Mason Dodd

I read Braden's Story, before knowing that there is an earlier book (Aaron's Story), much in relation to Braden's struggle. As I was intrigued by Braden's Story, I had decided to continue my reading with Aaron's Story.

I would say that generally, this, just like Braden's Story, is an angry book. There is so much anger, bitterness, hurt and more in this book than joyous, happy moments. So much so, I found myself several times upset by the story line. Honestly, if I had read Aaron's Story first and then, Braden' Story, I would have claimed that Braden's Story offered recycled story, when it comes to religious issues. Instead of allowing us to watch the progress bit by bit, the whole event became a circus-town, within a few days. In fact, I thought it was tiring to keep up with the roller coaster of Aaron's happiness-anger within one weekend - with June on Saturday, Sunday morning church, upsetting rally, happy afternoon with Steven, crying and then, more crying.

Just like in Braden's Story, there was too much crying.

And secrecy. I do understand the hesitation to tell others of one's sexual orientation, but it was getting on my nerve when Aaron could not even come out to those who were clearly in support of him. It was equally getting on my nerve too, to read about the recycled lines 'I love my mother but I hate my mother' stuff.

What Aaron's Story novel offered more, as compared to Braden's Story, was that Aaron was able to have a boyfriend, since he was older. So, the sexual tension story line was good but too few in between. The rest of the book could really drag one's mood down.

Still, this book was an eye-opener. Believable that it is happening to those who are bullied. My heart goes out to them.

No matter how I did not like the angry stuff in the book, the ending almost made me shed tears.

Aaron's Story and Braden's Story are going to stay as my favorite coming-out books. However, I beg the author to move on to other story line and not to dwell in another character in these books.… (mehr)

I personally thought the book was important. It shared the personal struggle of a teen, who was trapped in a Christian-belief family. Sometimes life could really be hard on those who were, no matter what non-believer would say, living a life that was different. It was never a choice. It was as natural as the feeling a hetero man for a woman. Unfortunately, not many could see this and this happened to be Braden's story - a boy divided between the family he loved and accepting himself for who he was.

I thought the writer did a good job in holding the interest of the readers. I enjoyed all the messages shared between Braden and others. Some made me chuckled happy for Braden and some made me jealous of him, for having all this blossoming romance around him. Mia was really vocal and matured for a character who was just 13 years old. Braden's mother was portrayed well. It was so believable such a woman would exist. Broken record - I enjoyed the label thrown upon Lydia. There were several other characters in the book that made the book worthwhile in reading. I have only wished that we were going to see Jack involved at the end. Pity that did not happen.

However, at times, I thought the story line was too angry and true enough, repetitive (broken record). It was interesting to find characters so young and so affected by the surrounding.

I did not enjoy the second last chapter. I thought the change was too fast and less believable.

****SPOILER ALERT****

Still, I am worried for any misinterpretation of the story. In the TV series Glee, when the homophobic closet bully tried to take his life and failed, it seemed that life was better for those who tried, and failed, in attempting suicide. What if this was misinterpreted by some - that the solution for acceptance by family would be an attempt at suicide. I seriously hope that I am wrong.… (mehr)