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nina_andreyevna's review
I’m biased, because Jon is a friend and an inspiration. But also, I am correct.
literarily_occupied's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
This book wasn't on my radar until the local bookstore announced that the author would be doing a reading in my hometown. I read the blurb and was immediately intrigued.
The author is from the next town over, and much of what he writes about in this book takes place close to home. But more than the geographical connection; the themes of estrangement, loss, grief, and loneliness are what really drew me in.
While the book's central focus is on the disownment of the author by his mother when she learns that her son is gay, the feelings and emotions expressed in the writing will resonate far beyond the LGBTQ community. Anyone who has had a profound loss, felt a sense of not belonging, or felt abandoned by the ones meant to make them feel safe and secure, will feel seen and understood through Jonathan's words.
I was able to meet Jon last evening and listen as he read from No Son of Mine and then discussed not only the writing process behind his memoir, but also the emotional process as well. Hearing Jon read his own words brought the impact of them to a completely new level. I wish he would have been the one to narrate the audiobook, but when I asked him about it he said that he was never given the option. I truly feel like this was an injustice to the audiobook and why I have given a 4.5 star rating for the audiobook. The book itself gets 5 stars all day long.
The author is from the next town over, and much of what he writes about in this book takes place close to home. But more than the geographical connection; the themes of estrangement, loss, grief, and loneliness are what really drew me in.
While the book's central focus is on the disownment of the author by his mother when she learns that her son is gay, the feelings and emotions expressed in the writing will resonate far beyond the LGBTQ community. Anyone who has had a profound loss, felt a sense of not belonging, or felt abandoned by the ones meant to make them feel safe and secure, will feel seen and understood through Jonathan's words.
I was able to meet Jon last evening and listen as he read from No Son of Mine and then discussed not only the writing process behind his memoir, but also the emotional process as well. Hearing Jon read his own words brought the impact of them to a completely new level. I wish he would have been the one to narrate the audiobook, but when I asked him about it he said that he was never given the option. I truly feel like this was an injustice to the audiobook and why I have given a 4.5 star rating for the audiobook. The book itself gets 5 stars all day long.
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