.
“What do we do next? I’ve kissed my arm.”
“I think we shut up.”[...]
“Wow,”...
I so hope people give this book a chance. It might not be your mainstream MM, but I think we all need a change, yes? HEA guaranteed!
Bodacious!!
April 4, 2018
Cada vez que empiezo un libro de estos escritores lo hago con una mezcla de excitación y medio. Y la razón para ambas cosas es la misma, que nunca sé qué me voy a encontrar, lo más probable es que me guste y lo adore, pero también es posible que no, y eso es siempre un peligro porque de verdad comienzo a leer con deseos de enamorarme de la historia. Oskar blows a gasket comienza de una forma un tanto dubitativa, al menos para alguien como yo que el inglés no es su primera lengua y no la domino como el español. El primer 10% aproximadamente se me hizo difícil, no entendía por dónde me llevaba Oskar, había cosas que tenía que leer más de una vez porque pensaba que estaba perdiendo el sentido real de lo que los autores querían contar... Pero llega un momento en que Bear y Oskar hacen click y tú haces click con ellos y todo resulta más fácil. Ya no es complicado entender los giros, la ironía, el sentido del humor. Oskar brilla con sus colores y brillantina desde la primera página, pero cuando llevas leídas varias es imposible no caer rendida a él y cuando ya has leído la mitad del libro es más imposible todavía no ver lo maravilloso que es. No puedo contar lo que ocurre, hay que ir descubriéndolo poco a poco. Pero, es una historia que se mueve entre el YA y el NA, contradictoria (como Oskar), divertida, tierna y a tramos muy triste, porque la vida de Oskar es real para mucha gente. Mientras Bear es tranquilidad, calma, ternura, comprensión, Oskar es la estrella que lo ilumina todo y el que despierta en el lector las mayores carcajadas y el mayor número de lágrimas, ¿cómo no querer y entender a Oskar? Todo es extremo en él, su apariencia, sus enfados, su forma de querer..., pero en esencia solo (y eso lo es todo) es un muchacho joven, buena persona, con una vida de mierda (si se me permite la expresión) que solo quiere querer y ser querido. Es obligado mencionar los personajes secundarios, todos con una función y un color propio.
Qué agradecida me siento cuando leo libros de un género que me gusta y que no se limita a contar lo mismo mil veces con los mismos personajes de siempre. Creo que no valoramos lo suficiente la originalidad y el hacer algo nuevo, ni tampoco le damos la oportunidad, una pena. Como me ha pasado con algún otro libro de los mismos autores, mi mayor deseo para esta historia sería que llegara a los chicos a los que leer algo así de verdad les podría ayudar a sentirse menos solos y perdidos.
Mi favorito junto a Shut your face, Anthony Pace! Recomiendo leer escuchando música de los 80, es lo que hice yo :).
Qué bonito es enamorarse y el primer amor.
Qué agradecida me siento cuando leo libros de un género que me gusta y que no se limita a contar lo mismo mil veces con los mismos personajes de siempre. Creo que no valoramos lo suficiente la originalidad y el hacer algo nuevo, ni tampoco le damos la oportunidad, una pena. Como me ha pasado con algún otro libro de los mismos autores, mi mayor deseo para esta historia sería que llegara a los chicos a los que leer algo así de verdad les podría ayudar a sentirse menos solos y perdidos.
Mi favorito junto a Shut your face, Anthony Pace! Recomiendo leer escuchando música de los 80, es lo que hice yo :).
Qué bonito es enamorarse y el primer amor.
March 30, 2018
Oskar and Bear....
Bear the biggest sweetheart ever is happy to serve.
Oskar is genuine in his own amazing world and glad to be served.
He has the most amazing phrases and he loves the 80's, he dress himself in striking clothes, heels and make-up.
They are young with so much luggage on their shoulders... it should be forbidden by law.
When they meet, on their way to the hostel, they are unaware how simular ánd opposite they are.
Both try to survive life on their own way.
“Stop that. Never put yourself down, you hear me?”
Using totally different outlets, we see two beautiful souls revealed.
Exteriors and inner light. What you see and what reality is. Contradiction, insecurities, protecting the heart, intense and vulnerable.
Something is blooming....The way they explored each other was unstoppable.
Their path with all the revelations pounded hard into my soul...
"I miss peace and quiet"
Ghaaad I so wanted to give them their peace and quiet.
Yes, again it's a story which goes fucking deep, honest and real. Amazingly written with many different angles and all straight to the heart.
Maybe it just me being a mess, maybe I just have to read this with a lighter heart and see two boys struggling with life and their story put down in an appealing way....
But I can't.... because it's so much more.
Wonderful woven sentences. I felt a surge of emotion at every page... sometimes written in a almost hopping... dancing way...
The story has many faces....at times so funny, heartbreaking, with hurt, anger
and love, unexpected love and the best friendship. Together they are perfect <3 <3
Oskar and Gareth had the most explicit personalities, strong worked out, it never wavered.
Defenitely a mustread
Kindly received an arc from the authors
Bear the biggest sweetheart ever is happy to serve.
Oskar is genuine in his own amazing world and glad to be served.
He has the most amazing phrases and he loves the 80's, he dress himself in striking clothes, heels and make-up.
They are young with so much luggage on their shoulders... it should be forbidden by law.
When they meet, on their way to the hostel, they are unaware how simular ánd opposite they are.
Both try to survive life on their own way.
“Stop that. Never put yourself down, you hear me?”
Using totally different outlets, we see two beautiful souls revealed.
Exteriors and inner light. What you see and what reality is. Contradiction, insecurities, protecting the heart, intense and vulnerable.
Something is blooming....The way they explored each other was unstoppable.
Their path with all the revelations pounded hard into my soul...
"I miss peace and quiet"
Ghaaad I so wanted to give them their peace and quiet.
Yes, again it's a story which goes fucking deep, honest and real. Amazingly written with many different angles and all straight to the heart.
Maybe it just me being a mess, maybe I just have to read this with a lighter heart and see two boys struggling with life and their story put down in an appealing way....
But I can't.... because it's so much more.
Wonderful woven sentences. I felt a surge of emotion at every page... sometimes written in a almost hopping... dancing way...
The story has many faces....at times so funny, heartbreaking, with hurt, anger
and love, unexpected love and the best friendship. Together they are perfect <3 <3
Oskar and Gareth had the most explicit personalities, strong worked out, it never wavered.
Defenitely a mustread
Kindly received an arc from the authors
April 3, 2018
Originally reviewed at Sinfully.
Having spent my formative years in the 80’s with Duran Duran posters on my wall, how could I resist this book? The fact that I recently discovered this writing duo with the five star read Dear Mona Lisa... didn’t hurt either. Outside of being wonderfully written and very entertaining, this was quite different than my first read from this talented writing team.
Oskar and Bear meet as Oskar is fighting off a panic attack in the bathroom of the train station on his way to start college. It just so happens that Bear is heading to the same school and the two strike off together to find that their accommodations are not what they expected. So begins this story of two seemingly opposite young men becoming friends and eventually boyfriends. This story is so much more than a simple romance since both have a lot of emotional, family baggage to deal with. Their pasts are revealed slowly and interestingly and Oskar is about to have his world rocked.
Oskar is … unique. He’s brash, sassy, flamboyant, and a drama queen who wants to be the center of attention as long as you don’t get too personal. He may also be the son of Simon Le Bon, whose poster he talks to when he needs guidance. Underneath that façade is an 18 year old boy who is insecure and grieving. He’s also confused by his attraction to Bear and that leads to even more erratic behavior as he tries to push Bear away at one moment and accepts his comfort the next. There were times when Oskar’s actions made him quite unlikable, but having his POV and the fact that Bear is such a stabilizing force tempered that initial reaction. He’s actually a very loyal boy who has been beaten down by his life.
Bear, so named by Oskar who refuses to even hear Bear’s real name, is the anti-Oskar. He is quiet, shy and obviously caring. He wants Oskar to like him and is eager to please him. Bear tells Oskar that he understands the difficulties he faces more than Oskar knows and he quickly sees through Oskar’s armor (even though he more than appreciates the makeup and daring outfits). Bear’s situation is a mystery at first since the story starts solely from Oskar’s POV, but there’s no denying that he’s a sweetheart.
Aside from Oskar’s POV (and later in the story Bear’s) there are letters that open the chapters. First we read Gareth’s letters to his father. Gareth is a boy sent to boarding school and abandoned. His pleas to his father, desperate, angry and longing to be loved, are hard to read as he describes his loneliness, feelings of being an outsider and the harassment he suffers. In later chapters Oskar’s letters to his family are revealed. I loved this as a device to learn more about these boys and their difficult family relationships since it really put their true feelings to words that otherwise weren’t spoken.
This is a fantastic coming of age story with both Bear and Oskar facing their pasts, learning that they are stronger than they think and that love and support can come from the most unlikely person. Aside from the love story is the mystery of who is watching the boys and what do they want, which results in some humorous spy missions, and getting to know the group of girls that share the hostel floor with Oskar and Bear. The writing is very British and the characters and storyline are refreshingly different. There were a few moments that were surprising and didn’t go the way I expected, some lump in the throat and tears in the eyes moments too, but it all results in a very happy ending for the group. Does Simon Le Bon make an appearance? You’ll have to read it yourself to find out.
See all my reviews for Sinfully here.
Having spent my formative years in the 80’s with Duran Duran posters on my wall, how could I resist this book? The fact that I recently discovered this writing duo with the five star read Dear Mona Lisa... didn’t hurt either. Outside of being wonderfully written and very entertaining, this was quite different than my first read from this talented writing team.
Oskar and Bear meet as Oskar is fighting off a panic attack in the bathroom of the train station on his way to start college. It just so happens that Bear is heading to the same school and the two strike off together to find that their accommodations are not what they expected. So begins this story of two seemingly opposite young men becoming friends and eventually boyfriends. This story is so much more than a simple romance since both have a lot of emotional, family baggage to deal with. Their pasts are revealed slowly and interestingly and Oskar is about to have his world rocked.
Oskar is … unique. He’s brash, sassy, flamboyant, and a drama queen who wants to be the center of attention as long as you don’t get too personal. He may also be the son of Simon Le Bon, whose poster he talks to when he needs guidance. Underneath that façade is an 18 year old boy who is insecure and grieving. He’s also confused by his attraction to Bear and that leads to even more erratic behavior as he tries to push Bear away at one moment and accepts his comfort the next. There were times when Oskar’s actions made him quite unlikable, but having his POV and the fact that Bear is such a stabilizing force tempered that initial reaction. He’s actually a very loyal boy who has been beaten down by his life.
Bear, so named by Oskar who refuses to even hear Bear’s real name, is the anti-Oskar. He is quiet, shy and obviously caring. He wants Oskar to like him and is eager to please him. Bear tells Oskar that he understands the difficulties he faces more than Oskar knows and he quickly sees through Oskar’s armor (even though he more than appreciates the makeup and daring outfits). Bear’s situation is a mystery at first since the story starts solely from Oskar’s POV, but there’s no denying that he’s a sweetheart.
Aside from Oskar’s POV (and later in the story Bear’s) there are letters that open the chapters. First we read Gareth’s letters to his father. Gareth is a boy sent to boarding school and abandoned. His pleas to his father, desperate, angry and longing to be loved, are hard to read as he describes his loneliness, feelings of being an outsider and the harassment he suffers. In later chapters Oskar’s letters to his family are revealed. I loved this as a device to learn more about these boys and their difficult family relationships since it really put their true feelings to words that otherwise weren’t spoken.
This is a fantastic coming of age story with both Bear and Oskar facing their pasts, learning that they are stronger than they think and that love and support can come from the most unlikely person. Aside from the love story is the mystery of who is watching the boys and what do they want, which results in some humorous spy missions, and getting to know the group of girls that share the hostel floor with Oskar and Bear. The writing is very British and the characters and storyline are refreshingly different. There were a few moments that were surprising and didn’t go the way I expected, some lump in the throat and tears in the eyes moments too, but it all results in a very happy ending for the group. Does Simon Le Bon make an appearance? You’ll have to read it yourself to find out.
See all my reviews for Sinfully here.
April 1, 2018
I've listened to so much 80's music since reading this book! Duran Duran, Madonna, Wham, that one Dead or Alive song! LOL And I've thought a lot about how to review it without spoilers. Not an easy feat since so much of what makes this book great gives too much away! So I'm not going to talk specifics, just ramble some. Probably.
The story straddles the line between YA and NA, but I think it does it really well. With a story that needs to be unraveled and a great sense of humor. I enjoyed the hell out of it, and I think I would have loved it as that kid I was who flirted with bitterness. Yep! 20 years (SCREAMS!) has given me perspective. LOL
Oskar is angry. Hurt. Immature. He's only "almost nineteen" after all! And while I figured he was going to be everyone's favorite, Bear had my heart from the very beginning! Quiet, thoughtful, standing back from the crowd with his compass talisman.
Even with the humor of it, and the almost mystery of it, there was an emotional gut punch aspect of it too, which surprised me a little. Not sure why. I should have known it was coming. It's sweet, and romantic like first love is romantic (If you don't remember your first foray into sex and love like this, you weren't doing it right!) and innocent, too.
Recommended! Especially for readers of YA who venture into a little more racy stuff.
The story straddles the line between YA and NA, but I think it does it really well. With a story that needs to be unraveled and a great sense of humor. I enjoyed the hell out of it, and I think I would have loved it as that kid I was who flirted with bitterness. Yep! 20 years (SCREAMS!) has given me perspective. LOL
Oskar is angry. Hurt. Immature. He's only "almost nineteen" after all! And while I figured he was going to be everyone's favorite, Bear had my heart from the very beginning! Quiet, thoughtful, standing back from the crowd with his compass talisman.
Even with the humor of it, and the almost mystery of it, there was an emotional gut punch aspect of it too, which surprised me a little. Not sure why. I should have known it was coming. It's sweet, and romantic like first love is romantic (If you don't remember your first foray into sex and love like this, you weren't doing it right!) and innocent, too.
Recommended! Especially for readers of YA who venture into a little more racy stuff.
April 1, 2018
5 'bodacious' stars <3
April 9, 2018
So, first book on the best of shelf for 2018.
Totally wonderful.
I have never read a bad book by these authors, who are excellent on so many levels. There characters are always relateable and honest, British without being twee and usually working class.
There is so much emotion, but not usually centred on the romantic relationship, in this case Oskar and Bear/ Gareth have been through so much, and yet they still retain a certain innocence, and humour about their lives.
Oskar has a gift for naming people as well with my favourite being Stella Artois.
The story is partially told in the form of letters to (mainly) parents, and these were again, heartbreaking and yet uplifting, and at no stage did this feel artificial.
There is also a kind of fairy story element to the book, but even without it by the end I would have been grinning from ear to ear.
Every time I read a book by Claire and Al I cannot understand why they are not so much more popular.
Totally wonderful.
I have never read a bad book by these authors, who are excellent on so many levels. There characters are always relateable and honest, British without being twee and usually working class.
There is so much emotion, but not usually centred on the romantic relationship, in this case Oskar and Bear/ Gareth have been through so much, and yet they still retain a certain innocence, and humour about their lives.
Oskar has a gift for naming people as well with my favourite being Stella Artois.
The story is partially told in the form of letters to (mainly) parents, and these were again, heartbreaking and yet uplifting, and at no stage did this feel artificial.
There is also a kind of fairy story element to the book, but even without it by the end I would have been grinning from ear to ear.
Every time I read a book by Claire and Al I cannot understand why they are not so much more popular.
March 30, 2018
There’s always something so beautiful about the characters created by this authors. It wasn’t different with Oskar and Bear. They were so lovely and getting to know their stories was so fun, even though there was also a strong bittersweet elements that made some parts a little painful to read.
Oskar was a fantastic character. Is impossible for him to go unnoticed. He demands attention wherever he is. His over the top personality and harsh attitude makes him always the center of attention and that’s how he like it, but there’s so much more about him than just heels and make-up. It was great to see his defenses down and try to see behind those walls he put himself behind of. He was all demanding and rude, someone I wouldn’t like but still there was something about him that keep me caring for him. He was so much fun, his nonsense were hilarious.
Bear was also a great character. He’s so sweet and willing to do so much for the others. So shy and loving. He seem to be the opposite of Oskar and, yet, they might have more in common that it meet the eyes. Oskar and Bear together seem like an impossible couple, so different. But the beautiful souls hidden behind the covers they show to the world are ready to break the barriers and lies that have surrounded their lives.
I really enjoy the way the story was told. The letters, the spy, the little hints of what might be going on that keep me guessing all the time. It was a little confusing at the beginning and I did struggle a bit to get myself into the story, but those characters ended up working the magic. I was also very fond on the secondary characters, the girls mostly, who were also so fun. It is a little slow pace
I liked the book. I can’t really say that I loved it, maybe it had something to do with the issue I had to get myself in the story, I get there eventually but I guess that’s what keep me from loving it like I did other books from the authors. I still believe most readers will love Oskar and Bear so I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to any reader.
Oskar was a fantastic character. Is impossible for him to go unnoticed. He demands attention wherever he is. His over the top personality and harsh attitude makes him always the center of attention and that’s how he like it, but there’s so much more about him than just heels and make-up. It was great to see his defenses down and try to see behind those walls he put himself behind of. He was all demanding and rude, someone I wouldn’t like but still there was something about him that keep me caring for him. He was so much fun, his nonsense were hilarious.
Bear was also a great character. He’s so sweet and willing to do so much for the others. So shy and loving. He seem to be the opposite of Oskar and, yet, they might have more in common that it meet the eyes. Oskar and Bear together seem like an impossible couple, so different. But the beautiful souls hidden behind the covers they show to the world are ready to break the barriers and lies that have surrounded their lives.
I really enjoy the way the story was told. The letters, the spy, the little hints of what might be going on that keep me guessing all the time. It was a little confusing at the beginning and I did struggle a bit to get myself into the story, but those characters ended up working the magic. I was also very fond on the secondary characters, the girls mostly, who were also so fun. It is a little slow pace
I liked the book. I can’t really say that I loved it, maybe it had something to do with the issue I had to get myself in the story, I get there eventually but I guess that’s what keep me from loving it like I did other books from the authors. I still believe most readers will love Oskar and Bear so I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to any reader.
April 11, 2018
4.5
(GR why are there two of these reviews? I am so confused...)
Anyways I have been mulling over Oskar Blows a Gasket over a couple of days now; so lets chat about it.
I adore these two writers novels. In their signature - oh so deliciously European - style these two authors consistently manage to convey positive feelings to potentially tragic stories. Oskar and Bear are both innocently young and hardened by their past. The way they find each other is endearing and sweet while not at all skirting around the deeply ingrained issues both carry on their young shoulders.
I love the way Stewart and Davis use English the UK way and the dialogue resonates with me from a language perspective.
I did find the start of the book to be oddly paced but the moment the two characters click so does the narrative and the pace. All in all this a lovely lovely story with both sweet and emotional depths and I highly recommend it
(GR why are there two of these reviews? I am so confused...)
Anyways I have been mulling over Oskar Blows a Gasket over a couple of days now; so lets chat about it.
I adore these two writers novels. In their signature - oh so deliciously European - style these two authors consistently manage to convey positive feelings to potentially tragic stories. Oskar and Bear are both innocently young and hardened by their past. The way they find each other is endearing and sweet while not at all skirting around the deeply ingrained issues both carry on their young shoulders.
I love the way Stewart and Davis use English the UK way and the dialogue resonates with me from a language perspective.
I did find the start of the book to be oddly paced but the moment the two characters click so does the narrative and the pace. All in all this a lovely lovely story with both sweet and emotional depths and I highly recommend it
July 20, 2018
What do I think?? *bites lip*
What do I think??? *scratches head*
What DO I think....I don't really know what to think! *sigh*
I adore this fantabulous writing duo. They are never boring or dull. Their stories are always bursting with quirky fun.
But!! This was extremely confusing and Oskar was difficult to love.
At first.
The second part was everything I adore about Davis & Stewart.
The first part felt like a 'shroom trip gone wrong.
I didn't like it...initially.
I grew to enjoy them and my heart ached for both but it's definitely not my favorite book from the CD/AS bookshelf.
*2.5 brightening to 4 stars
What do I think??? *scratches head*
What DO I think....I don't really know what to think! *sigh*
I adore this fantabulous writing duo. They are never boring or dull. Their stories are always bursting with quirky fun.
But!! This was extremely confusing and Oskar was difficult to love.
At first.
The second part was everything I adore about Davis & Stewart.
The first part felt like a 'shroom trip gone wrong.
I didn't like it...initially.
I grew to enjoy them and my heart ached for both but it's definitely not my favorite book from the CD/AS bookshelf.
*2.5 brightening to 4 stars
October 14, 2018
Editor's Review:
(If you'd prefer to read the version with embedded videos, it's here: http://b10track.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/new-release-oskar-blows-gasket-by.html.)
Who wouldn't want Simon Le Bon for a dad? Sharp suits, good looks, charm, sophistication, fame, success. He's bloody perfect, isn't he? Or if not Simon Le Bon, maybe Tony Hadley? So suave, so handsome...mmm...
So plastic.
Don't get me wrong. I fell for their charms too, back in the day. Well, not Simon Le Bon so much. I could see right through to his middle-class white boy pomp. But Tony Hadley? He's an Eastend working-class lad, and he was the one for me. I even figured out the age difference between us and whether it was too great for us to get married...until that fateful night, watching Top of the Pops, when I noticed the wedding band on Tony's hand. I was gutted.
But my teenaged broken heart is very much beside the point. 1980s British music was ideological hogwash. First up, we had Punk - The Sex Pistols, The Clash, etc. - with its anti-establishment angry rants. Middle-class kids masquerading as working-class heroes, pushing a liberal agenda, and I don't mean the 'good' kind of liberal that's all about securing rights and freedoms. I'm talking neoliberal - the right wing's rise to fame.
Thatcher's Britain.
F*cking grim.
Oh, it was all right for those in the southern English suburbs with their careers in big finance, lovely wives in Laura Ashley frocks and neat little sprogs in public (paid-for) education. But for those living in the big towns and cities in the north - Sheffield, Leeds, Hull, Newcastle, Birmingham, Stoke, Manchester, Liverpool - all those places once at the heart of British industry, it looked nothing like...
Well, nothing like Simon Le Bon.
To cut a long [political hi]story short, post-WWII Britain was generally in favour of state welfare to reduce inequality, up until the late 1970s, when British industry began to fail, unemployment was on the rise and the cost of welfare was considered too great, which was how Margaret Thatcher got a foothold and buggered us (the working class) up good and proper.
Thatcher's government sold us a dream - work hard, earn your success - called 'meritocracy'. A lie that obscured the reality: 'the successful' were those born into privilege. Social mobility was a myth, but we still bought into it. What else could we do? There were exceptions, of course. Some of the UK's most successful businesspeople dragged themselves up through the class system. But for most of us, we just work and work and work and never get anywhere.
British pop music in the 1980s (post-punk) reflected Thatcher's meritocratic bullshit. Duran Duran, ABC, Ultravox, Spandau Ballet - all those New Romantic greats - wore the clothes and portrayed the illusion of socioeconomic success even though most were working-class boys who just brushed up well. (With the exception of Simon, as mentioned - he's from Pinner, Middlesex - Greater London. Posh.)
I spent quite some time watching music videos, erm, I mean researching to find a working-class band/artist from the 1980s that didn't sell out for mainstream success. I came up with one: The Human League, who are from Sheffield in Yorkshire, and in their videos look like the working class dolled up for a night on the town.
You may wonder where I'm going with all this, and how it's even slightly relevant to an editor's review of Oskar Blows a Gasket - the 'quirky British' new adult gay romance from Claire Davis and Al Stewart.
You may already have figured it out. If so, good on you. Thank you for appreciating the intelligent social commentary that is at the heart of every story Claire and Al write.
Because here's a thing you might not realise.
For us working-class 'Brits', being described as 'quirky' is little bit erasing. Most people in the UK are working class, many of whom live in council estates like Brinsted Gardens, with the reality of drug addiction and poverty, and only ever dream of escape to university or some other grand place, always one step away from tragedy and death (like at Grenfell Tower). Many kids who get free school meals (or used to, but that's another story) go back to school after the holidays with malnutrition. Even those a bit further up the social ladder live hand-to-mouth, live to work, and die younger than their middle- and upper-class counterparts.
What the world sees of British life is the sanitised version: red pillar boxes and phone boxes, men in suits, majestic London, rolling green fields, glorious manor houses, aerial shots of hills and coastlines... To outsiders, we're either urban or rural, and we're all well-to-do and talk like the queen or Dick Van Dyke.
It's the same in British fiction - mainstream and literary. It's mostly written by middle-class white people (men), and they either portray their Britain, or the international edition (red pillar boxes...etc.).
I've even seen many a British author of gay romance tone down the Britishness, and I'd bet a part of that is fear of being called 'quirky' or 'quaint'.
So, when you read Oskar Blows a Gasket, and I know you will, by all means enjoy the delightfully quirky romance that blossoms between Oskar Braithwaite (good Yorkshire name, is that) and Bear. Revel in their first kisses; tear your hair out at Oskar's dramatics; shed a tear for these young men and all they've endured. But also embrace the opportunity to tuck in to some real British working-class culture, perhaps with a nice cuppa and a custard cream, or even a plate of egg and chips.
Oskar Blows a Gasket is a new adult gay romance by Claire Davis and Al Stewart and is available from Beaten Track Publishing and all the usual places.
(If you'd prefer to read the version with embedded videos, it's here: http://b10track.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/new-release-oskar-blows-gasket-by.html.)
Who wouldn't want Simon Le Bon for a dad? Sharp suits, good looks, charm, sophistication, fame, success. He's bloody perfect, isn't he? Or if not Simon Le Bon, maybe Tony Hadley? So suave, so handsome...mmm...
So plastic.
Don't get me wrong. I fell for their charms too, back in the day. Well, not Simon Le Bon so much. I could see right through to his middle-class white boy pomp. But Tony Hadley? He's an Eastend working-class lad, and he was the one for me. I even figured out the age difference between us and whether it was too great for us to get married...until that fateful night, watching Top of the Pops, when I noticed the wedding band on Tony's hand. I was gutted.
But my teenaged broken heart is very much beside the point. 1980s British music was ideological hogwash. First up, we had Punk - The Sex Pistols, The Clash, etc. - with its anti-establishment angry rants. Middle-class kids masquerading as working-class heroes, pushing a liberal agenda, and I don't mean the 'good' kind of liberal that's all about securing rights and freedoms. I'm talking neoliberal - the right wing's rise to fame.
Thatcher's Britain.
F*cking grim.
Oh, it was all right for those in the southern English suburbs with their careers in big finance, lovely wives in Laura Ashley frocks and neat little sprogs in public (paid-for) education. But for those living in the big towns and cities in the north - Sheffield, Leeds, Hull, Newcastle, Birmingham, Stoke, Manchester, Liverpool - all those places once at the heart of British industry, it looked nothing like...
Well, nothing like Simon Le Bon.
To cut a long [political hi]story short, post-WWII Britain was generally in favour of state welfare to reduce inequality, up until the late 1970s, when British industry began to fail, unemployment was on the rise and the cost of welfare was considered too great, which was how Margaret Thatcher got a foothold and buggered us (the working class) up good and proper.
Thatcher's government sold us a dream - work hard, earn your success - called 'meritocracy'. A lie that obscured the reality: 'the successful' were those born into privilege. Social mobility was a myth, but we still bought into it. What else could we do? There were exceptions, of course. Some of the UK's most successful businesspeople dragged themselves up through the class system. But for most of us, we just work and work and work and never get anywhere.
British pop music in the 1980s (post-punk) reflected Thatcher's meritocratic bullshit. Duran Duran, ABC, Ultravox, Spandau Ballet - all those New Romantic greats - wore the clothes and portrayed the illusion of socioeconomic success even though most were working-class boys who just brushed up well. (With the exception of Simon, as mentioned - he's from Pinner, Middlesex - Greater London. Posh.)
I spent quite some time watching music videos, erm, I mean researching to find a working-class band/artist from the 1980s that didn't sell out for mainstream success. I came up with one: The Human League, who are from Sheffield in Yorkshire, and in their videos look like the working class dolled up for a night on the town.
You may wonder where I'm going with all this, and how it's even slightly relevant to an editor's review of Oskar Blows a Gasket - the 'quirky British' new adult gay romance from Claire Davis and Al Stewart.
You may already have figured it out. If so, good on you. Thank you for appreciating the intelligent social commentary that is at the heart of every story Claire and Al write.
Because here's a thing you might not realise.
For us working-class 'Brits', being described as 'quirky' is little bit erasing. Most people in the UK are working class, many of whom live in council estates like Brinsted Gardens, with the reality of drug addiction and poverty, and only ever dream of escape to university or some other grand place, always one step away from tragedy and death (like at Grenfell Tower). Many kids who get free school meals (or used to, but that's another story) go back to school after the holidays with malnutrition. Even those a bit further up the social ladder live hand-to-mouth, live to work, and die younger than their middle- and upper-class counterparts.
What the world sees of British life is the sanitised version: red pillar boxes and phone boxes, men in suits, majestic London, rolling green fields, glorious manor houses, aerial shots of hills and coastlines... To outsiders, we're either urban or rural, and we're all well-to-do and talk like the queen or Dick Van Dyke.
It's the same in British fiction - mainstream and literary. It's mostly written by middle-class white people (men), and they either portray their Britain, or the international edition (red pillar boxes...etc.).
I've even seen many a British author of gay romance tone down the Britishness, and I'd bet a part of that is fear of being called 'quirky' or 'quaint'.
So, when you read Oskar Blows a Gasket, and I know you will, by all means enjoy the delightfully quirky romance that blossoms between Oskar Braithwaite (good Yorkshire name, is that) and Bear. Revel in their first kisses; tear your hair out at Oskar's dramatics; shed a tear for these young men and all they've endured. But also embrace the opportunity to tuck in to some real British working-class culture, perhaps with a nice cuppa and a custard cream, or even a plate of egg and chips.
Oskar Blows a Gasket is a new adult gay romance by Claire Davis and Al Stewart and is available from Beaten Track Publishing and all the usual places.
March 30, 2018
Now, if you've read anything by this duo you know you're in for a ride, this time to the tunes of Duran Duran, A-Ha and other bands from the 80s. What did you expect when one of the main characters is the secret love child of Simon Le Bon - no it's true, it's such big secret, not even Simon himself knows it LOL.
Oskar Braithwaite is a sassy kid who wears his makeup as armour and spins his lies like a pro - everything is better than the reality, right? There were so many times I wanted to strangle Oskar because while I started out really feeling for the kid (he has a lot of baggage to carry around), he is just plain mean at times. And I know he's just a kid, but I couldn't quite forgive for how he treated Bear.
Bear is the sweetest person, but the lies Oskar is making up aren't far from Bear's reality. Not that he wants the attention, all he wasn't is Oskar.
I love the language and the character development in this story, both Oskar and Bear come out different from how they started - they are stronger, more mature, and in love. I've read all Davis & Stewart books, most of them make me cry rivers, this one didn't, but that doesn't mean it isn't an emotional read. Neither Oskar nor Bear has had an easy life, and sometimes you have to do what you have to do to survive...and if that means that you have to pretend you're Simon Le Bon's kid, then so be it.
Don't miss it, it's.... Bodacious!
And I can't talk about the 80s without a little Cher, I know If I Could Turn Back Time wasn't until the very end, but if someone mentions the 80s, I'm thinking about a big-haired, mostly nude woman dancing around canons...can't help it.
April 2, 2018
One distinction of Claire Davis and Al Stewart’s writing is that it’s often indistinct, and by that I mean to say that this duo is capable of creating an environment where it isn’t always clear in the beginning what’s real and what isn’t, in what time-period the story takes place, or even if one character is little more than a figment of the other’s imagination. From those esoteric revelations to the uncovering of their realities is the structure of the story, and Oskar Blows a Gasket follows this formula in the gradual evolution of its protagonists: where they came from, how they came to be where they are, and, more importantly, who they are beneath the public face they present to the world.
Oskar Braithwaite is a bit of a poser, which is a kinder, gentler way of stating that he lies—quite a lot. But, in his defense, it’s a mechanism he uses to keep people from getting too close to the real him. The nice bit of irony in this is that it runs counterintuitive to the attention he draws to himself, from the way he dresses to the stories he spins to his love for 80s music to his frequent emotional outbursts. The entirety of this new adult novel is based not only on the revelations Oskar allows us to see along the way but in his effort to reconcile his past with the smart and capable college student he’s become. Oskar has so much internalized hurt over the disintegration of his family that it presents outwardly as anger to the point where he often is malicious, even towards the people he might even like a little bit—despite the fact he can’t be bothered to call them by their given names. Davis and Stewart toe a delicate line between keeping Oskar empathetic to his audience and making him unlikable, but they always pull him back just in time to let us to embrace him for all the grief he’s suffered and in spite of the gasket-blowing.
The boy Oskar meets at the train station as they’re both on their way to school in North Wales is even more of a mystery than Oskar—we don’t even get verbal confirmation of his real name until late in the story, long after he and Oskar have begun a tentative relationship. Bear Grylls, as Oskar has dubbed him, is every bit as sweet as Oskar is prickly, and it’s Bear who can be credited a great deal with our ability to forgive Oskar when he says and does hurtful things he doesn’t mean, at the risk of Bear being a doormat at times. As was the case with my ability to empathize with Oskar, it was easy to empathize with Bear, too, the more that’s revealed about him.
A series of letters written by a boy to his absentee father fill in the narrative and build an extra layer of anguish for his abandonment while pulling on our heartstrings in a deliberate way. The passages are touching to the extreme and grow increasingly fraught in content as Gareth, the letter writer, sinks deeper into an abyss of hurt, anger, despair and, eventually, resignation. I found this such a clever way of accomplishing the exposition of the character and loved that by the time we catch up to him in the present, we see that Gareth and Oskar both are so much more resilient than they give themselves credit for.
Oskar Blows a Gasket is a coming of age novel filled with all the pathos and humorous undercurrents of a John Hughes film. Or, all the humor with a healthy bit of pathos, depending on how you choose to see it. I enjoyed this story and liked that the resolving of all the broken relationships came with a dose of pragmatic realism. It’s melodramatic at times, but so can teenagers and relationships be, so the drama fits both the tone of the story and the characterizations. In spite of his rough edges, Oskar is colorful, cheeky and not without his charms, and I appreciated his transformational moment in the end.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
Oskar Braithwaite is a bit of a poser, which is a kinder, gentler way of stating that he lies—quite a lot. But, in his defense, it’s a mechanism he uses to keep people from getting too close to the real him. The nice bit of irony in this is that it runs counterintuitive to the attention he draws to himself, from the way he dresses to the stories he spins to his love for 80s music to his frequent emotional outbursts. The entirety of this new adult novel is based not only on the revelations Oskar allows us to see along the way but in his effort to reconcile his past with the smart and capable college student he’s become. Oskar has so much internalized hurt over the disintegration of his family that it presents outwardly as anger to the point where he often is malicious, even towards the people he might even like a little bit—despite the fact he can’t be bothered to call them by their given names. Davis and Stewart toe a delicate line between keeping Oskar empathetic to his audience and making him unlikable, but they always pull him back just in time to let us to embrace him for all the grief he’s suffered and in spite of the gasket-blowing.
The boy Oskar meets at the train station as they’re both on their way to school in North Wales is even more of a mystery than Oskar—we don’t even get verbal confirmation of his real name until late in the story, long after he and Oskar have begun a tentative relationship. Bear Grylls, as Oskar has dubbed him, is every bit as sweet as Oskar is prickly, and it’s Bear who can be credited a great deal with our ability to forgive Oskar when he says and does hurtful things he doesn’t mean, at the risk of Bear being a doormat at times. As was the case with my ability to empathize with Oskar, it was easy to empathize with Bear, too, the more that’s revealed about him.
A series of letters written by a boy to his absentee father fill in the narrative and build an extra layer of anguish for his abandonment while pulling on our heartstrings in a deliberate way. The passages are touching to the extreme and grow increasingly fraught in content as Gareth, the letter writer, sinks deeper into an abyss of hurt, anger, despair and, eventually, resignation. I found this such a clever way of accomplishing the exposition of the character and loved that by the time we catch up to him in the present, we see that Gareth and Oskar both are so much more resilient than they give themselves credit for.
Oskar Blows a Gasket is a coming of age novel filled with all the pathos and humorous undercurrents of a John Hughes film. Or, all the humor with a healthy bit of pathos, depending on how you choose to see it. I enjoyed this story and liked that the resolving of all the broken relationships came with a dose of pragmatic realism. It’s melodramatic at times, but so can teenagers and relationships be, so the drama fits both the tone of the story and the characterizations. In spite of his rough edges, Oskar is colorful, cheeky and not without his charms, and I appreciated his transformational moment in the end.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
April 10, 2018
Five stars!
✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
This is the first Claire Davis and Al Stewart book in a very long time, where I wasn't able to read it during their writing process—beta, proofing, sob-story—but I was so busy off-line I didn't set eyes on it until the story was finished. Polished, perfect and ready for the stage.
And how apt! A story woven with the pretty and perfect of 80s pop must be flawless. I mean, Duran Duran should always be seen with their make up, right?
Oskar Braithwaite is perfect. The hair, the make-up, the clothes. It's no wonder Bear—and everyone else—is drawn to him. It's Oskar's lot in life.
But it’s as all that gets stripped away, that the real story, the one under all that polish, is revealed. Things aren't always as they seem, and being born with everything isn't always everything you need.
A fun adventure about growing up, finding your way and falling in love. A perfect coming of age story.
Highly recommended!
✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
This is the first Claire Davis and Al Stewart book in a very long time, where I wasn't able to read it during their writing process—beta, proofing, sob-story—but I was so busy off-line I didn't set eyes on it until the story was finished. Polished, perfect and ready for the stage.
And how apt! A story woven with the pretty and perfect of 80s pop must be flawless. I mean, Duran Duran should always be seen with their make up, right?
Oskar Braithwaite is perfect. The hair, the make-up, the clothes. It's no wonder Bear—and everyone else—is drawn to him. It's Oskar's lot in life.
But it’s as all that gets stripped away, that the real story, the one under all that polish, is revealed. Things aren't always as they seem, and being born with everything isn't always everything you need.
A fun adventure about growing up, finding your way and falling in love. A perfect coming of age story.
Highly recommended!
April 2, 2018
3.5 stars
It took me about 25% of the book to get there. To be honest, I thought I’d quit. But then something changed and the book started to grow on me all the way to the end. I started hating it and ended up loving it.
Oskar is as difficult to love as Gareth is easy. Oskar is something else, but as the book did, he also grew on me.
Different, with laughing out loud moments and some sad ones, I have a feeling that this book is either going to be hated by many and loved to pieces by others. I did a little bit of both.
It took me about 25% of the book to get there. To be honest, I thought I’d quit. But then something changed and the book started to grow on me all the way to the end. I started hating it and ended up loving it.
Oskar is as difficult to love as Gareth is easy. Oskar is something else, but as the book did, he also grew on me.
Different, with laughing out loud moments and some sad ones, I have a feeling that this book is either going to be hated by many and loved to pieces by others. I did a little bit of both.
Read
April 21, 2018Not my fave Claire and Al, so not rating this one. I 💙💚💛💜 Gareth [Bear or Lollipop], but just couldn't warm to Oskar unfortunately.
April 21, 2018
Another great addition to the shelves. This duo has a peculiarly british writting style that it's quite refreshing to me since reading mainly usian author and usian places can be a bit tiring or boring overall.
This book has a different atmosphere from other works of Claire & Al, i came to enjoy the main characters and the development of their romance, i believe this is the most romance focused book i've read this year. While i enjoyed it, i'm aware it might not be for everyone simply because Oskar is a character hard to love, "volatile" is a good way to describe him, theatrical, rude, mean, and so on. Qualities many ppl hate to read in book characters, but i don't have problem with it when said qualities feel organic to the character, i mean...when there's a reason behind that behaviour and the character doesn't feel like a complete caricature or stupid.
Idk what else to add...Gareth was such a cutie, too good for his own good, i liked that his journey during high school taught him to deal with someone like Oskar and don't take things too personal because you don't know the whole story of a person nor why they're like that. I didn't realize his POV was important until it switched in the middle part of the book.
Good read :)
This book has a different atmosphere from other works of Claire & Al, i came to enjoy the main characters and the development of their romance, i believe this is the most romance focused book i've read this year. While i enjoyed it, i'm aware it might not be for everyone simply because Oskar is a character hard to love, "volatile" is a good way to describe him, theatrical, rude, mean, and so on. Qualities many ppl hate to read in book characters, but i don't have problem with it when said qualities feel organic to the character, i mean...when there's a reason behind that behaviour and the character doesn't feel like a complete caricature or stupid.
Idk what else to add...Gareth was such a cutie, too good for his own good, i liked that his journey during high school taught him to deal with someone like Oskar and don't take things too personal because you don't know the whole story of a person nor why they're like that. I didn't realize his POV was important until it switched in the middle part of the book.
Good read :)
July 23, 2018
4.5 Stars
Flawed characters are the best. Oskar is flawed.
Flawed characters aren’t always likable but they have a charisma that draws other characters (and the reader) into their world and we all want to be there, even if we may not always like said character. Oskar is that guy and man he has charisma in spades and an attitude to match. I liked how the authors introduce him though. I was expecting the bitchy snark based on the blurb, but the beginning balanced him out and softened him up enough so that I couldn’t wait to know more about what made Oskar tick.
Bear is Oskar’s complete antithesis and absolute complement. It takes a long time to get there, but it’s obvious from the beginning that Bear (the name that Oskar bestowed upon him) is completely powerless when he’s up against Oskar’s charms. I’m jumping the gun a bit and this is very cliche to say, but these two were made for one another.
The style in which the tale is told works perfectly for both their stories. They both get (and need to be) front and center in the present time and they both get to tell their histories through series of letters to family. While Oskar and Bear are complete opposites in just about every way, they both have a commonality in tales of heartbreaking childhoods. Very different, but the damage is still similar and like recognizes like, so I think the trust that eventually came to them made sense and was believable from the beginning.
Oskar is a sassy bitch in the beginning and Bear is more than happy to do his every bidding. Oskar wears his attitude like armor and Gareth just wants to be liked. It’s both amusing and slightly sad to read about them finding their feet in college. The first half of the story is told from Oskar’s perspective with a letter from Gareth to his father at the beginning of each. My heart broke in progressively smaller bits as I read Gareth’s letters until I was left completely shattered for him. The method the authors used was just so good though and gave each of the characters extra depth in turn. I know I mentioned the style already, but it really was the perfect vehicle for this story so I ended up coming back to it.
The two come together, push each other away and let their quirks fly. It’s always the little things that bring a character to life, giving the whole story a level of depth and relatability that many others miss. Oskar is held together by his quirks and Gareth turns out to be a bit of an Oskar whisperer and their banter was a treat to read. Gareth is by nature a caretaker and Oskar needs caretaking, but the relationship still grew and balanced out because while Gareth did take care of Oskar, Oskar was fiercely protective of Gareth and Gareth needed someone to come to his defense with the passion only Oskar could bring to the party.
I was thankful that the two of them became an official couple well before the book was over. I needed to see them together and read how their dynamics evolved as their lives changed. Without that I don’t think I could have believed in their HEA as strongly as I did by the time the story was over. The book is more than just a coming of age novel, there is much more to it than that and the authors did an excellent job of balancing the story of a couple of broken boys with a humorous romance.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
Flawed characters are the best. Oskar is flawed.
Flawed characters aren’t always likable but they have a charisma that draws other characters (and the reader) into their world and we all want to be there, even if we may not always like said character. Oskar is that guy and man he has charisma in spades and an attitude to match. I liked how the authors introduce him though. I was expecting the bitchy snark based on the blurb, but the beginning balanced him out and softened him up enough so that I couldn’t wait to know more about what made Oskar tick.
Bear is Oskar’s complete antithesis and absolute complement. It takes a long time to get there, but it’s obvious from the beginning that Bear (the name that Oskar bestowed upon him) is completely powerless when he’s up against Oskar’s charms. I’m jumping the gun a bit and this is very cliche to say, but these two were made for one another.
The style in which the tale is told works perfectly for both their stories. They both get (and need to be) front and center in the present time and they both get to tell their histories through series of letters to family. While Oskar and Bear are complete opposites in just about every way, they both have a commonality in tales of heartbreaking childhoods. Very different, but the damage is still similar and like recognizes like, so I think the trust that eventually came to them made sense and was believable from the beginning.
Oskar is a sassy bitch in the beginning and Bear is more than happy to do his every bidding. Oskar wears his attitude like armor and Gareth just wants to be liked. It’s both amusing and slightly sad to read about them finding their feet in college. The first half of the story is told from Oskar’s perspective with a letter from Gareth to his father at the beginning of each. My heart broke in progressively smaller bits as I read Gareth’s letters until I was left completely shattered for him. The method the authors used was just so good though and gave each of the characters extra depth in turn. I know I mentioned the style already, but it really was the perfect vehicle for this story so I ended up coming back to it.
The two come together, push each other away and let their quirks fly. It’s always the little things that bring a character to life, giving the whole story a level of depth and relatability that many others miss. Oskar is held together by his quirks and Gareth turns out to be a bit of an Oskar whisperer and their banter was a treat to read. Gareth is by nature a caretaker and Oskar needs caretaking, but the relationship still grew and balanced out because while Gareth did take care of Oskar, Oskar was fiercely protective of Gareth and Gareth needed someone to come to his defense with the passion only Oskar could bring to the party.
I was thankful that the two of them became an official couple well before the book was over. I needed to see them together and read how their dynamics evolved as their lives changed. Without that I don’t think I could have believed in their HEA as strongly as I did by the time the story was over. The book is more than just a coming of age novel, there is much more to it than that and the authors did an excellent job of balancing the story of a couple of broken boys with a humorous romance.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
April 16, 2018
I love everything I've read by these authors, but they take a real chance by making one of the MCs so wounded, flamboyant and occasionally downright mean that he's borderline unsympathetic. Fortunately he is such a strong character and Davis/Stewart always keep you aware of the pain underneath the surface, so you root for him and the good-natured, shy Bear. Anyway, who couldn't love a book with an 80s music loving high-heel wearing MC who tells everyone that Simon LeBon is his father. One of those books that breaks your heart and then puts it back together again. The first two-thirds are the strongest, but the entire book is another triumph by this talented duo.
February 4, 2022
This was an odd book to me. Like, it was written weirdly or something. But you know what? I'm easy to please. Give me a cute boy with long black hair, name drop a-ha a few times, an throw in a cute cat and I'm good.
July 31, 2018
I loved everything about this book. The characters were vivid and quirky. I could almost see them and hear their voices. Oskar in particular stood out as an absolutely fabulous mess. He sails through life in his own world, throwing hissy fits and shade in all directions. He's a diva but he's so mixed up and sad inside it breaks my heart. I'm rooting for him from his first words and I'm right there with him all the way, cringing, crying, cheering him on. There were moments I wanted to slap him and moments I wanted to hug him.
As far as Bear is concerned... He blew me away as much as Oskar in a very different way. He was so patient and gentle. I can't imagine there would be many people up to handling Oskar, but he did it with grace, while hiding his own sad story.
The letters were heartbreaking and even though I guessed the secret before it was revealed, it was really well done.
I truly cant say enough good things about this book. If you like gritty, over the top, hilarious, real, beautiful characters and writing then give it a shot
As far as Bear is concerned... He blew me away as much as Oskar in a very different way. He was so patient and gentle. I can't imagine there would be many people up to handling Oskar, but he did it with grace, while hiding his own sad story.
The letters were heartbreaking and even though I guessed the secret before it was revealed, it was really well done.
I truly cant say enough good things about this book. If you like gritty, over the top, hilarious, real, beautiful characters and writing then give it a shot
September 27, 2018
Oskar is not the son of Simon Le Bon, like he claims to be, but he is the son of a spectacular man in his own right. Oskar lives in the 80's, wearing his heart on his sleeve and starts college when his mom goes to prison. He meets Bear (Gareth) on day one and he just completely gets him. Both of them are from pretty messed up families and navigate their way through the first semester of school together, learning from each other and their pasts.
I liked the mind trip to the 80's. I liked the fun, prissy-ness of Oskar. I liked the level-headedness of Gareth. I didn't love the story. I was bored. Nothing happened. There was no plot. There wasn't really a story. I was walked through a few months where things happened... people drank coffee and ate some. Beans were cooked. Nights came, days went. They were followed. People left. People came back. Not sure what else to say here...
I liked the mind trip to the 80's. I liked the fun, prissy-ness of Oskar. I liked the level-headedness of Gareth. I didn't love the story. I was bored. Nothing happened. There was no plot. There wasn't really a story. I was walked through a few months where things happened... people drank coffee and ate some. Beans were cooked. Nights came, days went. They were followed. People left. People came back. Not sure what else to say here...
September 30, 2018
Gareths father drops him off at school and never looked back. After dropping off his son he went on a binge of drugs and alcohol. He got into an accident and ended up in a coma so for a long time he wasn’t able to read or respond to his sons letters. This was a very emotional read and a great story. Once Gareths dad got clean and returned to his son and meets Oskar, Gareths boyfriend things change. Oskar feels lied to and tells Gareth/Bear that he was basically on probation. Great story, I truly loved it. It was a heck of a lot better than I expected.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2018
DNF @47%
0 stars, and I am insulting garbage by calling this story garbage.
This is one of the worst MM novels I've read in a while.
If you like door mat main characters living by the mantra of "Oh, look at me, oh how I suffer, because nobody, never, has suffered quite like I do" then this is the story you've been waiting for. Otherwise, don't bother.
Women portrayed as hens, incessant whining, gratuitous acts of evil towards secondary characters. Piles upon piles of ridiculous.
I want a refund. Scratch that. I want a double refund!!
😝😱😖
0 stars, and I am insulting garbage by calling this story garbage.
This is one of the worst MM novels I've read in a while.
If you like door mat main characters living by the mantra of "Oh, look at me, oh how I suffer, because nobody, never, has suffered quite like I do" then this is the story you've been waiting for. Otherwise, don't bother.
Women portrayed as hens, incessant whining, gratuitous acts of evil towards secondary characters. Piles upon piles of ridiculous.
I want a refund. Scratch that. I want a double refund!!
😝😱😖
September 27, 2018
Ok. Truly I didn't know what to think when I started reading this and felt a little discombobulated but I have to say, I LOVED IT!! This was such an amazing story and so super sweet and sad and heartbreaking and wonderful. Read it. So worth it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2018
He is good and brash. He finds that his past will be rise its head again. He has told lies and now someone is writing letters. He is scared but then he sees her and is drawn to her. Will his past ruin it? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2023
Un libro difícil de valorar.
Primero porque me pareció difícil de entender para alguien como yo que el inglés no es su lengua materna porque tuve la impresión todo el rato de que se me escapaba algo.
Y segundo, estuve más de la mitad esperando que pasase algo y cuando por fin pasa me llevé un chasco porque cae en los topicazos made in Hollywood .
Puedo decir que en general no me gustó mucho.
Primero porque me pareció difícil de entender para alguien como yo que el inglés no es su lengua materna porque tuve la impresión todo el rato de que se me escapaba algo.
Y segundo, estuve más de la mitad esperando que pasase algo y cuando por fin pasa me llevé un chasco porque cae en los topicazos made in Hollywood .
Puedo decir que en general no me gustó mucho.
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