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A review by crtsjffrsn
Better by Jaime Samms
3.0
Jesse Turbul has tried hard to put the traumatic events of his last relationship behind him. The experience left him unable to trust--not just someone else but even himself--and as much as he wants to move on, it seems like the reminders just keep coming back to haunt him. When he meets Aadon in the library, he finds himself wanting to get past his issues more than ever, but he learns that you can't rush things that shouldn't be rushed. What Jesse doesn't know is that Aadon is dealing with some issues of his own. His brother, Ricky, experienced some trauma of his own in his youth, and after turning to drugs to cope, is in a facility--and Aadon is the only member of his family who is willing to support and stand by him. It is a lot for one person to take on, and while it might make him uniquely suited to understand where Jesse is coming from, it might also mean that Aadon is much closer to his own breaking point than anyone realizes. Can the two find the right balance between love, support, and space to deal?
There is a lot of backstory here that reveals itself as the book goes on and brings out the characters' pasts (especially Jesse's) in layers. This works to help readers understand the complexity of the issues at play without throwing everyone our way all at once. There are some details that are never revealed, but this is balanced with enough information to get the picture and a recognition that those details aren't necessary to engage with the plot and the characters and understand what they are going through. I found this to be an enjoyable and interesting read, and although it's not all sunshine and rainbows, there is a bit of an uplifting feel to it overall.
There is a lot of backstory here that reveals itself as the book goes on and brings out the characters' pasts (especially Jesse's) in layers. This works to help readers understand the complexity of the issues at play without throwing everyone our way all at once. There are some details that are never revealed, but this is balanced with enough information to get the picture and a recognition that those details aren't necessary to engage with the plot and the characters and understand what they are going through. I found this to be an enjoyable and interesting read, and although it's not all sunshine and rainbows, there is a bit of an uplifting feel to it overall.