Book Rec

Trust Me by Jeff Erno

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Shawn Graham and Bobby Wilder couldn't be more different. Shawn is a devout Christian fundamentalist from northern Michigan; Bobby is a street-smart, latchkey kid from southern Ohio. From an early age, they are both confused and troubled by their attraction to the same sex. Shawn believes that homosexuality is sinful, and a traumatic incident of childhood sexual abuse adds to his guilt and shame. Bobby has an image to maintain and flatly denies the possibility that his same-sex attractions even exist. He's just too cool to be gay. When they finally connect, their preconceptions are suddenly dwarfed by what they feel for each other.

They become inseparable and fall deeply in love; however, love doesn't make life easy. Plans are in motion that will surely devastate the young couple. Painful experiences of the past overshadow happy memories, and heartbreaking obstacles loom over the possibility of a future. If Shawn and Bobby want to stay together, they will have to fight with everything they have.


I've never read anything by this author but I decided to try this based on several recommendations. It was a long (366 pages) and gut wrenching story that brought me to tears several times. Some parts were extremely difficult to get through but I'm glad I forged ahead. The trauma that Shawn had to endure on his own broke my heart. As a mother I had a hard time understanding Deni's blatant disregard for her son's feelings and her subsequent decisions. I loved Bobby and his cocky attitude but Shawn won me over from the very first. Great story if you like angst. I'd recommend it without hesitation.