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First Born Sons
A group of coastal Californians battle wildfires, racism, and their own demons in five distinct narratives set in late 2019 and 2020.
First Born Sons is populated by a cast of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies who struggle to find love, comfort, and fulfillment. As the novel progresses, characters interact across the separate narratives and are brought together for a birthday and a disastrous Black Lives Matter demonstration. A man returning to the horrors that made him leave Mississippi, a blind gay man flirting with love, an FTM transgender starting hormone therapy, a woman struggling to protect her sons from her ex-husband’s surge to right-wing politics, and a teenager with two gay dads searching for his Black surrogate mom paint a disturbing tableau of modern-day America.
First Born Sons is populated by a cast of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies who struggle to find love, comfort, and fulfillment. As the novel progresses, characters interact across the separate narratives and are brought together for a birthday and a disastrous Black Lives Matter demonstration. A man returning to the horrors that made him leave Mississippi, a blind gay man flirting with love, an FTM transgender starting hormone therapy, a woman struggling to protect her sons from her ex-husband’s surge to right-wing politics, and a teenager with two gay dads searching for his Black surrogate mom paint a disturbing tableau of modern-day America.
Hardcover
Published October 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 14, 2023
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟. 5
Review:
The book starts with Lamar, a black, blind guy facing a racists act, one similar to the reason of the huge and great movement - Black Lives Matter, but somehow having great people around, like Byron, a person from Louisiana saves him from it. From there we meet a gay couple, having trouble raising their teenage son who wants to meet her surrogate mother at any cost.
Then we meet another character, who's fighting for a divorce, struggling to get joint custody of his two sons with his ex-husband, as well as fighting the attraction of another man.
Then meet woth M, who wants to change her gender and accept her inner person, and wants her husband to supports her in this.
And all of these people are connected to each other, as they're family or distant family members. And all through the book we see these LGBTQ+ characters struggles to find their own selves, love, comforts and fulfillments.
The whole book from the beginning till the end revolves around the heavy discussion related to LGBTQ+ , being trans, race,politics, and all the modern struggles and of course the pandemic. A book full with heartfelt ,emotional moments,shows us importance of true friendships,family dynamics. But while at times the book become emotionally heavy, there's times when we see sweet, cute parts too that warm my heart.
A book I think I'll recommend to everyone to try, it's worth it.
Review:
The book starts with Lamar, a black, blind guy facing a racists act, one similar to the reason of the huge and great movement - Black Lives Matter, but somehow having great people around, like Byron, a person from Louisiana saves him from it. From there we meet a gay couple, having trouble raising their teenage son who wants to meet her surrogate mother at any cost.
Then we meet another character, who's fighting for a divorce, struggling to get joint custody of his two sons with his ex-husband, as well as fighting the attraction of another man.
Then meet woth M, who wants to change her gender and accept her inner person, and wants her husband to supports her in this.
And all of these people are connected to each other, as they're family or distant family members. And all through the book we see these LGBTQ+ characters struggles to find their own selves, love, comforts and fulfillments.
The whole book from the beginning till the end revolves around the heavy discussion related to LGBTQ+ , being trans, race,politics, and all the modern struggles and of course the pandemic. A book full with heartfelt ,emotional moments,shows us importance of true friendships,family dynamics. But while at times the book become emotionally heavy, there's times when we see sweet, cute parts too that warm my heart.
A book I think I'll recommend to everyone to try, it's worth it.
December 4, 2022
This was a completely unexpected book. I have never read a story with so many characters and storylines ultimately coming together to form a very important narrative. Initially, I thought these were a handful of short stories but when they linked to each other towards the end, it reminded me of how everything is connected. This was probably my first book about the pandemic and it extensively tells the stories of how different people were affected differently.
This book has several characters with complex lives trying to live in a world full of hatred in the middle of a pandemic. The descriptions are raw and often emotional. The personal issues of the characters are real. The reader travels from the US to Thailand and from Mexico to Spain, all the while learning about how people dealt with the turmoil in their lives. I could feel what the characters went through; so much for being an empath.
The California fires and the Black Lives Matter movement are also a part of the book, which made it all the more real for me. Full marks for disabled queer characters. There is heartbreak, there is grief, but there is also friendship and love and found family. There were a lot of moments that brought tears to my eyes.
I loved this story. Looking forward to reading more by the author. Definitely recommended.
This book has several characters with complex lives trying to live in a world full of hatred in the middle of a pandemic. The descriptions are raw and often emotional. The personal issues of the characters are real. The reader travels from the US to Thailand and from Mexico to Spain, all the while learning about how people dealt with the turmoil in their lives. I could feel what the characters went through; so much for being an empath.
The California fires and the Black Lives Matter movement are also a part of the book, which made it all the more real for me. Full marks for disabled queer characters. There is heartbreak, there is grief, but there is also friendship and love and found family. There were a lot of moments that brought tears to my eyes.
I loved this story. Looking forward to reading more by the author. Definitely recommended.
June 28, 2023
**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author for this opportunity.
I have to admit this is one of the first books I have read that has had the Covid-19 pandemic be a major plot point. I know that it is going to happen, given that it has literally now shaped the rest of our lives on this planet, but it is still surreal to read about it. Meis had all of the different characters experience the pandemic in a different way, and their individual plotlines were uprooted by it. The characters were all very different from one another, and each had their own struggle, Meis did a really good job at connecting the messy web of lives together.
It made me think about how some people experienced the pandemic and how privileged some of them were. Literally, two of the mcs and their families go on vacations! They fly! Personally, I didn't know anyone who did that. Coming from a rural space, this description of the pandemic was surreal.
There were some plotlines that I wanted more of, though. Byron went home to Mississippi to take care of his sick mother during covid, and readers got hints about how the hometown he comes from wants to kill him. There is an aggressive encounter, and then we never read about it again. That's it. I feel like it should have been a bigger part of his plotline? Also, I wanted more chapters about M's transition to a man. There were a few, but I wanted more about their relationship with their husband as well as just their life transitioning during a pandemic. I felt like if there was going to be this many details about these chatacters, there should have been more page time committed to them - otherwise, they shouldn't have been mentioned.
There was some awkward dialog with the character that was a black man. Is it the author's place to write like that? I'm not sure how to feel about that. The dialog about race was also something I don't often read about. It sort of rubbed me wrong. I'm not an authority, though, so take that with a grain of salt. I also felt kind of weird reading about the sexualization of a young man by two, married, older, gay men. Their marriage problems were also never resolved?! Why mention it and have tension if there is no conclusion or mention of it again?
TLDR; I didn't dislike it, but it also just didn't do it for me either. However, I don't see characters over the age of 30 in a lot of books I read, so it was nice to see. Makes me wonder what the future of literature involving the pandemic will be.
I have to admit this is one of the first books I have read that has had the Covid-19 pandemic be a major plot point. I know that it is going to happen, given that it has literally now shaped the rest of our lives on this planet, but it is still surreal to read about it. Meis had all of the different characters experience the pandemic in a different way, and their individual plotlines were uprooted by it. The characters were all very different from one another, and each had their own struggle, Meis did a really good job at connecting the messy web of lives together.
It made me think about how some people experienced the pandemic and how privileged some of them were. Literally, two of the mcs and their families go on vacations! They fly! Personally, I didn't know anyone who did that. Coming from a rural space, this description of the pandemic was surreal.
There were some plotlines that I wanted more of, though. Byron went home to Mississippi to take care of his sick mother during covid, and readers got hints about how the hometown he comes from wants to kill him. There is an aggressive encounter, and then we never read about it again. That's it. I feel like it should have been a bigger part of his plotline? Also, I wanted more chapters about M's transition to a man. There were a few, but I wanted more about their relationship with their husband as well as just their life transitioning during a pandemic. I felt like if there was going to be this many details about these chatacters, there should have been more page time committed to them - otherwise, they shouldn't have been mentioned.
There was some awkward dialog with the character that was a black man. Is it the author's place to write like that? I'm not sure how to feel about that. The dialog about race was also something I don't often read about. It sort of rubbed me wrong. I'm not an authority, though, so take that with a grain of salt. I also felt kind of weird reading about the sexualization of a young man by two, married, older, gay men. Their marriage problems were also never resolved?! Why mention it and have tension if there is no conclusion or mention of it again?
TLDR; I didn't dislike it, but it also just didn't do it for me either. However, I don't see characters over the age of 30 in a lot of books I read, so it was nice to see. Makes me wonder what the future of literature involving the pandemic will be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2023
This is a very eye opening story. The book weaves together the lives of 4 siblings, their partners, and friends during the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic. This story has self discovery, compassion, child loss, deportation, disability rep, queer rep, mentions of racism and The Proud Boys, adoption rep, coming together, and the strength of family. There were times I got a little confused reading this book because it weaves so many lives together. I wish the book was a little bit longer, I felt like some of the stories were either rushed, or left me on a cliffhanger, but maybe there will be a sequel. I really found this book thought provoking and important. I received this book as an ARC on BookSirens
September 17, 2022
“First Born Sons” will span over the years of 2019 - 2020, when the United States had become chaotic with the election of a racist, autocratic leader, a pandemic, hatred and death.
“First Born Sons” will take readers into the lives of a multitude of people and their personal situations: strangers will become friends, a son will deal with his elderly mother, parents will deal with children, families will deal with divorce, separation, and interracial situations, a son wanting to connect with his surrogate mother, a relationship between a younger and older man, and death to an innocent and so much more.
As characters deal with their issues the author takes readers to various places: Thailand, New Orleans, Mississippi, Spain, Mexico, the Bahamas and the Santa Cruz Mountains in California.
There are so many characters to become immersed in and for me it was: Byron Boudreaux, Lamar Davis and George. Byron Boudreaux owns a home just outside of Boulder Creek and George is his neighbor. Byron stays with his partner Rafael in the Bay Area and lets his close friend Lamar Davis, a blind DJ, stay in his in Boulder Creek house. Byron and Lamar’s connection goes back years, with their families: Camille, Byron’s, mother and Sofia. Lamar stays at Byron’s home frequently and alone, which he doesn’t mind. Lamar’s DJ-ing is an important part of his life and the solitude works for him. George is friends with Byron and also looks out for Lamar. George being older than Lamar, has different views where relationships are involved. No matter how he feels about Lamar, he can’t continue with a casual connection. George once loved but it turned into tragedy. Their stories all revolve around past tragedies and now a world that has taken them back into racism and prejudice.
All of the characters through out this novel, will have to face the choices they made and the new ones to come in a world that is in turmoil.
“First Born Sons” is a powerful novel, with so many emotions that are brought forth in each chapter of all these characters lives. Vincent Traughber Meis is an outstanding writer, he never looses the stride with the overwhelming emotions from chapter to chapter. There’s so many special moments throughout the novel, especially with Elijah’s poem and Colton’s sentiment. I was taken with the romantic scene between Lamar and George, where the music video by Bomba Estereo “Amar Asi” (To My Love, To My Love) is introduced to George.
I highly recommend “First Born Sons” by Vincent Traughber Meis, it’s was so much more than a page-turner, it’s was very difficult to put down. It’s a novel that is well worth the read and one that’s worth reading again.
.
“First Born Sons” will take readers into the lives of a multitude of people and their personal situations: strangers will become friends, a son will deal with his elderly mother, parents will deal with children, families will deal with divorce, separation, and interracial situations, a son wanting to connect with his surrogate mother, a relationship between a younger and older man, and death to an innocent and so much more.
As characters deal with their issues the author takes readers to various places: Thailand, New Orleans, Mississippi, Spain, Mexico, the Bahamas and the Santa Cruz Mountains in California.
There are so many characters to become immersed in and for me it was: Byron Boudreaux, Lamar Davis and George. Byron Boudreaux owns a home just outside of Boulder Creek and George is his neighbor. Byron stays with his partner Rafael in the Bay Area and lets his close friend Lamar Davis, a blind DJ, stay in his in Boulder Creek house. Byron and Lamar’s connection goes back years, with their families: Camille, Byron’s, mother and Sofia. Lamar stays at Byron’s home frequently and alone, which he doesn’t mind. Lamar’s DJ-ing is an important part of his life and the solitude works for him. George is friends with Byron and also looks out for Lamar. George being older than Lamar, has different views where relationships are involved. No matter how he feels about Lamar, he can’t continue with a casual connection. George once loved but it turned into tragedy. Their stories all revolve around past tragedies and now a world that has taken them back into racism and prejudice.
All of the characters through out this novel, will have to face the choices they made and the new ones to come in a world that is in turmoil.
“First Born Sons” is a powerful novel, with so many emotions that are brought forth in each chapter of all these characters lives. Vincent Traughber Meis is an outstanding writer, he never looses the stride with the overwhelming emotions from chapter to chapter. There’s so many special moments throughout the novel, especially with Elijah’s poem and Colton’s sentiment. I was taken with the romantic scene between Lamar and George, where the music video by Bomba Estereo “Amar Asi” (To My Love, To My Love) is introduced to George.
I highly recommend “First Born Sons” by Vincent Traughber Meis, it’s was so much more than a page-turner, it’s was very difficult to put down. It’s a novel that is well worth the read and one that’s worth reading again.
.
September 28, 2022
It’s late 2019; the California fires are spreading, the pandemic is in full swing, and America is deeply divided regarding everything from the BLM movement and the existence of a divisive virus. A blind homosexual black man tries to make a name for himself, only to fall victim to police brutality on a daily basis, and a gay married couple struggles to understand their teenage son’s plight. A divorced woman tries to shield her kids from her ex-husband’s obsession with QAnon and conspiracy theories, and a married woman of twenty-five years drops a bombshell—she is transitioning from female to male. As the fires rage on and the pandemic threatens to break the American spirit, these individuals, all tightly connected, must find a way to weather the storm while grappling with heartbreak, grief, and self-loathing.
Readers will want to get their tissues ready as this one pulls on the heartstrings. “First Born Sons” by Vincent Traughber Meis is an emotionally driven story that follows a handful of people, all somehow connected in the early stages of the pandemic. With the backdrop of the devastating fires, most of the book is set in various parts of California, but readers will also be transported to Thailand and Mississippi.
At first, each chapter read like a separate short story, and I worried that it might be daunting to keep track of all the characters, but perseverance served me well as the connections and various subplots amalgamated effortlessly. Themes of love, courage, and coming of age peppered the pages and undoubtedly won me over.
There is nothing like a global pandemic to really put things into perspective and highlight what’s important. Despite the anger, fear, and palpable anxiety, 2020 forced a collective pause worldwide—a silver lining, perhaps? For many of us, this meant moments of quiet reflection, which sometimes led to life-changing decisions. The characters in the book were no exception, finding solace in ending relationships, transformative changes, and advocating for vulnerable populations. The author deftly illustrated how fear motivated the characters from “First Born Sons” to take a leap of faith and change their trajectory.
As stated earlier, the book is teeming with emotion and poignant scenes that left me reeling. Due to some sexually explicit content and lamentable experiences, it is recommended for an adult audience who enjoys books with complex characters. The author explores same-sex dalliances and transgender relationships; thus, the ideal reader would be part of the LGTBQIA+ community or an ally.
“First Born Sons” reflects the world we live in—it’s messy, heartbreaking, and often disparaging, but also full of profound moments of kindness and love. This book will stay with you long after the last page.
Readers will want to get their tissues ready as this one pulls on the heartstrings. “First Born Sons” by Vincent Traughber Meis is an emotionally driven story that follows a handful of people, all somehow connected in the early stages of the pandemic. With the backdrop of the devastating fires, most of the book is set in various parts of California, but readers will also be transported to Thailand and Mississippi.
At first, each chapter read like a separate short story, and I worried that it might be daunting to keep track of all the characters, but perseverance served me well as the connections and various subplots amalgamated effortlessly. Themes of love, courage, and coming of age peppered the pages and undoubtedly won me over.
There is nothing like a global pandemic to really put things into perspective and highlight what’s important. Despite the anger, fear, and palpable anxiety, 2020 forced a collective pause worldwide—a silver lining, perhaps? For many of us, this meant moments of quiet reflection, which sometimes led to life-changing decisions. The characters in the book were no exception, finding solace in ending relationships, transformative changes, and advocating for vulnerable populations. The author deftly illustrated how fear motivated the characters from “First Born Sons” to take a leap of faith and change their trajectory.
As stated earlier, the book is teeming with emotion and poignant scenes that left me reeling. Due to some sexually explicit content and lamentable experiences, it is recommended for an adult audience who enjoys books with complex characters. The author explores same-sex dalliances and transgender relationships; thus, the ideal reader would be part of the LGTBQIA+ community or an ally.
“First Born Sons” reflects the world we live in—it’s messy, heartbreaking, and often disparaging, but also full of profound moments of kindness and love. This book will stay with you long after the last page.
August 9, 2023
This book was an interesting one.
I don't even know if I can call it a story. Not in a bad way though don't get me wrong. But when I think of a story I see a beginning, conflict, it being resolved and it ending in a rounded way. But with this book I felt like we really just were looking into a period of life. And nobody's actual lives has a beginning or an end outside of birth and death. We jumped into their lives right before covid and read that period through that. But all of these characters had a life before covid, and will continue to live after covid was done and so thus the book.
And while that is quite unusual for me to read a book like that, I actually quite liked it.
We get an insight of life into people across the queer spectrum and that was a lot of fun. As a trans person I was curious to see how the trans character was going to be written, but I quite liked it in the end. Like almost any trans person coming out it didn't go without hiccups for him, but I also felt it nice it wasn't one big trans pain narrative. I enjoyed seeing him start to be himself and feel better and was all together just really proud at another trans person becoming their true self.
We also follow quite a bit of a gay couple and their son, who go on holiday and meet another family there. There is also a blind man that gets involved with the neighbor living next to him. And to be honest, as a younger gay man it was really nice reading about gay men that are older and just living their life. I don't really get to meet any because I can't leave the house much because of my disability, so I don't feel like I have any gay elders to lean on, or the opportunity to meet them. Because of that this book felt like a hug to me personally, even though it clearly isn't meant as a cozy book.
Outside of the characters mentioned above the cast is really huge but it worked together so really well. It definitely had me confused at the start, but the book introduced everyone really well so it wasn't like that for very long. All characters felt connected in some way and the way the story wove together their lives was really amazing. I have never seen it done like that and it is absolutely the biggest strength of this book.
All together this was a great book and I very much recommend it for people who like contemporary life stories about queer people.
4.25 stars rounded down
I received an eARC of this book and this was my honest review.
I don't even know if I can call it a story. Not in a bad way though don't get me wrong. But when I think of a story I see a beginning, conflict, it being resolved and it ending in a rounded way. But with this book I felt like we really just were looking into a period of life. And nobody's actual lives has a beginning or an end outside of birth and death. We jumped into their lives right before covid and read that period through that. But all of these characters had a life before covid, and will continue to live after covid was done and so thus the book.
And while that is quite unusual for me to read a book like that, I actually quite liked it.
We get an insight of life into people across the queer spectrum and that was a lot of fun. As a trans person I was curious to see how the trans character was going to be written, but I quite liked it in the end. Like almost any trans person coming out it didn't go without hiccups for him, but I also felt it nice it wasn't one big trans pain narrative. I enjoyed seeing him start to be himself and feel better and was all together just really proud at another trans person becoming their true self.
We also follow quite a bit of a gay couple and their son, who go on holiday and meet another family there. There is also a blind man that gets involved with the neighbor living next to him. And to be honest, as a younger gay man it was really nice reading about gay men that are older and just living their life. I don't really get to meet any because I can't leave the house much because of my disability, so I don't feel like I have any gay elders to lean on, or the opportunity to meet them. Because of that this book felt like a hug to me personally, even though it clearly isn't meant as a cozy book.
Outside of the characters mentioned above the cast is really huge but it worked together so really well. It definitely had me confused at the start, but the book introduced everyone really well so it wasn't like that for very long. All characters felt connected in some way and the way the story wove together their lives was really amazing. I have never seen it done like that and it is absolutely the biggest strength of this book.
All together this was a great book and I very much recommend it for people who like contemporary life stories about queer people.
4.25 stars rounded down
I received an eARC of this book and this was my honest review.
December 9, 2022
There is a lot to unpack from this novel. First, I came into this novel not having read anything from Meis. So, that may have had me at a disadvantage. First Born Sons has several characters that we follow through out the story, which can be distracting at times, but overall all the characters are handled well, which I liked. Also, all the characters are related and intermingle through out the story, which made it much easier to follow. And I found that I liked each of the characters and felt like they were real people.
Typically, I don’t read contemporary novels (I prefer something fun to help me escape from reality) so this novel would not have been my first pick. That said, I’m glad I did read it. I found a lot of the characters easy to relate to and enjoyable to read about. I can’t pick out a favorite, because I don’t feel close to any of them, but I did enjoy learning about them. If you haven’t figured out from the blurb, this book takes place right before the pandemic and ends while the pandemic is still going, but things are opening back up and everyone is learning to deal with our new reality. Given the nature of the story, I had to wonder if the novel would stand the test of time, but then I figured that people could read this story to learn a bit about what the pandemic was like during this time.
First Born Sons, is well written and the tail is engaging overall, however I’m not a big fan of being hit over the head with a writer’s message or opinion. I prefer to have the message be vague and open to interpretation as well as come about naturally and organically, sadly First Born Sons is all about the message the author wants you to learn, which bothered me. I also, felt the book could be heavy handed at times with the message. Despite sensing what was coming I was disappointed to be proven correct. I think there may have been another way to achieve the author’s goal. I will say that I agree 100% with the message of the story, which made the constant beating of the drum bearable and, for me, forgivable. Perhaps this is my own bias and privilege speaking, so take it for what it’s worth.
In total if you enjoy gay contemporary stories that touch on a variety of lives with a clever weaving narrative, then this is the book for you. I highly recommend it.
Typically, I don’t read contemporary novels (I prefer something fun to help me escape from reality) so this novel would not have been my first pick. That said, I’m glad I did read it. I found a lot of the characters easy to relate to and enjoyable to read about. I can’t pick out a favorite, because I don’t feel close to any of them, but I did enjoy learning about them. If you haven’t figured out from the blurb, this book takes place right before the pandemic and ends while the pandemic is still going, but things are opening back up and everyone is learning to deal with our new reality. Given the nature of the story, I had to wonder if the novel would stand the test of time, but then I figured that people could read this story to learn a bit about what the pandemic was like during this time.
First Born Sons, is well written and the tail is engaging overall, however I’m not a big fan of being hit over the head with a writer’s message or opinion. I prefer to have the message be vague and open to interpretation as well as come about naturally and organically, sadly First Born Sons is all about the message the author wants you to learn, which bothered me. I also, felt the book could be heavy handed at times with the message. Despite sensing what was coming I was disappointed to be proven correct. I think there may have been another way to achieve the author’s goal. I will say that I agree 100% with the message of the story, which made the constant beating of the drum bearable and, for me, forgivable. Perhaps this is my own bias and privilege speaking, so take it for what it’s worth.
In total if you enjoy gay contemporary stories that touch on a variety of lives with a clever weaving narrative, then this is the book for you. I highly recommend it.
October 27, 2022
Ulysses Dietz Member of The Paranormal Guild Review Team
Rating: five stars
Title: First Born Sons
Author: Vincent Traughber Meis
Publisher: Spectrum Books
Genre: family, love, transgender, gay couples, interracial families
Publication date: 2022
Page count: TBD
This is a splendid, moving, epic book. It is not a romance, but there is a lot of love in it. It is not only about gay people, but there are several gay and bisexual folks in the extensive cast, all of whom are central to the story. There is also a trans-man making his journey, and at least three cross-cultural and interracial families dealing with the realities of racism and cultural prejudice in the modern world.
The first-born sons of the title are Byron, George, Lamar, M, Jason, Colton, and Devlin—but they are not at all the only important characters, not by a long shot. These men—husbands, sons, brothers, lovers—are at the center of five distinct plot narratives, but the women in these stories are just as important and just as vividly portrayed. The various plot arcs wind through the book from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. And you know what happened then, right?
Thus, this beautifully textured book follows the five storylines as they interconnect and overlap before and after the pandemic engulfs the world. Every issue you can imagine that affected all of us during the first pandemic year is brought into play, and done with grace and emotional power.
Personally, I was overwhelmed by so much that resonated with me (one half of a gay couple with two non-white adopted children). It really is a book that will touch any compassionate soul. Meis is a good writer and not afraid to get complicated—but he manages to keep his stories clear and well-defined, guiding his reader through the ins and outs of these intersecting lives.
Personally, I was overwhelmed by so much that resonated with me (one half of a gay couple with two non-white adopted children). It really is a book that will touch any compassionate soul. Meis is a good writer and not afraid to get complicated—but he manages to keep his stories clear and well-defined, guiding his reader through the ins and outs of these intersecting lives.
Rating: five stars
Title: First Born Sons
Author: Vincent Traughber Meis
Publisher: Spectrum Books
Genre: family, love, transgender, gay couples, interracial families
Publication date: 2022
Page count: TBD
This is a splendid, moving, epic book. It is not a romance, but there is a lot of love in it. It is not only about gay people, but there are several gay and bisexual folks in the extensive cast, all of whom are central to the story. There is also a trans-man making his journey, and at least three cross-cultural and interracial families dealing with the realities of racism and cultural prejudice in the modern world.
The first-born sons of the title are Byron, George, Lamar, M, Jason, Colton, and Devlin—but they are not at all the only important characters, not by a long shot. These men—husbands, sons, brothers, lovers—are at the center of five distinct plot narratives, but the women in these stories are just as important and just as vividly portrayed. The various plot arcs wind through the book from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. And you know what happened then, right?
Thus, this beautifully textured book follows the five storylines as they interconnect and overlap before and after the pandemic engulfs the world. Every issue you can imagine that affected all of us during the first pandemic year is brought into play, and done with grace and emotional power.
Personally, I was overwhelmed by so much that resonated with me (one half of a gay couple with two non-white adopted children). It really is a book that will touch any compassionate soul. Meis is a good writer and not afraid to get complicated—but he manages to keep his stories clear and well-defined, guiding his reader through the ins and outs of these intersecting lives.
Personally, I was overwhelmed by so much that resonated with me (one half of a gay couple with two non-white adopted children). It really is a book that will touch any compassionate soul. Meis is a good writer and not afraid to get complicated—but he manages to keep his stories clear and well-defined, guiding his reader through the ins and outs of these intersecting lives.
August 8, 2022
First Born Sons by Vincent Traughber Meis is an eye-opening, heartfelt story of the modern-day struggles of growing up in America. The characters, narrated in separate storylines set across the country, with various LGBTQ+ identities, are looking for solidarity and love in communities rife with racism, misogyny, and homophobia. As each character’s story progresses, the reader gets a glimpse into their reality, which is often plagued with the challenges of facing discrimination daily, while finding compassion and allies that provide much-needed love and support.
The author does an incredible job of tackling essential issues impacting society, from gender, equality, and race to the sudden shift from 2019 to 2020 as the pandemic changed lives worldwide. As each character navigates through their own individual challenges within their family and the greater community, their lives become interwoven during a Black Lives Matter demonstration and a birthday celebration. This book offers an essential view into the realities of growing up with continuous uncertainties each character faces while keeping humanity solid and hopeful throughout the narration.
Vincent Traughber Meis’ book is an essential read that delves into relevant subject matter without losing a sense of purpose as each character faces a new struggle. First Born Sons tackles the characters’ realities of facing racial tension and confrontation with the police and coping with the threats of bullies to taking a vacation to experience new cultures and people.
This book is easy to follow, with engaging scenes and lively characters that keep you turning the pages from one chapter to the next. I give Vincent Traughber Meis’ First Born Sons 5 out of 5 stars for creativity, remarkable story-telling, and the ability to tackle complex issues with a sense of resilience and strength throughout the book. This incredible story features vibrant characters and excellent development that keeps the reader invested in the story from beginning to end.
The author does an incredible job of tackling essential issues impacting society, from gender, equality, and race to the sudden shift from 2019 to 2020 as the pandemic changed lives worldwide. As each character navigates through their own individual challenges within their family and the greater community, their lives become interwoven during a Black Lives Matter demonstration and a birthday celebration. This book offers an essential view into the realities of growing up with continuous uncertainties each character faces while keeping humanity solid and hopeful throughout the narration.
Vincent Traughber Meis’ book is an essential read that delves into relevant subject matter without losing a sense of purpose as each character faces a new struggle. First Born Sons tackles the characters’ realities of facing racial tension and confrontation with the police and coping with the threats of bullies to taking a vacation to experience new cultures and people.
This book is easy to follow, with engaging scenes and lively characters that keep you turning the pages from one chapter to the next. I give Vincent Traughber Meis’ First Born Sons 5 out of 5 stars for creativity, remarkable story-telling, and the ability to tackle complex issues with a sense of resilience and strength throughout the book. This incredible story features vibrant characters and excellent development that keeps the reader invested in the story from beginning to end.
August 4, 2023
Reading First Born Sons by Vincent Traughber Meis became an absolute honor within the first few pages. As soon as it started out with a Langston Hughes quote, I knew I was in the right place.
Although Meis has a few other books that have been published, this is the first one I have read, and I was able to decide within two chapters that I immediately needed to read the others by this author.
Meis writes about the Burd siblings, each with their own struggles, each with their own chapter breaks and point of views. The writing is beautifully lyrical and very timely, as it talks about the pandemic, wildfires, LGBTQ themes, current political climates, and includes a fantastic soundtrack that I created on Spotify to listen to in the background while I read (we’re talking REM, Madonna… Lamar is the type of person I would trust making a playlist for a twelve hour road trip).
Parts were difficult to read, as they did discuss tough topics, such as death, racism, police violence, and the Proud Boys and gun violence, and although these parts kept the pace of the book and the flow moving very well, please be sure to take care of yourself when reading.
Meis writes with such fantastic imagery that I, a person from a small town who has never left the east coast, could picture it so clearly. It sounds cliche, but I pictured each scene as if I had visited these places, could smell the smells and sense the feelings. It was a very immersive read, which made it a very quick read.
The book contains many plots and unique experiences, and just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next, I was proven wrong by the next paragraph. I was engaged with each character’s story; each one seemed like the type of person you’d want to be friends with. The transitioning between characters, although effective, sometimes threw me off and caused minimal confusion, but I was able to catch back on quickly and get back into the rhythm of the next point of view in the story.
All in all, I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read more from this author.
Although Meis has a few other books that have been published, this is the first one I have read, and I was able to decide within two chapters that I immediately needed to read the others by this author.
Meis writes about the Burd siblings, each with their own struggles, each with their own chapter breaks and point of views. The writing is beautifully lyrical and very timely, as it talks about the pandemic, wildfires, LGBTQ themes, current political climates, and includes a fantastic soundtrack that I created on Spotify to listen to in the background while I read (we’re talking REM, Madonna… Lamar is the type of person I would trust making a playlist for a twelve hour road trip).
Parts were difficult to read, as they did discuss tough topics, such as death, racism, police violence, and the Proud Boys and gun violence, and although these parts kept the pace of the book and the flow moving very well, please be sure to take care of yourself when reading.
Meis writes with such fantastic imagery that I, a person from a small town who has never left the east coast, could picture it so clearly. It sounds cliche, but I pictured each scene as if I had visited these places, could smell the smells and sense the feelings. It was a very immersive read, which made it a very quick read.
The book contains many plots and unique experiences, and just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next, I was proven wrong by the next paragraph. I was engaged with each character’s story; each one seemed like the type of person you’d want to be friends with. The transitioning between characters, although effective, sometimes threw me off and caused minimal confusion, but I was able to catch back on quickly and get back into the rhythm of the next point of view in the story.
All in all, I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read more from this author.
September 16, 2022
engaging, diverse characters, plenty of emotion, multiple storylines converging in a tumultuous 2020, LGBTQ+ BLM ...
This book splendidly portrays challenges of living in the US in the tumultuous, ever-changing conditions of 2019-2020, with a wide array of situations and locations and issues, featuring a delightfully diverse cast of distinct, engaging characters, living in the minority, one way or several, seemingly separate at first but eventually coming together meaningfully. Plenty of memorable occasions and emotions among these multiple storylines converging.
Might well be an eye-opener for some people about the rough and often cruel reality many people face, the fears, worries, uncertainties, challenges, tragedies... From racial discrimination and social injustice, to difficult relationships and parenting challenges, coping with transgender reality and recent blindness, complications related to adoption and immigration, all these to name but a few, the author does not shy away from anything and handles the whole admirably.
I rarely read contemporary fiction, but this one was a well-written, thought-provoking venture to the lives of several individuals, tackling complex issues and shedding light on several points of view, respectfully and believably. As much as it brings up bittersweet memories from the past few years, maybe the story would have been better enjoyed further down the road when some events were not so fresh in mind. Also, at first I forgot to pay attention to the specific timestamps in each chapter and got slightly confused, although that quickly passed.
Something we all ought to remember, aside from always striving for kindness: Be wise enough to know to choose your battles.
This book splendidly portrays challenges of living in the US in the tumultuous, ever-changing conditions of 2019-2020, with a wide array of situations and locations and issues, featuring a delightfully diverse cast of distinct, engaging characters, living in the minority, one way or several, seemingly separate at first but eventually coming together meaningfully. Plenty of memorable occasions and emotions among these multiple storylines converging.
Might well be an eye-opener for some people about the rough and often cruel reality many people face, the fears, worries, uncertainties, challenges, tragedies... From racial discrimination and social injustice, to difficult relationships and parenting challenges, coping with transgender reality and recent blindness, complications related to adoption and immigration, all these to name but a few, the author does not shy away from anything and handles the whole admirably.
I rarely read contemporary fiction, but this one was a well-written, thought-provoking venture to the lives of several individuals, tackling complex issues and shedding light on several points of view, respectfully and believably. As much as it brings up bittersweet memories from the past few years, maybe the story would have been better enjoyed further down the road when some events were not so fresh in mind. Also, at first I forgot to pay attention to the specific timestamps in each chapter and got slightly confused, although that quickly passed.
Something we all ought to remember, aside from always striving for kindness: Be wise enough to know to choose your battles.
September 18, 2022
The Review
This was such a powerful, emotional, and relevant read. The author did an incredible job of layering this drama with rich and powerful character development, story-driven narratives that span the world, and themes that speak to the communities most impacted by the surge of violence and bigotry that is affecting our world right now. The author finds natural and relatable ways of infusing issues such as Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ rights, and so much more into the story, weaving together a narrative that feels heartfelt and evoked strong emotional responses from readers, from sadness and grief to outrage and hope all at once.
Yet it was the character growth that truly spoke to me as a reader. The relationships and personal turmoil that really affected these characters were really humanizing and allowed readers to feel seen and heard in this narrative. For me, it was the scenes involving Lamar, George, and Byron that really popped off the pages of this novel. From the shocking initial chapter introducing these characters to the cruel reality of police profiling and brutality to the strong emotional and physical relationship that develops between the two of them over time, and all of the prejudices that their pasts and present bring to their relationship felt so impactful to get lost in through this narrative.
The Verdict
Shocking, moving, and engaging, author Vincent Traughber Meis’s “First Born Sons” is a must-read drama. The brilliant character development and emotional themes that the author brings to life so beautifully will have readers unable to put this book down, and the blend of intimate moments and powerful societal studies that this book brings to life will have readers eager for more from this powerful author.
This was such a powerful, emotional, and relevant read. The author did an incredible job of layering this drama with rich and powerful character development, story-driven narratives that span the world, and themes that speak to the communities most impacted by the surge of violence and bigotry that is affecting our world right now. The author finds natural and relatable ways of infusing issues such as Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ rights, and so much more into the story, weaving together a narrative that feels heartfelt and evoked strong emotional responses from readers, from sadness and grief to outrage and hope all at once.
Yet it was the character growth that truly spoke to me as a reader. The relationships and personal turmoil that really affected these characters were really humanizing and allowed readers to feel seen and heard in this narrative. For me, it was the scenes involving Lamar, George, and Byron that really popped off the pages of this novel. From the shocking initial chapter introducing these characters to the cruel reality of police profiling and brutality to the strong emotional and physical relationship that develops between the two of them over time, and all of the prejudices that their pasts and present bring to their relationship felt so impactful to get lost in through this narrative.
The Verdict
Shocking, moving, and engaging, author Vincent Traughber Meis’s “First Born Sons” is a must-read drama. The brilliant character development and emotional themes that the author brings to life so beautifully will have readers unable to put this book down, and the blend of intimate moments and powerful societal studies that this book brings to life will have readers eager for more from this powerful author.
July 9, 2023
In the end, "First Born Sons" had its moments, but its attempt to tackle numerous narratives left me longing for a more (or less!).
I recently read "First Born Sons" by Vincent Traughber Meis, and while I enjoyed the stories in the book and appreciated the characters and their individual journeys, I found that the book took on too much. The book attempts to capture a wide range of interconnected stories with a diverse cast of characters, exploring themes of love, identity, and LGBTQ+ issues.
The main focus is on the stories of a set of siblings and their families. The oldest, M, is in the process of coming out as transgender to his family and dealing with his transition. Augie and his husband, Reuben, are dealing with having adopted a Black son who is finding his first love and wanting to know about his birth mother. The youngest, AJ, is dealing with a recent divorce, child custody, and a new love interest who was recently deported for entering the US illegally.
But the book also follows AJ's lawyer, Rebecca, and her father, as well as their neighbor. There are also allusions to a murder, a kidnapping, Black Lives Matter, Covid, and the Proud Boys. With so many stories to follow, none of them received the depth and development they deserved. It felt like a whirlwind of events and emotions, leaving me wanting more from each narrative. The whole thing might have worked better as a series of interconnected novellas to have time to flesh out each story.
In the end, "First Born Sons" had its moments, but its attempt to tackle numerous narratives left me longing for a more (or less!) focused approach.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I recently read "First Born Sons" by Vincent Traughber Meis, and while I enjoyed the stories in the book and appreciated the characters and their individual journeys, I found that the book took on too much. The book attempts to capture a wide range of interconnected stories with a diverse cast of characters, exploring themes of love, identity, and LGBTQ+ issues.
The main focus is on the stories of a set of siblings and their families. The oldest, M, is in the process of coming out as transgender to his family and dealing with his transition. Augie and his husband, Reuben, are dealing with having adopted a Black son who is finding his first love and wanting to know about his birth mother. The youngest, AJ, is dealing with a recent divorce, child custody, and a new love interest who was recently deported for entering the US illegally.
But the book also follows AJ's lawyer, Rebecca, and her father, as well as their neighbor. There are also allusions to a murder, a kidnapping, Black Lives Matter, Covid, and the Proud Boys. With so many stories to follow, none of them received the depth and development they deserved. It felt like a whirlwind of events and emotions, leaving me wanting more from each narrative. The whole thing might have worked better as a series of interconnected novellas to have time to flesh out each story.
In the end, "First Born Sons" had its moments, but its attempt to tackle numerous narratives left me longing for a more (or less!) focused approach.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 4, 2023
Thanks to Vincent Traughber Meis, Book Sirens and the publishers for this free e-book, which was sent to me for a review. First Born Sons tells the story of several first born sons: George, Byron, Lemar, Augie, Jason, Colton, and also of Jason's mother, AJ. It also features M, Augie's elder sister, who during the novel starts a female-to-male transition (which will of course make her the family's first-born son). The characters are losely linked through a series of modern families, and dealing with issues in contemporary American society. For instance, Augie and his partner, Ruben, have a son, Colton, via a Black surrogate mother who made it clear at the time of Colton's birth that she wanted no part in his upbringing. However, Colton would now like to reconnect with his mother, in part because he feels that his fathers can't share his feelings as a young Black teenager in America. Meanwhile, AJ is dealing with Jason's growing estrangement from her, and his closeness with her ex-husband Bert, who has just joined the Proud Boys. Beginning with the wildfires in the redwood forests of California in 2020 and ending with an earthquake that same year, the narrative winds back and forth through 2019 and 2020, as characters grow together, or further apart, and make life-changing decisions.
First Born Sons is an unashamedly political novel, which I really appreciated; it's great to see authors engaging with social issues. It shows how the characters react to seminal events in 2020, including the wildfires, the pandemic, and the Black Lives Matter protests. The novel also touches on some of the deeply entrenched divisions between liberals and conservatives. The characters are almost all liberal, socially conscious, and extremely considerate of others. For instance, Augie and Ruben make sure to have a conversation (off-page) with Colton about respecting women when he starts dating. Byron is incredibly community-focused:
"He and Rafael did what they could. They put Black Lives Matter signs in the windows. Byron stepped up his volunteering. He mentored at an LGBT youth shelter for the homeless. He put in more hours at a food bank. He spent several hours a week working on Get Out the Vote."
(If you think that's a lot, bear in mind that Byron feels he owes "a debt to society" for an incident that happened earlier in his life.)
The storyline I found most interesting was M's transition journey, perhaps because I recently red Jan Morris' Conundrum (a non-fiction account of Jan's male-to-female transition, which, like M's transition, also took place in mid-life). I felt that the author's portrayal of M's story and her husband's reaction was really sensitive and felt realistic. In that sense, the novel is a wonderful counter-balance to much of the media coverage about transition.
My personal preference is usually for novels with a small group of core characters, looking at a few storylines in depth, and I felt that there were so many characters with distinct narrative arcs and space for development in this novel that it could have been longer, to give more space to those narratives. I also found that some of the characters' back-stories were unrealistic. For example, Byron's altruism is partly due to guilt: as a young man, he got involved with "social justice vigilantes", who arranged the murder of three men who had shot Byron's boyfriend in a homophobic attack.
There is a companion book to this novel, Colton's Terrible Wonderful Year, which looks at his story in more depth, and which I'm going to order on the strength of First Born Sons.
First Born Sons is an unashamedly political novel, which I really appreciated; it's great to see authors engaging with social issues. It shows how the characters react to seminal events in 2020, including the wildfires, the pandemic, and the Black Lives Matter protests. The novel also touches on some of the deeply entrenched divisions between liberals and conservatives. The characters are almost all liberal, socially conscious, and extremely considerate of others. For instance, Augie and Ruben make sure to have a conversation (off-page) with Colton about respecting women when he starts dating. Byron is incredibly community-focused:
"He and Rafael did what they could. They put Black Lives Matter signs in the windows. Byron stepped up his volunteering. He mentored at an LGBT youth shelter for the homeless. He put in more hours at a food bank. He spent several hours a week working on Get Out the Vote."
(If you think that's a lot, bear in mind that Byron feels he owes "a debt to society" for an incident that happened earlier in his life.)
The storyline I found most interesting was M's transition journey, perhaps because I recently red Jan Morris' Conundrum (a non-fiction account of Jan's male-to-female transition, which, like M's transition, also took place in mid-life). I felt that the author's portrayal of M's story and her husband's reaction was really sensitive and felt realistic. In that sense, the novel is a wonderful counter-balance to much of the media coverage about transition.
My personal preference is usually for novels with a small group of core characters, looking at a few storylines in depth, and I felt that there were so many characters with distinct narrative arcs and space for development in this novel that it could have been longer, to give more space to those narratives. I also found that some of the characters' back-stories were unrealistic. For example, Byron's altruism is partly due to guilt: as a young man, he got involved with "social justice vigilantes", who arranged the murder of three men who had shot Byron's boyfriend in a homophobic attack.
There is a companion book to this novel, Colton's Terrible Wonderful Year, which looks at his story in more depth, and which I'm going to order on the strength of First Born Sons.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2023
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review, thank you @booksirens for the opportunity!
From the publisher:
A group of coastal Californians battle wildfires, racism, and their own demons in five distinct narratives set in late 2019 and 2020.
First Born Sons is populated by a cast of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies who struggle to find love, comfort, and fulfillment. As the novel progresses, characters interact across the separate narratives and are brought together for a birthday and a disastrous Black Lives Matter demonstration. A man returning to the horrors that made him leave Mississippi, a blind gay man flirting with love, an FTM transgender starting hormone therapy, a woman struggling to protect her sons from her ex-husband’s surge to right-wing politics, and a teenager with two gay dads searching for his Black surrogate mom paint a disturbing tableau of modern-day America.
I enjoyed this book, but FYI there are SO MANY characters, it took me a bit to get into. I enjoyed that it was a very diverse cast of characters and you got everyone's different view points. However, since it was so many story lines woven together, I did find myself having to think about which character was which and it took me out of the story more than I would have liked. I enjoyed the writing and am certainly glad that the author used progressive storylines to add empathy to his characters. I want more readers to find these books so they can participate in the lives of people that may not necessarily match up with their own. It's a 3.75 star book, rounded up to 4.
From the publisher:
A group of coastal Californians battle wildfires, racism, and their own demons in five distinct narratives set in late 2019 and 2020.
First Born Sons is populated by a cast of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies who struggle to find love, comfort, and fulfillment. As the novel progresses, characters interact across the separate narratives and are brought together for a birthday and a disastrous Black Lives Matter demonstration. A man returning to the horrors that made him leave Mississippi, a blind gay man flirting with love, an FTM transgender starting hormone therapy, a woman struggling to protect her sons from her ex-husband’s surge to right-wing politics, and a teenager with two gay dads searching for his Black surrogate mom paint a disturbing tableau of modern-day America.
I enjoyed this book, but FYI there are SO MANY characters, it took me a bit to get into. I enjoyed that it was a very diverse cast of characters and you got everyone's different view points. However, since it was so many story lines woven together, I did find myself having to think about which character was which and it took me out of the story more than I would have liked. I enjoyed the writing and am certainly glad that the author used progressive storylines to add empathy to his characters. I want more readers to find these books so they can participate in the lives of people that may not necessarily match up with their own. It's a 3.75 star book, rounded up to 4.
February 15, 2023
I loved this book! It's a very immersive read that tackles important themes, such as racism, homophobia, transphobia,immigration laws and disabilities.
It also covers a lot of significant 2020 ocorrences, such as the California wildfires, the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as the dangerous growth of fascist groups in America, ICE's inhuman treatment of immigrants and the pain and grief that accompany loss of family member and even coming out, since sometimes we the people we love leave when we come out.
I really enjoyed how the characters storylines were all tied together, it showed a great sense of community and a support system, that was especially needed during the pandemic, when we had to live isolated.
It was a nice toutch how the book began and ended with the same POV dealing qith a natural disaster, but on a completely differental mental space, it shows that despite the trauma, you can still heal and find love!
The characters were extremely realistic and complex, The troubles and joys they face through life are many we can relate too, which makes this the perfect book to queer people or anyone else who wants to read about real life, trauma and healing.
TW:racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, white supremacy, death, grief, mention r*pe, sexual content, infidelity, fire, California wildfires, earthquakes, mention of the death of George Floyd, protest, police arrest, ICE.
It also covers a lot of significant 2020 ocorrences, such as the California wildfires, the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as the dangerous growth of fascist groups in America, ICE's inhuman treatment of immigrants and the pain and grief that accompany loss of family member and even coming out, since sometimes we the people we love leave when we come out.
I really enjoyed how the characters storylines were all tied together, it showed a great sense of community and a support system, that was especially needed during the pandemic, when we had to live isolated.
It was a nice toutch how the book began and ended with the same POV dealing qith a natural disaster, but on a completely differental mental space, it shows that despite the trauma, you can still heal and find love!
The characters were extremely realistic and complex, The troubles and joys they face through life are many we can relate too, which makes this the perfect book to queer people or anyone else who wants to read about real life, trauma and healing.
TW:racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, white supremacy, death, grief, mention r*pe, sexual content, infidelity, fire, California wildfires, earthquakes, mention of the death of George Floyd, protest, police arrest, ICE.
June 25, 2023
"The taste was smoky and earthy on the tongue, a tender burn as it went down, a perfect drink for a wicked year."
First Born Sons is a thought-provoking story of diverse and interconnected characters and the challenges of 2020. This novel explores the political events, pandemic, wild fires, and the personal tragedies that shaped each of us in our own way, and takes these characters on journeys that reflected our nation's most polarizing and most human experiences during this unprecendented time in history.
The e-book was a gift from the author, but as soon as I started reading, I knew I wanted a physical copy of my own. So I purchased a physical copy and have read and re-read passages over the past few months, becoming more connected with each character's journey and seeing my own struggles reflected back to me on the page, while also being offered a window into the lives of people unlike myself - fighting and overcoming battles I have not experienced. I grew to love and mourn with these characters as if they were my friends.
Stories like this foster awareness and empathy toward the plight of the many complex humans that live life around us every day, and I loved the glimpse this author offered as well as the challenge he posed - to expand our circles, to seek stories with diverse experiences, to challenge what we think we 'know' and to join the fight for equity, peace, and healing.
First Born Sons is a thought-provoking story of diverse and interconnected characters and the challenges of 2020. This novel explores the political events, pandemic, wild fires, and the personal tragedies that shaped each of us in our own way, and takes these characters on journeys that reflected our nation's most polarizing and most human experiences during this unprecendented time in history.
The e-book was a gift from the author, but as soon as I started reading, I knew I wanted a physical copy of my own. So I purchased a physical copy and have read and re-read passages over the past few months, becoming more connected with each character's journey and seeing my own struggles reflected back to me on the page, while also being offered a window into the lives of people unlike myself - fighting and overcoming battles I have not experienced. I grew to love and mourn with these characters as if they were my friends.
Stories like this foster awareness and empathy toward the plight of the many complex humans that live life around us every day, and I loved the glimpse this author offered as well as the challenge he posed - to expand our circles, to seek stories with diverse experiences, to challenge what we think we 'know' and to join the fight for equity, peace, and healing.
June 28, 2023
The concept of this book is strong; the description piqued my interest. There were two subplots that I would have loved to read whole books about (although probably written by different authors) - Chato's life and Byron's backstory. Those were fascinating. Sadly, the story as it was written didn't work for me as well as I had hoped.
It could have used another few rounds of editing (especially the dialogue, which made me cringe multiple times). I also cringed multiple times with some of the representation, especially the gay dads (and their lust for their friend's son) and the Black characters (especially when the teenager gives a speech about how he should have been nicer to his racist white cousin).
I agreed with some of the decisions made around how complicated this stuff is, and I appreciate the author diving into it, but some of it just didn't sit great with me. I also think we're not far enough removed for all of these pandemic details to be necessary since we're still in it and don't need the reminders of how it started. Some of the characters' privileged responses to the pandemic (let's escape to tropical vacations) were also tough to read. I think this book made a decent effort and succeeded in creating memorable diverse characters (I was surprised I could track them all), but it didn't quite meet my expectations.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It could have used another few rounds of editing (especially the dialogue, which made me cringe multiple times). I also cringed multiple times with some of the representation, especially the gay dads (and their lust for their friend's son) and the Black characters (especially when the teenager gives a speech about how he should have been nicer to his racist white cousin).
I agreed with some of the decisions made around how complicated this stuff is, and I appreciate the author diving into it, but some of it just didn't sit great with me. I also think we're not far enough removed for all of these pandemic details to be necessary since we're still in it and don't need the reminders of how it started. Some of the characters' privileged responses to the pandemic (let's escape to tropical vacations) were also tough to read. I think this book made a decent effort and succeeded in creating memorable diverse characters (I was surprised I could track them all), but it didn't quite meet my expectations.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 11, 2022
I fell in love with this book from the very beginning. Five LGBTQ+ families that interconnect in a well planned very relevant story. Touching on Black Lives Matter, discovering your roots, immigration, becoming the person you were meant to be, finding love again, chosen families and more. Set during 2019 and ending at some point during 2020 during the height of the pandemic this book has heart and touches on some very important topics of this time.
I laughed in parts, I cried and gasped at loud at others. One story has a very tragic twist and I felt the pain maybe a little too much but it was written so well it's like I relived my own trauma again. It hurt but it's supposed to. The writing is superb and the way the stories intertwine really spoke to me. I struggled a little with M's story line as I felt they weren't giving their partner enough chance to process a very big announcement and shut down emotionally but it may resonate with someone else.
Overall I am so happy I was given the opportunity to read this book. I was offered a free copy but I downloaded it from Kindle unlimited.
I laughed in parts, I cried and gasped at loud at others. One story has a very tragic twist and I felt the pain maybe a little too much but it was written so well it's like I relived my own trauma again. It hurt but it's supposed to. The writing is superb and the way the stories intertwine really spoke to me. I struggled a little with M's story line as I felt they weren't giving their partner enough chance to process a very big announcement and shut down emotionally but it may resonate with someone else.
Overall I am so happy I was given the opportunity to read this book. I was offered a free copy but I downloaded it from Kindle unlimited.
December 10, 2022
Book: First Born Sons
Genre: Fiction, Drama
Author: Vincent Meis
.
.
My ratings: 4.5/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐🌠
Warning: (Not for homophobic readers.)
*LGBTQ*
.
.
We read a book... We read a story.
We read this book... We read so many stories in one storyline.
This line might confuse you untill you pick this amazing book. I never thought I'd love this book to this extent.
I never considered LGBTQ anything different from straight people.
I personally do not appreciate giving them special advantage too because i only count them as human because it is not some disease that they are suffering from and need special place to match regular sexuality people.
Character development by the author is so appreciable.
I love how he justified well with each character and each story while maintaining the clarity in story and plot.
Story revolves around men in America who are husbands, sons, brothers, and lovers.
Their struggles, their journey to find the truth of their existence.
Overall I love the book.
It is too engaging.
It is very well penned.
Fine plot.
Highly recommended.
Genre: Fiction, Drama
Author: Vincent Meis
.
.
My ratings: 4.5/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐🌠
Warning: (Not for homophobic readers.)
*LGBTQ*
.
.
We read a book... We read a story.
We read this book... We read so many stories in one storyline.
This line might confuse you untill you pick this amazing book. I never thought I'd love this book to this extent.
I never considered LGBTQ anything different from straight people.
I personally do not appreciate giving them special advantage too because i only count them as human because it is not some disease that they are suffering from and need special place to match regular sexuality people.
Character development by the author is so appreciable.
I love how he justified well with each character and each story while maintaining the clarity in story and plot.
Story revolves around men in America who are husbands, sons, brothers, and lovers.
Their struggles, their journey to find the truth of their existence.
Overall I love the book.
It is too engaging.
It is very well penned.
Fine plot.
Highly recommended.
July 12, 2023
This is a character-driven story that I absolutely adored. The characters are explored in detail and are so real, flaws and all. The way they are interconnected, and following them through the trials and tribulations of being queer, being a person of colour, or just being American has me hooked from the first chapter. The time setting, smack in the middle of the pandemic added another layer of complexity to their lives, something that some readers might not be prepared for yet but personally, I am seeking out all forms of pandemic literature.
However, I did find this book very, very long. This is mostly a personal nitpick as I tend to prefer shorter, more concise contemporary fiction as I have rather short attention spans for their themes. The strange thing is, I still feel like I would have liked more closure to a couple of the characters we follow here. I love the huge cast of diverse people included in this story, but it did seem a little ambitious overall.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
However, I did find this book very, very long. This is mostly a personal nitpick as I tend to prefer shorter, more concise contemporary fiction as I have rather short attention spans for their themes. The strange thing is, I still feel like I would have liked more closure to a couple of the characters we follow here. I love the huge cast of diverse people included in this story, but it did seem a little ambitious overall.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 12, 2023
The book First born Sons is a book that really put you in the story line as if you were living there. Many of the characters in this Novel had faced many of the things going on today in this world. The immigrating issues, LBGTQ struggles and acceptance, Loss of loved ones for different reasons, the strains that the Pandemic has on people and there families. one Character Lamar really stick out to me for many reasons, one that he as a black younger man living in this crazy world as a blind man trying to find his way. He had several obstacle's in his way, but did the best that he could.
I personally never heard of this Author but, after reading this page turner I am looking forward to any new books he may be coming out with.
if this is something that you don't really understand I would for sure read this novel so that you can get a better understanding of what the black, biracial, Gay families struggle with on a daily bases trying to make it through life.
I personally never heard of this Author but, after reading this page turner I am looking forward to any new books he may be coming out with.
if this is something that you don't really understand I would for sure read this novel so that you can get a better understanding of what the black, biracial, Gay families struggle with on a daily bases trying to make it through life.
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February 28, 2023Stories don’t get much more modern than Vincent Traughber Meis’s First Born Sons. Set against the COVID pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement and its violent backlash, and the California wildfires, Meis’s latest novel had me marveling at how it was possible for him to chronicle such recent history and get the book through production in short order until it hit me that all happened three years ago. Somehow, 2020 feels more recent. I guess it was the lingering impact of what was probably the most tumultuous year in modern memory. Meis takes us back there with all the familiar uncertainty, fear, heartbreak, anger, and even moments of absurdity. A diverse cast of queer and non-queer characters also provides readers the opportunity to see something of themselves on a more personal level.
Read the rest of my review at Out in Print.
Read the rest of my review at Out in Print.
October 1, 2022
I always enjoy the books by Vincent Traughber Meis not only for the storytelling and character development, but from what I can learn. And, First Born Sons is no exception. While I found much to really like in Meis’s latest book, I’d really like to highlight one aspect which became very personal to me. One of the characters is in the process of changing genders. From the book I could better understand the discomfort a person may feel from being at odds with the gender assigned at birth. At about the same time as I was reading the book, we learned that our former nephew was in the process of a similar transformation. Meis’s insight into the experience and especially of the feelings of the character M really helped me to be more sensitive and understanding of this process for our family member. Thank you, Vince.
December 12, 2022
I went into this book without any expectations. This is not a genre that I usually read and I didn't know what to expect from it. So it was a surprise for me when I realised the stories are based during the pandamic and how drastically it changed people's lives. There were also some monumental events from past few years like black lives matter and california wild fire incorporated into the stories which was interesting.
Family drama, love, friendship and the struggles of people is the main focus of the story. Character development in this book is well written. These stories portray the struggle of different people in a very heartfelt way. The issues discussed are very raw real and emotional. I was stunned after reading some of the eye-opening events. I appreciate the author's representation of LGBTQ community.
Overall a very different read and I enjoyed reading something new.
Family drama, love, friendship and the struggles of people is the main focus of the story. Character development in this book is well written. These stories portray the struggle of different people in a very heartfelt way. The issues discussed are very raw real and emotional. I was stunned after reading some of the eye-opening events. I appreciate the author's representation of LGBTQ community.
Overall a very different read and I enjoyed reading something new.
December 13, 2022
This book is an astounding one! Its storyline is bound to shake the readers.
Initially, I thought it was yet another short-stories book but was mildly surprised as the story progressed. Set during the pandemic, the book takes us through the lives of several characters. Each character sketch is detailed so well that their rather complex lives are defined in a raw and emotional manner.
'First Born Sons' is populated by a cast of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies who struggle to find love, comfort, and fulfillment.
The California fires and the Black Lives Matter movement are also detailed in the book which made the story all the more real. There were a lot of moments that brought tears to my eyes.
This was truly a one-of-a-kind read for me. Definitely recommended.
Initially, I thought it was yet another short-stories book but was mildly surprised as the story progressed. Set during the pandemic, the book takes us through the lives of several characters. Each character sketch is detailed so well that their rather complex lives are defined in a raw and emotional manner.
'First Born Sons' is populated by a cast of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies who struggle to find love, comfort, and fulfillment.
The California fires and the Black Lives Matter movement are also detailed in the book which made the story all the more real. There were a lot of moments that brought tears to my eyes.
This was truly a one-of-a-kind read for me. Definitely recommended.
January 16, 2023
First Born Sons
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book but I was more than pleasantly surprised by it. The title may not make total sense until you reach the end and consider all the different aspects.
The many different yet interconnected characters, themes and situations form a cohesive whole. This is a sweeping exploration of events that actually only occur in the short span of one year. A year burdened with the tribulations of Covid, Black Lives Matter and the frustrating politics of 2019/2020.
It is a stirring and emotional testament of the importance of family both of birth and marriage and of found family. It is filled with love, joy and not a little tragedy.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book but I was more than pleasantly surprised by it. The title may not make total sense until you reach the end and consider all the different aspects.
The many different yet interconnected characters, themes and situations form a cohesive whole. This is a sweeping exploration of events that actually only occur in the short span of one year. A year burdened with the tribulations of Covid, Black Lives Matter and the frustrating politics of 2019/2020.
It is a stirring and emotional testament of the importance of family both of birth and marriage and of found family. It is filled with love, joy and not a little tragedy.
March 29, 2023
Wow, I loved this book! These characters feel like friends, people I care deeply for. The year 2020 came howling back to me in all of its terribleness—the author really painted a true picture of what it was like to face head-on the election of Trump, the onset of Covid-19, and all of the natural catastrophes.
The device of connecting stories is one I like very much. Here, it was a little bit of a slow burn at first. I wasn’t sure who was related to whom nor how. But I loved how it gradually became clear, and as it did, I became more and more invested in the characters and their personal dilemmas. The end of the book was just lovely, not at all cloying yet full of hope. I don’t think that’s a spoiler.
The device of connecting stories is one I like very much. Here, it was a little bit of a slow burn at first. I wasn’t sure who was related to whom nor how. But I loved how it gradually became clear, and as it did, I became more and more invested in the characters and their personal dilemmas. The end of the book was just lovely, not at all cloying yet full of hope. I don’t think that’s a spoiler.
November 4, 2022
Meis has chosen a time period that is still fresh and raw for many people who are still living through the effects of events and cultural movements that began during the time of these stories. We're also given characters that allow us to see how others dealt with the pandemic, BLM protests, the lingering effects of racism, transphobia and other sensitive topics. The characters come to life on the page, the pain many of them experience is very real but there is also an uplifting sense of how resilient and tough people can be in fighting for the things and people they love and believe in through the scariest of times.
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