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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
I bought this because I like the author and then has one of those 'wait a minute' moments, because there's nothing that interested me about it and having read it, it still totally does not interest me.
Despite my deep reservations about the subject matter (years of Catholic guilt gnawing on my conscience here), I was persuaded to pick this up because Leta has never steered me wrong before. And I'm glad I did. What sold me on this was the fact that being gay was a revelatory experience within the context of the story, Jazz is an out and proud though celibate priest, a concept I found quite revolutionary. I enjoyed the strides Jazz made in LGBT outreach. I liked how his inner monologue conveyed his own fraught dichotomy he faces about his faith and sexuality. I liked that he challenged the outmoded ideology of the Church from within. BUT I must admit, this book won't be for everyone. I spent some time negotiating what did and didn't make me uncomfortable. In the end, Jazz and Nicky's undeniable connection was enough for me sincerely enjoy how their reconciliation came about. I cheered for Nicky's much deserved happy ending.
Despite my deep reservations about the subject matter (years of Catholic guilt gnawing on my conscience here), I was persuaded to pick this up because Leta has never steered me wrong before. And I'm glad I did. What sold me on this was the fact that being gay was a revelatory experience within the context of the story, Jazz is an out and proud though celibate priest, a concept I found quite revolutionary. I enjoyed the strides Jazz made in LGBT outreach. I liked how his inner monologue conveyed his own fraught dichotomy he faces about his faith and sexuality. I liked that he challenged the outmoded ideology of the Church from within. BUT I must admit, this book won't be for everyone. I spent some time negotiating what did and didn't make me uncomfortable. In the end, Jazz and Nicky's undeniable connection was enough for me sincerely enjoy how their reconciliation came about. I cheered for Nicky's much deserved happy ending.
and DONE! This was GOOD. Will write a review later. Have to go back writing my masterthesis now. And yeah, reading this story was more important. Sorry, not sorry.
What a fantastic story! Both main characters are simply great: three-dimensional, a little bit broken (or a lot, in the case of Nicky), but so human! I love that Jasper is an openly gay priest, I love how compromised to his mission he is and the way he cares for all the children in Blue Oasis.
But the rest of the characters are great, too; all of them bring something to the story, none of them is simply a device to create drama.
I love how Jasper's faith never falters, not really; how sure he is of God's love and his worth. And now that we are on the theme of religion, I enjoyed how religion by itself is not demonized, how a lot of religious persons in this book are how all of them should be: compassionated, caring, loving.
And, okay, this might be considered as a spoiler, so please jump to the next paragraph if you want to avoid it. But really, not having them outed by paparazzi, not having them forced to make a decision by external forces? That's simply the best choice done by the authors. And the fact that Jasper didn't renounce to the priesthood only by his love for Nicky; there was more to his decision than it. His compromise with the kids in Blue Oasis was, I think, as much as a reason as his love for Nicky was. So, so great!
This is a superb tale, with important themes woven in its storyline: faith, drugs, young LGBTQA+ at risk, love in all its forms... just listen to it, okay? Just do it.
And Michael Ferraiuolo, as always, does an excellent job with the narration. No for nothing he is one of my favourites narrators :)
But the rest of the characters are great, too; all of them bring something to the story, none of them is simply a device to create drama.
I love how Jasper's faith never falters, not really; how sure he is of God's love and his worth. And now that we are on the theme of religion, I enjoyed how religion by itself is not demonized, how a lot of religious persons in this book are how all of them should be: compassionated, caring, loving.
And, okay, this might be considered as a spoiler, so please jump to the next paragraph if you want to avoid it. But really, not having them outed by paparazzi, not having them forced to make a decision by external forces? That's simply the best choice done by the authors. And the fact that Jasper didn't renounce to the priesthood only by his love for Nicky; there was more to his decision than it. His compromise with the kids in Blue Oasis was, I think, as much as a reason as his love for Nicky was. So, so great!
This is a superb tale, with important themes woven in its storyline: faith, drugs, young LGBTQA+ at risk, love in all its forms... just listen to it, okay? Just do it.
And Michael Ferraiuolo, as always, does an excellent job with the narration. No for nothing he is one of my favourites narrators :)
I read this for a 2nd time, and I pretty much choked up and cried all over again the entire way through. The beginning scene of this book is honestly one of the best things I have ever read. I got chills, *chills*, even though I read it for a second time.
I'm not a religious person at all. But this balanced it so well between two people on opposite sides of the religious spectrum. I never felt like Jesus was being forced down my throat, nor was Christianity beliefs really the main theme as weird as this sounds. It's not a 'come to jesus' book. Or a "atheist has a magical experience and believes in god again" book either. It's a very real, very gritty, and very sweet story with real people.
If the Christianity thing is making you hesitate, don't. Give it a shot.
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Damn. I don't read Jesus-y books, but I saw reviews and took a chance.
So so so glad I did. So good.
I'm not a religious person at all. But this balanced it so well between two people on opposite sides of the religious spectrum. I never felt like Jesus was being forced down my throat, nor was Christianity beliefs really the main theme as weird as this sounds. It's not a 'come to jesus' book. Or a "atheist has a magical experience and believes in god again" book either. It's a very real, very gritty, and very sweet story with real people.
If the Christianity thing is making you hesitate, don't. Give it a shot.
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Damn. I don't read Jesus-y books, but I saw reviews and took a chance.
So so so glad I did. So good.
If you’re looking for a book that will completely destroy you, rip your heart to shreds and put it back together again over and over, Vespertine is that book. It’s not often I’ve felt this bone deep ache and longing between two lovers, although I should expect no less from Leta Blake & Indra Vaughn. There were times when I wanted to put it in the freezer Joey Tribbiani-style because I just knew whatever was coming, it was going to hurt so damn much.
I definitely wasn't prepared for the onslaught of emotions that came along with Jasper's reunion with his childhood best friend and ex-lover Nicky. To say this is a second chance romance feels like an understatement; theirs is a once-in-a-lifetime, all-consuming kind of love. It's that swing for the fences, home run kind of feeling Kirstie Alley talks about in that 90's Olsen Twins flick, It Takes Two. A love that hasn't been lessened by 17 years apart, Jasper becoming an ordained priest and pledging himself to God, or by Nicky's rise to fame and struggles with addiction. Everything in this one is emotionally charged: the hurt, the denial, the forgiveness and the sacrifice. All of which gives a measure of power to Jazz & Nicky's relationship that is next-level, unique and special.
I definitely wasn't prepared for the onslaught of emotions that came along with Jasper's reunion with his childhood best friend and ex-lover Nicky. To say this is a second chance romance feels like an understatement; theirs is a once-in-a-lifetime, all-consuming kind of love. It's that swing for the fences, home run kind of feeling Kirstie Alley talks about in that 90's Olsen Twins flick, It Takes Two. A love that hasn't been lessened by 17 years apart, Jasper becoming an ordained priest and pledging himself to God, or by Nicky's rise to fame and struggles with addiction. Everything in this one is emotionally charged: the hurt, the denial, the forgiveness and the sacrifice. All of which gives a measure of power to Jazz & Nicky's relationship that is next-level, unique and special.
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
Daaaamnnn this is so good. The glimpse of the Catholic priest life accurate and poetic, it just hit close to home. Also I really like the character growth feom start to finish. No wishy-washy angsty drama but real deep poetic thought and I just love it so much. Also it ends beautifully.
I was sceptical at first but thia is so good and very enjoyable to read. Also the angst is beautifully done.
I was sceptical at first but thia is so good and very enjoyable to read. Also the angst is beautifully done.