Review: A Matter of Trust by Jeff erno
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 7, 2014
As a straight female I've never given much thought to what growing up as a male would be like, much less a male who is also gay, but Jeff Erno, in his book entitled 'A Matter of Trust', enlightened me by introducing Travis  and allowing me to follow his journey from boyhood to manhood.Travis is a delightful young man who struggles to discover his sexuality while facing all the challenges that growing up entail, i.e., his body changing, his feelings about girls, and his attraction to boys. I listened as he agonizes over the changes and works hard to put all the clues together, his crushes on boys, preferring girls as friends, not being attracted to girls in a sexual way, and finally come to the conclusion that he is, indeed, gay. His family is supportive; his mother even tries to engage him in a conversation about safe sex while he tries to reassure her that he already knows about condoms, STDs, etc., while trying not to freak out because, well, it's his mother! After a few years of being attracted to a young man named Jeremy, who he's almost sure is also gay, they begin to date and soon fall in love; but Jeremy has a secret which he's afraid to share with Travis, one which can make or break the relationship. Since Jeremy truly cares for Travis, Jeremy confides in him and is greatly relieved when he offers his support rather than rejecting him. Together, they learn what it takes to be responsible for each other.This a touching story about two loveable young men who show real courage and consideration for each other and do the right thing, keeping each other safe. I recommend this endearing and informative story to everyone, especially young people; there's a lot of knowledge conveyed here, from which we can all benefit, not just from the sexual facts, but also in Jeremy and Travis's attitudes toward each other. Thanks, Jeff, for the education which you've imparted in such a sensitive, informative manner.The Real Story Safe Sex Project is a new way to encourage safe sex among gay and bi male teenagers and twentysomethings. For more information about this worthy project please go to:[...]First published at Rainbow Book Reviews.