Unabridged Audiobook
So the writing style was nice.... but I am a queer person from Alabama, and I was excited to read this book, but this is a god awful depiction of Alabama. Character’s behaviors are at the same time over the top and not enough, the geography makes absolutely no sense, and there are actually two SEC universities in Alabama.
Definitely not keeping my interest. I tried but it's too wordy, too much description for everyday objects.
I was surprised by the negative reviews for this book. I might have enjoyed it more than others because I related to the story. I grew up in the South and was unsure about my sexuality during those awkward teen years. There are parts of the book that are beautifully written, especially if you had a close friend growing up that you shared a sexual awakening with. I was particularly impressed at the author’s sense of awareness for how boys would interact with each other written from a female perspective. Another key part of the story is the main character’s exposure to religion having grown up an atheist. It has a profound impact on him and leaves him torn between two groups of friends who he cares deeply for. Parts of the book are sad and frustrating, but overall I thought it was a fairly accurate portrayal of what kids at a southern religious school might do, say and sound like in modern times. The narrator must be a trained voice actor because he was able to do different accents for each character and keep them all distinct. If you enjoy coming of age stories with gay characters or elements, I think you will enjoy listening to it.
I couldn't get in to this story. Seemed like the setting should have been in the 1920's or 1930's and didn't fit in with current social and teen life. I'm not from the south, but this seems too over the top stereotypical. The special powers part I didn't mind so much and could almost believe, but the reality attempt seemed too far fetched. Kind of contradictory I know. Not sure what the target audience is for this book. I couldn't even finish it.
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