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Just Hit Send #1
Just Hit Send
It all started with a question from one confused boy, "Will someone listen?" and was sealed with an answer from another "I will."
From a conversation to forever; Jordan and Danny's story is full of trials and struggle, where Jordan fights for his father's love and Danny makes peace with his inability to walk. Will their love be enough to keep them together and protect them from prejudice and jealousy? How many lives will they affect and how big exactly is the human heart?
From a conversation to forever; Jordan and Danny's story is full of trials and struggle, where Jordan fights for his father's love and Danny makes peace with his inability to walk. Will their love be enough to keep them together and protect them from prejudice and jealousy? How many lives will they affect and how big exactly is the human heart?
950 pages, Free online read
First published September 16, 2002
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5043 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 28, 2017
UPDATE:
My friend Pablito reminded me JUST HOW AMAZING this story is, so I'm re-recommending it again.
Honestly, it reminds me A LOT of TJ Klune's "Bear, Otter & the Kid," which is a comparison that I DO NOT make lightly.
So please do yourself a favor and give this one a go! : )
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This book is FREE and available online at:
http://iomfats.org/storyshelf/hosted/...#
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This was such a good book. Even at 950 pages long, I couldn't put it down.
What I truly loved about the book was that through all of the trials that Jordan and Danny went through, there was never even a single moment of doubt from either character that their love for one another was 100%. No cheating or real temptation so to speak of, just a feeling of "We WILL get through this", even if it isn't today. Or tomorrow. Or even next year.
Yes, Danny's attempts to pull away so that Jordan could find someone worthy of him made me absolutely bat-shit crazy and I wanted to strangle him numerous times.
Although misguided, that still came from his pure love for Jordan and only wanting to see him live a truly happy, 'unburdened' life. But I still wanted to smack him senseless nonetheless. (Ala Cher slapping the crap out of Nicholas Cage in 'Moon Struck' and screaming "SNAP OUT OF IT !!!")
Once Danny finally got his proverbial shit together (go jealousy! hehe) and their extended family all began to fall into place, the story got a little more vanilla, but there was still a lot of really good storyline there.
I especially loved Nic and anyone who doesn't ball like a baby when (sooo not telling you that part) simply has no feelings at all. Grab the Kleenex. Extra, extra Kleenex. He truly was Jordan's real father.
Five very full stars for this book.
I'm really looking forward to reading the story of JD, Jordan's son, in the also free read 'Summerfire', which you can get at the same URL shown above.
Side note: One of my all time favorite book characters has always been Deacon Winters from Amy Lane's 'Promises' series and Jordan from this book was so much like Deacon that I immediately fell in love with him. Full of strength, patience, compassion and nothing but the things we all wish we all had more of. Mostly love. So if you enjoy this book, be sure and read Amy Lane's 'Promises' series. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed.
April 26, 2011
It's hard to describe this book because there is so much to it. While it starts like a teenage love story, it stretches over more than a decade where their struggles are painful and sad. But in every heartache there is a spark of hope and love, where both characters manage to save lives of others and extend their family.
I really can't explain how wonderful this story is. But I can warn you to arm yourself with tissues and prepare for a love story that will stay with you for a very long time.
I really can't explain how wonderful this story is. But I can warn you to arm yourself with tissues and prepare for a love story that will stay with you for a very long time.
April 10, 2012
One of my all time favorite free on line reads. An extremely emotional and moving story told over the span of a few years, so you really get to know the characters as they grow up. I wish more storys like these were published, they deserve it much more than the so called romance books that are nothing short of badley written porn.
Just finished my re-read of book 1. I have a headache and my eyes are sore, but I'm ready to go straight into book 2 lol. I had forgotton just what a roller coaster ride this book is. I can't believe I had forgotten Adam :(
The thoughts and feelings that we see Danny and Jordy going through are so painful. This author must surely have used personal experiences.
Finished book 2. Damn Jordy's dad was a real jackass. Danny, oh Danny. You made things so complicated. This author can get my water works going with a simple phrase or line of dialogue. I wonder if he owns shares in a tissue company lol.
OK Finished book 3 and 4 for the second time. Now I need an ice pack for my eyes. This writer can write emotion like no one else. I wish he was still writing.
Maybe some of the talking between Nic and Sam got a bit corny but I still loved it completely.
Oh and JD is my top most favorite book Kid ever lol. Sorry but the Kid from Boatk has to take second place, sorry TJ lol.
Just finished my re-read of book 1. I have a headache and my eyes are sore, but I'm ready to go straight into book 2 lol. I had forgotton just what a roller coaster ride this book is. I can't believe I had forgotten Adam :(
The thoughts and feelings that we see Danny and Jordy going through are so painful. This author must surely have used personal experiences.
Finished book 2. Damn Jordy's dad was a real jackass. Danny, oh Danny. You made things so complicated. This author can get my water works going with a simple phrase or line of dialogue. I wonder if he owns shares in a tissue company lol.
OK Finished book 3 and 4 for the second time. Now I need an ice pack for my eyes. This writer can write emotion like no one else. I wish he was still writing.
Maybe some of the talking between Nic and Sam got a bit corny but I still loved it completely.
Oh and JD is my top most favorite book Kid ever lol. Sorry but the Kid from Boatk has to take second place, sorry TJ lol.
September 2, 2011
Can a computer join two lonely souls?
yes, and because of it two soul mates met each other
It's a long review... sorry reader of this review. I swear I will do my best to don't bore you too much
.This free online story is VERY long, so I think it deserve a very detailed review.
First of all, I'll talk about each part, because this sweet romance is divided in 4 parts.
First Part: The High School Years
Jordan, perfect in all aspects. Wonderful student, great friend, good son... but he is not happy, at all.
Danny, a mystery. You must read a lot of this first part to know him... and why he is so down, almost at the point of give up.
Both are just kids, 15, both are just trying to go on with their lives, ignoring their pain.
What I most like in this start is the happiness of Jordan and Danny. It's not easy to be ourself in high school. Everyone want to be loved, be in the group of the popular gang... how can Jordan and Danny do it? Get out of the closet at such tender age? No, not easy.. worst if both have not only to deal with biggots, but also with much worst inner pain.
I think you will cry, probably reading chapter 4, when both will meet for the first time (before was only using the computer). I cry... a lot.. and LOVE THAT SCENE... their meeting will broke your heart!
Second Part: The College Years
DON'T FREAK OUT READING THE FIRST PHRASES OF THIS PART!
Ok, to all strict Male/Male readers please don't give up. Jordan will scary the hell of you with his first phrase, but believe me, it's a M/M, with NO Male/Female scene... and absolutely no cheating... so well, after the BIG scary first phrase keep reading. It's just a glimpse of the future, of Jordan with 25 years old and... his son JD.
Danny and Jordan are now (finally) always together having the best time of their life: college!
Well, I love this part BUT I also hate it... I can't (and I'll not) spoil saying what happened, I'll just say I HATE DANNY AND WAS SO ANGRY I COULD KICK HIS ASS!!!!
It's a VERY good part of the book, and the angst level will hit the stars! There will be a lot of back and for, from college to Jordan future time, and it will confuse you a little... just keep going, because you will be surprised!
Third Part:The Interim Years
Oh... yes... you will HATE Danny reading this part.
Again, no spoiler, so just some thing you must know before you start this part:
*if you are using a computer to read this free story keep all heavy objects away from you. In fit of anger you can damage your pretty computer
*try, a lot, to don't curse at loud. If everything you will thinking will get out your mouth people will think you are insane
*keep thinking: "it's just a story, it's just a story" or you will really try to kick Danny ass, searching him in the world... because he TOTALLY DESERVE TO HAVE HIS ASS KICKED... or at last be bitch slapped
but well... try, do your best, to be cool.I was so ANGRY all the time, because Danny broke Jordan heart, and of course the reader suffer a lot with the characters! Poor Jordan... damn Danny, and his decision of go away!
Just of thing... I enjoy A LOT all the secondary characters in this part. Maybe because Jordan and Danny romance is not the main focus... maybe because I was so angry with Danny I just try to ignore him as a narrator... I don't know, I just love everyone voices, and it wasn't easy read this third part, but I'm glad I finish it... why? Because check the title of the last part....
Fourth Part:The Happy Years
F.i.n.a.l.l.y. after the angst and pain this chapter started... and as you can guess by the name, YEAH!!!! DANNY AND JORDY FINALLY TOGETHER!!!
Nothing is easy... more bigots, hate and sad facts in their path BUT now their are together, so nothing is impossible.
I think their unusual family and the chaos of their HUGE family is perfect!
All nuts, in one house (unfortunately Easy don't, but well, he is always there too) will crack you up!
I think it's perfect, and even the ghosts were so lovely! Great part, to close the story.
So, after this long (sorry) review my thoughts were
* Lovely couple. Danny and Jordy are perfect to each other
* Amazing world! Everyone, ALL SECONDARY characters, were PERFECT! My favorite was Easy. His past was so heart breaking, and it worth the reading (all book! hahahaha) to discover his past
* Very serious message, that reach my heart... and I would love to think it would reach everyone hearts!
How easy it was to judge people by how they looked, either their clothes or their size or their color or who they were holding hands with.... so... don't do it. Open your eyes...
... because today you are judging? Tomorrow you could be the one judged and hated, and certainly you would not like it, would you?
And as religion is such important topic to this story, I would like to add something about people judging people. What I follow, as a Catholic, and as a human being is:
"One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:28-31
5 stars I can't give less, to such amazing story... about love... true love... unconditional love... eternal love.
April 24, 2011
Touching story about young troubled boys (Jordan and Danny + their other loved ones)and their love and future.
This story made me laugh and cry and laugh some more.
Danny and Jordan loved each other right from the start, but they had to endure a lot of hardships before their happily ever after.
This story is in four parts. It starts with "The High School Years", followed by "The College Years" and "The Interim Years" and it ends with "The Happy Years", where Danny and Jordan finally have their Happily Ever After.
This story contains a lot of drama and heart-ache, but it's still so sweet you can't help but get hooked and yearn for more. (Even though in this story Danny and Jordan are seperated for a while, there's no cheating!!)
The characters are amazing and charming and lovely and just fabulous. You just have to love them right away.
If you ever want to read amazing story about true love that conquers all, you should pick this. Grasshopper has done really good job with this story. I simply love it and I'll never forget it.
(And I can say that this authors' other stories are just as good and I highly recommend them all)
This story made me laugh and cry and laugh some more.
Danny and Jordan loved each other right from the start, but they had to endure a lot of hardships before their happily ever after.
This story is in four parts. It starts with "The High School Years", followed by "The College Years" and "The Interim Years" and it ends with "The Happy Years", where Danny and Jordan finally have their Happily Ever After.
This story contains a lot of drama and heart-ache, but it's still so sweet you can't help but get hooked and yearn for more. (Even though in this story Danny and Jordan are seperated for a while, there's no cheating!!)
The characters are amazing and charming and lovely and just fabulous. You just have to love them right away.
If you ever want to read amazing story about true love that conquers all, you should pick this. Grasshopper has done really good job with this story. I simply love it and I'll never forget it.
(And I can say that this authors' other stories are just as good and I highly recommend them all)
March 25, 2012
Epic love story is epic.
The complete story is about 950 pages (237,500 words). It starts with The High School Years, which leads into The College Years, followed by The Interim Years, and finally The Happy Years. Thank God for those happy years!
I thought Amy Lane's Chase in Shadow was the mother of all hurt/comfort. This one is right up there, but instead of getting a quick HEA ending in the last chapter, Grasshopper gives us The Happy Years. By the time you get there you'll be at the point where you just don't think you can take any more hurt. You will yell, "Hallelujah!" and bask in the glory of lots and lots of comfort. I loved that we get to see our heroes mature into adulthood and start an extended family of their own. Sure, there are still challenges to overcome, but they face each and every one of them with love and courage. I liked the teenage Jordy and Dan, but I loved adult Jordy and Dan so much more. I loved how they touched so many people's lives. And little JD was adorable.
I never once doubted that these boys were meant for each other, and that they would be together forever and ever. These two will stay with me for a very long time.
The complete story is about 950 pages (237,500 words). It starts with The High School Years, which leads into The College Years, followed by The Interim Years, and finally The Happy Years. Thank God for those happy years!
I thought Amy Lane's Chase in Shadow was the mother of all hurt/comfort. This one is right up there, but instead of getting a quick HEA ending in the last chapter, Grasshopper gives us The Happy Years. By the time you get there you'll be at the point where you just don't think you can take any more hurt. You will yell, "Hallelujah!" and bask in the glory of lots and lots of comfort. I loved that we get to see our heroes mature into adulthood and start an extended family of their own. Sure, there are still challenges to overcome, but they face each and every one of them with love and courage. I liked the teenage Jordy and Dan, but I loved adult Jordy and Dan so much more. I loved how they touched so many people's lives. And little JD was adorable.
I never once doubted that these boys were meant for each other, and that they would be together forever and ever. These two will stay with me for a very long time.
April 4, 2012
It's over. I would give this more than 5 stars. It took me through every emotion. I needs to have tissues near me. :) A wonderful read. The characters will stay with me.
May 15, 2011
Just Hit Send has all the ingredients I don't like in a book. Young main characters who sound like grown men (or rather: women), angst sustained by a string of dramatic events, non too subtle moral of the story and a very big amount of sap.
Still: I loved this book. The first half had me crying like a baby. And when I say 'crying' I mean full out SOBBING. And I don't cry easily.
My heart went out to two 15 year old boys who found each other after their loneliness. And to them at 18 when they were together for college life. And them at 22 when insecurity, past traumas and current ignorance and bigotry drove them apart.
These boys brought out my mother instinct. I just wanted to take them home, put them in bed -TOGETHER- and tell them everything would be alright.
Just Hit Send was a wonderfully engaging (YA-ish) story. I miss the boys and their family already!
4,5 stars
Still: I loved this book. The first half had me crying like a baby. And when I say 'crying' I mean full out SOBBING. And I don't cry easily.
My heart went out to two 15 year old boys who found each other after their loneliness. And to them at 18 when they were together for college life. And them at 22 when insecurity, past traumas and current ignorance and bigotry drove them apart.
These boys brought out my mother instinct. I just wanted to take them home, put them in bed -TOGETHER- and tell them everything would be alright.
Just Hit Send was a wonderfully engaging (YA-ish) story. I miss the boys and their family already!
4,5 stars
June 15, 2015
This is a long story written in four parts: the High School Years, the College Years, the Interim Years, and the Happy Years. I loved this story so much that I'd give it more than FIVE stars. That said, there were some parts that were hard to read. . . made me cry like a baby, real tear jerker stuff. There are also some maybe too sweet, sappy parts. . . but who the hell cares. It was great, I highly recommend it. I loved it. Yep, LOVED IT! And its a free online read, so if you have time and like to read m/m fiction, give this one a shot. I doubt you will be sorry.
It starts out YA but moves on through college age and into adulthood. One of the MC is in a wheelchair and the other has his own issues. Two lovely broken boys. Very beautiful story.
It starts out YA but moves on through college age and into adulthood. One of the MC is in a wheelchair and the other has his own issues. Two lovely broken boys. Very beautiful story.
May 13, 2014
What a really great story. It deserves more than 5 stars. The characters will charm you, almost all of them, LOL. JD had me in stitches most of the time, what a great kid. The love story was beautiful Jordy and Dan just fit they felt real to me. Every character in this book was an integral part of the story and without even one it would have changed the whole dynamic of the book.
It's a must read and a box of tissues is a requirement, keep a box close by for the sad parts that will make you cry, then for the happy parts that will make you cry!
Loved this book, the only downside it was not long enough!
It's a must read and a box of tissues is a requirement, keep a box close by for the sad parts that will make you cry, then for the happy parts that will make you cry!
Loved this book, the only downside it was not long enough!
April 19, 2013
I took a chance on this book because it was free, it had a high rating, and it has been showing up in my recs list for a while now. It turned out not to be my cup of tea at all. It was over-the-top, saccharine-sweet, maudlin melodrama. Think Love Story meets Twilight and then throw in sex scenes that just felt...wrong. (Like watching sweet little bunnies getting it on.) The two protagonists spend much of their time together either giggling (I kid you not) or engaged in much I-am-not-worthy-of-you angst. Oh, and lots of cutesy baby-talk. There is not an ounce of humor in the writing. If you enjoy highly emo books that are heavy on the tear-jerking scenes and low on plot, depth, and characterization, this is a perfect read for you. As I said, not to my taste. I am giving it a 3 just because I think it will appeal a great deal to some readers, and because it is well-proofed and free.
May 29, 2012
Once in a while I read a story where the characters become very real to me.
Maybe it's the level of empathy, or the amount of time spent reading, or even the emotional roller-coaster ride that the author takes me on that does it. Just Hit Send was one of those stories. When I finally finished this long saga I felt like I actually knew Danny and Jordan (and the rest of their eclectic family).
I find that stories about first love can be emotionally shredding and when that love story spans decades it can even be grueling (and believe me this one was at times) but it was also sweet and loving and very inspirational. I will remember the characters forever because they have become part of me.
Maybe it's the level of empathy, or the amount of time spent reading, or even the emotional roller-coaster ride that the author takes me on that does it. Just Hit Send was one of those stories. When I finally finished this long saga I felt like I actually knew Danny and Jordan (and the rest of their eclectic family).
I find that stories about first love can be emotionally shredding and when that love story spans decades it can even be grueling (and believe me this one was at times) but it was also sweet and loving and very inspirational. I will remember the characters forever because they have become part of me.
March 5, 2012
I just finished this book (part 4) and also readed the bonus story - Summertime.
This is a wonderful book. It's incredible what Dan and Jody had to go through to be happy.
This story is full of anguish, tears, happiness and love...
A totally keeper.
For sure I'll read more of Grasshopper books.
LOVED IT - MORE THAN 5 *
This is a wonderful book. It's incredible what Dan and Jody had to go through to be happy.
This story is full of anguish, tears, happiness and love...
A totally keeper.
For sure I'll read more of Grasshopper books.
LOVED IT - MORE THAN 5 *
December 28, 2017
This story sneaks up on you. The adjustment of expectations and the path of true love. Sometimes people can be a bit too stubborn for their own good. I must quickly head to the next book in the series because it cannot end like this! 4.5 for forehead to forehead, belly to belly, toes to toes.
January 27, 2013
This is an excellent romantic book. It is not an epic love story, and it's writing style is not extremely complex (don't expect a Pride and Prejudice here). Yet, its very simplicity in writing and language is the biggest strength of Grasshopper. It enables him to deliver a very heart warming and inspirational story about love and acceptance.
Firstly, I'll write about the book's strengths. There's a lot of character development, which is essential for love stories. The main and secondary characters are generally very realistic as well as the whole story in general. Well, there are some very unrealistic things here too, but I'll cover those up later. He avoids the mistake of focusing solely on Jordan and Danny and gives room for development for the secondary characters. He even wrote a sequel for J.D. called "Summerfire".
It is extremely well written and detailed. It's important to notice that Grasshopper was only 15 when he wrote the story. He has a very wide array of vocabulary, medical jargon and a strong ability to write about people's thoughts, ideas, feelings and worries. Superb for such a young age. It wouldn't be surprising if the author has experienced such things.
Grasshopper does know how to use simple writing, and combine it with literary resources to awake a huge array kind of emotions and thoughts. Look at this quote for example:
This is another great example of Grasshopper's use of simplicity and literary resources to awake emotions:
Leaving the writing aside, Grasshopper makes a great job at demolishing common stereotypes about the male gay community. Neither Jordan nor Danny are traditionally effeminate. They never do things that are usually thought as common for gay lifestyle, especially flirting with other men or going into open relationships (they are very faithful to one another). The books describe sex scenes, but they are never sexually arousing (at least for me). They are rather sweet and tender, used more to evoke emotion and building rapport with characters. This is good, because many gay love stories are basically erotic stories. Not that I'm against erotism, but gay literature cannot focus solely on sex and arousal.
And yet, the author has his feet on earth to address with realism and detail the struggles with prejudice and religion that gay people experience. Not only that, but it also adresses common emotional turmoils experienced in dysfunctional families and orphans.
I do agree that Grasshopper sometimes is very corny to write. But his capacity to generate emotions, feelings and empathy compensates such shortcoming. However, if you don't like sentimentality in books, you will surely hate "Just Hit Send".
It's also a very inspirational book. It teaches values such as love, acceptance, open-mindedness, patience, but especially resilience. You may not believe in love at first sight or soul mates, but will surely relate to the willpower and emotional maturity of most characters. "Just Hit Send" teaches you great lessons for life.
Now I'll go to the book's flaws. My main concern is the way that Jordan and Danny are so compatible to one another. Sure, they get their hearts broken and discuss, but their love is so abnormally strong that such things are taken with a very high level of patience and endurance, surely not that realistic given the fact that both characters are very young. I would have expected more fights and tough disagreements because of Jordan or Danny's attitudes, rather than just the external challenges both face. They are like two little kids dropped out in an evil world. The closest the book gets to such level of conflict is in the Interim Years part, which is my favourite too.
Again, the sometimes corny writing can be very annoying for some people. Sometimes, Jordan and Danny's dialogues are so unbelievably sweet and gentle, which is not common in North American boys. However, these very dialogues sum up to the book's greatness at delivering emotion.
While "The Happy Years" is very good and well written, it's the corniest and most unrealistic part of the book. It seems that luck, or some series of timely events, makes all characters live together.
However, the Happy and Interim years are the best written parts of the book. Grasshopper tend to abruptly transgress time, years pass, a lot of time pass, and there's no such thing as a balance in time jumps to keep the story with a good sequence. Some things are kept loose too.
The story is also very formulaic to deliver conflict. After you read a few chapters, you will ask yourself what new challenge will the characters face.
Overall, the book is a great piece of work to Grasshopper, and it shows how much he has to offer. His writing becomes better (and is less corny!) in his subsquent releases. But Just Hit Send is Grasshopper's best and greatest work ever, but one he can surely surpass if he returns to write.
Firstly, I'll write about the book's strengths. There's a lot of character development, which is essential for love stories. The main and secondary characters are generally very realistic as well as the whole story in general. Well, there are some very unrealistic things here too, but I'll cover those up later. He avoids the mistake of focusing solely on Jordan and Danny and gives room for development for the secondary characters. He even wrote a sequel for J.D. called "Summerfire".
It is extremely well written and detailed. It's important to notice that Grasshopper was only 15 when he wrote the story. He has a very wide array of vocabulary, medical jargon and a strong ability to write about people's thoughts, ideas, feelings and worries. Superb for such a young age. It wouldn't be surprising if the author has experienced such things.
Grasshopper does know how to use simple writing, and combine it with literary resources to awake a huge array kind of emotions and thoughts. Look at this quote for example:
In two different houses, in two different bedrooms, late at night in the bluish glow of computer screens, two lonely boys found that what had always been a lonely, almost desperate act of release became something else entirely.
This is another great example of Grasshopper's use of simplicity and literary resources to awake emotions:
Curving back into the flip, his feet landed back on the board and he rolled to a stop at his friend's feet. At that moment, laughing, eyes dancing, his tongue peeking out between his teeth, he was beautiful and Danny fell in love with Jordan Lawrence.
Leaving the writing aside, Grasshopper makes a great job at demolishing common stereotypes about the male gay community. Neither Jordan nor Danny are traditionally effeminate. They never do things that are usually thought as common for gay lifestyle, especially flirting with other men or going into open relationships (they are very faithful to one another). The books describe sex scenes, but they are never sexually arousing (at least for me). They are rather sweet and tender, used more to evoke emotion and building rapport with characters. This is good, because many gay love stories are basically erotic stories. Not that I'm against erotism, but gay literature cannot focus solely on sex and arousal.
And yet, the author has his feet on earth to address with realism and detail the struggles with prejudice and religion that gay people experience. Not only that, but it also adresses common emotional turmoils experienced in dysfunctional families and orphans.
I do agree that Grasshopper sometimes is very corny to write. But his capacity to generate emotions, feelings and empathy compensates such shortcoming. However, if you don't like sentimentality in books, you will surely hate "Just Hit Send".
It's also a very inspirational book. It teaches values such as love, acceptance, open-mindedness, patience, but especially resilience. You may not believe in love at first sight or soul mates, but will surely relate to the willpower and emotional maturity of most characters. "Just Hit Send" teaches you great lessons for life.
Now I'll go to the book's flaws. My main concern is the way that Jordan and Danny are so compatible to one another. Sure, they get their hearts broken and discuss, but their love is so abnormally strong that such things are taken with a very high level of patience and endurance, surely not that realistic given the fact that both characters are very young. I would have expected more fights and tough disagreements because of Jordan or Danny's attitudes, rather than just the external challenges both face. They are like two little kids dropped out in an evil world. The closest the book gets to such level of conflict is in the Interim Years part, which is my favourite too.
Again, the sometimes corny writing can be very annoying for some people. Sometimes, Jordan and Danny's dialogues are so unbelievably sweet and gentle, which is not common in North American boys. However, these very dialogues sum up to the book's greatness at delivering emotion.
While "The Happy Years" is very good and well written, it's the corniest and most unrealistic part of the book. It seems that luck, or some series of timely events, makes all characters live together.
However, the Happy and Interim years are the best written parts of the book. Grasshopper tend to abruptly transgress time, years pass, a lot of time pass, and there's no such thing as a balance in time jumps to keep the story with a good sequence. Some things are kept loose too.
The story is also very formulaic to deliver conflict. After you read a few chapters, you will ask yourself what new challenge will the characters face.
Overall, the book is a great piece of work to Grasshopper, and it shows how much he has to offer. His writing becomes better (and is less corny!) in his subsquent releases. But Just Hit Send is Grasshopper's best and greatest work ever, but one he can surely surpass if he returns to write.
October 22, 2014
For an author as young as this it was the most amazing story and all the other stories that link to it throughout his writing. He must have seen more pain in his short life to write like this than anyone should in a whole lifetime!
I cried through the first two thirds of "Just Hit Send", and cried on and off in some of his other stories. This isn't to say there weren't moments of laughter too and of love, I was just so profoundly affected by this writing.
I am saddened to see he isn't going to write any more, his last postings were in 2008, I just hope this is for good reasons and not that perhaps he was in poor health himself. I wish I could find out if he did indeed become a real cowboy!
I cried through the first two thirds of "Just Hit Send", and cried on and off in some of his other stories. This isn't to say there weren't moments of laughter too and of love, I was just so profoundly affected by this writing.
I am saddened to see he isn't going to write any more, his last postings were in 2008, I just hope this is for good reasons and not that perhaps he was in poor health himself. I wish I could find out if he did indeed become a real cowboy!
July 27, 2011
I've waited to write a review because I couldn't stop reading long enough to write. I've been reading everything grasshopper has out there. I won't lie, it's tough at times. It was three in the morning and I tiers running down my face. The thing is, even through the pain you feel a gusty wind of hope. It's magical when an author can inspire hope. It's like when you step outside and smell the flowers, the earth and know that there has to be something more in the universe. The stories are heart-breaking, inspiring, and magical all in one.
May 4, 2011
I was going to give this 4 stars but my heart told me it deserved 5 stars.
The way the story progresses leaves you unable to stop reading. I love the plot and the characters and their emotional development. Such a heart-felt story which left me teary-eyed in so many moments. Each character's personality is captured so well, and the story flows which makes it easy to read and keep up with what is happening. A fantastic read, and it's free!
The way the story progresses leaves you unable to stop reading. I love the plot and the characters and their emotional development. Such a heart-felt story which left me teary-eyed in so many moments. Each character's personality is captured so well, and the story flows which makes it easy to read and keep up with what is happening. A fantastic read, and it's free!
July 28, 2017
The heart of this writer (and this story) is always in the right place. It's a cross-country, cross-generational story that celebrates gay love and alternative families. It's about redemption. It's about life, and the angels that show up just in time and don't leave. You won't finish this hegira in a night or even a weekend. But you'll want to keep reading; and in the end, you'll want more. I did. Love is the answer, and it comes in all manner of combinations, as Grasshopper knows all too well.
May 27, 2013
Not bad. No way were those the words of 15 year olds but I can play pretend with the best of them. Then the older they got, the younger their voices sounded. Odd that.
I didn't finish 'The happy years' because it felt like the song that has no end. On and on and on....
I'll probably go back over time and catch up but I need to stop now. Way too much like a serial drama.
I didn't finish 'The happy years' because it felt like the song that has no end. On and on and on....
I'll probably go back over time and catch up but I need to stop now. Way too much like a serial drama.
August 31, 2011
More like 3.5 for me. The tears were certainly jerked like they haven't been in a long time, so we'll round up.
May 1, 2011
Epic love story that has you running the whole emotional spectrum.
June 16, 2011
A heartbreakingly beautiful read. You won't regret this.
November 14, 2011
An amazing, beautiful story. This one will stay with me for a long time. I'm so happy to have stumbled upon this gem.
April 17, 2012
I wish I could give this book 10 stars. I LOVED IT!! One of the best love stories I have read in a long time.
April 11, 2018
“The family, all together, new member, old loves. People come, people fade away but the gentleness, the love, the warmth, remains forever.”
Okay so I have been wondering how to start this review. Fact is, I read this book about a decade ago. I remember sitting in the dark, in my room, long after I was supposed to be asleep for school the next day, reading on my small cell phone screen. I remember being enthralled by the story, loving the characters and just falling in love with the relationships. This story shaped who I was, and often I found myself thinking back to this story with its memorable characters. Which is why, a little over a week ago, I found myself remembering the author (Grasshopper) and small details about the story like a main character’s name. After using the magic of Google, I found the story that had enchanted me all those years ago.
So, it was easy to see why I found myself starting this story all the way from the beginning again. I wanted to see if it lived up to my memories of it.
And it more than did that.
So, this is a story that moves through four main parts. High school years, where the characters are 15. College years, where they are all in college. Interim years, where they are young adults. And finally, the Happy years. Overall, each part adds up to create one monster read at 950 pages. But it didn’t feel like it was a long read.
The story follows two teenagers, Daniel and Jordan. Both come from very different backgrounds and have faced some difficult things in their young lives. Danny is wheelchair bound after being hit by a car Jordan is living with the knowledge that The Two of them meet on a forum for gay teenagers, where they start conversing online. This results in the pair meeting, and even though there is at first a moment of surprise (Because Danny didn’t tell Jordan that he was wheelchair-bound) it is the start of a very innocent young love.
The story moves through the young couple’s years together, from their first conflict of To the problems they need to overcome in terms of Danny’s confidence in himself and his . I don’t want to go too in detail about the issues and conflicts these characters need to face, but the themes revolve around suicide, teen homelessness, molestation of a minor, bigotry, depression and self-hatred including a form of body dysmorphia. Homophobia, however, seems to be the biggest theme and conflict in this series.
The cast of characters in this story are all amazing in their own way. I love how the main couple of Danny and Jordan seem to grow and have a very visible character development from when they are at the start of the story to how they are by the end of it. The way Jordan was still growing as a character even in the last couple of chapters was amazing. Jordan learnt to love himself and no longer worry about his . Daniel moves from being a depressed teenager who doesn’t want to do much for himself and who believes he deserves to be in his wheelchair to becoming an adult who strives to be independent while learning to rely on the people who care about him for the things he cannot do.
Even characters like Markie, who went from hating family to developing into a young mother who loves her family more than anything or Easy who was a homeless teenager At first I thought the cast of characters were too big and diverse to be believable, but after reading this story when I was older I now see how this mismatched family came to be and how they just seem to work as a united support system.
Because this was not exactly a published story and was instead published online by Grasshopper, it’s safe to say that there were a few issues in the writing. But they were few and far between and easy to ignore. Things like inconsistent minor character names or just time inconsistencies or grammar issues.
In the High school section, I liked how the writing style was more juvenile. I don’t know if this was by design or just because of when Grasshopper was writing the story itself. But the fact that as the characters got older, the writing style seemed to mature and almost become more philosophical as the character started to reflect on their lives and situations. It was interesting to read and follow and I found it easier to connect with the main characters because of the prose being used.
The conflicts being covered in this book are issues that everyday people face, and I like how relatable the situations felt. Things and events that should have been or seemed absurd only added to the plot and unlocked new aspects of the characters that you didn’t even think about.
I loved how each character in this book, from Danny to Jordan to Markie to Griff to Easy and Val and Gabriel and JD, each character had their own individual ideas and opinions and their own set of conflicts that just seemed to flow with the story. I thought this would be overwhelming, but it just made me want to know more.
This story showed all different kinds of loves. From the young love between Jordan and Danny. To the maternal and paternal love between Jordan and his mother and Jordan and JD. The developing love of a new relationship, such as that between Easy and Val. Even the eternal love shown between Sam and Nic. Each type of love was beautifully illustrated. I’m so glad this wasn’t one of those stories where the love was just between the main characters but tried to emphasis the kinds of love shared between a group of people, especially friends that become their own kind of family.
I read this book at a time when I felt different and confused about myself. And I read it again over a decade later when I have accepted parts of myself and have come to terms with who I am. Both times I have loved the story for different reasons, but in the end all the reasons amount to the same thing. I loved this story both times because it created relatable characters who tried to find and forge their own love and own family in a world that is hateful and toxic. It was a book that showed me that it is possible to forge your own little heaven in a world brimming with darkness. It showed me that you can start off with a painting of a beautiful beach house, and that you could find that little piece of paradise if you surround yourself with enough love and happiness.
I have a feeling I might reread this book again, and more by Grasshopper. I just wish he had written more stories and shared the beauty of his words more. But I am so grateful for the piece of himself that he has left for us in each of his remaining stories.
Okay so I have been wondering how to start this review. Fact is, I read this book about a decade ago. I remember sitting in the dark, in my room, long after I was supposed to be asleep for school the next day, reading on my small cell phone screen. I remember being enthralled by the story, loving the characters and just falling in love with the relationships. This story shaped who I was, and often I found myself thinking back to this story with its memorable characters. Which is why, a little over a week ago, I found myself remembering the author (Grasshopper) and small details about the story like a main character’s name. After using the magic of Google, I found the story that had enchanted me all those years ago.
So, it was easy to see why I found myself starting this story all the way from the beginning again. I wanted to see if it lived up to my memories of it.
And it more than did that.
So, this is a story that moves through four main parts. High school years, where the characters are 15. College years, where they are all in college. Interim years, where they are young adults. And finally, the Happy years. Overall, each part adds up to create one monster read at 950 pages. But it didn’t feel like it was a long read.
The story follows two teenagers, Daniel and Jordan. Both come from very different backgrounds and have faced some difficult things in their young lives. Danny is wheelchair bound after being hit by a car Jordan is living with the knowledge that The Two of them meet on a forum for gay teenagers, where they start conversing online. This results in the pair meeting, and even though there is at first a moment of surprise (Because Danny didn’t tell Jordan that he was wheelchair-bound) it is the start of a very innocent young love.
The story moves through the young couple’s years together, from their first conflict of To the problems they need to overcome in terms of Danny’s confidence in himself and his . I don’t want to go too in detail about the issues and conflicts these characters need to face, but the themes revolve around suicide, teen homelessness, molestation of a minor, bigotry, depression and self-hatred including a form of body dysmorphia. Homophobia, however, seems to be the biggest theme and conflict in this series.
The cast of characters in this story are all amazing in their own way. I love how the main couple of Danny and Jordan seem to grow and have a very visible character development from when they are at the start of the story to how they are by the end of it. The way Jordan was still growing as a character even in the last couple of chapters was amazing. Jordan learnt to love himself and no longer worry about his . Daniel moves from being a depressed teenager who doesn’t want to do much for himself and who believes he deserves to be in his wheelchair to becoming an adult who strives to be independent while learning to rely on the people who care about him for the things he cannot do.
Even characters like Markie, who went from hating family to developing into a young mother who loves her family more than anything or Easy who was a homeless teenager At first I thought the cast of characters were too big and diverse to be believable, but after reading this story when I was older I now see how this mismatched family came to be and how they just seem to work as a united support system.
Because this was not exactly a published story and was instead published online by Grasshopper, it’s safe to say that there were a few issues in the writing. But they were few and far between and easy to ignore. Things like inconsistent minor character names or just time inconsistencies or grammar issues.
In the High school section, I liked how the writing style was more juvenile. I don’t know if this was by design or just because of when Grasshopper was writing the story itself. But the fact that as the characters got older, the writing style seemed to mature and almost become more philosophical as the character started to reflect on their lives and situations. It was interesting to read and follow and I found it easier to connect with the main characters because of the prose being used.
The conflicts being covered in this book are issues that everyday people face, and I like how relatable the situations felt. Things and events that should have been or seemed absurd only added to the plot and unlocked new aspects of the characters that you didn’t even think about.
I loved how each character in this book, from Danny to Jordan to Markie to Griff to Easy and Val and Gabriel and JD, each character had their own individual ideas and opinions and their own set of conflicts that just seemed to flow with the story. I thought this would be overwhelming, but it just made me want to know more.
This story showed all different kinds of loves. From the young love between Jordan and Danny. To the maternal and paternal love between Jordan and his mother and Jordan and JD. The developing love of a new relationship, such as that between Easy and Val. Even the eternal love shown between Sam and Nic. Each type of love was beautifully illustrated. I’m so glad this wasn’t one of those stories where the love was just between the main characters but tried to emphasis the kinds of love shared between a group of people, especially friends that become their own kind of family.
I read this book at a time when I felt different and confused about myself. And I read it again over a decade later when I have accepted parts of myself and have come to terms with who I am. Both times I have loved the story for different reasons, but in the end all the reasons amount to the same thing. I loved this story both times because it created relatable characters who tried to find and forge their own love and own family in a world that is hateful and toxic. It was a book that showed me that it is possible to forge your own little heaven in a world brimming with darkness. It showed me that you can start off with a painting of a beautiful beach house, and that you could find that little piece of paradise if you surround yourself with enough love and happiness.
I have a feeling I might reread this book again, and more by Grasshopper. I just wish he had written more stories and shared the beauty of his words more. But I am so grateful for the piece of himself that he has left for us in each of his remaining stories.
August 8, 2017
This is a really big book so it had many layers and reactions within it.
The beginning with Dan and Jordy being so young and anxious it felt to me like it dragged on with nothing exciting happening.
then the college years brought on the poignancy and the best part of the book. They faced hardship, joy, growth into their love, heartache and recovery.
then came the happy years and as good as they were, I wasn't super impressed with it. it was sweet and wholesome but it sometimes pushed towards cheesy, way too perfect and unrealistic.
all in all this is a memorable, beautiful book.
The beginning with Dan and Jordy being so young and anxious it felt to me like it dragged on with nothing exciting happening.
then the college years brought on the poignancy and the best part of the book. They faced hardship, joy, growth into their love, heartache and recovery.
then came the happy years and as good as they were, I wasn't super impressed with it. it was sweet and wholesome but it sometimes pushed towards cheesy, way too perfect and unrealistic.
all in all this is a memorable, beautiful book.
April 3, 2012
Very sweet story of first love. Too bad he is no longer writing, he could give Amy Lane a run for her money in the angst department. It's the most angst filled book I've read since Keeping Promise Rock. If you liked that one you will probably love this...
did-not-finish
January 18, 2015DNF at 5%
Возможно, дальше очень трогательно, интересно, мило и т.д. и т.п., но я этого не узнаю. Не могу читать, совсем уж детский сад.
Возможно, дальше очень трогательно, интересно, мило и т.д. и т.п., но я этого не узнаю. Не могу читать, совсем уж детский сад.
February 21, 2025
Grasshopper's "Just Hit Send" is a contemporary romance novel featuring two boys: Jordan and Danny. The book chronicles the problems of love, identity, and personal growth faced by two young men. Their journey begins with a confused question: "Will someone listen?" This question sets the stage for the deeper explorations on relationships and self-discovery.
Readers have praised this novel for authentically capturing the essence of first love and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. One reader deeply connected with the story and was touched by it:
"I remember being mesmerized by the story, longing to befriend the characters and metaphorically ding them together. This story shaped my existence." citeturn3search0
The character growth progresses from the main heroes onto the others, giving voice and sometimes depth to secondary characters within the narrative. Grasshopper's plain writing style has been one of his assets. According to one reader:
"It's very simplicity in writing and language provides the greatest strength to Grasshopper. No difficulty experiencing a tear-jerker and an inspirational story on love and acceptance."
While it addresses serious subjects, it mingles suffering with happy and uplifting experiences. Some readers found aspects of the narrative somewhat idealized, though the impressive beauty of the story came through. The Eiseley referenced one of the famous starfish' tales adding depth to the philosophy of it that really resonates.
"Just Hit Send" is available to read online for free, ensuring that others get swept up in the same heartfelt tale. Available to anyone who cares about love, acceptance, and personal growth in the context of LGBTQ+, this book is highly recommended.
Readers have praised this novel for authentically capturing the essence of first love and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. One reader deeply connected with the story and was touched by it:
"I remember being mesmerized by the story, longing to befriend the characters and metaphorically ding them together. This story shaped my existence." citeturn3search0
The character growth progresses from the main heroes onto the others, giving voice and sometimes depth to secondary characters within the narrative. Grasshopper's plain writing style has been one of his assets. According to one reader:
"It's very simplicity in writing and language provides the greatest strength to Grasshopper. No difficulty experiencing a tear-jerker and an inspirational story on love and acceptance."
While it addresses serious subjects, it mingles suffering with happy and uplifting experiences. Some readers found aspects of the narrative somewhat idealized, though the impressive beauty of the story came through. The Eiseley referenced one of the famous starfish' tales adding depth to the philosophy of it that really resonates.
"Just Hit Send" is available to read online for free, ensuring that others get swept up in the same heartfelt tale. Available to anyone who cares about love, acceptance, and personal growth in the context of LGBTQ+, this book is highly recommended.
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