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4.17 AVERAGE
4.17 AVERAGE
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
absolutely devastated
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I will never be able to, in good conscience, recommend this book (or the movie) to anyone. It is deeply harrowing—perhaps the most harrowing thing I've ever read—and an unflinching look at CSA. The film was formative for me, and I think it's a privilege to get to know these characters. The plurality of their voices makes for a very strong narrative—seeing not just Neil and Brian's perspective but also that of those closest to them allows us to see the devastating effects of the abuse they suffered and how deeply they root themselves in all of their lives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
this is by far my favourite book i have ever read. sickening at times, but truly speaks truth to the experiences of people who experienced sexual trauma in childhood. I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Kidnapping
“If I had a spirit, I felt it fly out of me then. And if Brian had a spirit, it flew hand in hand with mine, lifting above the couch, passing through the roof, hovering in the black and measureless air that blanketed the house where Coach once lived.”
The Gregg Araki movie is a masterpiece, and the book is wonderful too in a sometimes clumsy but always earnest way. When I think of books about gay men’s trauma, this book and A Little Life come to mind, but unlike ALL, which felt agonizing at times, this book was a warm hug, a balm for old wounds, and an articulation of the strange intricacies of queerness and child sexual abuse. I am so grateful it and Araki’s film exist!
The Gregg Araki movie is a masterpiece, and the book is wonderful too in a sometimes clumsy but always earnest way. When I think of books about gay men’s trauma, this book and A Little Life come to mind, but unlike ALL, which felt agonizing at times, this book was a warm hug, a balm for old wounds, and an articulation of the strange intricacies of queerness and child sexual abuse. I am so grateful it and Araki’s film exist!