Scan barcode
A review by theskyboi
From the Universe to Me by Scott E. Garrison
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I want to thank the author, Scott E. Garrison (@scott_thelibrarian), for the opportunity to review his debut novel; I had tons of fun reading it, and I hope you do as well!
Tobias is a first-year history student in college, and he's excited to be attending the same school as his two best friends. Immediately, Garrison establishes Tobias as a well intentioned protagonist with a loving family and supportive friends. However, this brilliant support network is at odds with Tobias' largest secret.
As our protagonist finds himself academically, he gets thrust into discovering his sexuality when he is met with advances by his history professor, Gareth. Unable to come out to his loved ones and forced to keep his forbidden crush a secret, Tobias clings to his anxiety over whether he can confide in anyone around him.
From the Universe to Me continues the tradition of the coming-of-age college story by drawing upon the emotional minutiae of being a queer student. Earnest, emotional, and hopeful in equal measure, Tobias' story is one that many can relate to and that even more should have the chance to discover.
Fans of new adult tomes with a focus on identity will undoubtedly enjoy the emotionally charged pages of this novel. Anyone who has ever felt adrift in a sea of unlimited choices will definitely find themself empathizing with and echoing the thoughts that Tobias expresses from the very first page.
Tobias is a first-year history student in college, and he's excited to be attending the same school as his two best friends. Immediately, Garrison establishes Tobias as a well intentioned protagonist with a loving family and supportive friends. However, this brilliant support network is at odds with Tobias' largest secret.
As our protagonist finds himself academically, he gets thrust into discovering his sexuality when he is met with advances by his history professor, Gareth. Unable to come out to his loved ones and forced to keep his forbidden crush a secret, Tobias clings to his anxiety over whether he can confide in anyone around him.
From the Universe to Me continues the tradition of the coming-of-age college story by drawing upon the emotional minutiae of being a queer student. Earnest, emotional, and hopeful in equal measure, Tobias' story is one that many can relate to and that even more should have the chance to discover.
Fans of new adult tomes with a focus on identity will undoubtedly enjoy the emotionally charged pages of this novel. Anyone who has ever felt adrift in a sea of unlimited choices will definitely find themself empathizing with and echoing the thoughts that Tobias expresses from the very first page.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Sexual harassment