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Make a Circle
A Story from the Warmest Wishes: Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar
Pagan punk musician Lucas is fully prepared to spend this Yule with the rest of the band and his beautiful bass guitar when Oliver, his boyfriend of almost a year, asks if he wants to join the rest of the Han family for their annual winter celebration. It comes as a shock since Ollie has gone to great lengths to keep the two apart, and Lucas always assumed he was the reason. Since they’re planning to be together long-term, Lucas can't say no to meeting Ollie’s parents, but he better brush up on his manners and his Mandarin because this is going to be a holiday season like no other—and it has some surprises in store for both of them.
Pagan punk musician Lucas is fully prepared to spend this Yule with the rest of the band and his beautiful bass guitar when Oliver, his boyfriend of almost a year, asks if he wants to join the rest of the Han family for their annual winter celebration. It comes as a shock since Ollie has gone to great lengths to keep the two apart, and Lucas always assumed he was the reason. Since they’re planning to be together long-term, Lucas can't say no to meeting Ollie’s parents, but he better brush up on his manners and his Mandarin because this is going to be a holiday season like no other—and it has some surprises in store for both of them.
33 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2018
30 people want to read
About the author
Elliot Joyce
10 books3 followersElliot Xiao Zhou Joyce was born in China and adopted at nine months old. He spent the first eight years of his life in New York before moving to Arizona, where he developed a healthy respect for the desert and cacti. He's currently settled in sunny California, where there's less cacti than he'd like and more rain than he's used to. When he isn't working on his next project, he's probably asking his cats to stop sitting on his laptop or playing D&D with his friends.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 17, 2018
*3.5 stars*
A surprisingly good offering from new to me author, Elliot Joyce.
Make a Circle is more than meets the eye. It's only 33 pages long, but I was pleasantly pleased at how much I enjoyed it, though if the story had been even longer, I think I would have really loved it.
Though the blurb doesn't state it, the story is about the Dongzhi Festival, which is the Chinese winter solstice festival. My daughters have many Chinese classmates (we even have no school on Chinese New Year), but I've never heard of the Dongzhi celebration until this story. I was really interested, and I wish I learned a little more from the story, but I was intrigued nevertheless.
I liked both MCs and I dug their chemistry, which is rare for me in an established couple story. However, because this story was so short, I appreciated the fact that the author didn't try to introduce two people and get some sort of relationship going in such a short span of time.
I always, always like a trans MC, which, again, wasn't stated in the blurb but was a pleasant surprise for me. I actively seek out books with trans main characters, so I enjoyed discovering this one a great deal.
Though this story was just a hint of something greater, I'm hopeful I'll see a lot more from this author in the future.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
A surprisingly good offering from new to me author, Elliot Joyce.
Make a Circle is more than meets the eye. It's only 33 pages long, but I was pleasantly pleased at how much I enjoyed it, though if the story had been even longer, I think I would have really loved it.
Though the blurb doesn't state it, the story is about the Dongzhi Festival, which is the Chinese winter solstice festival. My daughters have many Chinese classmates (we even have no school on Chinese New Year), but I've never heard of the Dongzhi celebration until this story. I was really interested, and I wish I learned a little more from the story, but I was intrigued nevertheless.
I liked both MCs and I dug their chemistry, which is rare for me in an established couple story. However, because this story was so short, I appreciated the fact that the author didn't try to introduce two people and get some sort of relationship going in such a short span of time.
I always, always like a trans MC, which, again, wasn't stated in the blurb but was a pleasant surprise for me. I actively seek out books with trans main characters, so I enjoyed discovering this one a great deal.
Though this story was just a hint of something greater, I'm hopeful I'll see a lot more from this author in the future.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
January 1, 2019
Meeting the parents of a partner is never easy, especially if two people have been together for a while and just never got around to it. In this case of Lucas and Oliver, the family to be met is big, a little crazy/overwhelming, and from another culture. Lucas knows it might be challenging for him from a purely linguistic point of view, but he also has a feeling that Oliver is not too keen on introducing him. That kind of uncertainty means that he approaches “Dongzhì” – the Chinese celebration of the winter solstice – with quite a bit of trepidation. I was very curious to find out more about the festival and its customs as well as to see how Lucas and Oliver would deal with the challenge.
Lucas, who tells the story, knows what his problems might be, but he is not sure why Oliver has held back about introducing him. He suspects it might be because he is a punk rocker and does not exactly lead a “normal” life, but as it turns out, there are other issues. Oliver is a trans man, and some members of his mostly traditional family can’t seem to wrap their heads around the concept, especially the older ones. There is a great deal of discussion, more or less friendly teasing, and some wonderful scenes around food and the annual celebration.
If you like stories set around non-Western winter celebrations, if you think that love can overcome cultural barriers, and if you’re looking for a fun read with lots of family drama and chaos, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Lucas, who tells the story, knows what his problems might be, but he is not sure why Oliver has held back about introducing him. He suspects it might be because he is a punk rocker and does not exactly lead a “normal” life, but as it turns out, there are other issues. Oliver is a trans man, and some members of his mostly traditional family can’t seem to wrap their heads around the concept, especially the older ones. There is a great deal of discussion, more or less friendly teasing, and some wonderful scenes around food and the annual celebration.
If you like stories set around non-Western winter celebrations, if you think that love can overcome cultural barriers, and if you’re looking for a fun read with lots of family drama and chaos, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
December 17, 2018
3.75 stars rounded up
This is the first time Oliver Han brought his boyfriend Lucas to meet his family, just in time for the Han family to celebrate Dōngzhì Festival – or Chinese Winter Solstice Festival – which date falls near Christmas as well. Lucas is rather worried that Ollie’s family will hate him; he doesn’t speak any Mandarin, he is, well, the white guy. Lucas is not aware that Ollie has his different reasons, and his own worries, for postponing bringing Lucas before.
I loved my first Elliot Joyce’s book that I read back in April, which was why I respectfully requested for this one. Turned out to be another winner! Despite it being short, but I thought Joyce was able to deliver a sweet and heartwarming holiday story about a young interracial couple.
I loved reading how Lucas is both feeling a little out of place, but at the same time, he makes sure that he is there for Ollie. I’m not going to spoil much about Ollie’s reasons, but I can totally understand Ollie dragging his feet. These two are really, really, sweet to each other. And I enjoyed reading about some of the traditional activities celebrating the Dōngzhì as well, like making the tangyuan.
So, it’s a nice clash-culture kind of holiday story. Although I wish the author explore more about Lucas being a pagan – I imagine it’ll be kind of fun seeing him explaining that to Han’s family *laugh*
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
This is the first time Oliver Han brought his boyfriend Lucas to meet his family, just in time for the Han family to celebrate Dōngzhì Festival – or Chinese Winter Solstice Festival – which date falls near Christmas as well. Lucas is rather worried that Ollie’s family will hate him; he doesn’t speak any Mandarin, he is, well, the white guy. Lucas is not aware that Ollie has his different reasons, and his own worries, for postponing bringing Lucas before.
I loved my first Elliot Joyce’s book that I read back in April, which was why I respectfully requested for this one. Turned out to be another winner! Despite it being short, but I thought Joyce was able to deliver a sweet and heartwarming holiday story about a young interracial couple.
I loved reading how Lucas is both feeling a little out of place, but at the same time, he makes sure that he is there for Ollie. I’m not going to spoil much about Ollie’s reasons, but I can totally understand Ollie dragging his feet. These two are really, really, sweet to each other. And I enjoyed reading about some of the traditional activities celebrating the Dōngzhì as well, like making the tangyuan.
So, it’s a nice clash-culture kind of holiday story. Although I wish the author explore more about Lucas being a pagan – I imagine it’ll be kind of fun seeing him explaining that to Han’s family *laugh*
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
December 26, 2018
"Make a Circle" is a weekend-in-the-life of punk musician Lucas and his trans boyfriend Oliver. Oliver has finally invited Lucas to a family gathering, the Chinese Winter solstice Dongzhi Festival, but Lucas wonders if Oliver is embarrassed by him, or by his family. We meet the Han family and the various aunts and uncles who love Oliver but struggle sometimes to call him Oliver rather than his birth name or use the proper pronouns. Over the course of this short story, we learn about a Chinese tradition but also see the strength of familial love (complete with squabbles and crazy relatives) that is universal. 4 sweet stars for "Make a Circle."
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
December 17, 2018
Lucas, of ‘Make a Circle' by Elliot Joyce, never expected to be invited by his boyfriend, Ollie, to attend a holiday gathering with Ollie's family. Ollie has a huge family and, now that Lucas is actually going to meet them, he's doing his best to remember who they all are. Soon he is beginning to have second thoughts. Lucas is afraid he will slip up and make a faux pas of some kind, be embarrassed, and upset Ollie. Yet, Lucas loves Ollie and wants to support him however he can. If it entails putting up with a group of noisy strangers, different food, customs, and language, then that's what he will do.
The closer they get to Ollie's family home, the more nervous he becomes. Lucas is steeling himself against the onslaught, knowing he's doing it because it means so much to Ollie. The first person to greet them is Ollie's mom. She's so excited to see Ollie that she almost forgets Lucas is standing there but Lucas takes it all in stride. The household is immersed in a cacophony of sound that would rattle anyone, especially someone who is not used to it. Lucas finds himself searching for a quiet place where he is not as conspicuous, but there really isn't one. He has polite conversations with Ollie's relatives, including his grandmother, with some of the younger members of the family translating for him. Because he can’t speak the language, Lucas is having a difficult time ascertaining what kind of impression he is making, but hopes for the best. When he finds Ollie, he's engaged in a heated argument with one of his uncles, but, since Lucas doesn't speak Mandarin, he has no idea what they are saying. He can only tell Ollie is angry by his body language. Ollie looks torn between fighting and crying. Lucas interrupts, asking if they should leave. Ollie apologizes to everyone and runs upstairs to his bedroom, leaving Lucas more baffled than ever.
Relationships are a lot of work. Trying to integrate your significant other into your established family can be tenuous at best. While Lucas and Ollie maneuver through the family politics and traditions, they learn what's most important; they begin to understand that as long they are together, they can face anything. Thank you, Elliot, for an insightful and informative read.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
The closer they get to Ollie's family home, the more nervous he becomes. Lucas is steeling himself against the onslaught, knowing he's doing it because it means so much to Ollie. The first person to greet them is Ollie's mom. She's so excited to see Ollie that she almost forgets Lucas is standing there but Lucas takes it all in stride. The household is immersed in a cacophony of sound that would rattle anyone, especially someone who is not used to it. Lucas finds himself searching for a quiet place where he is not as conspicuous, but there really isn't one. He has polite conversations with Ollie's relatives, including his grandmother, with some of the younger members of the family translating for him. Because he can’t speak the language, Lucas is having a difficult time ascertaining what kind of impression he is making, but hopes for the best. When he finds Ollie, he's engaged in a heated argument with one of his uncles, but, since Lucas doesn't speak Mandarin, he has no idea what they are saying. He can only tell Ollie is angry by his body language. Ollie looks torn between fighting and crying. Lucas interrupts, asking if they should leave. Ollie apologizes to everyone and runs upstairs to his bedroom, leaving Lucas more baffled than ever.
Relationships are a lot of work. Trying to integrate your significant other into your established family can be tenuous at best. While Lucas and Ollie maneuver through the family politics and traditions, they learn what's most important; they begin to understand that as long they are together, they can face anything. Thank you, Elliot, for an insightful and informative read.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
November 17, 2022
This was a lovely, very short read.
I really, really loved how astutely the author covered the types of anxieties that pop up when meeting the family (the aside about 'who stole the jewelry and sold it?' made me laugh since my husband's family has an equivalent story you have to tiptoe around at family gatherings.
Additional tags/notes, trans MC, established couple, takes place during the Dongzhi Festival/Chinese winter solstice, meeting-the-family, deadnaming
I really, really loved how astutely the author covered the types of anxieties that pop up when meeting the family (the aside about 'who stole the jewelry and sold it?' made me laugh since my husband's family has an equivalent story you have to tiptoe around at family gatherings.
Additional tags/notes, trans MC, established couple, takes place during the Dongzhi Festival/Chinese winter solstice, meeting-the-family, deadnaming
April 5, 2019
Family can be trying. Even more so when they don't acknowledge who you are. The Love of your partner is what makes it better.
December 22, 2018
This is a fun holiday romp of a family out of control and all the fun, craziness, and love that comes with it.
December 18, 2018
3 Stars
This was a quick and easy holiday read that was well-written, but I wasn’t quite sure what the point of the story was. I feel like I missed something. It was a nice story and Lucas and Oliver were likable enough, but again, I just saw no real point to the story.
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
This was a quick and easy holiday read that was well-written, but I wasn’t quite sure what the point of the story was. I feel like I missed something. It was a nice story and Lucas and Oliver were likable enough, but again, I just saw no real point to the story.
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
December 16, 2018
Review to be posted.
December 24, 2018
I liked this short story quite a lot. There was much to learn about a culture different from my own and about transgender identity. The author managed to convey a lot organically by showing rather than telling and I was hooked on Lucas and Oliver before I even knew which direction the story was headed. The Han family dynamics were . . . pretty standard actually. Overall they were loving and open with a few assholes mixed in for normality and generational differences that are to be expected.
Lucas’ stress about meeting Oliver’s family was what I thought the story was going to be focused on, but when the shift happened and Oliver’s relationship with his own family moved to center stage, the story took on a depth I really appreciated reading. An immediate family may be accepting, but getting together over the holidays with the extended family adds stress that made me understand why Oliver was apprehensive. Not that anyone in the family was cruel by any means, but every little act of misgendering is a disrespectful dig that attempts to erode Oliver’s confidence. Oliver had wanted to protect Lucas, but Lucas ended up being the strength and comfort that Oliver deserved. The two of them are perfect together and I loved the little family that they were together.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
Lucas’ stress about meeting Oliver’s family was what I thought the story was going to be focused on, but when the shift happened and Oliver’s relationship with his own family moved to center stage, the story took on a depth I really appreciated reading. An immediate family may be accepting, but getting together over the holidays with the extended family adds stress that made me understand why Oliver was apprehensive. Not that anyone in the family was cruel by any means, but every little act of misgendering is a disrespectful dig that attempts to erode Oliver’s confidence. Oliver had wanted to protect Lucas, but Lucas ended up being the strength and comfort that Oliver deserved. The two of them are perfect together and I loved the little family that they were together.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
April 15, 2019
New author to me and a nice story.
In the Warmest Wishes advent calendar, set in California.
Nice to get a different cultural festival with the winter solstice festival of Dongzhi. Lucas struggles to fit in, Oliver is probably seeing hostility thats not there - apart from Jeffrey. But a good family short.
In the Warmest Wishes advent calendar, set in California.
Nice to get a different cultural festival with the winter solstice festival of Dongzhi. Lucas struggles to fit in, Oliver is probably seeing hostility thats not there - apart from Jeffrey. But a good family short.
December 17, 2018
I really like the whole idea but it's just too short!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews