Social Skills

Jan 22, 2013 Dani Alexander rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Shelves: favorites

Let me preface this review by saying this is a friend of mine. Let me also add that I became friends with this author because of this story. My love for it sparked an email exchange and that grew into friendship.

That said, I love this story. This is a slow moving story. A quiet one with subtle bits of brilliance in every paragraph. It is a true romance and a coming of age story about Connor, a shy violinist who has low self esteem and falls in love with someone who has self-esteem issues of his...more

22 likes · like · see review

Feb 08, 2013 Camille rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-rom-erotica, new-adult-romance

3.5

American school caste systems are beyond me and (from what I've read of them) I find them, to say the very least, fairly ridiculous; that, plus my aversion to the nerd low self-esteem, jock lordly character trope may not have rendered me the best reader of this book.

Notwithstanding, among the books I have read that make use of this plot, this one does well for itself and has more to offer.

5 likes · like · see review

Mar 22, 2013 Jen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Jen by: Jessica

Shelves: buddy-read, m-m-romance, asshole-mc, flufftasticness, friends-to-lovers, this-is-not-good-for-my-rage, y-a-lit, musicians

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

8 likes · like · see review

Mar 06, 2013 Bea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: male-male, abuse-not-by-hero, angst, athlete, closeted, goodreads-review, rock-star-musician, coming-of-age

I found this on one of my lists and it sounds fascinating. I love anything to do with anxiety and/or musicians. There is something about the desire to jump into the music to get past awkwardness that I can completely identify with from high school and college.

The writing was pretty good. But here's the thing. I really disliked Jared. He was a self-centered a-hole in my opinion and I think that Connor could do so much better. I was actually hoping some other dude would come in and sweep him off h...more

2 likes · like · see review

May 14, 2013 Elizabetta rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: celeb-musician-rocker, review-4-love

3.5 stars

The title is really apt in this sweet, gently-moving, coming-of-age story. Connor is a freshman in college and feeling the strain of being a painfully shy and socially awkward kind of guy. He needs some “social skills,” and fast. He longs for friends yet finds it difficult to connect with his fellow students, he’s tongue-tied and unsure. One thing Connor is sure of...he loves music. He can communicate through his violin and playing it soothes his inner conflicts. It’s not easy for him,...more
3.5 stars

The title is really apt in this sweet, gently-moving, coming-of-age story. Connor is a freshman in college and feeling the strain of being a painfully shy and socially awkward kind of guy. He needs some “social skills,” and fast. He longs for friends yet finds it difficult to connect with his fellow students, he’s tongue-tied and unsure. One thing Connor is sure of...he loves music. He can communicate through his violin and playing it soothes his inner conflicts. It’s not easy for him, overcoming the shyness, and he takes refuge in his music and studying for classes. The author does a good job at capturing this complicated character.

Connor requires patience from the reader. He is so given to self doubt and anxiety and seems lost in it. You just want him to get a grip, take a leap. We get a lot of his inner dialogue and are witness to every bit of his insecurity. It’s clear that he isn’t close to his parents, they don’t understand him; and his mother, especially, is overbearing. Could this be the root of his insecurities or is he really just a very sensitive soul? (Connor’s thirteen-year-old sister, Melissa, is well captured and a fun secondary character. She’s smart and bratty and ultimately comes through for her brother when he needs it most.)

It isn’t until Jared, hunky footballer and fellow student, enters the picture that Connor starts to break out of his shell. They share a class together and Connor agrees to tutor him. Jared is the polar opposite of Connor: a jock, extroverted and out-going, with lots of friends. But he too, is trying to figure out who he is and what he wants. He also “gets” Connor and is protective of him. What I like is that he’s not perfect -- he gets frustrated with Connor’s insecurities and pushes him to face and articulate what he wants. It’s unfortunate that at times Jared can come across as a bit cavalier in his treatment of Connor. But, we have to remember that these guys are only eighteen years old and Jared is not a knight in white armor, he’s not perfect... he’s real.

I especially like all the classical music references. Connor is a talented violinist and these details add to his character and enrich the story. We see him immerse himself in his music, we see how it helps him cope:

“He took out his violin and set some sheet music on his miserably bent wire stand... Then, with only a deep breath to bolster him, he launched into the first thing he could think of—the solo from Scheherazade. It was a haunting melody, wistful and yearning, yet with a touch of hopefulness to it at the same time. The room and the tension slipped away as he drew the bow across the strings, his fingers vibrating with emotion—a simple task given what kinship he felt with the piece. It was so easy in this space to express himself, to make perfectly clear who he was and what he wanted from life. If only it were possible to speak with these notes in the real world.”

This book is perfect for readers who like ... To read the rest of this review please visit: The Blog of Sid Love (less)

4 likes · like · see review

Apr 19, 2013 Jaya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: okay, slashreaders

SlashReaders: I have mixed feelings about this book. I don't mean that per-say in a negative way. I think that many of my reactions to this book are due to the fact that I'm no longer at a point in my own life where the insecurities of teenage / early college life appeal to me. However, I would like to commend Alva on the way the book was handled. There were many opportunities for the main characters to fall into what I would term 'cliche's' such as suicide and other self destructive habits. Whi...more

like · see review

Apr 12, 2013 LiveYourLife BuyTheBook rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-good-read, barb

4 Stars

This is one of the very sweetest, and most heart warming stories I have read in a very long time. Normally I have a very low “sweet tolerance” in books I read – yet the author managed to avoid the trap of overplaying it. The balance of sweet and angst is a delicate thing, and she pulled it off perfectly.

Connor has one of those mums. You know the kind. The ones that insist on enrolling their kids for music lessons because they can’t play; and wheeling them out at social gatherings to impre...more

like · see review

Feb 22, 2013 Yvonne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, m-m-coming-out, m-m-young-love, m-m-young-adult-theme, loaned-book

This is a coming of age college story about Connor who is a very shy and introverted Freshman. It's easy to relate to him because who hasn't gone through that insecurity phase while growing up. Even though this story didn't break any new ground I still found myself cheering him on as he overcame another hurdle. I think his budding relationship with jared is handled well and realistically. I could even sympathize with Jared even when his action hurt Connor. They're both 18 years old so you can't...more

like · see review

Feb 18, 2013 Elisa Ramblings added it

This is another of those college boys story where the author could have used the cuteness factor and instead she decided to give it a more intense layer.

Connor is a supershy, little nerdy boy who is literally thrown into college; from the overprotecting, and sometime overbearing environment of his house, where his mother was lord and master, Connor is suddenly free to manage his own life... If he is able to have a life at all. When he is picked to be the tutor of two jocks, for sure he wasn't ex...more

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 08, 2013 Dumbledore11214 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay-romance

I almost did not buy this book, because I have read so many plays on "nerd jock" romance, but the recommendations were great and price was great too, so I caved in.

I am certainly glad I did, because while I cannot say that this book covers any new ground (and how much new ground there is in romance anyway?) the writing and the amazing characters more than made up for it IMO.

I loved Connor and Jared. I was really happy to read about painfully shy guy, who is just that - painfully shy. He does not...more

like · see review

Feb 06, 2013 Liz Winters rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-m-m-romance, insecure-mc, m-m

I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed this book. It had everything I look for in an m/m romance and more. First, Connor completely satisfied my fetish for an insecure main character. I loved the way he started out as a complete introvert and then slowly came out of his shell and grew stronger and stronger. It's not often that an author takes time and care to really develop a character, and I really appreciated that being done here.

Second, I thought this was a very realistically written ro...more

like · see review

Mar 01, 2013 Don Bradshaw rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: artists, college-guys, coming-out, family-drama, gay-romance, friends-to-lovers, opposites

Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/

Connor is shy, gifted violinist stuck with an over bearing mother and a spineless father. Social interaction doesn't come easily to Connor and college is really throwing him for a loop. Classes are a breeze but now he is forced to interact with people. Rebecca is his partner in orchestra and begins on a quest to break Connor out of his shell. In the mean time, Connor meets Jared who just may hold the key to Connor's prison. The probl...more

5 likes · like · see review

Apr 28, 2013 Deeze rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A wonderful story full of real people and real situations.

Connor really captured my heart. Maybe because I can fully understand his shyness and always being on the edge of the crowd. One of the earlier scenes where Connor tried to mix and quickly found himself alone again sealed my love for him.

Jared I had less love for. I understand he was scared, and totally out of his element but I still found his reactions selfish and hurtful. Right from the beginning he treated Connor as someone he was ash...more

10 likes · like · see review

Apr 06, 2013 Jeff Erno rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay-themed-young-adult, gay-coming-out, gay-romance, young-adult, best-of-2013

Social Skills is the story of Connor, a college freshman who wages a constant battle against social anxiety. His shyness and introversion, added to his diminutive stature and average looks, contribute to an extremely low self-esteem. Connor is also gay. When he begins tutoring Jared, a member of the school's football team, his same-sex attractions surface and a romance blossoms. Jared becomes Connor's security blanket, initially helping him overcome some of his anxiety but ultimately leading to...more Social Skills is the story of Connor, a college freshman who wages a constant battle against social anxiety. His shyness and introversion, added to his diminutive stature and average looks, contribute to an extremely low self-esteem. Connor is also gay. When he begins tutoring Jared, a member of the school's football team, his same-sex attractions surface and a romance blossoms. Jared becomes Connor's security blanket, initially helping him overcome some of his anxiety but ultimately leading to an unbalanced, one-sided relationship in which Connor depends upon Jared to offer assurance, guidance, and a feeling of self-worth. It's when Jared, still in the closet, decides to end the relationship, that Connor finally has to develop the skills to conquer his own social challenges.

This beautifully crafted story was artfully presented, conveying a hopeful message of self-acceptance, forgiveness, and determination. The story was told in the third person narrative, entirely from Connor's point of view, and was in no way preachy or didactic. It was just a story, a slice of life. And by learning about this amazing young man, I felt I learned so much about myself and about others who struggle with self-esteem issues.

Yes, it pulled on my heartstrings, and in this sense I knew the author was manipulating my emotions. But I didn't feel it was in any way heavy handed. I felt Connor's pain because I got to know him. I got to see inside of his head and heart.

There were times I was frustrated. I wanted Connor to stand up to his overbearing mother. I wanted him to kick Jared to the curb on more than one occasion. I wanted him to speak up for himself and quit being a doormat. But who effin cares what I wanted?? The point is that this is a real story about a realistic character--one with limitations and flaws and challenges. As much as I wanted Connor to be stronger, I understood why he was the way he was.

One thing I especially appreciated about the story was that it did not seem to be making the case that introversion, in and of itself, was a bad thing. Connor was absolutely beautiful. He possessed amazing talent, above average intelligence, and a tremendous level of empathy. He was compassionate, loyal, generous, and humble. In a nutshell, he was a person I'd cherish with all my heart as a dear friend, and I'd be honored to have him in my life. None of these things--and especially not his sensitivity--were traits that needed to change.

But his social anxiety and low self esteem were his Achilles' heel. These were within the cards of the hand he was dealt, and it was up to him--and him alone--to overcome them. Of course he had support along the way, but ultimately it was his victory.

And one last thing about this story that I feel compelled to comment on is the relationship with Jared. A part of me was disappointed that Connor was so quick to forgive Jared for his transgressions, yet I felt this was spot-on accurate. There is absolutely no way, knowing who Connor is, that he could NOT forgive. And in the end, Connor receives his reward, and it's absolutely beautiful.

This book had me in tears at certain points and doubled over with laughter in other places. The little sister, Melissa, cracked me up. I loved Rebecca, the best friend. Even Jared's roommate Ben was comical. The ending of the story was just perfect, and the epilogue was exactly what I'd hoped it would be.

Although I've categorized Social Skills as a YA read, I think it's a book that would be beneficial and enjoyable to readers of all ages. It's a beautiful story with many important messages, and it's extremely well-written. Five stars is just not nearly enough.

(less)

5 likes · like · see review

Feb 14, 2013 d.blue rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a lovely story. It is a familiar theme, shy non athletic young man and the more outgoing jock. The similarity ends there. It becomes more and unfolds beautifully.

Connor is an intelligent, gifted violinist, shy to the extreme. He does not make friends easily. He meets Jared while tutoring for the athletics department. Jared is not exactly the stereotype jock and we see a person wanting to be true to who he really is and struggling with his and others expectations of who he should be. As t...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 28, 2013 Ami rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Ami by: Dani Alexander

Shelves: mm-young-or-new-adult

Two days after I finished, I realized I haven't written my full thoughts on it *lol*. Okay, Never read the free version -- so I don't know how different this is or whether it has been significantly reedited and revamped. This rating is for the published edition.

This is quite a long one ... and at times, I feel that the book is dragging. While most of the times, I feel for Connor and his struggle over his shyness, to be better at his social skills, but other times I get frustrated with his relati...more

15 likes · like · see review

Feb 08, 2013 clear skies rated it 5 of 5 stars

Connor is a shy eighteen year old violinist who has no friends. Jared is a sweet guy who has loads of friends and is popular. You may think this a typical nerd vs. jock story but it isn't. Connor meets Jared whilst tutoring him and his friend Michael for their anthropology class. Jared is a sweet guy and befriends Connor and together they embark on a friendship.

The reason why this isn't a typical nerd vs. jock story because there is so much depth. This is a coming out story of two very different...more

like · see review

Mar 02, 2013 Runell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, glitebooks

I loved this book so, so, so much! It was just so . . . AMAZING!

It has the feels . . . oh, does it ever have the feels.

Jared and Connor . . . I just loved them so much. I connected in many ways with both characters. Like Connor, I'm really shy, not as shy as him but shy enough so I can empathize with him. I related to Jared because, in general, he was a great guy, not quite sure just what he wanted and with the things that he did know he wanted, he was afraid. Anyone can sympathize with him on t...more

like · see review

May 06, 2013 Hester rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m-fun, young-adult, favorites

Objectively, this book should probably be 4 stars but it felt so personal and relative to me that I couldn't put it down, I loved every minute I spent reading it.
This is the story of Connor - a painfully shy, gay, small, blonde, first year college boy who has been pushed into playing music by him family and it's basically become the only way he can express himself.
It's about him learning how to make friends, how to stand up for himself and most of all being happy with who he is as a person.
Thi...more Objectively, this book should probably be 4 stars but it felt so personal and relative to me that I couldn't put it down, I loved every minute I spent reading it.
This is the story of Connor - a painfully shy, gay, small, blonde, first year college boy who has been pushed into playing music by him family and it's basically become the only way he can express himself.
It's about him learning how to make friends, how to stand up for himself and most of all being happy with who he is as a person.
This book felt personal to me because at times I can feel awkward and shy, not quite to Connor's stuttering level, but enough that I understood completely where he was coming from. Alva writes this so well - only very rarely did I get annoyed with his weakness as a character, he wasn't passive in his timidness. She phrases things in such a lovely way I really understood how badly he wanted to be sociable and 'normal' but just couldn't see how to do it.

'silently wishing he were a more interesting person so he could quit being a shadow on the sidelines of his own life.'

'All Connor felt as he prepared to speak was a crawling uncertainty along his skin, and a deep conviction that whatever he was about to say was going to be insufficient.'

Again- it's such a personal thing but when I read passages like that I highlighted them because it was just perfect. A perfect expression of how someone with low self esteem or social awkwardness can often feel in social situations.

For the whole book I was completely on Connor's side- grinning like a madman for every small achievement. The first time he stuck up for himself I actually hugged my kindle to my chest I was so, so proud of him.
Jared was pretty great for the most part too- and I just wanted to high 5 Rebecca for being so wonderful.

(view spoiler)

This was one of the sweetest and more inspirational books I've read in a long time. It's a great portrayal of teenage awkwardness - and anyone whose experienced that at some point will understand, and enjoy this story of overcoming it.
I just want to give Connor a big hug and tell him how proud I am of him.(less)

like · see review

Apr 18, 2013 Kaje Harper rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, ya, favorites

This is a slow-building, sometimes-emotional story of a shy, socially-inhibited gay young man in his first year of college. I really enjoyed it, sometimes despite an ache of fellow-feeling in my chest. Because I was Connor at that age, only worse (albeit neither male nor gay). I could sympathize with the moments of pain and frustration in trying to figure out how the hell other human beings ever knew how to have normal social interactions.

Connor's problems are compounded by falling in love with...more This is a slow-building, sometimes-emotional story of a shy, socially-inhibited gay young man in his first year of college. I really enjoyed it, sometimes despite an ache of fellow-feeling in my chest. Because I was Connor at that age, only worse (albeit neither male nor gay). I could sympathize with the moments of pain and frustration in trying to figure out how the hell other human beings ever knew how to have normal social interactions.

Connor's problems are compounded by falling in love with Jared, a closeted jock with bigoted friends and an intense need to be "the man of the family" since his father's death. Jared has tried to be bi, but is becoming certain he's not interested enough in girls, and is starting to identify as gay. He likes Connor, and takes obvious satisfaction at filling the void that exists in Connor's lonely life, but doesn't want to be publicly together at all. This puts Jared's fears and wishes in conflict with the things Connor needs to do, to be true to who he is and come out into the light as his own person.

Connor is helped a lot by his friendship with Rebecca, who accepts his shyness, and later his gayness, and pushes him just enough to move him forward. (I didn't envy him a love interest, but I'd have killed for a friend like that. Maybe she was out there and by never eating in the cafeteria, I missed her...)

Some readers may be annoyed with Jared, but I thought with his age and situation and fears, his blowing hot and cold, seeking attachment and then pushing Connor away, rang true. It was hurtful, but felt real and seemed like the best coping Jared was able to do at any given moment. Even his inability to deal with an old girlfriend who clings to him seemed true to life. The path of least resistance is always appealing, and guys tend to hate scenes and drama. Plus he felt responsibility for her. I was actually pleased (for the sake of the story) that he had feet of clay appropriate to a young college guy.

This book could be considered YA, given the characters' ages and the coming-out/coming-of-age themes. The sex content skirts my limit for YA, being on page and clear, but it is fairly short and not erotic. In the way it happens, as part of a developing relationship, I think it is appropriate. I would definitely recommend this to older YA readers, with just the caution that it has that content.(less)

9 likes · like · see review

Mar 17, 2013 deirdre rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: buddy-reads, m-m, ya

Social skills . . .
4 stars

What i liked . . .
Great MCs. Well developed. Believable chemistry between main couple.
Conor . . The geeky, socially awkward classical musician. My heart ached for him through most of the story. His coming of age story was the most touching. I found myself cheering as he found his own feet, his own voice.
Jared. The not so great jock. Lots of family expectations. Though he hurts Conor, I knew why. I understood his fears. I didn't like them, but understood. His journey is...more

9 likes · like · see review

Mar 17, 2013 Sheri rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: buddy-read, boyz-luvin-boyz

Self-discovery. Shedding insecurities. Everyman's expectations.

Revealing yourself, finding your voice, and discovering your path is not always easy. It is near impossible when you are not only afraid of what you’ll find, but terrified to begin the search.

Connor

Freshman college student Connor, an introverted musician who's petrified of rejection is locked in a prison of his own skin. Walking a straight line in life, he succumbs to the pressure of his overbearing parents and has never been allow...more

6 likes · like · see review

Apr 11, 2013 Jennifer Lavoie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, friends, family, gay, lgbt, older-teens, romance

Oh my God. My heart. Or as some people now say: MY FEELS! This book absolutely killed me in the best way possible. It was so heartfelt and emotional, everytime Connor felt pain, I felt it too.

Connor and Jared are excellent characters. They change and grow as people throughout the story until by the end, you feel as if they are flesh and blood. Sara Alva does NOT make it easy for them to get together. In fact, you don't really know how it will work out until the very end.

I loved this book so mu...more

like · see review

Apr 09, 2013 Dick rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Jan 27, 2013 Pjm12 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: angsty, coming-of-age, ebook, lgbt, romantic, twisty

Enjoyable lengthy novel about Connor, an extremely shy, repressed gay boy in his first year of college, who meets Jared, his complete opposite - althletic, popular and friendly also totally closeted.

Their relationship is depicted quite realistically, and if Connor's heart has to be broken, so that he can figure out a few things, well, so be it.

But this is a happy ever after, and Connor's growth in self confidence, and Jared's realisation that he is often selfish and careless with other people m...more

like · see review

Mar 13, 2013 A rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.25 Stars. Review Originally Posted here: http://joyfullyjay.com/2013/03/review...

Connor Owens is an extremely talented violinist and timid college freshman. To say he’s shy is the understatement of the century. He becomes paralyzed with fear when he’s expected to talk to pretty much anyone. His only social interaction is with his stand partner, Rebecca, who takes him under her wing and tries to get him to say more than two words at a time.

Connor’s a good student, so when his anthropology profe...more 4.25 Stars. Review Originally Posted here: http://joyfullyjay.com/2013/03/review...

Connor Owens is an extremely talented violinist and timid college freshman. To say he’s shy is the understatement of the century. He becomes paralyzed with fear when he’s expected to talk to pretty much anyone. His only social interaction is with his stand partner, Rebecca, who takes him under her wing and tries to get him to say more than two words at a time.

Connor’s a good student, so when his anthropology professor asks him to tutor some football players, he reluctantly agrees, as to not disappoint his teacher and make a few extra dollars. His students are Michael and Jared, and neither one seems that interested in what he is trying to teach them. When Michael decides to drop the class, it means one-on-one time with the gorgeous Jared, who seems to be sitting awfully close and allowing touches to linger a little longer than Connor would expect for a football player with a girlfriend.

When a study date in Connor’s dorm leads to more, a whole range of problems present themselves and seem insurmountable, especially for the deeply closeted Jared. Connor’s parents expect perfection from him, and he knows his sexuality is not going to fit in with their carefully constructed future plans for him. Jared has a team of football players to worry about, as well as a roommate and best friend who most likely won’t understand. Even if both Jared and Connor can admit to their feelings, will they be able to overcome these obstacles?

I loved the cripplingly shy Connor. He grew up in a house that was strictly regulated, and now that he’s out on his own, he’s having severe growing pains. He’s never had to interact with people in the way he’s expected to at college, and while he tries to avoid it, he’s forced to find the courage and strength that’s within him. And when this happens, when he starts to become the person he’s meant to be, it’s beautiful.

On the flip slide, I struggled with the character of Jared. He’s undoubtedly confused about his feelings for Connor, and even admits later on that his initial attraction was due partly to convenience, but I never felt convinced that it grew into anything much stronger for him than curiosity and infatuation. There are several times that I was so frustrated with Jared, I wanted to shake him. He was struggling with his sexuality, yes, but his selfishness and fear made him a less than deserving partner for Connor. You see the growth in Connor and want to see the same from the person he loves.

The first third of the book, as Connor and Jared are discovering each other and Jared is helping Connor overcome his shyness, is by far my favorite part. It’s achingly sweet and tentative and all the things you would expect from two young men who are inexperienced and driven by curiosity, lust, and the possibility of more. During this time, Jared’s ability to see past the shy exterior and recognize the talent and heart that lies beneath the surface is swoon-worthy. They’re tackling a whole lot of big issues together, including discovering their sexuality and contemplating coming out, and they make a formidable couple. They are the quintessential opposites-attract couple, and in this case, it works well.

The last 1/3 of the book is where things started to go off the rails for me. As to not give too much away, there’s a situation involving Jared’s ex-girlfriend that was not only a little out of left-field, but was also unrealistically portrayed. The professionalism of the medical workers was questionable, at best. The whole scenario felt contrived and out of place and, while the topic is serious and bears being discussed, it was only dealt with on a very shallow level and it wasn’t given the importance it deserved.

The ending felt rushed. It’s a fairly long book and, by the way, it is a great bargain for the money, but most of the significant moments take place in the last 20 pages. Understandably, an HEA would be hard to accept for these young boys just barely starting out in life, but it’s like the roller coaster ride stopped just as you made it over the highest hill and hit the bottom, but before you get a chance to level out. The book would’ve been a better one had these major issues been dealt with a little bit earlier.

I loved the friendship Connor had with Rebecca and her artist friends; I disliked the attempt at music metaphors that seemed arbitrary and forced. I loved Jared’s mom and her reaction to his coming out; I didn’t really like the stereotypical portrayal of athletes and homophobia. All in all, though, I found the strengths far outweighed the weaknesses in this book and I thought it was a sweet coming-of-age novel that I’d recommend to teenagers as well as adults. It was an admirable debut novel by Sara Alva, and I’ll be looking forward to reading what she writes in the future.(less)

like · see review

Feb 21, 2013 K.M. Frontain rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this novel. The characters felt very real, both the main ones and support. Connor's painful, stumbling attempts to socialize are poignant, his trouble with overbearing, judgmental parents very real--judgmental as in overly concerned with making an impression on society/neighbours, to the point where happiness is no longer a factor in decisions for a future, the type of judgement that can eat a person alive in slow bites. Brilliant portrayal of oblivious parents who force decisio...more

like · see review

Apr 12, 2013 Jamie Deacon rated it 4 of 5 stars

It has long since been accepted that opposites attract. Two individuals, who appear to have nothing in common on the surface, invariably end up sharing a connection that defies either logic or understanding. This is certainly the case for college students Connor and Jared in this spicy and heart-warming novel by Sara Alva. A romance between an introverted violinist and a jock shouldn’t work, and yet, against the odds, it does.

Connor has never fitted in. His painful shyness, and the anxiety that...more It has long since been accepted that opposites attract. Two individuals, who appear to have nothing in common on the surface, invariably end up sharing a connection that defies either logic or understanding. This is certainly the case for college students Connor and Jared in this spicy and heart-warming novel by Sara Alva. A romance between an introverted violinist and a jock shouldn’t work, and yet, against the odds, it does.

Connor has never fitted in. His painful shyness, and the anxiety that paralyses him when confronted with any social situation, have always prevented him from making friends at school. The only form of communication at which he excels is music. With his precious violin in his hands, he is able to express himself without words. As expected, college turns out to be yet another ordeal. Beyond Rebecca, his bohemian stand partner in the college orchestra, Connor has little to do with his fellow students, and resigns himself to remaining on the edge of things, spending his time studying alone.

All at once, his solitary existence is shattered when he’s assigned to tutor Jared, a devastatingly handsome footballer. Jared is everything Connor isn’t—popular, outgoing, and self-assured. Still, for some reason Connor can’t fathom, Jared seems to like him. More than like him, in fact. As the two embark on a passionate but secret love affair, Connor discovers the joys of physical and emotional intimacy with another person. With this newfound happiness, however, comes the fear. Jared is reluctant to tell the world about his sexuality, and even if he were to come out, would he really want to tie himself to a social outcast like Connor?

Much as the romance between Connor and Jared is extremely touching, the truly wonderful aspect of this novel is the character development. With the help of both Jared and Rebecca, Connor slowly finds the courage to emerge from his protective shell. From the reclusive boy we’re introduced to at the start of the story, who is thrown into a panic by the mere prospect of conversing with strangers, he grows into a young man with his own group of friends and the quiet confidence to be himself. As a shy person, I found this both poignant and incredibly inspirational to watch.

If you’re seeking a New Adult romance that offers just the right balance of heat and tenderness, I can certainly recommend this book.

Written for the Boys on the Brink Blog (less)

like · see review

Feb 13, 2013 Miglet rated it 5 of 5 stars

I didn't even expect this book when I bought it, and I mean that in the best way possible. It's not like this story hasn't been told before, but the characters are so human that it's difficult for me to even remember any other nerd-jock romance.

The author's ability to put you in Connor's mind and soul in his very worst and best moments is the true heart of the story. I've never empathized with a character more over his crippling shyness.

I really could talk about this book for the next week. It...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 22, 2013 Barb Gilmour rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is one of the very sweetest, and most heart warming stories I have read in a very long time. Normally I have a very low "sweet tolerance" in books I read - yet the author managed to avoid the trap of overplaying it. The balance of sweet and angst is a delicate thing, and she pulled it off perfectly.

Connor was at times adorable and at times Oh-My-God-I-Wanna-Throttle-Him!! He was so socially inept it was heartbreaking. His escape is his music - he lives through every difficult situation with...more

1 like · like · see review

title link	preview: Social Skills
avg rating	preview: Social Skills Goodreads rating: 4.03 (576 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12012960-social-skills?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358990836l/12012960.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12012960-social-skills?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Social Skills by Sara Alva[/url]

Social Skills

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)

Genres

Books by Sara Alva

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Social Skills

Social Skills

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (2)

Genres

Books by Sara Alva

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Social Skills

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)