Review: Genius!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 23, 2012
In Jumbo, Todd Young tells the story of Mitchell, a small guy with an even smaller problem. Mitchell has a micropenis. He could've probably kept it hidden (no pun intended) if it weren't for the fact that he is a competitive swimmer. It's bad enough that spectators see him in his speedo at the pool, but the guys on the team see him naked in the showers every day after practice. That's how he gets the nickname Jumbo, and it sticks. Even worse, it spreads across school.Mitchell has a lot to worry about. Not only does he have freakishly small equipment, but he's also gay. Although he's secretly in love with his best friend, Luke, he can't seem to stop staring at Tadd (who is extremely well endowed) when they're all in the shower. He constantly worries that the guys on the team will find out he's gay. Things at home aren't going so well either. And then there's the matter of the notes he keeps finding in his locker. Lust notes. It seems Mitchell, despite his outwardly appearance, has a secret admirer. Someone on the team. But who could possibly feel that way about Mitchell?This is brilliant storytelling from Todd Young. More than a few times my eyebrows shot up and my eyes bugged out. I loved it. This kid has some balls! Mitchell shows a tremendous amount of courage (although some of that is due to his naivety) in spite of finding himself in such painfully humiliating circumstances time and time again. Seriously, just walking into school each day is a feat of bravery. I loved Mitch and felt sympathy for him right from the beginning. He is emotional (I cried nearly every time he cried), but every bit a boy and proud of it.Mitchell does eventually find out who his secret admirer is, and they're a perfect match. His love interest is sweet and sexy, flawed but lovable. It's not just puppy love. It could last a lifetime.There is one scene toward the end of the story that made me squeamish. Regarding Mitchell's special request: "Mitchell nodded. He couldn't believe that he'd actually convinced Tadd, and now that Tadd seemed happy about it, he felt a little afraid. His heart fluttered and he felt a little sick, a little dizzy." I felt exactly the same way! That sort of thing is normally an insta-turnoff for me, but I read through it, and I'm glad I did. I like the way it was handled (pun intended).There is absolutely nothing cookie-cutter about this book. It is immediately finding a home on my favorites shelf. I highly recommend this story for those who are looking for a gritty, erotic tale with a splash of romance.