I Asked the Moon

by Paul A. Rayes

"Hey. Étienne," he said from the top of the school parking lot, behind me.

It's the last day of junior year when Thad, the quiet, popular guy, approaches Étienne to offer him a ride home. Étienne is immediately suspicious-this has to be a joke, right? But nobody is around, and Thad seems genuinely interested to hang out. All Étienne has ever wanted is to have a guy friend, and here's his chance to start something new. What would you do?

Étienne and Thad have been acquaintances since elementary school, nothing more. But now as their friendship develops into a timid and budding romance, the two must come to terms with defining their relationship-and facing the bigoted opinions of their friends and Thad's family.

Tender and immersive, Paul A. Rayes' coming-of-age novel I Asked the Moon examines the raw feelings of a teenage boy in an exploration of identity.

Genres: Young Adult, LGBT, Queer, M M Romance, Contemporary

274 pages, Paperback

First published August 14, 2022

About the author

First and foremost, Paul loves his dogs.

Spending most of his childhood living between Detroit and the mountains of Lebanon, Paul created a home for himself with fiction. A place where he and his characters could step out of the shadow and belong.

Paul is a Detroit-based author, a bilingual specialist in the tech industry, and a graduate of Wayne State University where he specialized in Near Eastern studies and French literature.

When Paul isn’t working, he loves spending time with his stubborn Dachshunds, inventing stories with main characters who are as brave as he wishes he could be, and listening to 2000s dance music.

Reviews

[Janess Salusky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I generously received this novel as an advanced reader copy. A story about coming of age and discovering who you are. Relatable characters that you will sympathize with, laugh with, and come to love as they find each other in a challenging time of life. Head back to your own days of adolescence while remembering what’s it’s like to want to belong.
Quick paced, well written, and nice flow. Vividly descriptive and clear imagery that brings you right into the lives of the characters and their hometown of Southeast Michigan. Would recommend immersing yourself in this sentimental story to anyone who has wished to find that one special person to complete their lives! Enjoy!

[Pablito · Rating 2 out of 5]

This YA novel is ENRAGING for the abuse, verbal and physical, the protagonist Etienne undergoes. The apology that comes 11 years too late from the coward he fell in love with at 16/17 is insulting.

[Charlotte Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I luckily received an ARC of this book.

So…I am nearing 40, and some fiction with teenage characters feels unrelatable to me at this point in my life. I’m happy to say that was not the case with “I Asked The Moon”. The author truly captured that coming of age time, where everything is confusing, you feel as though you’ll be lonely and misunderstood forever, and others actions can ruin your day/week in a split second. Fortunately, that changes as you age, but those feelings and memories are trapped in your mind always. I feel as though this is how the plot of this book plays out- we get to go back in time and see Etienne’s youthful experiences unfold in great detail. You feel the anxiety and true rollercoaster of first loves, friendships, family ties, etc. like it’s your own story. The author created a beautiful story through this memory and what is happening in present day to have him relive it. The only complaint I have is that I would have liked to read more! Congratulations to the author for this heartfelt and meaningful story. I highly reccomend it for everyone!

[Shweta Pandya · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only regret is that I cannot re-read this book for the first time.

The author paints the memories so vividly, you can’t help but imagine yourself watching from some viewpoint. The cultural references to the time periods and shoutouts to the local Michigan places were the cherries on top of a novel that so accurately describes the woes of being a teenager.

Loved it! A must read for YA and romance readers

[Jozey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ASKED THE MOON BY PAUL A. RAYES

Contains: different social class at school, jock/awkward kids, in the closet, secret, different kinds of parents (homophobic/non-homophobic). Zero burn, can be considered as a YA.


New author. Single pov. Pov of Etienne, the awkward child. Each character has its own personality/identity. Each one is complete.
The author describes this book as "coming of age"(?) I'm not familiar with that vocabulary, but in my opinion, this is a YA, with a second chance Go back in time to your teenage years, when all you wanted to do was fit in with others. Heartbreaking, trying to coming out without losing everything, experience the most vulnerable feelings as a teenager, and I'm sure some of you can even relate to these characters.
This book is written and detailed as if someone was telling us their dating story. Way too much description for my taste, but still not detached from the story. Even if their were a lot of description there was some kind of pieces missing to the story. Still, I would have liked more moments.maybe stretchingit into the whole summer We have a glimpse of 2 weeks (or so) of a summer, but what happened until the meeting? How was school, how was is friendship with his bestfriend, how was is sister, How was the college, what did he study, what did he become? what will happen after the reunion? Will he finally get his hea? There was so much more potential to make it a longer version.

Deep admiration for the originality, the flashback, ipod, cell phone on the side, the playlists. My first thought of the title was Oh like Indochine song!!! I LOVE THAT SONG. Etienne's feelings about school connect so much with my introverted side. And what about his doubts and questioning. The questioning and the process of accepting oneself. This process that makes us heartbroken when we see this 17 year old struggling with his teenage pains.

If you want a MM recommendation for a teenager this is it. But be aware that it contains a lot of negativity and responsibility placed on this young man.


**May contains spoilers**

The book begins at their 10 year old reunion
Then a flashback to the last day of school for their junior class. It continues from there. We meet the characters and it's all in the pov of Etienne. Who seems to be a young awkward especially socially. During this summer, the popular boy tries to become his friend and he does not understand why and he doubts everything. He is still trying to find himself. He is positive about his sexuality, but only begins to reveal it to others. How far will this young man develop during the summer? Will he be able to open up and make friends or more than one friend?

I volunteered reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

[Fadzli Jambari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A coming of age story and the author really captures the feeling of being lost as a teenager. The story follows Étienne’s POV and we see his thoughts as he forms a relationship with Thad and questions his true intentions. Related a lot to the scenes in this book, especially with the homophobia.

But facing the fact that the person you’re falling for might be ashamed of being with you is a hard hit in the chest.

My main complaint is that the resolution to the story was too abrupt and weak, especially considering it was 10 years since the flashback. It left me with more questions than answers.

It’s hard for me to comprehend that the relationship between Dana and Étienne became better suddenly without any context when it wasn’t on good terms before it jumped ahead 10 years. And what about the confrontation between Heather and Étienne? And how do Thad’s so called “friends” react to the situation and how they didn’t come to the gathering he had when Étienne was there?

But overall, the middle part of the book was a very cohesive read. Another gay YA book I would recommend.

[GRACE R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book and could not put it down. It’s a clear and fluid read that could be finished in one sitting.

[James Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!! This book is good. For me, it was very much like being there with the characters. The main characters are Etienne and Thad. Etienne is a loner in high school. He has several female friends but no good male friends. He is very surprised when Thad asks him if he could give Etienne a ride home. Thad has not said several words to him since grade school. But the two young men develop a very good friendship. It starts growing into something else. Etienne’s mom is cool with him being gay. But Thad’s family and friends are very much the opposite. The two young men must decide how they are going to define their relationship going forward and deal with the negative reactions of people around them. This is a 5/5 for me!!!

[Asad Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the eloquent writing to the carefully crafted details of each character, "I Asked the Moon" had me hooked from the very beginning.

This story is set in 2008 and I absolutely loved that. Paul took the time and paid attention to the details of the time period, ensuring not to have the present years clash with it mistakingly.

Also, I am a huge fan of chapter titles. I believe they add a special essence to the chapter itself so it's a huge personal favorite of mine and I was glad this book included those. If it is not there, then that is also fine. I won't riot haha.

There are a number of little questions spread throughout the story and they weigh a lot on one's mind. I love that Paul added these "thought -povoking" tidbits. Additionally, it connected me to the characters and I am hoping that whoever goes on to read this book, it is the same for you. It makes the experience magical.

I do not wish to dwell too much on the characters as it can become spoilery but I must comment on the wonderfully developed arc for each.

The only thing that disappointed me is the lack of a certain conversation at the end between the protagonist and a certain character that is very very close to Etienne from the very beginning. Being who I am, I would have loved that conversation-closure :(

On the other hand, a scene, or should I say "memory scene" that had me laughing even now is Riley's mirror scene. Curious? Go read the book! For this who read it, you're still laughing, right? Right???Hahaha

Thank you for this wonderful story, Paul Reyes. I wish you all the best in the future and I hope to read more books written by you!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very honest and heartfelt. Funny yet compelling. Great read!

[Tabitha O’Connell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quiet, reflective story wherein Lebanese-American Étienne, now in his late 20s, looks back at a pivotal few weeks in his teenage life. While it started out a bit slow for me, as the narration is a bit description-heavy and I couldn't get a sense of where the story was going at first, once I got past 10% it was a quick, engaging read! My favorite aspects were the exploration and development of Étienne's relationships with his siblings, Étienne's musings on feeling different, and of course Frankie the dachshund. The family dynamics were complex and realistic and Étienne felt like an authentic portrayal of a shy, closeted (and likely neurodivergent) teenage boy.

However, the romance was a weaker aspect for me; I found Thad a bit underdeveloped as a character, and consequently his and Étienne's relationship felt somewhat underdeveloped as well. I got first-crush/infatuation vibes from them rather than a sense that they would be compatible in a long-term relationship. Another relationship I would have liked to see explored more was Étienne's friendship with Dana. They're starting to grow apart a bit, as Dana seems jealous of Étienne having a new friend, and Étienne is discovering some ways in which Dana hasn't been a great friend to him, but these issues are never resolved/addressed.

I also found the ending quite abrupt, and therefore not entirely satisfying; it left me with a lot of unanswered questions, and I would have loved to have seen the final "present" chapter expanded more. (Now that 10+ years have passed, I also need updates on Riley and the twins!!)

Content notes/warnings: Homophobia in various forms (internalized; general disapproval/negativity from some characters; f-slur; violent parental disapproval culminating in physical assault on teens), alcohol use

I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Celine Aubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

(*Disclosure: This book was received as a free ARC in exchange for an honest review*)

This story was so easy to get invested in. From the get-go, when the narrator starts recounting his story directly to the reader, it’s told with such frankness and relatability that it was like I was an old friend. It genuinely felt like I was standing next to him at the bar in that high school reunion and listening to those few weeks of his teenaged life unfold as he remembered them; I was celebrating with him when things were going right, and my heart broke for him when things went very wrong.

The story is at once universally relatable with the discovery and hope in first love and real connection, just as it feels deeply personal in the narrator’s recounting of the relationships built, damaged, and rebuilt with family and friends, and the highs and lows of the struggle for acceptance of who he is, and who and how he loves. It was raw and real, and probably the fastest I’ve ever read a 400+ page ebook, with how much I didn’t want to put it down.

If I had any critique, it would only be that the ending felt slightly abrupt, but that may be because I was so invested in wanting to know how everything would work out for Étienne and Thad that I felt the greedy need for an extended reunion scene… but the way the author finished it off is probably more poetic!

Just a heartfelt, absorbing story all round. Read it!

[Adam&Kelly Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very start, the author had me captured. Reading this book, I found myself going through all the emotions with the main character - the anxiety, the feelings of love and loss, my heart broke, my heart warmed and every emotion in between. As someone in my 40s, the author was able to bring me back to high school and all of the drama and feelings associated with going through those 4 years. I truly enjoyed this read - you will feel deeply.

[Locklan Percival · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though at times it felt rushed, I loved it. The way the story was told kept me hooked till the end. The feelings Étienne had towards Thad are all too similar to things I have felt in my life.

I loved the book, the characters were loveable. I truly think Frankie is the best character. The use of music in the story and with character dev. is an awesome addition to the story.

I highly recommend it!

[Katherine Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book relatable for any young person who has ever had a hard time expressing who they are, or being comfortable in their own skin. Sweet and concise, this book adds a unique voice to the rapidly expanding world of literary LGBTQIA+ voices, at a time when the genre is finding new readers, of every background.

[Kelly Reno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent soul baring read. Author puts you right in the moment. Hope to see more from this author.

[Nura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It was a pleasure to get to know Étienne and follow him along on his journey. I read the whole thing in on sitting. The perfect summer read!!

[Barthseb98 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most promising indie authors I've ever read.
I read through the book in one sitting and there was nothing I did not love. From the main protagonists little querks to his loveable family, the book is full of good music recommendations and a lovely writing style which is different to all the typical YA books I've read.

Thank you so much for this book Paul Rayes, I'll read every book to come!

[Annmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is so real and raw in this wonderful and emotional read. He does a great job of putting you right in the scene of the book. You feel his feelings …and it’s eye opening. I enjoyed this book so much and I hope to see more books by this author.

[Nathanael Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟I ASKED THE MOON, by Paul Rayes 🌟🌟
💎Étienne and Thad’s Journey to Each Other💎
️🅵🅸🆅🅴 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One never forgets their first love, and that’s what Rayes gives us in “I Asked the Moon”. The story opens with readers being introduced to Étienne as he goes to his ten-year high school reunion, and is expecting to meet up with his old best friend, Dana. However, before she shows up, something unexpected happens and sends Étienne racing down memory lane.

Rayes gives the reader a window into Étienne’s life, starting on the last day or his junior year—where it all began. The spark that would awaken his heart. The hope he would carry with him for years to come. One simple act could change his life forever. Enter Thad.

Despite his reluctance, Étienne agrees to Thad’s offer to take him home. From there, Rayes does a wonderful job of ushering the reader through all the uncertainty, self-doubt, confusion, euphoria, and everything else we remember from our adolescence. All the sweet, tender and intimate "feels" we experienced for the first time that made our heart beat just a wee bit faster. That gave us the boost to spring out of bed in the morning. That infused in us that extra pep in our step and kept a gushy, giddy, goofy smile on our face throughout the day and into the night.

I found myself eager to turn the page and see what happens next, and didn’t want the story to end. The author shares so much with us—especially through the inner dialogue—in how these two develop a promising relationship. However, it’s what isn’t written that is most important. And Rayes trusts readers to find that between the lines. So many fine subtleties of adolescence are easily missed if one simply speed reads to turn the page or to reach the end.

As a fellow indie author, I appreciate when a writer allows readers to deduce for themselves the logic, rhyme and reason without holding our hands the entire time. This story addresses many genuine issues affecting members in our community, especially religious and cultural homophobia. At many times throughout the narrative, I wished I could hold Étienne and tell him it would be okay—that “this day, too, shall pass”. Rayes is a new-to-me author, and I reached out to him to express my hope that he will continue this story. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from him.

[Georgia Fradico · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an arc for reviewing purposes. All the opinions are my own.

I asked the moon is about Étienne telling the story of the first time he falls in love with another boy. The book is a conversation between character and reader. I loved Étienne's voice and his reflections about family, heritage, friendship, and love.
The family stole the show for me and my heart hurt so much in some parts. The romance is very sweet and believable and deals with the hardships of being LGBT in a conservative environment.
It's a wonderful book and I definitely recommend it for teens and adults who love YA.

[Meowmeow · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay...
Dana was a horrible friend DOOOWN so that ending wasnt very pleasing to me, etienne never actually grew as a character, he never stood up for himself like i got so annoyed because at a certain point he needed to get it together, this whole book was just him searching for validation from other people while maintaining that idgaf attitude while still caring a lot,,, i guess the family dynamic was nice however etienne needed to just get himself together

[Pierra Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this read. Eloquently written, easily digestible for teens and up. A deep insight into the experience of a coming of age LGBTQ fiction story and complications of societal conditioning and the pressure placed on our youth to conform outside the natural rhythms of the callings in our heart.

Looking forward to more from this author!

[Nicole Pixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a coming of age story, and this is one of the best I’ve read! It was easy to become invested in Etienne’s experience, and it brought up a lot of emotions. I’d love to read more by this author!

[Samie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I read it in two days because I could not stop. The characters and situations were very well developed. Again. I just loved it.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot; the parts in the past felt really honest, and even if I would have liked a little more in the present, it still wrapped it up almost enough. :)