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a_reader_obsessed 's review for:
End of the Innocence
by John Goode
Just so you know, the title of this story pretty much sums things up very appropriately.
I'm not going to spoil anything except to say that this was profound and I know that the events that happened in this work of fiction has happened in real life, is happening right now, and will happen again. And it saddens me and makes me angry and puts things into perspective.
I would like to say that Kyle and Brad's life gets easier after their big reveal, but as with the first book, this continues to be a honest, difficult look at how they struggle for acceptance in their small conservative town.
Not only do they face what every teen faces - insecurity, peer pressure, dealing with raging hormones and first love - but more obstacles are thrown at them. There's new revelations and crises, along with continued bullying and the struggle to fit in. Goode also throws a wrench in things as he shows that hate and bigotry can go both ways.
What stands out for me most is Kyle. He was amazing in his quest to stop the cycle of hate on both fronts. He strives to bridge the gap through compassion and understanding, and his smarts and wit were brilliant. Brad continues to grow and evolve. He's steadfast in his feelings for Kyle, and I loved how his convictions grew stronger, cementing his happiness that he made the right choices for himself.
This was a nail biter for me - I fretted and worried over the very real situations I know LGBT teens and adults face. The haters are not going to read this and change their minds, but if someone who feels like their world is ending or knows of someone who is, this just might make a difference in knowing that they're not alone and that they matter.
I'm not going to spoil anything except to say that this was profound and I know that the events that happened in this work of fiction has happened in real life, is happening right now, and will happen again. And it saddens me and makes me angry and puts things into perspective.
I would like to say that Kyle and Brad's life gets easier after their big reveal, but as with the first book, this continues to be a honest, difficult look at how they struggle for acceptance in their small conservative town.
Not only do they face what every teen faces - insecurity, peer pressure, dealing with raging hormones and first love - but more obstacles are thrown at them. There's new revelations and crises, along with continued bullying and the struggle to fit in. Goode also throws a wrench in things as he shows that hate and bigotry can go both ways.
What stands out for me most is Kyle. He was amazing in his quest to stop the cycle of hate on both fronts. He strives to bridge the gap through compassion and understanding, and his smarts and wit were brilliant. Brad continues to grow and evolve. He's steadfast in his feelings for Kyle, and I loved how his convictions grew stronger, cementing his happiness that he made the right choices for himself.
This was a nail biter for me - I fretted and worried over the very real situations I know LGBT teens and adults face. The haters are not going to read this and change their minds, but if someone who feels like their world is ending or knows of someone who is, this just might make a difference in knowing that they're not alone and that they matter.