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Faggit
Hi, I'm Jack! This story is about me, so I hope you like it. It wasn't easy coming out as gay in my small town. There was confusion, heartbreak, a girl with a bob, tears, and laughter. It may give you a kind of sad and wondrous feeling like the inside of a frog... I guess... Maybe it's just better if you see for yourself. My best buddy, Cal, gives the story 7 stars - not sure out of how many - but it sounds good enough for a book that costs a few bucks, so you should probably check it out. Hope I see you inside!
171 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2014
7 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 26, 2014
I took a chance on picking up this book because a friend posted it on her timeline. Not a "book" friend that I met through goodreads or grl or from following as many authors as I do, but someone I know in real life. She posted that she was supporting her brother-in-law. I clicked on the link, and I realized that this was right up my alley. I review LGBT books, and I know an awful lot of people that read them.
I took a chance, which I don't usually do without heavy recommendations from readers I trust. I bought the book, and I devoured it.
It's well written. The characters are funny and sweet and like-able as hell. You want Jack to be okay. You are rooting for him the whole way, or at least I was. It was nice to read this story, and the short story that inspired it. I hope Tedd Hawks keeps writing because I know I'll be reading.
I took a chance, which I don't usually do without heavy recommendations from readers I trust. I bought the book, and I devoured it.
It's well written. The characters are funny and sweet and like-able as hell. You want Jack to be okay. You are rooting for him the whole way, or at least I was. It was nice to read this story, and the short story that inspired it. I hope Tedd Hawks keeps writing because I know I'll be reading.
March 26, 2014
One thing... one thing dropped this from a 5 star to a 3-3.5 star read for me. The ending. Well, that, and I kept forgetting the protags name for some reason???
This is a coming out story about Jack Freemam, small town teen who still plays with action figures, and believes in happily ever after, even though he never actually tells you this.
The author did a great job portraying a believable teen in a believable enviroment, all without downtalking to his readers. For this, I applaud you, Mr. Hawks! The author wrote this for teens rather than writing a teen book for adults.
Jack lives in Sydney, a small town where religion still has a tenuous, yet tenacious grasp on life there. However, this is not a religious book, and the author did an excellent job balancing the undercurrent of this story without pushing it on his readers.
The characters are fairly well fleshed out, the story is easy to follow, and flows well. There are a few editing mishaps, that increase as you reach the end, but not enough to bother me since the writing was really very nice.
About the end... I left the book feeling cheated. You knew what would happen before it did, but then the author throws you a bone, and leaves you hanging, ending in a totally bizarre uncommitted dreamscape. I wanted another chapter or two, taking us on that first trip with Kyle. Maybe leaving us with a hint of hope, a look look shared across the room at the group thing. I just felt the ending was abrupt and dispassionate.
There were a few spots that were a bit wordy, and had me skimming, but very few.
Despite the above, I am not sorry I bought this book, and will look for others from Mr. Hawks in the future.
This is a coming out story about Jack Freemam, small town teen who still plays with action figures, and believes in happily ever after, even though he never actually tells you this.
The author did a great job portraying a believable teen in a believable enviroment, all without downtalking to his readers. For this, I applaud you, Mr. Hawks! The author wrote this for teens rather than writing a teen book for adults.
Jack lives in Sydney, a small town where religion still has a tenuous, yet tenacious grasp on life there. However, this is not a religious book, and the author did an excellent job balancing the undercurrent of this story without pushing it on his readers.
The characters are fairly well fleshed out, the story is easy to follow, and flows well. There are a few editing mishaps, that increase as you reach the end, but not enough to bother me since the writing was really very nice.
About the end... I left the book feeling cheated. You knew what would happen before it did, but then the author throws you a bone, and leaves you hanging, ending in a totally bizarre uncommitted dreamscape. I wanted another chapter or two, taking us on that first trip with Kyle. Maybe leaving us with a hint of hope, a look look shared across the room at the group thing. I just felt the ending was abrupt and dispassionate.
There were a few spots that were a bit wordy, and had me skimming, but very few.
Despite the above, I am not sorry I bought this book, and will look for others from Mr. Hawks in the future.
January 2, 2016
This novella is full of stereotypes, none of which should still exist in the twenty first century. The writing and story is so simplistic it seems to aimed at pre-teens. 100 percent of the parents at the school board meeting to discuss inclusion of gays in school events are fake-christian, anti-gay raving lunatics without a single supportive parent. Not a single supportive parent? This is realistic?
After spending the entire book hiding and pretending he is not gay, the MC stands up and acknowledges he is . The end. Nothing is resolved except he has one maybe two possibly three friends. Nothing is resolved with his parents who want to send him to a pray-the-gay-away anti-gay programing camp.
Nothing is resolved with the MC going to school and being bullied or even bashed after he admitted to be . Nothing is said about how all the happy gay dreams he's dreaming will be a disappointment. Nothing is said about any problems gay youth face. It ends with him daydreaming about more gay good times. So what did this kid learn? What did the young person reading the book learn?
Why write a book that has no hope and no answers. Sure he meets a gay couple who invite him to go to another town where there are real, actual homosexuals. His parents got mad and lectured him when was late coming home from school. They are going to let him have time to leave town now that they know his penis has been corrupted by Satan? Nope nothing is resolved. Nothing is learned. The book is hopeless.
After spending the entire book hiding and pretending he is not gay, the MC stands up and acknowledges he is . The end. Nothing is resolved except he has one maybe two possibly three friends. Nothing is resolved with his parents who want to send him to a pray-the-gay-away anti-gay programing camp.
Nothing is resolved with the MC going to school and being bullied or even bashed after he admitted to be . Nothing is said about how all the happy gay dreams he's dreaming will be a disappointment. Nothing is said about any problems gay youth face. It ends with him daydreaming about more gay good times. So what did this kid learn? What did the young person reading the book learn?
Why write a book that has no hope and no answers. Sure he meets a gay couple who invite him to go to another town where there are real, actual homosexuals. His parents got mad and lectured him when was late coming home from school. They are going to let him have time to leave town now that they know his penis has been corrupted by Satan? Nope nothing is resolved. Nothing is learned. The book is hopeless.
April 9, 2014
If you pick up Faggit expecting a romance, you would be disappointed, because it isn't one really. It's about how a teenager comes to terms with his sexual orientation and how he struggles to overcome social prejudice. It's a compelling novel urging us to be proud of our differences.
January 21, 2014
Have you met Tedd?
Before I go all How I Met Your Mother on you, I'm going to level with the readers. Jack Freeman is the kindest, gentlest soul you will ever read of a male perspective. You could even say the same of the author himself. It takes a lot of courage to face down fears and doubts, and maybe we could all learn a thing or two from Jack.
Before I go all How I Met Your Mother on you, I'm going to level with the readers. Jack Freeman is the kindest, gentlest soul you will ever read of a male perspective. You could even say the same of the author himself. It takes a lot of courage to face down fears and doubts, and maybe we could all learn a thing or two from Jack.
October 23, 2019
This book was a very quick read that was interesting enough even though it didn’t necessarily have a lot of substance. The author does a good job of portraying the anxiety and hyper awareness of the teenage mind. There is an overarching message about staying true to oneself which makes it a good addition to any YA LGBT reading list.
October 15, 2016
First off I didn't like the fact that Jack couldn't accept what a cruel world he lives in and keep is feelings to himself...I know and I understand it's hurts keeping it all in and is forced to do things that make you uncomfortable. But from what I see keeping your mouth shut is the safest thing you can do for yourself. People are idiots and can't think for themselves. Reading this was sad as I feel the pain Jack was going through, but he was too naive and that annoyed me about him. His behaviour is too childish and soft. Yes, people around him are assholes and he had a choice. Keep your mouth shut!
I didn't really understand the short story... was it before his dad saw him or after...
I didn't really understand the short story... was it before his dad saw him or after...
May 19, 2014
This book was more than I expected it to be. From the beginning, it is clear that Hawks is a very witty writer, and there are plenty of laughs to be had even at the moments of the story's highest tension. For instance, I loved the well-timed "best-case scenario" scenes that Jack, the protagonist, acted out about coming out to various friends and family members. But the book evolved into much more than that. The characters were not only fun, but also three-dimensional, flawed yet likable people. And Jack's challenges are very, very real.
This is what made me see in this book not only a good read, but something that I genuinely hope my future children will read--male or female, gay or straight. I did not grow up in an environment quite like Jack's, and I certainly knew kids who came out in high school and knew in some vague way that what they were doing was difficult and brave. But I never had to live with the risk of being marginalized for a part of my identity on top of all the usual angst and insecurities of adolescence. Jack's story not only draws the reader into the "prison" that he feels his family and school constructing for him, but also offers a painful look into the highs and lows of escaping from it. It appeals to and illustrates the experiences of teenagers in a way that felt very real to me even at my safe distance from Jack's reality. I hope that YA readers will gain hope and empathy from this reading.
SPOILER ALERT IN THIS LAST PARAGRAPH.
I think that the dream-like non-ending balanced hope and realism surprisingly well. We know at this point in the novel (and have known all along) that none of Jack's "Best-Case Scenarios" will be realized. But we also know now that neither will the worst. Coming out has not solved all of Jack's problems, and he's likely to have a tough road ahead of him. But he has the support of a core group of loyal friends and he has reason to hope. That's exactly what the last chapter shows us. He may or may not eventually go out with Kyle. Kyle's group in Spring Falls will not turn Sydney into the gay paradise that Jack envisions. But his teen crush and a few good friends have shown him that he has a lot to look forward to in the midst of all the challenges ahead, and that he doesn't have to face them alone.
This is what made me see in this book not only a good read, but something that I genuinely hope my future children will read--male or female, gay or straight. I did not grow up in an environment quite like Jack's, and I certainly knew kids who came out in high school and knew in some vague way that what they were doing was difficult and brave. But I never had to live with the risk of being marginalized for a part of my identity on top of all the usual angst and insecurities of adolescence. Jack's story not only draws the reader into the "prison" that he feels his family and school constructing for him, but also offers a painful look into the highs and lows of escaping from it. It appeals to and illustrates the experiences of teenagers in a way that felt very real to me even at my safe distance from Jack's reality. I hope that YA readers will gain hope and empathy from this reading.
SPOILER ALERT IN THIS LAST PARAGRAPH.
I think that the dream-like non-ending balanced hope and realism surprisingly well. We know at this point in the novel (and have known all along) that none of Jack's "Best-Case Scenarios" will be realized. But we also know now that neither will the worst. Coming out has not solved all of Jack's problems, and he's likely to have a tough road ahead of him. But he has the support of a core group of loyal friends and he has reason to hope. That's exactly what the last chapter shows us. He may or may not eventually go out with Kyle. Kyle's group in Spring Falls will not turn Sydney into the gay paradise that Jack envisions. But his teen crush and a few good friends have shown him that he has a lot to look forward to in the midst of all the challenges ahead, and that he doesn't have to face them alone.
December 25, 2015
This short novel about a teen boy figuring out how to come out to friends and family is done well, has characters worthy of your time, and makes you feel like you want to be there longer when the last page is done. Maybe that's why I immediately read the short story it was based on, which was also good. I like Jack, the main character, struggling with sexuality in a small town that fears him and sets out to slow social progress at a school board meeting. As his friendships are tested, we learn the strength and value of people as they sift through their own feelings. Jack meets Kyle and is instantly drawn to him, knowing they have a secret connection. But like many teens, he lacks the self confidence and harbors a fear of rejection about what may happen once anyone finds out his secret, so he avoids the one person he thinks might share his life. It seemed real, coming from a place of genuineness, not from a preset method of advocating for some moral conclusion. It is enjoyable and engaging. There are a few lazy type-o's and formatting issues, and although I understand why the author left out some deeper conversation, like between mother and son, I wished those could have delved somewhat further. I guess Jack was not ready to really confront anyone, which makes him a slightly weaker main character. It felt like there was some fear of demonizing people. Even Amanda's fear mongering mother was portrayed as a patient, almost reasonable person. Overall, this is a well done story with good writing that I connected with and would recommend. I want to read more from him!
February 25, 2015
This was a damn good book, mostly
There was so much to like about this novel. A story that pulls you in and makes you care, written in a way that you believe a teenage boy is telling you the story unlike so many other first person books that read nothing like the narrator should/would sound. Jackie's honest and open words allow you to see the inner workings of a scared boy trying to find his place in the world.
Now, there are a few issues here. First, the ending leaves a major question unanswered. Just not cool. And the formatting is weird in places. Lastly, there's a scene that, if the roles were reversed, would be classified as sexual assault. That's a bad message to send, especially in this day and age.
Overall, a wonderful read that makes me want to check out more of the writer's work.
There was so much to like about this novel. A story that pulls you in and makes you care, written in a way that you believe a teenage boy is telling you the story unlike so many other first person books that read nothing like the narrator should/would sound. Jackie's honest and open words allow you to see the inner workings of a scared boy trying to find his place in the world.
Now, there are a few issues here. First, the ending leaves a major question unanswered. Just not cool. And the formatting is weird in places. Lastly, there's a scene that, if the roles were reversed, would be classified as sexual assault. That's a bad message to send, especially in this day and age.
Overall, a wonderful read that makes me want to check out more of the writer's work.
April 4, 2014
Loved loved loved this as I got further into the story. A real page-turner. Until the chapter about the dream sequence. Turned the page expecting a chapter to follow, detailing Jack waking the next day and all that came after. But there was no chapter. The book just stopped, and I didn't expect it to. Still, a really well-written story with plausible characters you could visualize and connect with.
April 24, 2014
I thought I had found another favourite author. Tedd Hawks made me chuckled a few times. He got the story flowing so neatly. Wonderful, I thought. Until I came to the last chapter. And that was it? I was disappointed. This could not be it. But it was. What a let-down. There was hardly a proper closure.
Sigh. Wasted.
Still, it was worth to read through.
Sigh. Wasted.
Still, it was worth to read through.
August 15, 2014
The ending was abrupt and lacking for me. The short story included at the end that the book apparently sprung out of was a more solid and engaging story than the book.
January 4, 2015
I have to agree with other reviewers, the story was great...until the ending. It was just done. No real resolution.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews