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Up!
After a failed attempt at college, Luke lives a quiet existence with his dad. He recovers from bitter disappointment and gradually life returns to a regular rhythm. Safe and predictable. Every day he gains confidence, but with health comes boredom. From the window ledge, he watches people outside and wishes he could be like them.
There's another side to Luke. Underneath his bed are five hidden pairs of jeans with matching Dr yellow, purple, striped, green and tartan. Some days he feels the itch to get them out. Nope. Those days are gone.
One day, an amazing thing happens. Dynamic blog artist Formaldehyde Bob comes to town with an exhibition of light and dark! Luke has crushed on him since being fifteen, idolising the man and his unusual creations. Something about the art calls to Luke like nothing else, makes him believe there might after all be someone out there who thinks in the same way. A soul mate. A bird with a similar song.
No. Luke isn't going to go and see Formaldehyde Bob. He isn't. Because he's happy with his monotonous lot and doesn't want to see hope sliding down a mountain of sand.
Will Luke take a chance and visit Formaldehyde Bob?
Can the jeans ever be worn again?
Does grumpy Barbara ever smile?
And the most important is there any magic left in the world?
Find out in this snowy tale of young love in the most unexpected places.
Content references to self-harm, mental illness.
There's another side to Luke. Underneath his bed are five hidden pairs of jeans with matching Dr yellow, purple, striped, green and tartan. Some days he feels the itch to get them out. Nope. Those days are gone.
One day, an amazing thing happens. Dynamic blog artist Formaldehyde Bob comes to town with an exhibition of light and dark! Luke has crushed on him since being fifteen, idolising the man and his unusual creations. Something about the art calls to Luke like nothing else, makes him believe there might after all be someone out there who thinks in the same way. A soul mate. A bird with a similar song.
No. Luke isn't going to go and see Formaldehyde Bob. He isn't. Because he's happy with his monotonous lot and doesn't want to see hope sliding down a mountain of sand.
Will Luke take a chance and visit Formaldehyde Bob?
Can the jeans ever be worn again?
Does grumpy Barbara ever smile?
And the most important is there any magic left in the world?
Find out in this snowy tale of young love in the most unexpected places.
Content references to self-harm, mental illness.
77 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2018
62 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
December 22, 2018
4.5
This is utterly charming.
A story of love and hope and family.
Life can be hard and anyone who has had experience directly or indirectly with Mental Illness will totally get this....but don't worry,it's not heavy or depressing,it's just the opposite...it's uplifting and beautifully written and yes,I shed some happy tears at the end.
Luke and Rob really are soul mates,they found each other at just the right time and kind of rescued each other.And Luke's father....I can't find the words...except to say ....he was pretty much perfect.
These two Authors are brilliantly unique,reading a new story by them you never quite know what to expect but one thing is guaranteed...the story will make you smile and feel...
Recommended read.
"Have you waited for me your whole life?"(...)
"I really have."
This is utterly charming.
A story of love and hope and family.
Life can be hard and anyone who has had experience directly or indirectly with Mental Illness will totally get this....but don't worry,it's not heavy or depressing,it's just the opposite...it's uplifting and beautifully written and yes,I shed some happy tears at the end.
Luke and Rob really are soul mates,they found each other at just the right time and kind of rescued each other.And Luke's father....I can't find the words...except to say ....he was pretty much perfect.
These two Authors are brilliantly unique,reading a new story by them you never quite know what to expect but one thing is guaranteed...the story will make you smile and feel...
Recommended read.
February 24, 2019
I really struggled with the first quarter of this book, but after reading several reviews stating that it does get better, I pushed through. I did enjoy the second half, which was a really sweet story about two people struggling with life, but find each other at the perfect time.
I did enjoy the second half, especially the ending. I adored both Luke and Rob, and Luke’s father was the sweetest.
After I finished the book, I went back and read the beginning again, and it made more sense to me the 2nd time around. So if you do read this one, don’t give up!!
I did enjoy the second half, especially the ending. I adored both Luke and Rob, and Luke’s father was the sweetest.
After I finished the book, I went back and read the beginning again, and it made more sense to me the 2nd time around. So if you do read this one, don’t give up!!
December 19, 2018
*4.5 stars*
This is a story of love and healing and struggling with mental illness, told in a very unique way. Full of symbolisms that so very much remind me the grittiness of Greek surrealism, Up! was quite a rollercoaster for me. It turned me inside out at first, made me hopeful and giddy later on, and in the end….it lifted me up! Literally!
Love might not be able to actually cure mental illness, but it can certainly do some healing. It can step inside the bottle and walk you out of it even for a while, or just sit right there with you so that you ‘re not alone. If there’s such thing as soul mates then Rob and Luke are definitely it. Not in the corny, sugary sweet way we ‘re used to in a lot of romantic stories. Luke and Rob are the perfect match in the most basic level, in the most perfect way. There was no other option for these two than to be together.
Once more, art plays a big role in the story. Art, much like love, heals wounds, right? I firmly believe that when two people speak the same language as far as art in concerned, they are definitely on the same page about pretty much everything else. Luke and Rob are the perfect example.
The ending is magnificent. Full of color and light and hope!
I know that people who are lost inside their head or feel overwhelmed and lost will empathize greatly with these characters. And maybe find a little bit of hope.
Favorite quote:
*Cross posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
"Why aren’t there ever any ups for people like us? Once you break, melt and shut, what’s left?
This is a story of love and healing and struggling with mental illness, told in a very unique way. Full of symbolisms that so very much remind me the grittiness of Greek surrealism, Up! was quite a rollercoaster for me. It turned me inside out at first, made me hopeful and giddy later on, and in the end….it lifted me up! Literally!
Love might not be able to actually cure mental illness, but it can certainly do some healing. It can step inside the bottle and walk you out of it even for a while, or just sit right there with you so that you ‘re not alone. If there’s such thing as soul mates then Rob and Luke are definitely it. Not in the corny, sugary sweet way we ‘re used to in a lot of romantic stories. Luke and Rob are the perfect match in the most basic level, in the most perfect way. There was no other option for these two than to be together.
Once more, art plays a big role in the story. Art, much like love, heals wounds, right? I firmly believe that when two people speak the same language as far as art in concerned, they are definitely on the same page about pretty much everything else. Luke and Rob are the perfect example.
The ending is magnificent. Full of color and light and hope!
"We went into the bottle and came out, and now we’re going up in the air balloon. No more down. It’s time we went up, Luke."
I know that people who are lost inside their head or feel overwhelmed and lost will empathize greatly with these characters. And maybe find a little bit of hope.
Favorite quote:
"When did humans get so fucked up that someone in pain is nobody’s business?
*Cross posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
December 30, 2018
I didn't find this story as hopeful as most readers, but the authors' writing is poetry in motion.
If Luke and Rob aren't soul mates, then soul mates don't exist. Luke is on the spectrum, and Rob deals with severe depression (most likely bipolar).
But those are labels, and labels don't always fit. Like art. Art doesn't get a label.
Neither does love.
Luke's brain is never still. He worries and frets and collects jeans in different colors. The yellow pair is happy.
Luke's dad is so wonderful, I wanted to weep.
This story is not a typical romance. It's abstract and a little sad (although there's sweetness to be had too). But the ending is a hot air balloon bursting with joy as it sails up, up, up.
If Luke and Rob aren't soul mates, then soul mates don't exist. Luke is on the spectrum, and Rob deals with severe depression (most likely bipolar).
But those are labels, and labels don't always fit. Like art. Art doesn't get a label.
Neither does love.
Luke's brain is never still. He worries and frets and collects jeans in different colors. The yellow pair is happy.
Luke's dad is so wonderful, I wanted to weep.
This story is not a typical romance. It's abstract and a little sad (although there's sweetness to be had too). But the ending is a hot air balloon bursting with joy as it sails up, up, up.
February 7, 2019
I'm gonna try and write something about this... not sure how well I can do cuz I'm so overwhelmed. First, I just have to say that these authors have written a narrative in the form of pure poetry. So much so that I went insane highlighting passage after passage. I also pretty much ugly cried my way through start to finish. Mind you not sad tears but tears of pure joy. This is the best thing I have read this year and quite possibly last year as well. The way the authors enlightened the read piece by piece till suddenly I felt not only every spark of emotion the two MCs felt, but as it went on suddenly I not only understood these two I knew them inside and out. At the beginning I could barely follow what each of the MCs were thinking or even saying. They seemed bizarre and impossible to connect with. But I persevered, mainly because of the beauty of the words. However the more I read and got inside their heads things became sooo clear and then the tears came. For one thing, I soon realized that Luke and Rob though appearing very different were really just like me and everyone else. The had the same fears, hopes and wishes as all of us. This story has touched me so deeply and I will never be the same again. Stories that change us, allow us to see and understand more than before, this is miracle of the coming together of reader and author. And then there is more.
December 19, 2018
This is a free one...! Except Amazon Sometimes life is just too hard and everything is going down, pressure unbearable and failure is what’s left. Both Luke and Robert are proof these things are reality.
When time has arrived to try again something wonderful is happening.
The beauty and the hardness of being yourself... the grand award... when you finally find a soulmate you can share beauty and hardnesses... you can finally breathe... gosh... I’d give my kingdom for that rare experience!
“H needs breath and strength but L comes from the noise the tongue makes on the roof of the mouth as it waves.”
Fragile and creative souls in search... when they finally meet there are angels singing, you can hear violin strings and energy sparkling... they are home
“It’s uncanny. His fears are identical to my own.”
Dad ahh Dad... the perfect buddy... I loved him.
Beautiful minds working so exceptional just a few can hold up. Their bare honest souls are breathtaking, I wanted to join them.. to have them close by... I just love their brave souls.
It was a delicate and delightful read, the humor was delicious... the emotions stunningly put down on paper, every word was one of importance. I absorbed it all and my heart did strange things... like beating irregular or just skip
Why I had to cry throughout this story...? Because... it hit me... in a place where my whole being is presented... this stunning story shuffled al my nicely arranged feelings up...
HA...! UP!
Highly recommend
Kindly received an arc from the authors
When time has arrived to try again something wonderful is happening.
The beauty and the hardness of being yourself... the grand award... when you finally find a soulmate you can share beauty and hardnesses... you can finally breathe... gosh... I’d give my kingdom for that rare experience!
“H needs breath and strength but L comes from the noise the tongue makes on the roof of the mouth as it waves.”
Fragile and creative souls in search... when they finally meet there are angels singing, you can hear violin strings and energy sparkling... they are home
“It’s uncanny. His fears are identical to my own.”
Dad ahh Dad... the perfect buddy... I loved him.
Beautiful minds working so exceptional just a few can hold up. Their bare honest souls are breathtaking, I wanted to join them.. to have them close by... I just love their brave souls.
It was a delicate and delightful read, the humor was delicious... the emotions stunningly put down on paper, every word was one of importance. I absorbed it all and my heart did strange things... like beating irregular or just skip
Why I had to cry throughout this story...? Because... it hit me... in a place where my whole being is presented... this stunning story shuffled al my nicely arranged feelings up...
HA...! UP!
Highly recommend
Kindly received an arc from the authors
December 31, 2018
Another excellent story from these two authors. Luke is a young guy somewhere on the autism spectrum. He had managed to get up the courage and organization to go to Oxford, but he found himself isolated and stressed, holding his uniqueness back so hard he spoke to no one for days on end. After a term, he left. That decision was the only one he could make, but it lingers as a bitter failure, poisoning his view of who he is and what he can do. He lives a quiet life with his father, aware that while he is deeply loved, he's also dependent and his future looks barren. He has no job and no plans.
Then he finds out that an artist he has followed since his teens is coming to a local park to do a big installation and performance piece. Moreover, Luke was the one who anonymously recommended the opportunity to the artist, Formaldehyde Bob. He's thrilled and terrified, shaken out of his rut and eager to meet his hero. But even the colorful jeans under his bed, symbols of braver and more outgoing days, can't give him confidence. How can the man he is now be worth Formaldehyde Bob's time? Maybe he shouldn't go. His father's gentle urging added to his curiosity tips the balance just enough. Maybe he'll go and see what Bob is up to. Just look.
Rob is taking a chance, stepping out again as Formaldehyde Bob, his art persona firmly in place as he tries to come back from a personal low point. He'd hit depression so dark he had to stop creating and deal with it, and even now, he's not in a great place. But this is an amazing opportunity, and his art has always called loudly to him. His vision for this piece pulls him forward, but he's not sure he has the fortitude to follow through till the end. Then he meets his biggest fan, a sweet, fizzy, enthusiastic, colorful young man who seems determined to help him give the world this new piece.
But there's a long way to go for this art to be created. There's a bleak, dark place that still threatens to open up under Rob's feet, sucking him down again. And the yellow jeans waiting under Luke's bed may never be worn, if he can't keep all the forces inside him on track and get past his thoughts of failure. Maybe it would've been better if they'd met back in Oxford. Maybe they should never have met. Maybe he's too weird for Formaldehyde Bob, or not talented enough to help. Or just maybe they can find a way forward.
Sweet, hopeful, neither minimizing each man's issues, not overdramatizing them. A lovely portrait of a man on the autism spectrum and the way his uniqueness is both limiting and freeing.
(Currently free in epub from Smashwords 12/31/18)
Then he finds out that an artist he has followed since his teens is coming to a local park to do a big installation and performance piece. Moreover, Luke was the one who anonymously recommended the opportunity to the artist, Formaldehyde Bob. He's thrilled and terrified, shaken out of his rut and eager to meet his hero. But even the colorful jeans under his bed, symbols of braver and more outgoing days, can't give him confidence. How can the man he is now be worth Formaldehyde Bob's time? Maybe he shouldn't go. His father's gentle urging added to his curiosity tips the balance just enough. Maybe he'll go and see what Bob is up to. Just look.
Rob is taking a chance, stepping out again as Formaldehyde Bob, his art persona firmly in place as he tries to come back from a personal low point. He'd hit depression so dark he had to stop creating and deal with it, and even now, he's not in a great place. But this is an amazing opportunity, and his art has always called loudly to him. His vision for this piece pulls him forward, but he's not sure he has the fortitude to follow through till the end. Then he meets his biggest fan, a sweet, fizzy, enthusiastic, colorful young man who seems determined to help him give the world this new piece.
But there's a long way to go for this art to be created. There's a bleak, dark place that still threatens to open up under Rob's feet, sucking him down again. And the yellow jeans waiting under Luke's bed may never be worn, if he can't keep all the forces inside him on track and get past his thoughts of failure. Maybe it would've been better if they'd met back in Oxford. Maybe they should never have met. Maybe he's too weird for Formaldehyde Bob, or not talented enough to help. Or just maybe they can find a way forward.
Sweet, hopeful, neither minimizing each man's issues, not overdramatizing them. A lovely portrait of a man on the autism spectrum and the way his uniqueness is both limiting and freeing.
(Currently free in epub from Smashwords 12/31/18)
November 20, 2022
Why can humans swim but not fly?
Isn't flying basically swimming in the air??
This sweet short story is a rare sparkling gem.
I felt like I was floating, then swimming, in the clouds.
I held my breath.
I gasped for air.
I sailed through the pages.
Fish are buoyant in the water. Birds are not buoyant in the air.
But do you know what is?
Hot air balloons. Yeah, they really are.
Patience is key.
The reward is tremendous.
Rob and Luke are...a "one-of-a-kind" pair.
They both have fallen but are rising.
Actually, there's nowhere to go but Up!
If you can leave expectations and apprehensions at the cover, this breathtaking story is for you.
If taking a swim through cloud 9 doesn't interest you, I suggest you take a pass.
Just know, Luke's dad is a precious gift you'd be sorry to miss.
Isn't flying basically swimming in the air??
This sweet short story is a rare sparkling gem.
I felt like I was floating, then swimming, in the clouds.
I held my breath.
I gasped for air.
I sailed through the pages.
Fish are buoyant in the water. Birds are not buoyant in the air.
But do you know what is?
Hot air balloons. Yeah, they really are.
Patience is key.
The reward is tremendous.
Rob and Luke are...a "one-of-a-kind" pair.
They both have fallen but are rising.
Actually, there's nowhere to go but Up!
If you can leave expectations and apprehensions at the cover, this breathtaking story is for you.
If taking a swim through cloud 9 doesn't interest you, I suggest you take a pass.
Just know, Luke's dad is a precious gift you'd be sorry to miss.
February 5, 2019
4 stars!! 💕 Sweet and uplifting short story about two misfits who are simply perfect for each other. The writing is both melancholy and poetic.. but the story itself is inspiring and unique. Highly recommended to all readers who need a little inspiring..👍
December 21, 2018
Beautiful. Heartwarming, uplifting and full of feels [much like the Disney-Pixar film which is one of my faves, and always makes me blubber]. Many thanks Al, Claire and Debbie for the freebie. 5 stars.
Read
February 18, 2019DNF @ 12%
I'm not going to rate it because I didn't get very far with it. I was expecting a light, happy little romance based on the cover and title. Instead I got some weird mumbo jumbo yoda(ish) soliloquy. I hung on until I got a peek at the other character. (At least, I think it was the other character.) When he also monologued I ran.
No idea how or why I got the wrong impression of this book from reviews. But it was totally unexpected for me. :-(
I'm not going to rate it because I didn't get very far with it. I was expecting a light, happy little romance based on the cover and title. Instead I got some weird mumbo jumbo yoda(ish) soliloquy. I hung on until I got a peek at the other character. (At least, I think it was the other character.) When he also monologued I ran.
No idea how or why I got the wrong impression of this book from reviews. But it was totally unexpected for me. :-(
January 4, 2019
Somewhere between 4 and 5 stars. I can't decide.
Expected nothing less from this author duo.
Beautiful!
Dad was awesome!
Already available on Smashwords.
Expected nothing less from this author duo.
Beautiful!
Dad was awesome!
Already available on Smashwords.
December 24, 2018
This was just wonderful. I really love how this author duo writes. The way they use words, it’s breathtakingly beautiful.
Luke loves colored jeans, matching doc martens, and sees the world in a way that other people can only dream of. And he loves Formaldehyde Bob, the guy who makes amazing art and writes a blog about it.
When Luke’s father mentions Formaldehyde Bob coming to town for an exhibition, Luke is beside himself with joy. But he’s also a little worried. He knows he is different than most people, so what if Formaldehyde Bob doesn’t like him?
When Luke finally meets Formaldehyde Bob, everything seems to click in place. Rob is everything Luke hoped, and more…
I absolutely love how these two authors can write. I loved the words they used to describe how it would feel to be in Luke’s head (zizzing!). And the connection Luke felt with Rob was so emotional, so pure. This is how love is supposed to be.
These boys were just beautiful together and I loved every second of this short.
Luke loves colored jeans, matching doc martens, and sees the world in a way that other people can only dream of. And he loves Formaldehyde Bob, the guy who makes amazing art and writes a blog about it.
When Luke’s father mentions Formaldehyde Bob coming to town for an exhibition, Luke is beside himself with joy. But he’s also a little worried. He knows he is different than most people, so what if Formaldehyde Bob doesn’t like him?
When Luke finally meets Formaldehyde Bob, everything seems to click in place. Rob is everything Luke hoped, and more…
I absolutely love how these two authors can write. I loved the words they used to describe how it would feel to be in Luke’s head (zizzing!). And the connection Luke felt with Rob was so emotional, so pure. This is how love is supposed to be.
These boys were just beautiful together and I loved every second of this short.
Read
December 28, 2018DNF
I've tried reading these authors before and just don't enjoy their writng style.
I've tried reading these authors before and just don't enjoy their writng style.
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December 23, 2018
4.5 stars!
The narration of this story took me a chapter to get into, but then it swept me up in its adorable uniqueness. A lovely, touching on angst yet feel-good life story. Lots of happy feelings in this one. The Dad is just awesome!
The narration of this story took me a chapter to get into, but then it swept me up in its adorable uniqueness. A lovely, touching on angst yet feel-good life story. Lots of happy feelings in this one. The Dad is just awesome!
March 14, 2023
A very different, immersive read about two young artists who are in no way typical, finding each other and daring to connect. Unlike anything I've read before. Lovely, open-hearted, and brave.
Want to read
June 29, 2020Kindle freebie 6/29/20!
January 23, 2019
Zizz
Sometimes, all it takes is one person to truly understand you and accept you completely.
Another short done right.
I really liked it.
Sometimes, all it takes is one person to truly understand you and accept you completely.
Another short done right.
I really liked it.
Read
January 6, 2022I struggled. Stream of consciousness writing (at least I think that was it?) does not work for me, at least not in this book. I was barely able to finish it. No rating.
Want to read
December 20, 2018The fantastic writing duo, Claire Davis/Al Stewart are offering a FREE (except Amazon 99c) story for the holidays:
-Beaten Track Publishing: http://www.beatentrackpublishing.com/...
-Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
-BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book...
-Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/up/i...
-Beaten Track Publishing: http://www.beatentrackpublishing.com/...
-Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
-BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book...
-Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/up/i...
December 31, 2018
Real
Imaginary
Lovely
This book holds so much wisdom about mental health and people who suffer from it. It gives hope that your struggles are not to be undermined and you are perfect just the way you are. Also, If I could find a guy as understanding in life as Harry, I think I won’t ever leave him. ❤️
Imaginary
Lovely
This book holds so much wisdom about mental health and people who suffer from it. It gives hope that your struggles are not to be undermined and you are perfect just the way you are. Also, If I could find a guy as understanding in life as Harry, I think I won’t ever leave him. ❤️
December 23, 2018
Beautiful as always with these authors.
December 23, 2018
Beatiful!
October 30, 2020
I have read two books by this duo and adored both of them! Both books featured neurodivergent characters and I just loved how they were portrayed. For such a short book this does such a good job of dealing with depression and what appears to be a form of autism (but is not named as such), and provides an amazing love story.
January 7, 2019
Yay! Loved the characters and Yorkshire Sculpture Park is one of my favourite places in the North of England. Bonus!
January 31, 2021
This is a quick-read, young-adult book about 2 college-age boys who fall in love for the first time with each other. It is a very sweet and heart-warming story - as long as you are willing to accept and understand the challenges of living with a mental illness. It is a story that shows love and acceptance.
Luke lives in England with his Dad - Luke was attending Oxford when he tried to commit suicide. His Dad is the most wonderful, supportive parent, helping Luke face each day at his own pace.
There is an artist's park near Luke and his favorite artist, nicknamed 'Formaldehyde Bob', is designing a sculpture there. Formaldehyde Bob has had his own struggles with mental illness. Luke and Bob quickly get to know each other and become fast friends.
Luke lives in England with his Dad - Luke was attending Oxford when he tried to commit suicide. His Dad is the most wonderful, supportive parent, helping Luke face each day at his own pace.
There is an artist's park near Luke and his favorite artist, nicknamed 'Formaldehyde Bob', is designing a sculpture there. Formaldehyde Bob has had his own struggles with mental illness. Luke and Bob quickly get to know each other and become fast friends.
December 22, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
January 3, 2019
Editor's Review
Christmas was a busy time, so I'm a bit late with this review, and I want to gush freely about this novella, but I'm going to stick to factual, objective...
Nope. I'm not.
As always with Al and Claire, this is a brilliantly written story about the kinds of characters that rarely get page time in any genre. Or, should I say, they get page time but on the periphery. They're the fool, the qu*rky kid in class, the office clown. Their stories are told twice removed - through the author's main character's eyes.
When a 'big name' puts neuro-diverse characters centre stage, everyone raves, like they're the first in the history of literature to perform such a brave, risky act, which is a nonsense. Not that I'm ungrateful that more authors are 'taking chances', but...well, sometimes those stories (to me) lack authenticity. More of an 'oh, look at me, champion of [insert label here] people' than a genuine effort to write diversely without judgement or agenda.
Al Stewart and Claire Davis DON'T do that. I feel the realness, the understanding, the empathy in every word they lay down, and in the solemnity of my expression, the slight burn of pain, the tingle of fun, the giggles and tears that escape as I read.
Up! is no exception. The spoiler-free low-down: Luke is neuro-atypical, as is Formaldehyde Bob. There's art, sculpture; there's love; balloons may well feature too. This is a love story - a romance - with humour, but it explores many truths of how it feels to be 'different' - the wonder of it...and the frustration that comes not from within.
Available as a paperback and ebook, Up! is a novella for young adults of all ages, shapes and types.
Christmas was a busy time, so I'm a bit late with this review, and I want to gush freely about this novella, but I'm going to stick to factual, objective...
Nope. I'm not.
As always with Al and Claire, this is a brilliantly written story about the kinds of characters that rarely get page time in any genre. Or, should I say, they get page time but on the periphery. They're the fool, the qu*rky kid in class, the office clown. Their stories are told twice removed - through the author's main character's eyes.
When a 'big name' puts neuro-diverse characters centre stage, everyone raves, like they're the first in the history of literature to perform such a brave, risky act, which is a nonsense. Not that I'm ungrateful that more authors are 'taking chances', but...well, sometimes those stories (to me) lack authenticity. More of an 'oh, look at me, champion of [insert label here] people' than a genuine effort to write diversely without judgement or agenda.
Al Stewart and Claire Davis DON'T do that. I feel the realness, the understanding, the empathy in every word they lay down, and in the solemnity of my expression, the slight burn of pain, the tingle of fun, the giggles and tears that escape as I read.
Up! is no exception. The spoiler-free low-down: Luke is neuro-atypical, as is Formaldehyde Bob. There's art, sculpture; there's love; balloons may well feature too. This is a love story - a romance - with humour, but it explores many truths of how it feels to be 'different' - the wonder of it...and the frustration that comes not from within.
Available as a paperback and ebook, Up! is a novella for young adults of all ages, shapes and types.
February 10, 2025
I got this for free on Stuff Your Kindle day.
Some books warm your heart. Others squeeze it a little first, wringing out all the emotions before wrapping you in a well-earned hug. Up by Al Stewart & Claire Davis is the latter—a beautifully tender, quietly powerful, and utterly charming m/m romance about finding hope when you least expect it.
Luke, the main character, is on the spectrum—a detail that makes his journey of self-discovery even more poignant and relatable. His life is small, safe, predictable—but beneath the surface, there’s a yearning for something more. His hidden jeans, each pair representing a different part of himself, are a brilliant metaphor for the identity he’s tucked away. Enter Formaldehyde Bob (yes, really), a blog artist with an exhibition that stirs something deep within Luke, and suddenly, the possibility of more becomes impossible to ignore.
The romance that unfolds between Luke and Formaldehyde Bob is nothing short of magic. Bob himself seems to be struggling with depression, a layer of sadness that’s woven into the story with such authenticity. Watching these two navigate their respective challenges—Luke’s self-imposed isolation and Bob’s quiet emotional turmoil—makes for a deeply moving and real exploration of love in the most unexpected places.
Stewart & Davis handle themes of mental illness with incredible sensitivity, offering a portrayal of depression that’s nuanced and honest without feeling heavy-handed. Their gentle approach to Luke’s neurodivergence and Bob’s internal battle adds depth to the story, making it a romance that feels rich in complexity while still being hopeful.
And then there’s the romance. Sweet, soft, and brimming with chemistry, it unfolds in a way that feels organic and oh-so-earnest. The banter, the hesitation, the small but significant moments of connection—it’s the kind of slow-burn that leaves you with a dopey grin and a heart full of warmth.
With its quirky humor, snowy setting, and unforgettable characters (yes, even grumpy Barbara), Up is the literary equivalent of wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket. It’s a love story, but more than that, it’s a reminder that life doesn’t have to stay small—and that sometimes, the scariest step is also the most rewarding.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves introspective, deeply felt romances with a side of hope and just the right amount of quirk.
Some books warm your heart. Others squeeze it a little first, wringing out all the emotions before wrapping you in a well-earned hug. Up by Al Stewart & Claire Davis is the latter—a beautifully tender, quietly powerful, and utterly charming m/m romance about finding hope when you least expect it.
Luke, the main character, is on the spectrum—a detail that makes his journey of self-discovery even more poignant and relatable. His life is small, safe, predictable—but beneath the surface, there’s a yearning for something more. His hidden jeans, each pair representing a different part of himself, are a brilliant metaphor for the identity he’s tucked away. Enter Formaldehyde Bob (yes, really), a blog artist with an exhibition that stirs something deep within Luke, and suddenly, the possibility of more becomes impossible to ignore.
The romance that unfolds between Luke and Formaldehyde Bob is nothing short of magic. Bob himself seems to be struggling with depression, a layer of sadness that’s woven into the story with such authenticity. Watching these two navigate their respective challenges—Luke’s self-imposed isolation and Bob’s quiet emotional turmoil—makes for a deeply moving and real exploration of love in the most unexpected places.
Stewart & Davis handle themes of mental illness with incredible sensitivity, offering a portrayal of depression that’s nuanced and honest without feeling heavy-handed. Their gentle approach to Luke’s neurodivergence and Bob’s internal battle adds depth to the story, making it a romance that feels rich in complexity while still being hopeful.
And then there’s the romance. Sweet, soft, and brimming with chemistry, it unfolds in a way that feels organic and oh-so-earnest. The banter, the hesitation, the small but significant moments of connection—it’s the kind of slow-burn that leaves you with a dopey grin and a heart full of warmth.
With its quirky humor, snowy setting, and unforgettable characters (yes, even grumpy Barbara), Up is the literary equivalent of wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket. It’s a love story, but more than that, it’s a reminder that life doesn’t have to stay small—and that sometimes, the scariest step is also the most rewarding.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves introspective, deeply felt romances with a side of hope and just the right amount of quirk.
November 30, 2022
This was such a beautiful novella that meditates on healing and finding yourself again. Such lyrical prose that tells the story of Luke and Rob, both a little bruised but connecting their love of art and how it can reach our very essences. The style also perfectly captured the unique perspectives these characters have as two people with mental health conditions and who are neurodivergent.
CW's: brief inference to a suicide attempt; depression
CN's: This book heavily deals with themes of recovering from the low points of mental health conditions/episodes. The romance is sweet and soft and there is no on-page sex.
CW's: brief inference to a suicide attempt; depression
CN's: This book heavily deals with themes of recovering from the low points of mental health conditions/episodes. The romance is sweet and soft and there is no on-page sex.
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