More than meets the eye...

From the book cover I assumed that this was a ‘coming out’ or ‘coming of age’ story akin to the many tales of teenage angst already described in a variety of other books but I was pleasantly surprised. Within this book a story of desire, lust, love, friendship, realization, acceptance, delusion, and growth set to describe the life of Ben, our protagonist. Ben’s own inner growth as well as his relationships with Allison, Tim, and Jace make this tale one that must not be missed. I actually loved this story…an entire gambit of emotional responses were elicited by the words of the author, Jay Bell. Kevin Frees’ narration brought the characters to life in such a way that one’s imagination was able to be transported to the world with which they exist. I do not wish to give too much away, but the dynamic of the three principal relationships—Ben & Allison; Ben & Tim; and Ben & Jace—and how they became intertwined makes this a very enjoyable journey. A MUST!!!

54 people found this helpful

Stick with it.

At first, I thought this was the typical teenage coming of age story. It definitely started out that way. The first half is tender and sweet, young love at in all it's glory. In the second half, the book grows up, just like the characters. Life gets in the way, there's tragedy, loss and reward. Can you love more than one person at a time? Do first love's last? I ended up enjoying the book more than I thought I would. So, stick with it. Its rewarding in the end.

34 people found this helpful

Wonderful Treat.

Would you listen to Something Like Summer again? Why?

Yes I would, it was a wonderful story of self discovery and how love can survive despite a shaky start. Also, be warned, quite a tear jerker.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Something Like Summer?

Probably when Tim finally realizes how much he loves Ben.

What does Kevin R. Free bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Mr. Free has a wonderful voice and really brought the story to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both.

Any additional comments?

I believe this is slated to be made into a movie and I can't wait. It will make a wonderful movie if they capture the spirit of the book.

19 people found this helpful

Best Gay Book Around.

What did you love best about Something Like Summer?

I love how this book focuses on a homosexuals life and doesn't portray it negatively or stereotypically, mostly. It a love story that spans a lifetime and just so happens its with two guys which is brilliant. It wasn't anymore sexual than common books of similare standing with a hetero story.

13 people found this helpful

You will easily see yourself in these characters

If you could sum up Something Like Summer in three words, what would they be?

Romantic, Improbable, Warming

What did you like best about this story?

I related surprisingly well with the main character, Ben. More than once I found myself thinking how much I could relate to the feelings of longing, sadness, and excitement portrayed by him. This not only helped me connect more with the story, but also made me realize that other people probably feel the same way about certain topics in the book as I do (being gay, this was an important realization). Overall I would highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to gay individuals who would like a "realistic" portrayal of a normal gay relationship. That being said, many of the circumstances in the book were slightly improbable and it was often easy to see them coming. Even so, the suspense created was enough to propel you through the book and keeping you listening late into the night.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

9 people found this helpful

Great Book

What does Kevin R. Free bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I don't know why, but his voice strikes me as what Ben would sound like.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Hot and Heart Felt

Any additional comments?

Great story, great characters and excellent narration

8 people found this helpful

It Gets Better (Poster-Book for Everyone)

I liked the span of this book, it was broader than I originally expected. The pace was a little on the fast side, but that meant I was never bored as each new plot twist and emotion was introduced. I loved the sex - well written, hot but not overly dramatic. The character interactions were believable and I liked that no one was all bad or all good. It dealt with a lot of difficult life events without becoming melodramatic or ridiculously apathetic.

5 people found this helpful

Good Story, A Little Amateur In Some Spots

What did you love best about Something Like Summer?

I really like the slightly different take on the gay story line, it was intriguing and more real then others that I have read. It was nice to see real human flaws in these characters.

Any additional comments?

Overall I liked this book, some parts seemed a little bit like a junior author wrote them. The passage of time was rather clumsy and I don't feel like the characters aged or changed even though there was massive jumps in time. The first half of the book was great. The story kind of went off course later on, but it kind of pulled back in the end.

4 people found this helpful

Don't judge it by the cartoonish cover

Very glad to have picked this up, and immediately started on "Something Like Winter" moments after finishing this one. Part one was pretty reminiscent of "The Geography Club" (which I also enjoyed - twice) except Ben has supporting and participatory parents. The entire story though is quite a roller coaster ride with Ben & Tim vs Ben & Jace. The only reason I didn't give the story five stars though is the very, very end. Trying to say this without becoming a spoiler, but if Ben was so excited at the chance to see Tim after more than two years, and if it was so easy for him to fall into it again, why had he waited so long? At least it squeezed in a potentially happy ending that I think every reader wanted and expected. Hoping "Something Like Winter" ultimately provides a little more from where this one ends.

3 people found this helpful

VERY Light Fare!

This story is for twinks and twunks. Anyone with any life experience who gained a shred of wisdom from it will will get migraines from rolling their eyes over the predictable antics of the idiot main character. Actually, the entire story was predictable. Only the narrator's voice annoyed me more! I really wanted to like this book, but I found myself waiting for it to end. Get this (if you must!) for the beach and have a backup story ready in case you just can't make it to the end.

2 people found this helpful