Review: A Coming of Age- Coming Out Story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 22, 2013
I decided to get this one when I read the blurb of a guy getting together with a neighbor and his dad's best friend.  I just knew that would make for a dramatic read even if nothing else even happened.  And, yes, this one had that 'can't end well edge of disaster' feel through much of the story when I was just waiting for the secrets to come out.But it wasn't just about the drama of clandestine romance.  This is told from a first person perspective of a guy who, yes he has just finished college, but is in essence a likeable innocent young soul who has been confused and lonely much of his life.  He hasn't hid himself so much as he's just been so ordinary that he gets looked over and others assume about him.  This was like a combo 'Coming of Age-Coming Out' story.  I found myself chuckling over Jim Darling.  He's a late bloomer and he doesn't get why suddenly he goes from being part of the background to someone that everyone is noticing.  He doesn't know what to do with the attention or the expectation that is placed on him.And he really doesn't know what to do with the odd behavior that his dad's friend, Len, who is also his high school best friend's dad displays toward him.  Personally, I didn't know what to do with it either.  Len wasn't exactly smooth in his attempts to show his interest in Jim.  I'm glad I didn't go with my first reaction to Len which was to set the story aside.  Len sort of grew on me after that when I worked it out what the deal was.  Len was experienced with getting together with other men, but this thing with Jim knocked him off his game a bit too.  This was Len's first time to want something special.But all too soon reality sets in and Jim realizes that he wants more- in fact, he wants it all.  He doesn't want to live his life in secret with a secret lover.  He is ready to tell everyone in his circle the truth.  The trouble is that Len is not and can't bring himself to be that honest.  The truth has a way of coming out though and that's when things spiral out of control for both guys.I was vested in the story and felt the tension and heartbreak wondering how things would work out.  But it was good stuff.  I actually growled when there was the HFN/abrupt ending because I was still reeling from the final scene.  Looking forward to sequel after I enjoyed this one.