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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
It took me a little while to get into this book. Nicky's first chapter painted a really terrible picture, which was, of course, the point, but it made me hesitate to continue because I didn't want to read any more of that. Thankfully, that was just the setup, and it got better after that. I really liked Jasper and how he viewed his calling. The supporting characters were great, too, especially Nicky's parents, Ramona, and the kids at Blue Oasis.
I paused reading this book two months ago. Unfortunately, when I picked it up again I couldn't bring back the magic. I skimmed the last 15% to reach the ending.
It's me, not the book, most of my friends enjoyed it very much.
It's me, not the book, most of my friends enjoyed it very much.
emotional
hopeful
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
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, Religious bigotry
Wow, this book was intense! The characters - a Catholic priest and a rock star addict. The subject matter, so much taboo!
In my mind, I was all, how are the authors going to pull this off? Is this not going to be a happy ending?
It certainly was gripping. I was very much vested on Nicky and Jasper. I like them together. It took me a while to actually like them, separately and together.
Very well written!
In my mind, I was all, how are the authors going to pull this off? Is this not going to be a happy ending?
It certainly was gripping. I was very much vested on Nicky and Jasper. I like them together. It took me a while to actually like them, separately and together.
Very well written!
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 :)
Loved it!
Especially loved how Jasper's spirituality continued to be an integral part of his nature throughout the story, without it being cloying or precious. It felt real, solid and right.
This is one of those rare books that, once finished, I was tempted to start reading again immediately.
Especially loved how Jasper's spirituality continued to be an integral part of his nature throughout the story, without it being cloying or precious. It felt real, solid and right.
This is one of those rare books that, once finished, I was tempted to start reading again immediately.
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Religious bigotry
Minor: Homophobia
Their teenage romance ended when Jasper made a decision that broke their relationship and everything between them. When rock star Nicky returns home, he has to face the man who chose the priesthood over him. And Jasper has to decide if the choice he made all those years ago was the right one.
Everything in this book was treated with the utmost care. The religion, the drug addiction, the young trans residents at BO. It was one of the most thoughtful novels I've read in a long time and I'm so happy that it was recommended to me.
Everything in this book was treated with the utmost care. The religion, the drug addiction, the young trans residents at BO. It was one of the most thoughtful novels I've read in a long time and I'm so happy that it was recommended to me.
A mesmerizing, compelling and emotional read that just gutted me! Sex, drugs and rock and roll. Ms. Blake and Ms. Vaughn's words were like a warm blanket that covered me. I love the second chances trope. One of my favorites. Jasper (Jazz) and Nicky (Nico) were boyhood friends and as teens, lovers. Through parental interference and many other things, they part, painfully. Jasper is called to the priesthood and Nicky goes on to become a rock star who is hopelessly addicted. They meet again after 17 years - Nicky trying to stay sober and Jazz, struggling to deal with the Catholic church and his desire to continue his work with LGBTQ teens. The juxtaposition of Jasper's devotion to God and his love of Nick is captured brilliantly. The dialogue! The weaving of prayer and his love of Nicky was written with honesty and respect for the religion. The struggle that Nicky to say sober heartbreaking. I felt as if I was there in Maine watching these tortured loving men. This was one of those books that I savored, re-read passages, cried, laughed and just jumped into the story. I found myself waking up each time I read as if I had been in a fugue. The words were written with such depth and passion. A wonderful read.