Review: Breathtaking Read!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 9, 2014
I read Paul and Sam by this author last year and really enjoyed it! when I was told he had this new book coming out I was itching to get my hands on it!What I really enjoy about Justin South's books is the fact they are based on true life. He is a counsellor and has worked with many young people struggling with their sexuality so I know from the first page nothing is exaggerated or fabricated for effect!Alex and Drew was a extremely easy book to read due to the writing style yet it is not a easy book on the heart!This is a story based on a young man Alex, who for years has enduring beatings and sexual abuse from his step father. Yes, he has tried to get help from the police and local hospital but his mother always steps in and tells the authorities her son is slow and not very bright, it's her way of protecting herself and her husband so Alex is never taken seriously!Alex meets his first ever friend Drew, who's family has rented the house next door for a few weeks. From this moment you feel hope for this young man that everyone ignores and constantly puts down!Drew's parents are extremely supportive of their son and welcome Alex with open arms a experience totally alien to him. You can feel his emotions and fears not knowing exactly what to reveal about his own family.The friendship between these Two very different young men soon grows into much more and when it's time for Drew and his family to leave they promise to stay in touch. (I don't want to say any more about the story as this will spoil it for other readers)This was a amazing read, there was many twists to this story I was not expecting. Yes it is a emotional read, gritty and heart wrenching at times but more than that is is a story showing the reality some of our youth have to endure on a daily basis. It also shows with trust, love affection and encouragement a young man can grow, find confidence and a way to completely change his life around.I loved these characters they were well developed so you felt every emotion, good and bad that they went through on this emotional journey.They are both still on my mind but not in a negative way, the author managed to tell the story with such professionalism and passion I was left with wonderful images of a great future for this amazingly strong couple despite the horrific start to there relationship.I highly recommend this book, it will certainly pull on your emotions but will leave you with a sense of hope and peace!