Right after this book came out I saw it around everywhere. This book wasn’t something I’ve read before. It covers religion and sexuality and how those two things can influence someone’s life. Continue reading to find out what I thought about this book.

Cover

This book definitely started out as a coverbuy. I mean look at how beautiful this cover is! After reading the book all the details in the cover come together. It is one of my favorite covers this year.

Plot

This is quite a diverse book that includes sexuality and religion. I am all for diversity in books and encourage it, but sometimes it feels forced. I didn’t feel that at all while reading this book. This book is about Tanner and Sebastian. Tanner moved to Provo with his family three years ago. His mother grew up in a LDS family, but changed that when she marries his Jewish father. Her family didn’t accept this and they don’t have a relationship with that side of the family anymore. Tanner is bisexual and his family is really supportive, but advise to keep it quiet, because the town may not be very accepting. It all starts out when Tanner’s friend, Autumn, wants him to take school seriously and join the seminar class. During this class they write a book. He thinks it’s not that serious and joins to prove that. Tanner doesn’t even have an idea for a book when the class starts. That is when Sebastian walks in. He is the Bishop’s son and graduated a few years before that. He was also in the seminar and his book is being published. He comes back as a TA for the new class. He’s busy in college, getting ready for his booktour and helping the class. Tanner and Sebastian connect immediately and Tanner is kind of in love. He knows it’s probably not possible, but when Sebastian starts flirting with him he’s not sure what is going on. Tanner’s book starts turning into his story with Sebastian. Knowing he can’t turn this in or out Sebastian makes everything difficult, but he can’t stop writing. Sebastian knows what he is doing is wrong according to his religion, but he can’t stop himself. When things take a turn for the worse with his family he has to figure out. This story isn’t a complete happily ever after and I like that. It shows what actually happens in very religious families/communities when someone is gay. My heart broke for Sebastian and Tanner. This turned out a bit longer than planned, but I can’t stop talking about this book.

“I don’t actually care if you break my heart, Sebastian. I went into this knowing it could happen and I gave it to you anyway. But I don’t want you to break your own. You have so much space in your heart for your church, but does it have space for you?”

Characters

Tanner knows that he doesn’t love a gender, but a person. He considers himself lucky that his parents are so open and accepting. Even though he knows it probably won’t work out with Sebastian he still opens his heart. Even after his parents tell him they’re concerned he doesn’t let it stop him. Sebastian is the bishop’s son and does what is asked from him at church and at home. When he starts to has feelings for Tanner he prays and thinks that God accepts it. Even though everything happens in secret and he still doesn’t out himself. His journey is a bit more difficult. It isn’t until that he reads Tanner’s book that everything falls in to place. I would love a second book just to find out how everything continues on.

“His smile ruins me.”

This book was beautifully written. It was at times incredibly hard to read what these characters had to go through for just loving eachother. How some families can be so accepting and others hang on to the only thing they know and won’t see it any other way. It was beautiful to see how loving Tanner’s family was and only wanted what was best for him. You felt the love while reading. The same as how beautiful the journey Tanner and Sebastian go through to find their path. This book really got me to feel what the characters were feeling. It was very realisitic. I definitely recommend this book! Have any of you read it? What did you think?