Review: So many numbers
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 23, 2013
Numbers.  Life has so many numbers.  Dollars, time, math in school, it goes on and on.  And right now, Sam's focus is on numbers.  One number in particular - 30.  In just a few weeks he's turning 30 and he's thinking back on all the things he hasn't done with his life.  He's thinking of numbers, "Because on my 15th birthday on the 15th of December, my girlfriend Carole went to the hospital and gave birth to our son, Jeremy.  Jeremy turns 15 in three weeks."Think about it - this is a boy who took responsibility for his actions, raised a son and kept a relationship with his now ex, Carole, and is trying his best to be a good father and a good person.  How much do you miss out on when you are 15 and now responsible for someone else?So, because he's focusing on that big 3-0, Sam has made a list.  A "things to do in my 20s" list.  Some of the things are adventurous (swim with sharks), some are things you'd think were boring as a teen (read the books I should have read in school) and some are just sweet things he missed out on (Flirt, have fun, don't fall in love).  The list isn't huge but it has things Sam never got to do because of having Jeremy.Jeremy, about to turn 15, has a precocious girlfriend in Suzy.  Suzy wants to have sex before she turns 16 and she wants it with Jeremy.  I was a bit uncomfortable with this, I admit, but the fact of the Golden Condom Rule and the banana practice at least made me feel better that Jeremy and Suzy are not likely to repeat the life-changing event of unplanned pregnancy that Sam and Carole had. Jeremy is a decent kid, unwilling to bend when it comes to his mom dating (I don't need another dad!) and going to big lengths to find ways to spend time with Suzy.Luke is the neighbor of Jeremy and Sam (Carole lives very close and Jeremy goes between his parents easily.  He is so lucky in that regard).  Six months of being away from home has made Luke comes to some realizations, the most important of which is that he is no longer going to hide in the closet and he is in love with Sam. Sam doesn't know Luke is gay, no matter how Luke tries to tell him.  Now what?  I loved Luke.  All the characters in this book are real and likeable but Luke above all, just a decent, solid man in love with his best friend who is oblivious.  In talking about characters, we must also mention Carole, the pregnant at 15 girl who has grown up to be Sam's good friend and a good person in her own right.  She also put aside a lot to raise Jeremy.  They love him and they want the best for him.The story spans the weeks before Sam's big day (and Jeremy's) and covers ground as Sam begins to complete the items on his list (oh the hair thing - I'd give much to see his picture!), as Luke helps Sam complete the items even though Sam doesn't realize Luke has seen the list, and as Jeremy navigates the treacherous waters of being nearly 15 and horny.  I loved the condom banana practice. Embarrassing and necessary, Jeremy, sorry.Let's talk of Jack, Luke's good friend and former lover. My heart broke a little bit for him.  Another good person in a less than good situation and yet making the best of it. I want him to find romance and be loved to the core.The best thing about reading this was how much I grew to care about these characters.  I want them all to be happy.  They aren't perfect people, which made it so much better. They make mistakes, they hurt those they love (whether inadvertently or not) and they do stupid things sometimes.  But they are all good people.The tone of the book is funny and sweet.  The list is a presence throughout the book and I liked that.  I felt this was well written and flowed well.  It isn't an action packed, angst ridden book. It's a slower ride through the countryside.  And I absolutely adored the ending.  Perfect.Oh, what to say to sum up this absolutely delightful book?  I know - Ms. Sunday PLEASE can we have Jack's story?  I could go on and on, but suffice to say - just read it.  It's lovely.