CincyKris

I'm rereading all the Charlie Boone books, and this one is pivotal! Charlie and co. get introduced to their first space adventure, meet some old friends and make some important new friends. We enjoy the adventure and share in their joy. If you need an uplifting, but still well written and engaging story, this is it.

Such a great start to their journey. The guys are so comfortable with each other and so attuned to the other's needs. August, especially, deserves these good times, after the lonely, loveless life he's led since his mom died.

I'm disappointed in Levi. Not for sneaking out, he's a previously sheltered teenager, that kind of rebellion was going to happen. How many of us have done something similar when we were kids? It's the lying afterward. Drinking and driving was stupid, lying about it to his dad is cowardly and incredibly stupid! They always find out! Getting into trouble will happen, losing trust and respect is worse. And all for what, a predator who deserts him at the first sign of trouble and continues to verbally abuse his family.

Liam is so scared and afraid of his new world. Of course, we know his new life is as lonely as he feared. I can't help but wonder why he hasn't been in regular contact with Mark. Has he been writing to Ed? There were so many plans, but it seems Liam is just as invisible in his new life as he was as a kid before the hospital.

Tom and Mitchell are communicating and relating on an even playfield. This bodes well for their future. And the big winner in this chapter is Silver!

I lied in my comments on Storyverse: Stealing the show! I am holding a grudge! #theStonerswWereRobbed! I'm still getting over it. But, now for this tasty modern western: huge reveal!!! Both boys are on the same page now. We have developed trust and secrets. As for the sad Parkinson's diagnosis, look how long Michael J Fox has lived and worked with it. Neurological disorders progress differently in different people. I have an autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis), which also presents very differently in different people. I lived for 5 years almost pain free before my meds stopped working. It's been a hell of an up and down year, but I'm on a new med that is working again. Troy's dad did not get a death sentence, he got a "who the hell knows what's going to happen" sentence. Which, to be fair, don't we all?

I was lucky to have parents that didn't favor one child over another, for no apparent reason. Anne doesn't seem to have a great deal of self awareness, but she may have grown up with similar dynamics. Alex is good for Neil, he is rising above the muck. But, will Charlie be able to overcome being spoiled and babied his whole life?

Uh oh! I'm worried for the upcoming night out. I'm beginning to feel like Casey is grooming Levi.

Sadly, Geron has passed on. But this amazing series will be enjoyed for as long as GA exists. It's wonderful to see the 14 year old boys that will become the young men we know so well after 28 volumes. The guys' love, curiosity, and goodness shines here.

I'm rereading the Charlie Boone series in honor of Geron's passing. I'm struck by the glaring positivity and love in this first story.

Tom brings out a playfulness in Mitchell that we haven't really seen before. Their relationship is unique to them, not just another chance at love for them both.

Forgot to comment on Albert's investing in the old mine. Let's hope he isn't successful!

This was such a happy optimistic chapter. I was most taken by the difference in their departures. Almost nothing vs. as warm a goodbye as you can get. Albert’s terrible advise to get ahead at any cost shows his true self. August’s total rejection of that advise shows his true self, also. Let’s all hope the ride to their new home goes a bit smoother than in some of your previous westerns! #nocliffs #nobandits

Neil has so gradually come out of his comfort zone, a casual observer would never believe how closeted he was! Berlin will be an adventure. As for the "wrong" side of the road, I will point out the 65% of the world drives on the right!

Levi is cruising along all happy and comfortable so it's about time for a Thompson to come along and add some danger and excitement. Hopefully it turns out better than some of our past Thompson encounters!