Review: Simply amazing!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 17, 2012
In End of the Innocence by John Goode we are once again thrust into the lives of two young men, Kyle and Brad and their crash into reality. In a nutshell, the story centers on the next chapter of Brad and Kyle's life, picking up after the infamous school board meeting where Brad essentially manned up and admitted shamefully yet boldly that he had been a bully and that he was now going to be a force for change. The two boys now have a certain edge of notoriety that causes Kyle to more than once wish for the safety of the shadows and leaves Brad often confused yet resolved. Most of this novel revolves around The Party.Kelly was Brad's friend who was essentially in love with Brad and hiding it deep, deep in the closet. The Party would become an opportunity for Brad and Kyle and their ragtag group of friends to essentially "make their stand"--we're here--queer--get over it. Unfortunately, high school, social media and old hurts inflicted by uncaring people would cause this party to be the end of many things...including someone's life.Along the way to this stunning ending, new characters are introduces--so quirky--so fun--and yes--in their own way, so wounded. Sammy and Robbie epitomize those brash, out their friends we all have who use humor and cutting sarcasm to mask their pain--and to show the world that they survive--they not only survive, they excel at being who they are and refuse to offer excuses for it. I loved them--they were sassy and bold--and perhaps the truest most stalwart friends Kyle would ever meet.On top of these two, Jennifer, Brad's ex is pure revelation. Beneath the pretty high school cheerleader/popular girl beats the heart of a warrior--a faithful, trustworthy warrior who makes it her business to rise above the painful breakup with Brad and build a friendship with both him and Kyle. She takes Kyle under her protective wing and stands with both boys through all the incredible events leading up to and after the party. She is, simply put, the best friend a gay guy could have!Author John Goode takes a simple cast of characters which he has so masterfully and beautifully created and shows us their lives. He writes with lyrical grace and a sharp eye on what makes people tick.Highly recommended.