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A review by saarahnina
Finding the Sky by A.M. Burns
4.0
I received this through NetGalley.
I'd like to start by commenting on the title, it couldn't have been more suitable - I especially enjoyed the parts regarding the birds, and the freedom which was metaphoric of Dillon's freedom to explore his sexuality. At the beginning the hawk was injured, wounded and broken representing Dillon's poor self esteem, confusion and vulnerability. Indeed, this was cleverly implemented.
I first requested this book because I don't usually lean towards books in which the main characters are homosexuals, I'm not homophobic - believe me, I'm tolerant and accepting of them. I wouldn't say this book made me more so, or less so for that matter.
But I did learn about the development of human relationships. I have little else to say in regard to this. Just that a month back I read a book with homosexual characters, I didn't complete it. At first I thought that it was because of the homosexuality element to it, but I wasn't sure. I'm pleased to find that I can read books with characters with different sexualities or gender orientations.
The novel itself was fairly good, it was about a young boy who comes of an age where he quickly becomes confused with his sexuality. His uncle and a guy he meets help him come to terms with it.
Whilst I did follow through with reading it, the novel provided no sort of compelling ideas, nor did it create a sense of urgency for me to find out how it ends. As a result I couldn't give it five stars. I know that a certain allure was there, since I did enjoy it for the most part.
Also the novel had a sort of hidden story to it regarding Dillon's father and his history with gangs and Molly's attempt to keep it from Dillon. This was almost scandalous, it was disappointing that it was not explored instead both Dillon's parents die. Because Milly is described as homophobic, as told by her gay brother Bryan, it'd definitely have been interesting to see her confront her own son's homosexuality. Instead we are deprived of this and we can't witness Dillon's relationship with Molly once this comes out. I'm sure you can agree that there were so many other ways this story could have been told, but at the end of the day we just have to accept it as it is, it's the same as all tales. I suppose the author didn't want to detract from the key ideas: that we can build a family from anywhere; that we'd always be surrounded by those we love; that sometimes we just need a helping hand to pick us up and keep us going- as signified by the injured hawk.
I'd like to start by commenting on the title, it couldn't have been more suitable - I especially enjoyed the parts regarding the birds, and the freedom which was metaphoric of Dillon's freedom to explore his sexuality. At the beginning the hawk was injured, wounded and broken representing Dillon's poor self esteem, confusion and vulnerability. Indeed, this was cleverly implemented.
I first requested this book because I don't usually lean towards books in which the main characters are homosexuals, I'm not homophobic - believe me, I'm tolerant and accepting of them. I wouldn't say this book made me more so, or less so for that matter.
But I did learn about the development of human relationships. I have little else to say in regard to this. Just that a month back I read a book with homosexual characters, I didn't complete it. At first I thought that it was because of the homosexuality element to it, but I wasn't sure. I'm pleased to find that I can read books with characters with different sexualities or gender orientations.
The novel itself was fairly good, it was about a young boy who comes of an age where he quickly becomes confused with his sexuality. His uncle and a guy he meets help him come to terms with it.
Whilst I did follow through with reading it, the novel provided no sort of compelling ideas, nor did it create a sense of urgency for me to find out how it ends. As a result I couldn't give it five stars. I know that a certain allure was there, since I did enjoy it for the most part.
Also the novel had a sort of hidden story to it regarding Dillon's father and his history with gangs and Molly's attempt to keep it from Dillon. This was almost scandalous, it was disappointing that it was not explored instead both Dillon's parents die. Because Milly is described as homophobic, as told by her gay brother Bryan, it'd definitely have been interesting to see her confront her own son's homosexuality. Instead we are deprived of this and we can't witness Dillon's relationship with Molly once this comes out. I'm sure you can agree that there were so many other ways this story could have been told, but at the end of the day we just have to accept it as it is, it's the same as all tales. I suppose the author didn't want to detract from the key ideas: that we can build a family from anywhere; that we'd always be surrounded by those we love; that sometimes we just need a helping hand to pick us up and keep us going- as signified by the injured hawk.