Something Like Summer: Something Like..., Book 1

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.

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!!!

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.

Probably when Tim finally realizes how much he loves Ben.

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

Both.

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.

Romantic, Improbable, Warming

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.

Yes

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

Hot and Heart Felt

Great story, great characters and excellent narration

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.

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.

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.

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.

Predictable and saccharine, Something Like Summer, might be a good read for a late teens gay boy who wants to be assured that everything will turn out OK. But there are so many weaknesses to the story that it's hard to get involved with the main character.

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.