M1984

That was a fun story, and I'm happy for Richie that he had an happy ending. Although I don't think I would have reacted the same way, in that situation. Especially after his father manipulating his son's affections by buying him a car for his birthday. I couldn't forgive him after what he had done, both before, and immediately after Richie's mother's death. I am just probably a lot more stubborn and unforgiving, than Richie, I think. Lol. Thanks Rony

I am a little surprised that Richie agreed to the sleepover after being ditched by Gabe and Freddie. And that's after Gabe guilt-tripping Richie into going in the first place. But I think maybe he's just tired of feeling alone and maybe bored, so he's willing to move on from it. It's not what I would have done, but I'm not Richie. I'm just along for the ride

I feel the same way. I could never forgive my dad had he left my mother when she was dying with cancer. Him paying for Wade's funeral, even if his intentions were entirely noble, wouldn't make up for what he had done. I'd never be able to forgive a parent for that. And his handling of the situation after her death, him thrusting a new family into his children's lives, being unsympathetic with Richie's grieving at the wake, throwing him the pool, the beating, etc. Sure, Richie has been a little hostile at times, but he's a grieving 15 year old. His father doesn't have age, or relationship (since he left her for someone else) as an excuse.

I actually understand and sympathize with Richie, and the anger he's feeling. The only thing I would do differently, is I wouldn't be nasty towards Richard's new family. It's not their fault. I would probably (in Richie's situation, being angry and upset) ignore them. I loved the moment he had with Andrew when he talked about his mother being inside of him.

Thing is, Richie is close to 18. Richard might have custody for a couple of more years, but if he presses his luck, that's the only time he'll have Richie a part of his life. It certainly would be that way if it were me, and I was forced into a similar situation. I'd also make the three years living with him, a difficult time too. Since it seems it's not out of his compassion and care for his children, but for selfish reasons that Richard is imposing himself on Richie and his siblings at all. The same selfish reasons he abandoned them and his sick wife, in the first place. I do feel sorry for the mistress and his kids though. It's not their fault, but being nice with them would be seen by Richard as him getting his own way.

I loved this opening chapter. But I also couldn't help gritting my teeth (even though this is fiction, I've heard it said in real life), how the recently deceased is now "in a better place." It's often said to grieving family members. And I honestly don't understand how this is supposed to be a kind saying. I find it horrible, and don't understand why anyone would say such a thing. A young mother belongs with her young children. There's no better or more appropriate place than that.

Oh Zac!

I just find the hypocrisy of Adrian irritating.. Zac needs to shut that third door firmly shut. Adrian got pissed and jealous when he saw Zac on a date with Omari, and then next minute he's dating a girl. I understand his difficult situation, but not the hypocrisy. Hope Austin turns out to be his Mr Right on a white horse.

I have several different feelings after reading this chapter. I think, first of all, Zac is probably rushing into things. He's only just "discovered" he's gay. And further, with him being a senior, and not, say a freshman, relationships tend to be a lot more serious in nature. So he needs to figure out what he's feeling before engaging in a relationship. I don't think Adrian or Omari are right for Zac. At least right now. Omari is several years older, and much more experienced, not just with sex and relationships, but with who he is as a gay man. And Adrian's so deep in the closet, won't defend, or even speak to Zac. So he's not ready, if ever, for a relationship with Zac. If I were Zac I'd slow down a little. He's going to university soon anyway, so any relationship at home would be vulnerable, and he'll have more opportunities at university to meet some cute gay guys.

I've heard about latent sexuality (discovering a sexual attraction to the same/opposite sex later than most do). I've always found it odd. It's interesting and confusing to think that some people don't realize they're gay, or bi, until their twenties and even beyond. I've even heard about men who thought themselves straight until their late 20s and then ten years later, they identify as gay and have no interest in women. Maybe sexuality isn't fixed, but it's also not a choice. I only have my own experience to relate to.

I liked this chapter the most so far. It takes a look at the more unpleasant aspects of our main character. I like that about a story. Flaws make a character just as interesting as their strengths, if not more so. Kyle's a good person, I think, if a little snobby. But it's out of ignorance, not malice. And now that he recognizes it, will he try to fix it?

Jimmy's even worse than I first thought. He's not just following the social cues from the other lads, he seems to be the instigator. Or at least one of them. The other lads at the table didn't seem to care. Jack's parents. They're an all too real example of the general ignorance in society about sexuality, and gender roles, expression, etc. It's not necessarily coming from a cruel place, just an ignorant, ill informed place. The same sort of place where boys are looked at oddly if they don't care about sports, or if they like reading books. If girls don't wear feminine clothing, or they're the bread winner for the family. It's a different kind of bigotry to the one Jimmy's currently displaying.

It's a shame that Jimmy's homophobic. He's not a real friend at all, if he can't accept Jack's sexuality. But then again, he hasn't been given the chance to, because Jack's still in the closet. But that's Jimmy's fault for being homophobic in the first place. So I guess we'll find out if/when Jimmy discovers Jack's sexuality. Loving this so far. Now to chapter 3

I am already really enjoying this. I am happy to see that there is still a lot to read. On to chapter 3

That happened with me too. Haha He has an appealing personality.

I've never heard of the guy before, but he's really popular on social media, with 6 million Youtube subscribers, and 8 million on Twitter. I saw him trending on Twitter, and his coming out story was well put together, and rather funny.

Almost finished listening to the audiobook 'The Quarterback', by Mackenzie Blair and narrated by Greg Boudreaux. Synopsis. Matt Lancaster is the star quarterback at Bodine College, a small Southern Division II school with an ultra-conservative dean of athletics. Matt is also very much in the closet, and he thinks he’s kept his secret well hidden, until his best friends take him to a happy endings massage parlor and request a male masseuse for him. In walks Trevor Kim, a gorgeous, pierced, tattooed fellow Bodine student who does massages - without happy endings - to pay for school after his family kicked him out for being gay. Trevor takes one look at Matt and breaks all his own rules about mixing business with pleasure. Matt needs to keep his scholarship, win the National Championship, and survive his asshole father. Instead, he falls in love. Trevor needs to accept that the football god is meant to end up with him rather than a perky cheerleader. It’s time for a "happily ever after" for both of them. While some can argue that there's nothing brand new to the plot, it has been a good listen. I would recommend it.

I enjoyed the first two. The last episode was OK. It didn't really feel like Black Mirror. My favourite episodes are The National Anthem & White Bear, from the earlier series. I like the shock factor in the show. Those two episodes are unlike anything else I've seen on TV. But Smithereens from this series is very high up on my list, too. Very intense, and made me get quite emotional at the end.

That's exactly how I feel. I would have been happy with 5 or 6, like the past couple of seasons. But 3 episodes after more than a year's break, really sucks. That said, I think the shorter series might have been sacrificed for much better written episodes. In series (seasons if you're in the US) with 20+ episodes, some of them feel rushed out, like something in a factory. Episode after episode pumped out without great care given to the episodes. Black Mirror episodes feel meticulous in the writing and production. Even if the plot didn't win me over in some of them. The quality of the episode itself has never let me down.

No planned vacation for me, but I do live on the beach, and I am down on it almost every morning. Usually on long walks to try keep in shape. It's a tourist spot so there's ice cream parlors, a couple of pubs and restaurants to stop at, too. That said, the weather here's not that great. We're lucky if we get more than a few weeks of "summer weather".

First of all, this is my first topic, so I'm not sure if it's in the right place. Second, I'm pretty rubbish at writing in-depth reviews without unintentionally dropping spoilers, so I tend to err on the side of caution and keep it vague. I've only seen the first episode of season 5, so far; "Striking Vipers". It was a pretty wild episode, really well written, well produced and the actors did an amazing job, too. It also touched upon one or two themes that might be relatable with many readers here. But again, I don't know how much to reveal about those themes without spoiling them, so I'll rely on the wisdom in any comments below to figure that out. Do you watch the show at all? And if so, have you seen any episode of the new season? It's an anthology series, so with Black Mirror you can watch it in any order. Each episode is a stand alone. (with one exception; the season 4 finale).

I haven't read it yet, but it sounds interesting. I've added it to my bookmarks. 🙂

Another recent read (listen) was an audiobook called Straight Boy. By Jay Bell It's exactly what it sounds like, a gay boy with a crush on a straight boy. But it's also much more than that too, as it takes on some serious issues. Part romance & friendship, with some thriller going on in the background, which sees the main protagonists face some serious danger.

I've just finished re-reading C James' work, for the third time over the last ten years or so. They're all really good, but I particularly recommend 'Circumnavigation', and 'Let The Music Play.' I'll attach them as well as a couple of other great stories I've enjoyed.

"The way I see it every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice-versa, the bad things don't necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant." Another one from Doctor Who. As you can probably tell, I am a fan.😄