Finding Zach

I downloaded this book on a whim and was very surprised at how well written the characters were and how well characterized Zach was.

The listener is drawn in as soon as the tale of Zach Tyler begins. Sympathy for the main character is a given and the descriptive writing style of Rowan Speedwell creates the horrific images that places the listener in the heart of the tale. The narration by Paul Morey added to the story and encouraged one to hope for the best. A love story with a tragic twist and an eventual happy ending, makes for an excellent read.

but some parts were heavier than I was in the mood for.

David was like a big-brother-best-friend to Zach while growing up. At age 15 Zach kisses David for the first time. Then they are separated when Zach flies to visit a relative and gets kidnaped. Now it’s several years later. Zach is alive and returns home. The best part of the story is the two of them reconnecting and beginning a love relationship. Zach has PTSD with many psychological issues. David is loving, patient, accepting, and supporting. I loved that part of the story - the relationship development. The sex scenes were well done. I liked the feel good ending and the epilogue.

During the second half, at times I did not enjoy the drama. Too often Zach overreacted and thought he should end their relationship. Even though David told Zach he loved him and nothing about Zach’s past would ever bother him, Zach didn’t believe it or kept forgetting. Yes he had issues from his kidnaping and torture, but it was tiring to keep hearing that Zach believed no one could love him.

There are a lot of therapy type discussions. The most common sentence in the book was “Are you ok?” Everyone is always asking everyone else that question. The answer was usually yes and a couple times crying. The parents were wonderfully supportive of both David and Zach which was a nice part of the story.

I liked the way Zach’s five years of captivity was handled. The book starts with his rescue. Then Zach is telling or remembering what happened. Horrible things were done to him which stayed with me, but it could have been worse. I wouldn’t have wanted to be inside Zach’s head during his torture, not knowing if he would survive or be rescued. However the torture might be too much for sensitive readers.

The author has a good writing style. It’s a good story, just a little heavier than I was in the mood for.

The narrator Paul Morey was very good.

Genre: gay male romance.

Finding Zach is rare gem in contemporary fiction. It is not my intention to give a blow by blow of the plot but what captured my full attrition was the characters Zach and David. Zach has lived through hell being kidnapped raped and tortured repeatedly. The main portion of the story focuses on his recovery from the events described above and having taken a collage course that dealt with torture victims I can say the reactions of Zach to events are within the scope of the possible. The relationship Zach and David provides strength as well as much of the conflict for much of the novel. The has a way of getting inside your head. I high;y recommend this book

I will definitely listen to Finding Zach again! Although there are definitely some difficult issues in the book, they were handled beautifully! This is one of the best listens I've experienced so far!!

I think the only book that comes to mind would be Promise Rock by Amy Lane. The characters are flawed in similar ways and you pull for them just the same.

The narration was flawless throughout. Nothing is more distracting than listening to a serious heart-wrenching scene to hear a word mispronounced. It's very difficult to overlook.

I did my best to listen to this all at once. It's THAT good.

Good story, filled with drama, but Man... I don't know... it was more like an emotional thriller or something than a m/m romance. Poor Zach though... I was near tears at times, hating him at others.

Wonderful, scary and difficult.

When Zach realizes that he can be as strong as he needs to be.

At the very beginning.

I don't do spoilers.

I find I have little patience for dime store romances gay or straight. I get tired of dialogue that seems purposely mundane and pointless. Example: "What's wrong Zack?" "I dunno..." now repeat that every chapter a dozen times.

The constant "one step forward, two steps back" exchanges between the two principle characters. Toward the end I was skipping chapters just to get this torture over with. I didn't care any more.

Just one - competent.

If the unexamined life is not worth living the OVER examined life is certainly not worth listening to...

Great writer. I've read a lot of this author but won't buy any more audible versions narrated by Paul Morey.

No - sounds like he's reading a book report - dull and monotone - messed up Matter of Time, also, so I won't buy any more audible versions read by this person.

Correction, I loved this book and have read it several times. I did not think the narrator was the correct one for this book. Wonder what it would have sounded like if he had actually read the book before narrating it !

I feel sorry for those who do not have access to the written versions of Finding Zack (or Matter of Time) because the audible versions are so poorly done. Shame on you, Audible, when you have access to such wonderful narrators as Jack LeFleur and Sean Crisden. I wish you had chosen Robert Nieman or Max Miller.

Yes. Sexy, romantic, socially aware, a parable for any age.

Both Charles and Tristan. Who wouldn't love them, or have compassion for them?

A little self-conscious about its research, but who cares. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Yes, several.

I'd like to know or BE the main characters. lol