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Two Steps Up
Russ is stuck. He wants to cross the street and enter the building--it looks innocent enough, except for the rainbow flag that hangs from the top of the doorframe. But when Brian shows up and puts him at ease, Russ has the motivation he needs to take those two steps up.
23 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2009
3 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Sean Kennedy
44 books1,015 followersSean Kennedy lives in the second-most isolated city in the world, thinks there are thylacines still out in the wild, and eagerly awaits the return of Twin Peaks in 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 14, 2009
Russ is finally at the place where he needs to be – but Russ is seventeen and not sure of how he will be received when he crosses the street.
He has deliberately chosen somewhere not close to his home town, for fear of being seen – now that he was here, the innocent building with the rainbow flag and a whole lot of comfortable looking kids going in and all seeming to be having fun – he is stuck on the other side of the road.
He needs a little motivation and it comes from the most unlikeliest of source and Russ is none the wiser, but he is gamed to put off going across the street as long as he can.
A short read from Sean Kennedy and it is just that short. This is a coming of age read that delves into the mind of a young lad trying to find himself and his path in the malay of what we all know as “The teenage years”. With a quick pace and a direct approach Kennedy cuts right to the heart of the matter and made this book Russ’s story and it was a nice read to get that feel of Kennedy's voice again.
If you get the chance – give it a read… Reader who have never read Sean Kennedy, TWO STEPS UP is a good intro to his work.
He has deliberately chosen somewhere not close to his home town, for fear of being seen – now that he was here, the innocent building with the rainbow flag and a whole lot of comfortable looking kids going in and all seeming to be having fun – he is stuck on the other side of the road.
He needs a little motivation and it comes from the most unlikeliest of source and Russ is none the wiser, but he is gamed to put off going across the street as long as he can.
A short read from Sean Kennedy and it is just that short. This is a coming of age read that delves into the mind of a young lad trying to find himself and his path in the malay of what we all know as “The teenage years”. With a quick pace and a direct approach Kennedy cuts right to the heart of the matter and made this book Russ’s story and it was a nice read to get that feel of Kennedy's voice again.
If you get the chance – give it a read… Reader who have never read Sean Kennedy, TWO STEPS UP is a good intro to his work.
February 11, 2020
I'm being generous with the stars because I I normally love Kennedy's books, and because of the subject, but wow, I don't think this was even read over let alone edited. The first chapter, where I almost stopped, switched continuously between tenses in nearly every sentence. For a bit I thought it was some weird stylistic choice, but it wasn't because the second chapter was better only because it didn't do that. Plus this isn't even the beginning of a complete story, it's the first couple of chapters of a story. I expect more from this author. I'm really glad I got this through KU.
March 22, 2017
4.5 stars
http://threedollarbillreviews.com/201...
Russ wants more than anything to be able to overcome his doubts and walk into the building looming across the street. By doing so he will be admitting that he belongs in a place with a rainbow flag outside, and when you’re seventeen that’s not an easy thing to do. Once he gets across the road, it’s just two steps up to enter the building, but those two steps are the hardest ones Russ has ever contemplated taking. What he needs is someone else to be there with him, safety in numbers, someone to understand what he’s going through, but he’s standing all alone with his skateboard staring at the building. That is until Brian starts talking to him.
Two Steps Up is a wonderful short story and anyone who struggled with sexual orientation during high school will identify immediately with the character of Russ. He is so well drawn and developed as a character that it is easy to empathize with what he is going through, the internal struggle of being true to himself and opening up to complete strangers. What may appear to be simple is actually an intensely difficult thing to do, and this story so beautiful describes what Russ is going through.
"Russ bites his lip and keeps one foot on his board as he stares at the building across the street. It looks innocent enough, except for the rainbow flag that hangs from the top of the doorframe. Nobody would be able to mistake your intentions for going into that place. Everybody would know your business.
He wonders why they have to make it so obvious. Don’t they know they’re scaring away… potentials? Not that he thinks he is a potential anything; he has long come to the realization that he is a homo. A fruit. Pansy. Fag. Cocksucker. Pillow biter. Friend of Dorothy. Queer. He’s seen all the terms on the net, and those examples aren’t even scratching the surface of what you can be called. Why are there so many words for what he is? And none of them are particularly nice either."
I was immediately drawn into the story with Kennedy’s exceptional writing. The story being in present tense is a perfect choice, making the reading experience a total immersion in the character and his experiences. It isn’t easy to write a story within this tense, and Kennedy does an excellent job.
Within the short length, so much is translated onto the page that by the end you can’t help but be connected to the character of Russ. The story is written from Russ’s point of view, so it is his emotions and thoughts that we are privy to, but at the same time Brian is not a one-dimensional character by any means. Although we may not know much about his past, it’s easy to extrapolate about the kind of person he is. Brian has been where Russ is, and intrinsically knows what Russ needs to bolster his courage.
I likely connected with this story so strongly because I know what it is like to be in Russ’s shoes. His emotional struggle is a mirror image of a part of my own past, like it surely is for so many LGBT individuals. Kennedy has captured that point in a person’s life, the turning point to being able to finally openly admit, “yes I am, this is me, I belong here.” I’ve already read the story a few times and suspect it will be one that I often re-read. Though this focuses on being gay, any reader who has ever felt like an outsider will be able to identify with the main character.
This story is about teenagers, and therefore rightfully so doesn't enter into any elements of a sexual relationship. This short story is perfectly suited for young adult readers, but it can definitely be enjoyed by readers of any age. For only $1.49, this is a story that everyone should read. Kennedy has quickly moved to the top of my list of favorite authors with his exceptional prose and enthralling characters. Anyone who hasn’t yet been introduced to his writing should pick up one of his short stories, and this is an excellent place to start. Once you read one story you won’t be able to stop.
http://threedollarbillreviews.com/201...
Russ wants more than anything to be able to overcome his doubts and walk into the building looming across the street. By doing so he will be admitting that he belongs in a place with a rainbow flag outside, and when you’re seventeen that’s not an easy thing to do. Once he gets across the road, it’s just two steps up to enter the building, but those two steps are the hardest ones Russ has ever contemplated taking. What he needs is someone else to be there with him, safety in numbers, someone to understand what he’s going through, but he’s standing all alone with his skateboard staring at the building. That is until Brian starts talking to him.
Two Steps Up is a wonderful short story and anyone who struggled with sexual orientation during high school will identify immediately with the character of Russ. He is so well drawn and developed as a character that it is easy to empathize with what he is going through, the internal struggle of being true to himself and opening up to complete strangers. What may appear to be simple is actually an intensely difficult thing to do, and this story so beautiful describes what Russ is going through.
"Russ bites his lip and keeps one foot on his board as he stares at the building across the street. It looks innocent enough, except for the rainbow flag that hangs from the top of the doorframe. Nobody would be able to mistake your intentions for going into that place. Everybody would know your business.
He wonders why they have to make it so obvious. Don’t they know they’re scaring away… potentials? Not that he thinks he is a potential anything; he has long come to the realization that he is a homo. A fruit. Pansy. Fag. Cocksucker. Pillow biter. Friend of Dorothy. Queer. He’s seen all the terms on the net, and those examples aren’t even scratching the surface of what you can be called. Why are there so many words for what he is? And none of them are particularly nice either."
I was immediately drawn into the story with Kennedy’s exceptional writing. The story being in present tense is a perfect choice, making the reading experience a total immersion in the character and his experiences. It isn’t easy to write a story within this tense, and Kennedy does an excellent job.
Within the short length, so much is translated onto the page that by the end you can’t help but be connected to the character of Russ. The story is written from Russ’s point of view, so it is his emotions and thoughts that we are privy to, but at the same time Brian is not a one-dimensional character by any means. Although we may not know much about his past, it’s easy to extrapolate about the kind of person he is. Brian has been where Russ is, and intrinsically knows what Russ needs to bolster his courage.
I likely connected with this story so strongly because I know what it is like to be in Russ’s shoes. His emotional struggle is a mirror image of a part of my own past, like it surely is for so many LGBT individuals. Kennedy has captured that point in a person’s life, the turning point to being able to finally openly admit, “yes I am, this is me, I belong here.” I’ve already read the story a few times and suspect it will be one that I often re-read. Though this focuses on being gay, any reader who has ever felt like an outsider will be able to identify with the main character.
This story is about teenagers, and therefore rightfully so doesn't enter into any elements of a sexual relationship. This short story is perfectly suited for young adult readers, but it can definitely be enjoyed by readers of any age. For only $1.49, this is a story that everyone should read. Kennedy has quickly moved to the top of my list of favorite authors with his exceptional prose and enthralling characters. Anyone who hasn’t yet been introduced to his writing should pick up one of his short stories, and this is an excellent place to start. Once you read one story you won’t be able to stop.
November 26, 2009
This is a great short story about two seventeen-year-old boys and the courage it takes in those first few steps towards understanding yourself. Russ can’t quite bring himself to cross the street and take the two steps into the Gay-Lesbian Youth Center but thankfully after a short interlude with Brian, he’s found that inner strength once again. This quick teaser gives a feel for the writing and style while giving a glimpse into the mindsets of young adults.
Even though this is a fairly quick story, the author’s strong writing is able to draw you into the scene and characters almost immediately. Russ translates well as an uncertain teenager, having never kissed a boy or a girl he’s rather far outside his comfort zone. His nerves and strength are simultaneously evident as is his determination to go to this youth meeting, even though it may scare him. It’s easy to sympathize with Russ as he takes a spill on the skateboard ramp and cheer his success with his first kiss.
One the best aspects of the story is there is no sex at all. These are two teenagers who aren’t even thinking of that yet, more so still at the wanting to hang out and skateboard stage. Yet their first kiss is conveyed well giving a hint of nerves, hormones, and satisfaction. If anything, I was left wanting to read more of Russ and Brian and how they navigate such a difficult time in their lives. The ending was sweet, but fitting:
"Standing under the small bit of shade cast by the flag, Russ looks across the street to where he stood only a little while earlier. Funny how everything had seemed so insurmountable before. Those two little steps leading up into the building had looked so much bigger."
If you enjoy lovely short stories about young adults and coming of age, you will enjoy this offering. Fans of the author will of course want this story as it reinforces the unique style and voice Kennedy has. This story may end sweet, but it’s really lovely and satisfying with instantly good characters.
Even though this is a fairly quick story, the author’s strong writing is able to draw you into the scene and characters almost immediately. Russ translates well as an uncertain teenager, having never kissed a boy or a girl he’s rather far outside his comfort zone. His nerves and strength are simultaneously evident as is his determination to go to this youth meeting, even though it may scare him. It’s easy to sympathize with Russ as he takes a spill on the skateboard ramp and cheer his success with his first kiss.
One the best aspects of the story is there is no sex at all. These are two teenagers who aren’t even thinking of that yet, more so still at the wanting to hang out and skateboard stage. Yet their first kiss is conveyed well giving a hint of nerves, hormones, and satisfaction. If anything, I was left wanting to read more of Russ and Brian and how they navigate such a difficult time in their lives. The ending was sweet, but fitting:
"Standing under the small bit of shade cast by the flag, Russ looks across the street to where he stood only a little while earlier. Funny how everything had seemed so insurmountable before. Those two little steps leading up into the building had looked so much bigger."
If you enjoy lovely short stories about young adults and coming of age, you will enjoy this offering. Fans of the author will of course want this story as it reinforces the unique style and voice Kennedy has. This story may end sweet, but it’s really lovely and satisfying with instantly good characters.
October 24, 2009
This is a short about a 17 year old skater who is trying to get up the nerver to go to a GLBT youth group meeting. He meets another skater outside and they end up going to an indoor skate ramp before the meeting. He finds out the other kid is the organizer/leader of the meeting and he gets his first kiss. A cute story about accepting who you are and getting the courage to take that first step with the help of a friend. Its in present tense which always takes me a bit to get used to but I really enjoyed it.
May 13, 2012
I'm going to give this book 3 stars. It's a sweet story about a 17 year old boy that is about to go to his first lbgt meeting and is nervous. So nervous he isn't sure he can take the last two steps into the meeting. He meets another guy outside the meeting that helps him have the courage to go in. It's really a sweet story and reminds me of the writing we get from Sen Kennedy in Tigers and Devils.
August 30, 2016
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
This was a seriously short story but still managed to convey a solid beginning, middle and end. I could really imagine the turmoil felt by the MC as he contemplated walking into an openly marked GBLT building at the tender and closeted age of 17 (or so)... I'm not sure the story is worth $1.49, but *shrugs* I don't regret supporting the author for this shortie :)
This was a seriously short story but still managed to convey a solid beginning, middle and end. I could really imagine the turmoil felt by the MC as he contemplated walking into an openly marked GBLT building at the tender and closeted age of 17 (or so)... I'm not sure the story is worth $1.49, but *shrugs* I don't regret supporting the author for this shortie :)
July 5, 2010
3.5 stars
Wonder how I missed reviewing this one. Anyway, I liked the story because it deals with a young man's concern of entering a Gay support meeting. All the worries and thoughts ... and of course, the other young man who helps him ease that. It's a sweet short story from one of my favorite authors in this genre.
Wonder how I missed reviewing this one. Anyway, I liked the story because it deals with a young man's concern of entering a Gay support meeting. All the worries and thoughts ... and of course, the other young man who helps him ease that. It's a sweet short story from one of my favorite authors in this genre.
April 3, 2010
Short, really cute story about first gay kiss. The main characters are two 17 year old skate boarders and one of them is trying to find the courage to come out as being gay and to join a young gays group. It's sweet and endearing.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
October 5, 2010
Cute short m/m about a teen standing across the street from where a gay teens support group meeting will be held, trying to work up the nerve to go to the meeting.
August 30, 2011
again another short story that's magnificent.
October 12, 2011
Very sweet story of how just a little help from someone can help you be who you are supposed to be.
September 17, 2012
4.25 stars
March 24, 2012
Cute, but a bit too short for me to work properly
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews