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Fighting the Truth
Nathan and Isaac have been best friends since elementary school. When Isaac breaks down the friendship barrier and advances their relationship after senior prom, they begin their lives together. As the years go on, they discover more about each other, and what makes their relationship work. And while Nathan yearns to walk down the street with Isaac’s hand in his, Isaac refuses to publicize their relationship to anyone more than their two best friends, Jake and Sydney.
Nathan is okay with this. Having been in a relationship with Sydney prior to being with Isaac, he confides in her and cherishes her loyalty. When she confesses to having feelings for Nathan and Isaac’s good friend, Jake, he finds out how loyal she truly is. As their relationship grows, Jake and Nathan’s friendship slowly dwindles.
Isaac, on the other hand, has trouble accepting Nathan and Sydney’s relationship. He doesn’t outwardly believe they are platonic, yet inwardly, he knows better.
From the beginning, the reader knows that Nathan is leaving Isaac that very night. However, because of the story structure, the reason he is doing so is not revealed until much later. The first five chapters are told in flashback sequence—that is, chapter one goes back six years, chapter two goes back five years, and so on, until the reader reaches the chapter where they discover what has happened. From then on out, the story takes place in the present (though still told in the past), with occasional flashbacks here and there to keep up the theme.
Once Isaac finds out where Nathan has gone—and he thinks he knows why—he drops everything to chase after him. On the way he scrutinizes he and Nathan’s relationship, and that causes him to second-guess himself and his intentions. Jake and Sydney do their best to convince him otherwise, and he once again embarks on the journey. This journey is not only physically, but also emotionally. He reevaluates his life and begins to accept himself.
In the meantime, Nathan is taking a different journey and battling his own demons. His decision to leave Isaac is detrimental to his health, and he too contemplates himself and his intentions. He realizes the severity of his actions, and regrets that he can’t take them back. With forced optimism, he convinces himself that life will get better. He doesn’t think he’ll ever see Isaac again. Trying desperately to put the past behind him and move on, he realizes it won’t be that easy. He isn’t ready to let it go.
Nathan is okay with this. Having been in a relationship with Sydney prior to being with Isaac, he confides in her and cherishes her loyalty. When she confesses to having feelings for Nathan and Isaac’s good friend, Jake, he finds out how loyal she truly is. As their relationship grows, Jake and Nathan’s friendship slowly dwindles.
Isaac, on the other hand, has trouble accepting Nathan and Sydney’s relationship. He doesn’t outwardly believe they are platonic, yet inwardly, he knows better.
From the beginning, the reader knows that Nathan is leaving Isaac that very night. However, because of the story structure, the reason he is doing so is not revealed until much later. The first five chapters are told in flashback sequence—that is, chapter one goes back six years, chapter two goes back five years, and so on, until the reader reaches the chapter where they discover what has happened. From then on out, the story takes place in the present (though still told in the past), with occasional flashbacks here and there to keep up the theme.
Once Isaac finds out where Nathan has gone—and he thinks he knows why—he drops everything to chase after him. On the way he scrutinizes he and Nathan’s relationship, and that causes him to second-guess himself and his intentions. Jake and Sydney do their best to convince him otherwise, and he once again embarks on the journey. This journey is not only physically, but also emotionally. He reevaluates his life and begins to accept himself.
In the meantime, Nathan is taking a different journey and battling his own demons. His decision to leave Isaac is detrimental to his health, and he too contemplates himself and his intentions. He realizes the severity of his actions, and regrets that he can’t take them back. With forced optimism, he convinces himself that life will get better. He doesn’t think he’ll ever see Isaac again. Trying desperately to put the past behind him and move on, he realizes it won’t be that easy. He isn’t ready to let it go.
276 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2008
357 people want to read
About the author
Tara Leigh
7 books20 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 1, 2014
Fighting the Truth is a LGBT story of two best friends who quickly find themselves drawn to one another. By far the strongest aspect of the book is how detailed the growing passion between the two boys is. Not for the weak of heart, the story details every facet of their raunchy love fest. But the lust isn't the only factor aching to appeal here, there is also a bit of mystery thrown in to hook would be readers. Nathan, gun-ho in coming out and making his relationship with Isaac public, is constantly road blocked by the ever timid Isaac who's afraid of what people might think when they find out the truth, especially his family. This leaves Nathan with a painful choice, which is detailed in a back and forth style narrative moving from the present to the past to explore how their relationship ended up where it did. For those not afraid to explore non-traditional relationships, or those who are especially fans of LGBTQ relationships, this is an anticipated read.
February 25, 2012
The premise of this book sounded interesting to me, but the story itself was disappointing, it looks too much like soap opera stuff. I was curious as to why Nathan was leaving Isaac, but when the reason was revealed, I found it not believable. The actions of the main characters, especially Nathan, seemed totally illogical to me and as a result, I didn't like either. The more pages I read, the more I thought both Isaac and Nathan were too weak and spineless and at times even plain dumb. I also didn't like . The whole thing that pushed Nathan to leave Isaac and everything that came from it were too over the top for me not to roll my eyes several times. Towards the end, I started skipping lines here and there, but I didn't quit because I wanted to know how things would end. I can't say I liked the ending either though, in spite of some good emotional moments.
Not everything was bad though: I liked the flashbacks to the beginning of the relationship between Nathan and Isaac and also the parts that spoke of their life as a couple. I think if everything hadn't been so over the top, I could have enjoyed the story. But as it was, I couldn't get into it.
Not everything was bad though: I liked the flashbacks to the beginning of the relationship between Nathan and Isaac and also the parts that spoke of their life as a couple. I think if everything hadn't been so over the top, I could have enjoyed the story. But as it was, I couldn't get into it.
January 31, 2014
I really liked this novel. It follows the story of Nathan and Isaac, who have been best friends since they were young. They eventually become more than just friends, but Isaac doesn’t share the same view as Nathan and wants to keep their relationship low key; only allowing a couple of friends to know about them. I found this to be quite an intriguing read. I like how the plot is written; from future to past, allowing the developed characters to slowly gain some history. There are a few really emotional parts within the book, which I won’t spoil for you, that really get you going. The author is very descriptive and creates a very realistic atmosphere between the characters; to the point that you almost feel the emotions yourself! This is not my usual genre of choice but overall this was a very pleasant read that I highly recommend. *****
February 1, 2014
It didn't take me long to find myself hooked right into Fighting the truth, and though I didn't really know what to expect at first, I am definitely glad that I gave it a chance. The main things that stood out to me is the pure dynamic traits of the characters and the vivid writing style that is used to express them.
The author does a great job of giving just enough detail (without going over the top) so that it's easy to visualize the characters probably just how the author intended them to be interpreted.Fighting the Truth may be the first book that I have read by Tara Leigh, but I am entirely sure that it will not be the last
The author does a great job of giving just enough detail (without going over the top) so that it's easy to visualize the characters probably just how the author intended them to be interpreted.Fighting the Truth may be the first book that I have read by Tara Leigh, but I am entirely sure that it will not be the last
February 16, 2014
Few books pass the test of time, however this one comes through with flying colors. Tara Leigh takes you on a heartfelt journey through the lives of Nathan and Isaac. This is the kind of book that will reach out and touch you when you least expect it. I feel the story carried very well and kept my full attention all the way through without any pauses. I only wish the book was longer so I didn't have to see it end. I am recommending this book to all my like minded friends.
July 16, 2012
One of the worst books I've ever read. Overwrought, emotionally immature, unbelievable characterization, and overall simple. It's about as groundbreaking as a Lifetime movie, and about as entertaining as one as well.
Want to Read
February 4, 2013Just received this book in the mail from a Goodreads giveaway. Review to come soon!
September 6, 2016
Unfortunately, I somehow managed to abstain from closing the book after the first 15 pages. Should have listened to my first instinct, but alas, I got to the end. One star is too much for this book. No stars is appropriate.
I get the idea behind the story but it was terribly, terribly executed.
The plot got dragged on way too long, and with some highly unbelievable and unrealistic "twists and turns". And the main characters...I think it's the first time ever I've disliked both main characters in a book (to this extent). Even though the characters are in their 20's, with the way they're portrayed and from their actions, I feel like they're actually two snotty, bratty, immature, 12 year olds.
I get the idea behind the story but it was terribly, terribly executed.
The plot got dragged on way too long, and with some highly unbelievable and unrealistic "twists and turns". And the main characters...I think it's the first time ever I've disliked both main characters in a book (to this extent). Even though the characters are in their 20's, with the way they're portrayed and from their actions, I feel like they're actually two snotty, bratty, immature, 12 year olds.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews