travlbug

Pietro is a monster. I realize that he has been on edge and that his father has just recently died--further, that he's likely tense from the wedding and pickled in alcohol. However, technically, all Gianni has done is grasp his friend's hand and ask him to dance. There is no discussion of age-appropriate girls for the boys to dance with, and teenage girls dance with each other all the time. Yet, his attention drawn by Angelo's cry of "get off" (an overreaction in and of itself), Pietro goes crazy, staring at Gianni with "horrible incomprehension" and yelling at him to "get your hands off my brother!" Single-handedly, Pietro has turned a private discussion between two boys into a public catastrophe. Then, after creating the catastrophe, he refuses to hear anything Gianni may have to say: "Just go,” Pietro snarled, “before you ruin anything else. Get out of here!” His reaction is over the top and completely uncalled for (he doesn't even know how Angelo is feeling about the situation). For Pietro to publicly eject a family member from the wedding is an unforgivable and irrevocable act, and I'm fearful of the consequences for both sides of the family. I am also fearful that his vicious attack may retrigger Gianni's suicidal urges.

Tyson is a brilliant tactician: Taking Valium to build up a tolerance to the drug and then staging a phony overdose is genius. The EMTs will be taken in, and the nurses will be taken in…. However, the one person likely to see through his ploy—to understand what he’s really doing, and why—is Cynthia: Once she sees the report as to his actual blood level, and knowing how much Valium he’s actually taking on a daily basis, she’ll realize that the amount he "overdosed" on is not enough to have caused suicide. Another tell-tale (to the outside observer) that Tyson is not serious about taking his own life: A person truly bent on suicide would have consumed all the Valium tablets present—and all at once (no one with the intent to overdose would ever take just a few tablets at a time)—so Tyson’s explanation to Dr. O’Connell, “that he had passed out from the effects of the Valium before he ate too many” is suspicious. That said, Dr. O’Connell would not be expecting someone to admit to a suicide attempt that isn’t real, so he may be forgiven for his failure to see the logic flaw. Cynthia, however, is quite savvy, and she knows Tyson better, so I doubt that she will let him get away with it. "Vanilla air freshener and disinfectant" never smelled so good, at least to Tyson: I feel sad that Tyson has to be virtually incarcerated before he feels safe. Even though he’s not as sick as he’s pretending to be, he recognizes that he still has a long way to go before achieving a healthy mental balance. If Cynthia doesn’t figure out his plan, he’ll have to disclose it to her or face the added problem of being overmedicated and inappropriately treated.

I hate it when Jay says, "I was a whore," when telling his story: He was a trafficked sex slave, and the difference is huge. I'm sad that he has internalized what happened to him in precisely the wrong way. That said, his willingness to obtain professional help is a big plus; and with friends like Drew and the twins (not to mention Cierran), with a mother figure like Mam, and with a lover like Rhidian (who demands that there be no secrets between them), Jay is certain to heal. Somehow, we all knew that Julianna's letter would wind up in the fire--and good riddance. Reading this book has been a special experience for me, and I agree with everyone who wants to see these characters live on in yet another story. And don't worry: I'll wait for it as long as it takes. 😊 (Is it ready yet?) ❤

Marina starts the chapter by picking on Gianni: First, she berates him for taking his time getting ready for the day (and his "date" with Angelo), and she even berates him for saying that the morning is beautiful. (Who criticizes someone for saying the morning is beautiful?) She is making her irritation with Gianni clear. I like that Gianni decides to seek out Angelo when he misses their meeting time. He also takes it upon himself to purchase the proper clothes for the funeral: He is becoming more proactive. After losing his own parents, Gianni now has to experience the loss of Angelo's father, and he is refused the catharsis of seeing and comforting Angelo until after the funeral. Their enforced separation seems unnecessarily cruel, and I don't know how Angelo's family can justify it. Gianni may be 75% Italian, but he grew up in England, where men aren't quite so demonstrative: He avoids or minimizes contact with Angelo earlier in the story (partially, perhaps, because of self consciousness), but their stray touches become electric for him. He remains hesitant to touch even in the presence of Angelo's grief, but Angelo will have none of it: "Extending a tentative arm, [Gianni] placed it around the other boy’s shaking shoulders, half expecting him to struggle free; Angelo, however, reached across and held Gianni tightly, as if drawing strength from his support." A line has been crossed, and their intimacy--and relationship--have moved forward. In terms of writing technique, I love the juxtaposition of the funeral and the wedding--a beautiful reminder that life, and love, go on.

Gianni seems very shy for a 15 year-old British schoolboy, withdrawing from the window after realizing that he's shirtless and avoiding Speedos as if they're filled with ants. Or perhaps it's Angelo who makes him feel shy. 😊 James, you're a big tease, with so many "almost" moments in this chapter for a kiss or confession. That said, I will accept Angelo's gift of a home-made pendant to Gianni as the equivalent of a little confession. 🥰 Gianni, what did I tell you about hiding your notepad where your nonna can "inadvertently" find it? That said, your parents' advice is wise, and I trust that your life will be better for acting on it. (Actually, I wonder which boy will be the first to vow his undying love, or maybe they'll do it in stereo!) 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

I wasn't referring to the mere fact that Jarren and Nash size each other up (I agree that all the weird humans do it, likely to make it harder for the head hunters 🤣). Rather, I was emphasizing the way that they did it: Jarren's attention to detail is amazing, and he includes a stray thought or two ("Jarren could imagine [Nash's thick locks of hair] becoming curls wrapped around his fingers...." 😏) The inspection includes a detailed-enough look at Nash's package to realize that the jeans are not skin tight (darn), and Nash's lips actually "twitch" when he catches Jarren measuring him for a condom. (I think that most straight guys stop looking after establishing the "not head hunter" type, but I could be wrong. ) That Nash finds amusement at another guy scoping out what's behind the zipper suggests that he is either uber tolerant or gay himself. Of course, Nash takes a peek at Jarren as well: "[Jarren] saw the other man appraise him just as quickly and efficiently." Please note that Jarren's inspection stops at Nash's bulge. Whether he's "distracted" or couldn't be bothered to look farther down is left unsaid, but shoes can tell a great deal about someone (particularly if they're orange), so he's missing a bet. As an aside, I was just waiting for @kbois to slip a shih tzu named Mullet into the story. 😂😂😂 Great job!

I love the way that Jarren and Nash size each other up at their first meeting together. (Do straight guys do that? ) Nash also eats salad. (Husband material!) ______________________ My deepest sympathy on the passing of your nephew.

I can't help but wonder if the parents and government are holding back because boys' interactions are themselves part of an experiment. Also, if Elliot's initial world was a computer construct, how do we know that the present one isn't? (I love the possibilities!)

One saboteur under observation, and another saboteur--or more--hidden amongst the new arrivals: What do these people have to gain from betraying their own kind? "Children are not affected by the virus and will not reanimate": If this is the case, then someone has been playing with the virus to assure that children can indeed be affected. Who could, or would, have done such engineering? Only the aliens, as far as I can see. Thus, the saboteur would have to be working directly with the aliens to obtain the altered virus. To protect the saboteur, the virus would need to be carried in a safe/protected transfer unit of some kind. Perhaps the newbies and their rooms should be searched thoroughly to see if such an artifact can be found--and in whose possession. If Alex is immune to the virus, can an anti-serum be made from his blood? If children can now die from the virus, can they reanimate from it as well? Our group had better decide fast what it wants to do with Georgie's corpse--like burn it--or it may become a zombie! Interesting that while Fort Walker is being attacked from within, General Forsythe wants to strip it of most of its armaments, leaving it vulnerable to attacks from without. Why do I get the feeling that our intrepid heroes are being set up?!

The ackwardness between the two boys suggests that they are both having the same thoughts but don"t know how to broach the subject to each other. The accident allows Angelo the intimacy of cleaning Gianni's wound and the tenderness of brushing his hair. Angelo sheds tears of guilt that he caused the accident, but his subsequent actions give Gianni hope. What an icebreaker! Whew! (A date at Starbucks is much easier.... )

Jarren could use a good friend to help him to find his way. Of course, sometimes good friends become more than good friends. 😊 I look forward to seeing where this new story leads.

The author is very good indeed to make a trip clothes shopping so intensely interesting. (As an aside, glad to see that the boys are disgusted by the cigarettes to the point where Angelo is willing to suck on a lemon to get the taste out of his mouth. [And shame on you. Gianni, for making him do it when you had gum in your pocket all the time. ]) The boys' reactions at seeing each other smartly dressed are muted but present. Thereafter, on the way home, Gianni feels "slightly peculiar" and dreams that night of dancing with Angelo, who has an "electric touch." He wakes up, thinking "What had just happened? What did it all mean?" Well, Gianni, if you really don't know, let me explain.... 😂

Tyson’s going “home” (considering home in its most literal sense): This action prompts a fascinating character study in our dramatis personae, as each individual responds to his release. Loving Vlady experiences fear and hatred when he sees Edith, the instrument of Tyson’s departure–emotions which he has previously reserved for his psychosis-associated “three-headed evil creature that he believed killed his ex-boyfriend.” (I love the comparison between Edith and a psychotic nightmare! ) Tyson does not mistake his departure from the mental facility as meaning that he’s cured: “He didn't bother to look around his room one last time. After all, he doubted it would be the last time he saw one like it.” However, the departure does allow him to see the strides he has made under Cynthia’s guidance, including talking to his mother (telling her that he’s missed her, complimenting her haircut) rather than “screeching” at her and letting the anger dictate his behavior. He accepts the need to leave as part of the bigger picture–as part of his master plan for moving forward: “He just wanted to leave and do what he needed to do.” The departure also crystalizes Tyson’s feelings, as he can finally say to Vlady, “I love you.” (As an interesting aside, Tyson experiences anxiety as Petra unlocks the doors to free him, and his anxiety rapidly morphs into “terror”: He has become so institutionalized, within just a few weeks, that he feels "faint" at the very idea of leaving the secure environment. He exemplifies a very real impediment to rejoining society, though it is certainly addressable if the problem is recognized.) Edith, perhaps expectedly, remains fairly unchanged: She is crass and vulgar even where such behavior is completely unnecessary, telling Tyson, "Maybe your time is worthless, but I have things to do. Get your stuff. Quickly! I'll deal with this psychiatrist bitch." She remains obstructive for no reason, arguing with Cynthia against the need for Tyson to have a follow-up appointment despite its being the law! (Whether she's a ventriloquist’s dummy for Chase or is acting out because of her treatment by Chase remains unclear, but Chase is behind her behavior in any event. [Of note, Edith’s behavior is merely outlandish when contrasted to the actual menace exuded by Chase]. They are both nasty people, but with Edith, it is more a veneer and is almost reflexive, whereas Chase houses a demon in his core.) While Edith remains static, Tyson’s departure-time view of Edith, as influenced by his treatment and several Edith-free weeks, proves dynamic, and he experiences a sea change in his perception: “Rather than seeing Edith as an unstoppable force who always got what she wanted, he was now beginning to see her for what she was. A cowardly, self-hating, miserable bully. For the first time, he was surprised at how... small she appeared. But then, she had only ever been a pawn of Chase Lovett's, hadn't she? Who the **** was Edith, anyway? And why had he been so frightened of her?” He now has the ability to ask her, “Why do you hate me?” and she finally provides him with the truth: “I don’t hate you. But I don’t like you.” She does not respond when Tyson accuses, “You never tried loving me,” and her silence on that score is the greatest condemnation against her. Kelly actually welcomes Tyson back home. She even jokes with him, showing a sense of humor never seen in the parents. She tries to moderate her language, almost saying crazy pills but switching to medication, so as to avoid upsetting him. In other words, she shows Tyson warmth, humor, and empathy. Either Kelly is learning to think for herself, or Edith and Chase’s relentless torture has failed to create the intended obedient automaton. With Tyson’s homecoming, Chase reveals his true self. He doesn’t knock before entering Tyson’s room (he has no courtesy in him). As Edith is willing to return Tyson’s flute, the reader may presume that the casual cruelty behind the initial removal of the piano and flute originated with Chase. The description of Chase could fit the picture of Dorian Gray: “He was pasty, almost grey, his hair cut short and unconvincingly dyed brown, and round glasses perched on a long, hooked nose. The very wrinkles of the man’s face quivered with malice and hatred.” (Amazing how a little make-up can help a TV appearance! ) He calls his son a “bastard,” a “rat,” a “coconut,” and a “filthy half breed.” He grabs his son with barely restrained violence and threatens his life. He destroys Tyson’s beloved flute to emphasize the violence he can inflict. For spite, he orders Edith to withhold Tyson’s medications to force him into withdrawal. However, he is also crafty and won’t let Tyson goad him into the kind of physical violence that would trigger a CPS investigation. (Edith’s failure to slap Tyson, even when provoked, now makes sense, as her husband has told her not to leave any evidence of bodily harm.) The man who strives to be Prime Minister and rule a nation can’t even govern his family without intimidation and brutality. He is a psychopath, and his public persona is a sham. Now that Tyson knows for a fact that his mother does not love him and that his father would just as soon kill him as keep him alive, he has no reason to hold his hand: His carefully considered plan will go forward as scheduled—and without remorse.

If I'd have known you can have ice cream for lunch in Italy, I would have lobbied my parents to emigrate! After showing Marina in an unpleasant light last chapter--rejecting her own flesh and blood--she is humanized this chapter by her birthday celebration: An excellent juxtaposition. Bravo for an intelligently-portrayed Father, who realizes that faith cannot be forced. Also, by speaking with Stephano, Gianni tells his religious feelings (or lack of them) to Marina, and he actually receives validation from the Father so that she cannot be angry with him. We'll have to wait and see how she decides to approach the situation. After asking permission to touch Gianni earlier when teaching him to skateboard, Angelo has no problem putting his hand on Gianni's arm in the presence of the fireflies. Things are progressing nicely.... 😊 And Claudia's crush is just cute...now...but if she continues to sneak up on Gianni and Angelo, she may finally see something she's not supposed to....

The countryside has truly become one of the "characters" in this novel: It would be a very different story if set in Naples or Rome. I was pleased to see Gianni tire out and become a sweaty mess by the time he reached Angelo's: While boys have plenty of "free" energy, Gianni has been a couch potato in England, and it would not have been realistic for him to have kept up with Angelo, who has climbed and bicycled the region all his life. Gianni will certainly become fit, but he will have to earn it. So, the outspoken Claudia becomes quiet it Gianni's presence: Someone may have a little crush! A key secret/truth comes to light in this chapter: Anna shares that the rift between Francesca and Marina occurred because Gianni father was not religious; and as Gianni himself is not religious, he may be facing future difficulties with his nonna--and not simply because of his refusal to accept confirmation. If Gianni does turn out to be gay (is there a doubt? 😅), her religion may cause her to reject him completely. We'll have to see if she has learned her lesson with Francesca or if history will repeat itself. I was horrified by Gianni's suicidal thoughts as he stood on the wall above the Via San Cosma. They demonstrate that, despite the beauty of his surroundings, his soul still harbors crushing grief. At least, Angelo knows his circumstances so that they can talk. If Gianni were in England, I'd say that he needs to see a therapist. However, in the middle of the Italian countryside, in a situation where communicating with his grandparents is awkward, his pact with Angelo to take care of each other may have to be enough.

Grandmother wants Gianni confirmed, but Gianni is clearly unhappy with the idea. While Marina says just to think about it, she may ultimately escalate the pressure to get her way: This situation may ultimately serve as a test case as to how flexible she intends to be towards Gianni, and I hope she decides to accept his wishes on the issue. So, does Angelo like Gianni as a friend or as something more? (The prank where he pushes Gianni into the fountain feels to me like the equivalent of a schoolboy tugging on a girl's pigtails to show his affection.) Time will tell.

Even though Gianni's grandparents are strangers, at least they're trying. That said, he feels constrained against discussing his mother, which will affect his ability to grieve on the one hand and connect with his grandparents on the other. Conversation between them is still awkward, and I'm looking forward to seeing these strangers morph into the family they're meant to be. (I agree that Tagliatelle alla Bolognese is a good start! ) Another good start: Angelo of the dark eyes had to take one last look at Gianni before leaving the courtyard. Hmmm....

It's horrific enough to lose your parents; but Gianni has lost everything familiar: While he speaks Italian (thank goodness), his situation is tantamount to deportation, as he has been sent to a country he's never even seen before--one that his mother fled--and he's being sent to live with the exact people she fled from. Welcome "home" indeed!

A lovely chapter, showing the boys and Drew, and even Jay to a limited extent, planning for their futures. (In that regard, Mother Dearest's letter is an unhappy anchor to the past. I love Aria"s idea to sugar-coat it, almost literally, by reading it in a safe place, with a cup of cocoa, in the presence of post-Christmas bliss [but definitely after Christmas]. That said, I wish the boys would simply entrust Drew to read it for them and make the final decision as to whether it should be shared or burned.) As for Rhidian, with "the rich chestnut hair...freckles and...bright green eyes," he doesn't know it yet, but Aria and Jay won't be able to help themselves from giving him a makeover! Maybe before Jay and his first date....

Fantastic story: The suspense has me on the edge of my seat!!! (I even felt a little sympathy for Edith, living with a monster like Chase [though with no excuse for being a ***** herself, as she could have taken the kids and left any time--even if she had to go back to Sri Lanka to do it.]) Good for Kelly, finally making a quiet stand for her brother. I don't believe that Tyson has taken enough medication to suicide: He made an explicit promise to Mr. Tchaikovsky not to suicide, and he finally made a declaration of love to Vlady before being forced home. Would he really give up his life and his love merely to have the last word over Edith and Chase? I'm in the middle of writing a critique of the last chapter, but I couldn't read this chapter and just stay silent. I have only one thing left to say: How much for the TV and movie rights?!

"Riku couldn’t talk. He kept his face buried in Leon’s shoulder, so Leon kept holding him." Perhaps Riku was still unable to find his voice, or perhaps he simply didn't blame Logan for what he'd done. (I doubt that he let Petr do the talking for him, as Riku has a much more understanding--and likely forgiving--nature.)

You can feel the warmth in Stephen and Lewis' goodbye. You can feel the chill in the Grandmother's greeting, such as it is. ("Come along, then, Daniel." She gestured towards the house.) How much could it have hurt her to say hi and give Daniel a kiss. Her behavior is that of one performing a duty: She is not even trying to win Daniel's affection. I am actually concerned for Daniel while he remains in his grandparents' custody.

Perfect. No epilogue necessary (though I wouldn't say no to one! 😊).

The fire may have caused relatively little damage, but how much will it cost to repair? (Is the bakery insured? How many days can the bakery stay closed before a lack of income forces permanent closure?) Jeremy's dream may have just gone up in smoke. Trisha must be feeling horrible right now: It's not every employee who burns up the workplace, even with the wish to do so. Will Jeremy fire her or forgive her? Even if he forgives her, he won't have any income to keep paying her, or even a working bakery to create work for her, so the best she can look forward to is being furloughed. Alex, do NOT try to raise the funds to fix the bakery by gambling. If you do, I will personally bake you into a rhubarb pie and serve you with ice cream!