I felt like I was watching a MOVIE. This book gave me all the feeeels. 10/10๐
This was such a great read. Honestly, I havenโt read a book this good in a while. It had me completely engaged from beginning to end. It felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book.
The character development between Ike and Buddy Lee was amazing. Watching two men who were so different come to understand each other and reflect on the choices they made as fathers were my favorite parts of this story. The banter between the two was also hilarious. I also appreciated the realistic portrayal of the challenges the LGBTQ community faces not only from society, but from within their own families.
Buddy Lee was my favorite character because he never tried to fake or sugarcoat who he truly was. He owned it, whether he was frowned upon for it or not. Ike was my second favorite because although he comes off as he has a hard or intimidating exterior, excluding the wrong decisions he made in his past he seemed like a great man that wanted to change for the better for him and his family until his son was killed and all bets were off.
As for Christine, I think she realized the grass isnโt always greener on the other side and that all along she was chasing a lifestyle instead of someone who actually loved and cared for her. As much as I could tell Buddy Lee still had feelings for her iโm glad nothing ever came from it. Christine was right where she wanted to be so she rightfully so needed to stay there. As for โWโ if he would lived in his truth and not been so focused on upholding an โimageโ then maybe he wouldnโt have to pay others to do his dirty work. He was cowardly, hypocritical and a walking contradiction.
When I picked up this book, I was immediately struck by how vivid and cinematic the storytelling feltโlike watching a well-crafted film unfold in my mind. The strong character development, especially between Ike and Buddy Lee, stood out because it portrayed complex relationships that go beyond stereotypes. Seeing two men from very different backgrounds come to understand each other, particularly in the context of fatherhood, made the story feel authentic and raw. One aspect that resonated with me deeply was the honest depiction of struggles within the LGBTQ communityโnot just from external society but also within their own families. It's rare to see such nuanced representation, and it brought a new level of emotional resonance to the narrative. Buddy Leeโs unapologetic authenticity was refreshing, showing the power of living one's truth even when faced with criticism. The tension and humor in the banter between Ike and Buddy Lee added a layer of relatability, balancing the heavier themes with moments of levity. The way other characters like Christine and "W" were portrayed also challenged common tropes, reflecting real human flaws and desires. This complexity made the story more compelling. In addition, seeing how tragedy impacted Ike's journey and his relationships reminded me how personal loss can alter perspectives and motivations profoundly. This book doesnโt shy away from difficult emotions or moral ambiguities, which I believe makes it stand out in contemporary fiction. For readers interested in stories that combine emotional depth, social commentary, and engaging dialogue, this novel is definitely worth exploring. It not only entertains but also encourages reflection on identity, family, and acceptance in a way that lingers long after the last page.
๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅI agree awesome book.