David Emerson is an academically gifted gay teenager who dreams of attending Columbia University, becoming a Theoretical Physicist, and finding his one true love. Tyler Reed is his best friend and secret crush. Tyler secretly likes David too, but is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. Marco Valerio is a gay teenager from the Upper East Side of Manhattan. He is a gifted writer who also dreams of attending Columbia University. This love triangle tests David's heart on multiple levels as he journeys from Harbor Springs Michigan to New York City.This is the first book in this Sexual situations and profanity. Recommended age 17 and up.
Armand Zeppa attended the University of Michigan and received a degree in Education. He is currently working on an MA in English Literature. He lives in New York City, where he teaches high school English and Music.
But every boy can be loved in different ways and means to keep the universe balanced and operating. Fate can bring boys together and keep them apart. Trying to help others stay happy can break some hearts. Trying to link perfect mates requires great energy and bright light, but failure forms black holes and all light is sucked inside to vanish until a Nova creates new life.
The math and physics of boys that are attracted and committed to each other is beyond the understanding of some. They try to act friendly and loving, but cannot keep their promises or their sex life in order. Even with the perfect partner or the ideal circumstances.
The theories of cosmology define universal laws and principals. The laws of Love are so often broken that the the scientific method is unable to find a cure for the broken hearts of the best minds. Only true love can exist in the vacuum of space and time.
Deep is the Heart: Book One by A.V. Zeppa is as close to impossible to rate as any book I’ve read recently.
On one hand, it’s hard to read - for the umpteenth time - the description of any individual’s tragic back story, no matter how horrific and disturbing that back story may be. And there are several back stories in this book that no young person should ever experience.
On the other hand, Zeppa’s evocative descriptions of life in Michigan and NYC, both places where I’ve lived, are spot on. In addition, Zeppa has created a cast of fascinating characters - many empathetic and caring, and others to whom the reader takes an instant dislike.
The story begins with David Emerson, an unquestionably brilliant gay teen in Michigan, and his best friends, Tyler and Melissa, applying for college admission. David has dreamed of attending Columbia University from the time he first learned of its existence and Columbia’s extraordinary facility members in his areas of interest. Those interests include math, physics, and the origins of the universe. Tyler, David’s best friend whom David loves deeply, and Melissa are applying to the University of Michigan.
At the same time, Marco Valerio, another gay teenager, the son of wealthy and privileged parents, lives in Manhattan. Marco aspires to be a writer and has also applied to Columbia. His best friends, Zander and Claire figure prominently in this narrative as well.
And, there is Miguel Montag from the Bronx, yet another gay teen at Columbia whose boyfriend, Gabriel is still in the Bronx. Miguel shares David’s academic interests, and befriends him. Fortunately Miguel is able to keep David centered throughout the events that transpire in Book One.
David and Marco meet during their Early Decision interviews and are immediately drawn to one another. Ultimately both young men are accepted to Columbia where David is assigned to Hartley Hall and Marco to John Jay Residential Hall.
Both love the Columbia campus environment, and David particularly is entranced by the math building, it’s lone lion statue, and the variety of classroom settings inside.
Be aware, though, that this is only Book One of the Deep is the Heart two book series. To learn what ultimately happens to Zeppa’s characters, the reader will have to move on to Book Two.
The author of this book is very kind to the reader, letting us know what is going on. Still a tear-jerker, but very well developed characters with a very believable subject and plot even though it is fiction. Very enjoyable read. The author defines a clear line between love and lust and has a refreshing moral, "Good things happen to good people" . Worth every penny, highly recommended. I will definitely buy the next in the series.
This was an excellent book. Powerful, emotional driven, funny, and puts you right there with the characters. I’ve read many great books like this... easily one of my new favorite! Definitely recommend this book to readers. Can’t wait to read the next one.
This book was a good read and whist the Character Marco was really well written and real, David was way too innocent and idealistic and did not quite ring true.