Review: ~ Review by Brandilyn
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 13, 2014
5 of 5 starsFor original review see The Prism Book Alliance Blog onlineThere are two requirements I have in order to give a book five stars. First, it has to evoke strong emotions, whether good or bad, I have to feel it. Secondly, it has to leave me with a book hangover. You know what I am talking about, right? When you finish a book and say “Wow! Now, what do I do with myself?” Yep, that is what I am talking about right there. I know you have felt it a time or to. If you have not you are not reading the right books (pick up The Race for Second, you will be book hungover in no time).  So what about the book in question?  In short, I loved it.  I couldn’t put it down.Ethan burrowed right into my heart. You start out thinking he may be a bit of a prick, but then you realize that he is just trying to find his way in the world like everyone else. His path takes him across the ocean to Germany and into the line of his new roommate’s ire. Daniel has some ghosts in his past, but his aloof nature puzzles Ethan and their other roommates alike. Until everything changes.The Race for Second, the debut novel for Minnesota based Chase Potter, takes a look at one college students struggles to find himself while living 1/2 a world away and speaking a language that is not his own. You see his struggles with that language, with finding friends, with his sexuality. You see his heart break as he pines for the one he can not have. You see his heart mend a bit as he forges a new path only to have it ripped out again. You see him sink into despair and pull himself back up. You see him resolve to move on. All this time you are feeling each and every moment with Ethan. You are elated with him, and you hurt with him. You smile with him, and you cry with him, a lot.I am eager to see where Mr. Potter’s career takes him. I will gladly read his next offering.