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Young Love's Journey #1
Last of the Summer Tomatoes
Kyle Jackowski, typical sullen emo teen, struggles to find a way to deal with his sexuality and finds himself in trouble with the law… again. But instead of being sent to a juvenile detention center like he expected, he is given a chance to commute his sentence by working on a farm for the summer.
Enter Sam, son of the farm owners, who shows Kyle what he feels is perfectly normal and that he doesn’t have to hide from his feelings. In turn, Sam’s parents show Kyle that his abusive stepfather and battered mother are not the norm. With their love and support, Kyle finds his place in the world—by Sam’s side.
Enter Sam, son of the farm owners, who shows Kyle what he feels is perfectly normal and that he doesn’t have to hide from his feelings. In turn, Sam’s parents show Kyle that his abusive stepfather and battered mother are not the norm. With their love and support, Kyle finds his place in the world—by Sam’s side.
246 pages, Paperback
First published July 17, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
September 18, 2014
I am so giddy right now, so excuse my review if it's all over the place.
I pre-ordered this book because the blurb captivated me. I mean, I fell in love with this from the get-go. It took a few weeks, but it was finally released this morning. I had expected to love it. But, the way I feel about this book. I am just so emotional right now. It was just super, super cute and lovely and sweet and GAH!
Kyle. My baby, Kyle. He was just so lost. His step-father, Hank,the asshat, was horrible and he hurt my baby. So he lives with his mom and step-dad, his father died a few years ago in a hit and run while he was crossing the road. I loved Kyle's emotion or lack of, regarding his life. It was real. It made me feel so many feelings. He gets into a lot of trouble with the law because it's better than going home. So, when covering for a friend he gets sent to a farm...
Glenda and Walt were introduced at this point. I loved this couple! My God, they were amazing, funny and wonderful people. I would kill to have more characters like them in books. They treated him with such kindness, and he had no idea how to feel about it all. But then he meets Sam, their son. It started another incredible journey.
Sam was perfect for Kyle. He was a perfect character. But as much as I loved him, Kyle was my baby. Their romance was so beautiful and real... I just wanted them to be happy. But they were realistic. It was a summer thing, first loves and all that. But it was really so much more. Even when they were apart, it was supposed to be the two of them. They had their time. It brought them back together, which was needed. It was just so... so... real. I was so in love while reading this book.
It's pretty long for a YA novel. I think this author did a spectacular job in writing Kyle. The abuse he suffered at Hank's hands... Well, that was just something unforgivable. I found myself engrossed in this book. Wanting it to continue long after I had finished it. I could have read this couple forever. I really, really see myself reading this again soon. It is just so good.
I can't wait to read more from this author. It was an amazing experience, reading this book. And I have a feeling this authors work could be just perfect for me.
I pre-ordered this book because the blurb captivated me. I mean, I fell in love with this from the get-go. It took a few weeks, but it was finally released this morning. I had expected to love it. But, the way I feel about this book. I am just so emotional right now. It was just super, super cute and lovely and sweet and GAH!
Kyle. My baby, Kyle. He was just so lost. His step-father, Hank,
Glenda and Walt were introduced at this point. I loved this couple! My God, they were amazing, funny and wonderful people. I would kill to have more characters like them in books. They treated him with such kindness, and he had no idea how to feel about it all. But then he meets Sam, their son. It started another incredible journey.
Sam was perfect for Kyle. He was a perfect character. But as much as I loved him, Kyle was my baby. Their romance was so beautiful and real... I just wanted them to be happy. But they were realistic. It was a summer thing, first loves and all that. But it was really so much more. Even when they were apart, it was supposed to be the two of them. They had their time. It brought them back together, which was needed. It was just so... so... real. I was so in love while reading this book.
It's pretty long for a YA novel. I think this author did a spectacular job in writing Kyle. The abuse he suffered at Hank's hands... Well, that was just something unforgivable. I found myself engrossed in this book. Wanting it to continue long after I had finished it. I could have read this couple forever. I really, really see myself reading this again soon. It is just so good.
I can't wait to read more from this author. It was an amazing experience, reading this book. And I have a feeling this authors work could be just perfect for me.
October 10, 2014
I read about 70% and then skipped to the end to see what happened to the characters and really I don't feel the need to go back to catch up. Sherrie Henry really started the book out great. You know that feeling you get when you start reading a book and you feel yourself being pulled into the story it's like a happy little vortex sucking you into the tale.
For a reading junkie like me there is nothing like that feeling and then ffffzzzzzztt.
Everything is instant, instant love, instant acceptance from the family, Kyle right away telling them about the abuse he suffered but it is not so much the time frame as the way it is written. The author tells you instead of letting it develop naturally. Sam within 15 minutes of meeting Kyle states that Kyle's abusive stepfather's "ass is mine if I ever meet him" which I know is supposed to sound protective but really just comes across as a posturing asshat.
And don't even get me started on the sex scenes. This is not me complaining about no sex in a book, Pride and Prejudice is my all time favorite book and some of my favorite teen books end with a gentle first kiss. You should see me, I revert to my inner 12 year old girl and get all smoopy around the house rocking to taylor swift. Do not judge me.. I am trying to point out that I can go hokey with the best of them so when I say this was too hokey....
I have even enjoyed books that have very neutral vague descriptions. Uggh but this is all "skyrockets in flight". I swear to you I actually heard the song in the background. Henry writes one scene and since she can't/won't even use the word penis she actually writes; "Both of their 'conditions' touching"
Really??, conditions Really?? and all of the sex scenes were treated the same. It like your great aunt Letty tried to write a porno.
Thank you Heather I am so glad I got this for free.
Ohh but Ms. Henry did teach me that you always mount a horse from the left a universal action left over from the days when cowboys and warriors rode horses and mounted them with weapons. That was interesting....
For a reading junkie like me there is nothing like that feeling and then ffffzzzzzztt.
Everything is instant, instant love, instant acceptance from the family, Kyle right away telling them about the abuse he suffered but it is not so much the time frame as the way it is written. The author tells you instead of letting it develop naturally. Sam within 15 minutes of meeting Kyle states that Kyle's abusive stepfather's "ass is mine if I ever meet him" which I know is supposed to sound protective but really just comes across as a posturing asshat.
And don't even get me started on the sex scenes. This is not me complaining about no sex in a book, Pride and Prejudice is my all time favorite book and some of my favorite teen books end with a gentle first kiss. You should see me, I revert to my inner 12 year old girl and get all smoopy around the house rocking to taylor swift. Do not judge me.. I am trying to point out that I can go hokey with the best of them so when I say this was too hokey....
I have even enjoyed books that have very neutral vague descriptions. Uggh but this is all "skyrockets in flight". I swear to you I actually heard the song in the background. Henry writes one scene and since she can't/won't even use the word penis she actually writes; "Both of their 'conditions' touching"
Really??, conditions Really?? and all of the sex scenes were treated the same. It like your great aunt Letty tried to write a porno.
Thank you Heather I am so glad I got this for free.
Ohh but Ms. Henry did teach me that you always mount a horse from the left a universal action left over from the days when cowboys and warriors rode horses and mounted them with weapons. That was interesting....
December 9, 2015
4.5 Stars
I have to admit, this book tore me up. Last of the Summer Tomatoes is gripping and heart-rending, and at times I was moved emotionally not from some dramatic plot device but simply from the words and actions of the main character.
I understand there are plenty of readers who utterly detest sympathetic characters. Others can't stand seeing someone with low self esteem or a victim mentality. And I'd suggest to these readers that they just stay away from this book. You won't get it, so don't try. If you are the type who thinks the answer to every problem is to buck up and pull yourself up by the boot straps, then don't waste your time. Because this is the story of how love saves someone who has been horribly hurt...someone who doesn't even have the bootstraps with which to pull himself up. Kyle could have just given up and gone down the wrong path but instead learned first that he was lovable and thus was ultimately able to BEGIN loving himself.
Those who have been abused or who understand what it really is like to be on the receiving end of abusive treatment, I think you'll relate to this beautiful character, Kyle. He is sensitive, unassuming, kind, compassionate, self-deprecating, forgiving, soft-spoken, soft-hearted. He's someone I instantly fell in love with and grew to love more and more with every page. Underneath all that hurt there is talent, intelligence, and so much potential.
There's no graphic sex in this story. There's no real shocking plot twist, and in many ways the story itself is predictable. But I've always believed that predictability is not necessarily related to quality. The writing and characterization are superb. The romance is sweet and believable.
In the way of criticism, I was at times taken aback by some of the dialogue, finding it hard to believe a seventeen year old would phrase some of his comments the way Kyle often did. And I also felt there was a weird loose end in the plot. Several references were made about a sister of one of the main characters, that she was estranged from the family, but nothing became of her. I expected her to emerge at some point in the story, and I guess I wonder if she's going to make an appearance in a sequel.
These were niggles, so minor they didn't really detract from the story. Overall, I loved this book and will highly recommend it. It's also a fantastic book to recommend to gay teens who don't want graphic erotic scenes (or adult readers, for that matter). The story is a beautiful romance and a very uplifting and hopeful tale of redemption and survival.
I have to admit, this book tore me up. Last of the Summer Tomatoes is gripping and heart-rending, and at times I was moved emotionally not from some dramatic plot device but simply from the words and actions of the main character.
I understand there are plenty of readers who utterly detest sympathetic characters. Others can't stand seeing someone with low self esteem or a victim mentality. And I'd suggest to these readers that they just stay away from this book. You won't get it, so don't try. If you are the type who thinks the answer to every problem is to buck up and pull yourself up by the boot straps, then don't waste your time. Because this is the story of how love saves someone who has been horribly hurt...someone who doesn't even have the bootstraps with which to pull himself up. Kyle could have just given up and gone down the wrong path but instead learned first that he was lovable and thus was ultimately able to BEGIN loving himself.
Those who have been abused or who understand what it really is like to be on the receiving end of abusive treatment, I think you'll relate to this beautiful character, Kyle. He is sensitive, unassuming, kind, compassionate, self-deprecating, forgiving, soft-spoken, soft-hearted. He's someone I instantly fell in love with and grew to love more and more with every page. Underneath all that hurt there is talent, intelligence, and so much potential.
There's no graphic sex in this story. There's no real shocking plot twist, and in many ways the story itself is predictable. But I've always believed that predictability is not necessarily related to quality. The writing and characterization are superb. The romance is sweet and believable.
In the way of criticism, I was at times taken aback by some of the dialogue, finding it hard to believe a seventeen year old would phrase some of his comments the way Kyle often did. And I also felt there was a weird loose end in the plot. Several references were made about a sister of one of the main characters, that she was estranged from the family, but nothing became of her. I expected her to emerge at some point in the story, and I guess I wonder if she's going to make an appearance in a sequel.
These were niggles, so minor they didn't really detract from the story. Overall, I loved this book and will highly recommend it. It's also a fantastic book to recommend to gay teens who don't want graphic erotic scenes (or adult readers, for that matter). The story is a beautiful romance and a very uplifting and hopeful tale of redemption and survival.
July 29, 2013
2,5 stars rounded up.
Abused and neglected and also exteremely naive and artistic emo boy Kyle moves to an idyllic dairy farm to work through his juv sentence. The farm family smothers him with love and affection and shows him he is worth of loving. Kyle also meets the perfect son of the family, Sam, who he saw in his dreams!!! Lol, for real.
This was a little bit too black and white for me. The good guys were really good and loving and understanding and caring etc. and the baaaaad guys were all gay bashing haters (the evil stepdad and the random bigots). Kyle was also so so naive. What I did like about him was the art stuff, that I could relate!
Uhm.. The sex was mostly off the page, but there was also a moment where the author described the boys having sex with the allegory of sunrise which could not have been funnier. I'm sure it was supposed to be beautiful but it didn't work for me.
Also, what was it about the sister who had lost contact with the "perfect family"? That was somithing I kept expecting to come back and make the good guys a bit more rounded people but it never happened.
All around solid YA read but it lacked depth. I will give it a heads up for the message of love and everyone deserving to be loved. And the cows were cute.
Maybe this story works for a fifteen year old, but for me it is a surprise I finished it.
Abused and neglected and also exteremely naive and artistic emo boy Kyle moves to an idyllic dairy farm to work through his juv sentence. The farm family smothers him with love and affection and shows him he is worth of loving. Kyle also meets the perfect son of the family, Sam, who he saw in his dreams!!! Lol, for real.
This was a little bit too black and white for me. The good guys were really good and loving and understanding and caring etc. and the baaaaad guys were all gay bashing haters (the evil stepdad and the random bigots). Kyle was also so so naive. What I did like about him was the art stuff, that I could relate!
Uhm.. The sex was mostly off the page, but there was also a moment where the author described the boys having sex with the allegory of sunrise which could not have been funnier. I'm sure it was supposed to be beautiful but it didn't work for me.
Also, what was it about the sister who had lost contact with the "perfect family"? That was somithing I kept expecting to come back and make the good guys a bit more rounded people but it never happened.
All around solid YA read but it lacked depth. I will give it a heads up for the message of love and everyone deserving to be loved. And the cows were cute.
Maybe this story works for a fifteen year old, but for me it is a surprise I finished it.
September 1, 2013
Stilted dialogue, one dimensional characters, very heavy handed with its preachy "this is where food comes from" theme, plus it was boring. the whole thing just felt inauthentic and awkward. cannot recommend this. couldn't even read it.
August 27, 2013
Sherrie Henry has given us a for-real YA book that would be something strong and powerful for early high-schoolers. That this creates some weakness in its literary punch in no way negates the positive things I felt about it.
A reverse of the city mouse country mouse tale, comfortable in its parable-like set up, we get a brief introduction to Kyle, who takes the fall for a friend and gets put into a juvenile work-release program that sends him up to a farm (apparently in upstate NY, but it felt like the midwest to me).
But here's the catch. Kyle, a wannabe artist and emo archetype, has been brutalized by his drunken stepfather, Hank, having lost his father when he was a little boy. He's so inured to a violent and loveless home-life, all but abandoned by his once-loving mother (not unusual in abusive relationships), that he can't quite come to grips with his new reality. Charmingly, it's not the grim, joyless farm-life he has "researched" on the internet, but a sort of Eden-like world where the stars are brighter and the food is better than anything he's ever known. Central is the fact that Glenda and Walt, the middle-aged farm couple who take him in to help on their dairy farm, are gentle and generous and loving to him from the very start.
All of this, but for the fact that Kyle is gay, could be right out of a Disney Sunday feature from my own upstate New York childhood. And that's just fine. Why high school kids, particularly gay ones, need to read about dark and difficult dystopian worlds (Hunger Games, please!), I'll never know. Isn't the reality of adulthood a rude enough awakening for most of us?
This does create some awkwardness in the rolling out of the narrative, which focuses on the return home for the summer of Glenda and Walt's college-boy son, Sam. A wee bit of Disney magic arises because Kyle recognizes Sam from a dream he had months earlier, a dream he recorded in startling accuracy in his sketchbook.
We know where this is going, and I had to confess I was damp-eyed more than once at the tender evolution of the rapport between these two boys. Henry bends over backwards to avoid any kind of explicit sexual content - sometimes to mildly absurd levels. (Hey, these are teenage boys!) But her purpose is clear: this is a story about the blossoming of love - not lust. It is a romantic fairy tale about stumbling from adversity into a happy ending, without really knowing how it will turn out.
I could have done with a bit more conflict here - there are more impossibly good folks in this book than ever populated a Jane Austen novel. Some prickly contrast would have made the goodness stand out in higher relief.
But I have no bone to pick with a teen romance for gay kids showing them that love and sex are not the same thing, and that dreaming of a lifelong romance is not pointless or futile.
Hey, I met my husband in college 38 years ago. I'm a believer.
A reverse of the city mouse country mouse tale, comfortable in its parable-like set up, we get a brief introduction to Kyle, who takes the fall for a friend and gets put into a juvenile work-release program that sends him up to a farm (apparently in upstate NY, but it felt like the midwest to me).
But here's the catch. Kyle, a wannabe artist and emo archetype, has been brutalized by his drunken stepfather, Hank, having lost his father when he was a little boy. He's so inured to a violent and loveless home-life, all but abandoned by his once-loving mother (not unusual in abusive relationships), that he can't quite come to grips with his new reality. Charmingly, it's not the grim, joyless farm-life he has "researched" on the internet, but a sort of Eden-like world where the stars are brighter and the food is better than anything he's ever known. Central is the fact that Glenda and Walt, the middle-aged farm couple who take him in to help on their dairy farm, are gentle and generous and loving to him from the very start.
All of this, but for the fact that Kyle is gay, could be right out of a Disney Sunday feature from my own upstate New York childhood. And that's just fine. Why high school kids, particularly gay ones, need to read about dark and difficult dystopian worlds (Hunger Games, please!), I'll never know. Isn't the reality of adulthood a rude enough awakening for most of us?
This does create some awkwardness in the rolling out of the narrative, which focuses on the return home for the summer of Glenda and Walt's college-boy son, Sam. A wee bit of Disney magic arises because Kyle recognizes Sam from a dream he had months earlier, a dream he recorded in startling accuracy in his sketchbook.
We know where this is going, and I had to confess I was damp-eyed more than once at the tender evolution of the rapport between these two boys. Henry bends over backwards to avoid any kind of explicit sexual content - sometimes to mildly absurd levels. (Hey, these are teenage boys!) But her purpose is clear: this is a story about the blossoming of love - not lust. It is a romantic fairy tale about stumbling from adversity into a happy ending, without really knowing how it will turn out.
I could have done with a bit more conflict here - there are more impossibly good folks in this book than ever populated a Jane Austen novel. Some prickly contrast would have made the goodness stand out in higher relief.
But I have no bone to pick with a teen romance for gay kids showing them that love and sex are not the same thing, and that dreaming of a lifelong romance is not pointless or futile.
Hey, I met my husband in college 38 years ago. I'm a believer.
December 4, 2013
In the beginning, I liked this sweet, if simplistic, fairytale, but after awhile, Kyle's contant insecurity got on my nerves. Other things that bothered me: the dropped mystery of Sam's sister and the occasional awkward phrasing/dialogue.
It was a sight to behold. Lest he get out of sequence. He became one with the night sky. "Lest you get kicked." "You'll feel at one with the animal." I ended up getting bored, and skimmed parts of the story.
It was a sight to behold. Lest he get out of sequence. He became one with the night sky. "Lest you get kicked." "You'll feel at one with the animal." I ended up getting bored, and skimmed parts of the story.
August 13, 2013
4.5 stars
I loved this YA novel! Both the writing and story flowed smoothly and the main characters were easy to fall in love with.
Aside from the official blurb, several others have summarized the story so I'll spare you an attempt on my part.
I had one little niggle with this book that I'll mention, but only to explain the slightly less than 5 star rating.
Kyle's level of maturity seemed a bit inconsistent. At times he seemed to have the maturity and mental capacity of a 13-14 year old. At other times he seemed wise beyond his 17 years and actually challenged Sam, the slightly older college freshman.
The abuse Kyle suffered was tough to read but it was real. The relationship between Kyle and Sam was tender and sweet but you wanted that for Kyle after what he’d been through.
Overall this was a great book and I highly recommend it to those who enjoy YA romances.
**The author posted on another review that there's a sequel in the works. Woot!
I loved this YA novel! Both the writing and story flowed smoothly and the main characters were easy to fall in love with.
Aside from the official blurb, several others have summarized the story so I'll spare you an attempt on my part.
I had one little niggle with this book that I'll mention, but only to explain the slightly less than 5 star rating.
Kyle's level of maturity seemed a bit inconsistent. At times he seemed to have the maturity and mental capacity of a 13-14 year old. At other times he seemed wise beyond his 17 years and actually challenged Sam, the slightly older college freshman.
The abuse Kyle suffered was tough to read but it was real. The relationship between Kyle and Sam was tender and sweet but you wanted that for Kyle after what he’d been through.
Overall this was a great book and I highly recommend it to those who enjoy YA romances.
**The author posted on another review that there's a sequel in the works. Woot!
April 12, 2015
This was an absolutely amazing coming of age story. Kyle had absolutely nothing going for him. Living in an abusive environment, the poor guy did not even know what love and affection was. Sheer luck and a decent judge placed Kyle in a work release program at a farm in the country. Kyle was virtually born again and learned to accept love and give it. The main characters were fleshed very well and the story's pace was smooth and even. I liked the relationship between Sam and Kyle especially at the end. I worked at a dairy farm one summer and the Johnson's farm rang true to what the life really is. Ms Henry is a new author to me but I'll be looking for more by this fine storyteller.
June 21, 2013
I love this story! Kyle and Sam are endearing characters and the story drew me in for an emotional read. My favorite kind of story is this type... with a journey of self discovery and growth, with love blossoming from tragedy.
I'm hoping Kyle and Sam have a another book...Kyle's step- father is a loathsome character that I am dying to get a follow up about...I want to watch Sam and Kyle grow and the love story they share was intoxicating!!!
reviews are hard to write when you have to watch out for spoilers! please bring more of Sam and Kyle... their love and story are beautiful!!
I'm hoping Kyle and Sam have a another book...Kyle's step- father is a loathsome character that I am dying to get a follow up about...I want to watch Sam and Kyle grow and the love story they share was intoxicating!!!
reviews are hard to write when you have to watch out for spoilers! please bring more of Sam and Kyle... their love and story are beautiful!!
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September 4, 2013
This was a beautifully written young adult story. I was completely captivated by the family that took Kyle in and showed him that he was deserving of so much more than what he's been handed in his life.
This was a slow building story, layered with acceptance and kindness. There were a few moments of angst and pain, but they were smoothed out by pure love. I, for one, truly am grateful to have read this story.
This was a slow building story, layered with acceptance and kindness. There were a few moments of angst and pain, but they were smoothed out by pure love. I, for one, truly am grateful to have read this story.
August 14, 2013
I have mixed feeling about this story.
I sympathize with Kyle, the emo kid with abusive step father, and I'm glad he's met the nice and warm family during his sentence working in a farm. I love both Kyle and Sam, but the romance between them was came too fast and the fact that Kyle dreamed about Sam before, made it even ridiculous.
And I think this story needs an epilogue.
I sympathize with Kyle, the emo kid with abusive step father, and I'm glad he's met the nice and warm family during his sentence working in a farm. I love both Kyle and Sam, but the romance between them was came too fast and the fact that Kyle dreamed about Sam before, made it even ridiculous.
And I think this story needs an epilogue.
September 30, 2013
Reviewed this once but review has disappeared. Read it and reviewed about 3 weeks ago.
January 11, 2019
Rep: gay mcs
You know those books that are so bad that you have to keep reading just to see how low they can sink? This is one of those.
First of all, the writing is crap. Honest-to-God awful. I don't think I've read worse stuff. Like, not even entertainingly bad - straight up shit. I can't believe I didn't just DNF this on the basis of that alone.
So you think that's bad, there's a Native American character in this who "just knows" (I don't remember what it is she "just knows" because I didn't make a note of it), and the justification for this is (no lie) basically that she knows because she's Native American, and we mustn't question it.
Another plot point, is that the gay character gets beaten up (coincidentally, he is also abused by his stepfather causing him to believe that he deserves to be hit/abused/etc, which may be a realistic representation of an abuse victim, but in this book it's taken to such extremes, it feels like the author did absolutely no research and based her representation on shitty fic. Which may be true. I have read fic that better portrays abuse victims. P.S. I don't know if I've phrased all that clearly enough, sorry... Anyway, apologies for the diversion, woops.), which, frankly, I don't need.
Then there's the amazing part where the MC says something about art school having a lot of gay students. Because yes, if you're a guy doing art, you must be gay. Solid logic there.
Basically, this reads like those awful fics every fandom has where you heap as much angst on one character as possible and no one's done any research on any of it. God knows why I spent money on it, but there you go.
You know those books that are so bad that you have to keep reading just to see how low they can sink? This is one of those.
First of all, the writing is crap. Honest-to-God awful. I don't think I've read worse stuff. Like, not even entertainingly bad - straight up shit. I can't believe I didn't just DNF this on the basis of that alone.
So you think that's bad, there's a Native American character in this who "just knows" (I don't remember what it is she "just knows" because I didn't make a note of it), and the justification for this is (no lie) basically that she knows because she's Native American, and we mustn't question it.
Another plot point, is that the gay character gets beaten up (coincidentally, he is also abused by his stepfather causing him to believe that he deserves to be hit/abused/etc, which may be a realistic representation of an abuse victim, but in this book it's taken to such extremes, it feels like the author did absolutely no research and based her representation on shitty fic. Which may be true. I have read fic that better portrays abuse victims. P.S. I don't know if I've phrased all that clearly enough, sorry... Anyway, apologies for the diversion, woops.), which, frankly, I don't need.
Then there's the amazing part where the MC says something about art school having a lot of gay students. Because yes, if you're a guy doing art, you must be gay. Solid logic there.
Basically, this reads like those awful fics every fandom has where you heap as much angst on one character as possible and no one's done any research on any of it. God knows why I spent money on it, but there you go.
September 2, 2013
Harmony Ink Tweetaway freebie 15.8.13
3.5 stars rounded up
When 17 year old Kyle covers up for his friend and takes the rap for charges trumped up from vandalism to assault his previous juvenile record means he’s given two options – time in a detention centre or spend the summer working on a ranch out of state. He takes the second option and winds up on the dairy spread run by the open hearted, and open minded Glenda and Walt. Kyle has been abused by his step father for years, both physically and mentally, and as a result has absolutely no self esteem and is emotionally stunted. He struggles at first to relate to the warmth of his new hosts, and even more difficult when their 19 year old son Sam returns from university he finds he has to deal with an attraction to the older boy as well.
The main body of the story covers the summer period before Kyle goes to art college. During that time he comes to terms with the fact that he is worthy of being loved and can give love in exchange, but it isn’t always an easy lesson. The last part of the book deals with Kyle at college during his first semester and how his new found confidence leads him to find friends and admit his sexuality, whilst at the same time missing Sam. And this was the niggle for me – I am not a huge believer in HEA endings for YA novels particularly where first love is concerned. I mean it’s very cute and all, but is it really realistic? My other issue with the story was sometimes Kyle’s speech and thought processes put him way over the stated age of 17. Overall though, a good solid YA novel.
3.5 stars rounded up
When 17 year old Kyle covers up for his friend and takes the rap for charges trumped up from vandalism to assault his previous juvenile record means he’s given two options – time in a detention centre or spend the summer working on a ranch out of state. He takes the second option and winds up on the dairy spread run by the open hearted, and open minded Glenda and Walt. Kyle has been abused by his step father for years, both physically and mentally, and as a result has absolutely no self esteem and is emotionally stunted. He struggles at first to relate to the warmth of his new hosts, and even more difficult when their 19 year old son Sam returns from university he finds he has to deal with an attraction to the older boy as well.
The main body of the story covers the summer period before Kyle goes to art college. During that time he comes to terms with the fact that he is worthy of being loved and can give love in exchange, but it isn’t always an easy lesson. The last part of the book deals with Kyle at college during his first semester and how his new found confidence leads him to find friends and admit his sexuality, whilst at the same time missing Sam. And this was the niggle for me – I am not a huge believer in HEA endings for YA novels particularly where first love is concerned. I mean it’s very cute and all, but is it really realistic? My other issue with the story was sometimes Kyle’s speech and thought processes put him way over the stated age of 17. Overall though, a good solid YA novel.
July 19, 2013
Outstanding YA book, belongs in every school library!
I have read a lot of YA books, but this story is one of the best I've ever read. This is a story of Kyle, a 17-year old boy with a huge heart living in an abusive home who gets in trouble and winds up on a farm for the summer to work off some debt and as a part of commuting his sentence. At that home he finds for the first time love and acceptance, and so, so much more. It is amazing the way the author lets you appreciate all he discovers through his own experiences. All of the beauty around him, every touch, every friendship, every taste you get to experience with Kyle. Walt and Glynda, the owners of the farm, are outstanding, and their son Sam is so comfortable in his own skin, and helps Kyle find his way.
The reader finds out about 25% into the book that Kyle is gay. I knew from the description of the book that he was but I really enjoyed how the author let this play out. This book isn't drama free, but I don't think you will find a more sensitive book about what it means to be young and gay and not really know what that means. Sam and Kyle and their shy, quiet love story should be in every library. It will answer most if not all the questions that kids might have and tackles and shatters a lot of misconceptions.
Bravo to this author, and she is my new "must read." Thanks for making me smile throughout the entire book. Five well deserved stars.
I have read a lot of YA books, but this story is one of the best I've ever read. This is a story of Kyle, a 17-year old boy with a huge heart living in an abusive home who gets in trouble and winds up on a farm for the summer to work off some debt and as a part of commuting his sentence. At that home he finds for the first time love and acceptance, and so, so much more. It is amazing the way the author lets you appreciate all he discovers through his own experiences. All of the beauty around him, every touch, every friendship, every taste you get to experience with Kyle. Walt and Glynda, the owners of the farm, are outstanding, and their son Sam is so comfortable in his own skin, and helps Kyle find his way.
The reader finds out about 25% into the book that Kyle is gay. I knew from the description of the book that he was but I really enjoyed how the author let this play out. This book isn't drama free, but I don't think you will find a more sensitive book about what it means to be young and gay and not really know what that means. Sam and Kyle and their shy, quiet love story should be in every library. It will answer most if not all the questions that kids might have and tackles and shatters a lot of misconceptions.
Bravo to this author, and she is my new "must read." Thanks for making me smile throughout the entire book. Five well deserved stars.
June 25, 2013
I loved this book! Ms Henry has paid careful attention to detail in this story, making both the characters and the scene setting come alive before the reader. It is more than clear that she has sound knowledge of the farming lifestyle, but she didn't throw that information in the reader's face. Instead she guided us through dairy milking through Kyle's eyes. We learned as he did.
I loved the character flaws in Kyle. At times I felt so sad and frustrated on his behalf as he struggled to accept who he was, feeling connected to him very early on in the story. As he felt doubt and fear over where life was taking him, I found myself turning the pages faster, eager to follow.
Sam was a very lovable boy next door sort of character. He was kind and good-natured, so patient with Kyle's insecurities and inexperience. The whole family atmosphere at the farm was so heartwarming.
M/M fiction is not usually my first choice as a reader, but I was wrapped up in the plot from the start. Some M/M fiction could be described as a series of events happening within an M/M relationship. In Last of the Summer Tomatoes however, it is a beautiful love story about two people who just happen to be gay.
I strongly recommend this book, even if you do not usually read M/M fiction.
I loved the character flaws in Kyle. At times I felt so sad and frustrated on his behalf as he struggled to accept who he was, feeling connected to him very early on in the story. As he felt doubt and fear over where life was taking him, I found myself turning the pages faster, eager to follow.
Sam was a very lovable boy next door sort of character. He was kind and good-natured, so patient with Kyle's insecurities and inexperience. The whole family atmosphere at the farm was so heartwarming.
M/M fiction is not usually my first choice as a reader, but I was wrapped up in the plot from the start. Some M/M fiction could be described as a series of events happening within an M/M relationship. In Last of the Summer Tomatoes however, it is a beautiful love story about two people who just happen to be gay.
I strongly recommend this book, even if you do not usually read M/M fiction.
July 30, 2013
Damn! This book was so good. I swear I was tearing up in the first chapter and throughout the whole book. Poor Kyle his home life was hell and he didn't get anything but fist from his stepfather. Some people should never be allowed to be around children. The best thing that could've happened to him was getting into trouble. After 17 years he finally found a home and a family that loved him. I LOVED Sam's parents, omg they were the best. I had to keep taking off my glasses to wipe the tears away, Kyle was so starved for love and Sam's parents had plenty of love to give. What can I say about Sam? Not surprising that he was a great guy, with the greatest parents he had no choice but to be the sweetest and the most patient guy with Kyle. I loved hearing about their farm life and omg I wanted to taste all the food that was talked about. I was jealous of them, hehe. After reading it, you will get what the title means..awww. I'm not doing the book justice so read it, you won't be disappointed. I wouldn't mind finding out how they're doing but that's just me being greedy ;-) Such a great book don't pass it up ;-)
August 11, 2013
This book was near perfection. My only issues were
I really felt for Kyle. I liked how he found a family with Walt, Glenda, and Sam. I felt like I was on the farm with these characters. Maybe I should eat more vegetables now. Hmmmm. The romance with Sam was perfect. I love how responsible he was even for 19.
I'm glad to hear that there will be a sequel. Curious about the mystery of Sam's sister and why she doesn't get along with such great parents like Walt and Glenda. I would highly recommend this novel to young gay teens.
I really felt for Kyle. I liked how he found a family with Walt, Glenda, and Sam. I felt like I was on the farm with these characters. Maybe I should eat more vegetables now. Hmmmm. The romance with Sam was perfect. I love how responsible he was even for 19.
I'm glad to hear that there will be a sequel. Curious about the mystery of Sam's sister and why she doesn't get along with such great parents like Walt and Glenda. I would highly recommend this novel to young gay teens.
July 26, 2013
Ms. Henry writes a moving story during which Sam’s kindness and that of his loving parents slowly show Kyle that he is worthy of love. Kyle realizes that he feels like the Johnson farm is “home” and that he can never go to his mother’s and step-father’s home again. Kyle learns how a real family interacts. He sees that touches can mean love and comfort, not hate and pain.
You can read the rest of Tina's review at The Novel Approach
You can read the rest of Tina's review at The Novel Approach
October 14, 2015
I enjoyed this sweet YA story from Sherrie Henry. It was very heartbreaking to see all of the abuse Kyle had gone thru at the hands of his step father. And it was hard to see how parched he was for any sort of affection. But it was great to see him blossom under Glenda and Walt's care and Sam's love. And yes, the ending made me happy.
August 12, 2013
I picked this book up for a couple of reasons, I liked the blurb and because the author is from my neck of the woods. :)
I stumbled upon a wonderful treasure - from start to finish - I loved it! I will be re-reading it again.
Highly recommended.
I stumbled upon a wonderful treasure - from start to finish - I loved it! I will be re-reading it again.
Highly recommended.
August 21, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, I liked how it seemed to touch on every thought and emotion an boy learning about himself and his sexuality could have especially a boy coming from an abusive homophobic home. The love story was very sweet.
January 29, 2014
I love this story. From beginning to end it was a joy to read, well, even with some tears. Yes, that was an important summer for Kyle. Poor neglected boy, finally learning what family means and that he is lovable. I'm sure I will re-read this book!
August 25, 2013
“Last of the Summer Tomatoes” is a sweet, likable love story that I liked in large part because of one really positive element, an element I’ll get to in a moment, an element sadly missing from most fiction and media aimed at teens today. While “romance books” are not my typical read, two things drew me to this book: Ms. Henry is a fellow Harmony Ink Press author and I try to support my fellow authors whenever possible, and the setting was a farm in upstate New York (I tend to like stories set in the country, maybe because I’ve been a city boy my whole life.)
If you like plot-heavy books, this isn’t for you. It’s basically the story of an abused teen from an apparently poor neighborhood in New York City who finds familial and romantic love with a family he is forced to stay with the summer following high school graduation.
The main character of Kyle is endearing and likable, if somewhat inconsistent. Half the time he seems overly naïve for a high school grad who grew up in NYC and the other half he speaks in a very adult voice with almost stilted dialogue (i.e. few, if any, contractions, some high-level vocabulary). He’s not portrayed as a genius or anything, just artistically gifted and a graduate of (apparently) not one of New York’s better public schools. Details like this that add or subtract verisimilitude always come to my attention because I’m a detail guy and details are important to grounding any story in reality. In this same vein, Kyle’s abusive stepfather seems rather stock and there isn’t much to him at all except “the bad guy.” This is fine except he’s described as the union boss for dock workers (i.e. longshoremen) and yet he never has any money and the family is poor. Longshoremen themselves make very good money, but the highest paid is always the union boss, so the poverty angle seemed underdeveloped to me. Likewise, Kyle’s mother isn’t even a character and should at least have said or done something near the end of the book (for reasons I can’t go into), but she’s a non-entity.
The setup with Kyle breaking the law to get sent to the work-farm program didn’t really fit Kyle’s character as established throughout the story and seemed merely a plot device to get the story rolling. So be it. Once Kyle goes out to work this farm for the summer before heading off to art school, he meets Glenda and Walt, the middle-aged couple who own the farm. They are the parents every kid wishes he or she had, absolutely amazing, kind, generous people who instantly take the detached, withdrawn Kyle under their wings and provide the kind of love and nurturing his own mother never bothered with after marrying Hank.
Some reviews I’ve read criticized these characters as being too perfect, but I’ve known real people like them in my own life so these reviewers need to stop being so cynical and maybe work harder themselves at being more like Walt and Glenda. It’s not hard, you know. Last time I looked, being kind was an easy choice. An odd and pointless sidebar to how wonderful these two people are is the unseen estranged daughter who apparently wants nothing to do with them. Given that these two are like, the perfect parents, why even mention such a character and then drop her without any follow-through? See what I mean about details?
Anyway, Kyle as an abused kid is very well written. Sadly, I’ve worked with too many abused kids in my life, and most of the kids in my own book have been abused in some fashion, so I know how reticent they are, how reluctant to express themselves, how afraid they are to realize they can be loved and give love in return. Kudos to Ms. Henry for portraying Kyle so heart-wrenchingly well.
I did have some problems with Sam, however. The gay son of Walt and Glenda and a year older than Kyle, Sam seldom acts like a teenager (nineteen is still a teen) because he seldom gets very emotional about things. He talks and acts much older and seems more like a teacher or mentor to Kyle rather than a love interest, as it were, showing him the ropes on what it means to be gay (like he’s an expert.).
Sam came out as gay when he was fifteen, in a small farming community, and apparently had no problems whatsoever in high school or with any of the townsfolk. I would love people to be so nonchalant about gay kids because it seriously is no big deal, but I’ve been a high school teacher for twenty-five years here in very-liberal California and being gay is still one of those areas people get crazy over. Don’t know why, they just do. So Sam’s perfect life just didn’t seem wholly realistic to me.
I liked the way he draws Kyle out of his shell and convinces him that there’s nothing wrong with him being gay, that he can and should be himself in public and in private, but there just didn’t seem much internal life to Sam, not till the very end when we finally see some vulnerability in him. Nineteen-year-olds very seldom “have it all together,” so that long-delayed emotional vulnerability was welcomed by this reader because it finally made Sam into a real person I could care about like I already cared about Kyle.
What element did I find that should be prevalent in most stories for teens? Sam eschews the “hookup” mentality present in most teen movies or TV shows or books. He repeatedly tells Kyle, “I don’t do casual” and every time he said that I’m like, “Yes!” Teens should be given the message that love takes time to really develop and even though the two boys in this story rushed those words like teens often do, holding off having full-on sex is very appropriate for kids, even though these two were over eighteen by the time the book ended. Hooking up is self-centered behavior for adults, let alone kids, and should be discouraged. No wonder our society is falling apart – if everybody thinks “me and what I want” first, nothing much productive for society as a whole ever gets done.
So I applaud Ms. Henry for suggesting (as I do in my books) that teens do not have to have sex simply because they’re attracted to each other. Let love develop. Let everything be right, including the gain of some maturity, which only comes through age and experience.
Because of the niggling points I previously mentioned that pulled me from the story and made me wonder why this or that wasn’t made clear, I didn’t give the book five stars. But it clearly earned its four on the overall strength of the characters, on the message about love and relationships it espouses, and because I would read a sequel.
If you like plot-heavy books, this isn’t for you. It’s basically the story of an abused teen from an apparently poor neighborhood in New York City who finds familial and romantic love with a family he is forced to stay with the summer following high school graduation.
The main character of Kyle is endearing and likable, if somewhat inconsistent. Half the time he seems overly naïve for a high school grad who grew up in NYC and the other half he speaks in a very adult voice with almost stilted dialogue (i.e. few, if any, contractions, some high-level vocabulary). He’s not portrayed as a genius or anything, just artistically gifted and a graduate of (apparently) not one of New York’s better public schools. Details like this that add or subtract verisimilitude always come to my attention because I’m a detail guy and details are important to grounding any story in reality. In this same vein, Kyle’s abusive stepfather seems rather stock and there isn’t much to him at all except “the bad guy.” This is fine except he’s described as the union boss for dock workers (i.e. longshoremen) and yet he never has any money and the family is poor. Longshoremen themselves make very good money, but the highest paid is always the union boss, so the poverty angle seemed underdeveloped to me. Likewise, Kyle’s mother isn’t even a character and should at least have said or done something near the end of the book (for reasons I can’t go into), but she’s a non-entity.
The setup with Kyle breaking the law to get sent to the work-farm program didn’t really fit Kyle’s character as established throughout the story and seemed merely a plot device to get the story rolling. So be it. Once Kyle goes out to work this farm for the summer before heading off to art school, he meets Glenda and Walt, the middle-aged couple who own the farm. They are the parents every kid wishes he or she had, absolutely amazing, kind, generous people who instantly take the detached, withdrawn Kyle under their wings and provide the kind of love and nurturing his own mother never bothered with after marrying Hank.
Some reviews I’ve read criticized these characters as being too perfect, but I’ve known real people like them in my own life so these reviewers need to stop being so cynical and maybe work harder themselves at being more like Walt and Glenda. It’s not hard, you know. Last time I looked, being kind was an easy choice. An odd and pointless sidebar to how wonderful these two people are is the unseen estranged daughter who apparently wants nothing to do with them. Given that these two are like, the perfect parents, why even mention such a character and then drop her without any follow-through? See what I mean about details?
Anyway, Kyle as an abused kid is very well written. Sadly, I’ve worked with too many abused kids in my life, and most of the kids in my own book have been abused in some fashion, so I know how reticent they are, how reluctant to express themselves, how afraid they are to realize they can be loved and give love in return. Kudos to Ms. Henry for portraying Kyle so heart-wrenchingly well.
I did have some problems with Sam, however. The gay son of Walt and Glenda and a year older than Kyle, Sam seldom acts like a teenager (nineteen is still a teen) because he seldom gets very emotional about things. He talks and acts much older and seems more like a teacher or mentor to Kyle rather than a love interest, as it were, showing him the ropes on what it means to be gay (like he’s an expert.).
Sam came out as gay when he was fifteen, in a small farming community, and apparently had no problems whatsoever in high school or with any of the townsfolk. I would love people to be so nonchalant about gay kids because it seriously is no big deal, but I’ve been a high school teacher for twenty-five years here in very-liberal California and being gay is still one of those areas people get crazy over. Don’t know why, they just do. So Sam’s perfect life just didn’t seem wholly realistic to me.
I liked the way he draws Kyle out of his shell and convinces him that there’s nothing wrong with him being gay, that he can and should be himself in public and in private, but there just didn’t seem much internal life to Sam, not till the very end when we finally see some vulnerability in him. Nineteen-year-olds very seldom “have it all together,” so that long-delayed emotional vulnerability was welcomed by this reader because it finally made Sam into a real person I could care about like I already cared about Kyle.
What element did I find that should be prevalent in most stories for teens? Sam eschews the “hookup” mentality present in most teen movies or TV shows or books. He repeatedly tells Kyle, “I don’t do casual” and every time he said that I’m like, “Yes!” Teens should be given the message that love takes time to really develop and even though the two boys in this story rushed those words like teens often do, holding off having full-on sex is very appropriate for kids, even though these two were over eighteen by the time the book ended. Hooking up is self-centered behavior for adults, let alone kids, and should be discouraged. No wonder our society is falling apart – if everybody thinks “me and what I want” first, nothing much productive for society as a whole ever gets done.
So I applaud Ms. Henry for suggesting (as I do in my books) that teens do not have to have sex simply because they’re attracted to each other. Let love develop. Let everything be right, including the gain of some maturity, which only comes through age and experience.
Because of the niggling points I previously mentioned that pulled me from the story and made me wonder why this or that wasn’t made clear, I didn’t give the book five stars. But it clearly earned its four on the overall strength of the characters, on the message about love and relationships it espouses, and because I would read a sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2021
This book had a lot of things I love, like an underdog, an LGBTQ romance between cute boys, and farm life. It has had a lot of things I don't like, such as instalove and whatnot. Still, I enjoyed this and I won't say I had a bad time reading it because I didn't I could have done...without...the constant...ellipsis....use...but I eventually just came to accept it as part of the story.
Sherrie Henry had a cute idea with this story. The execution could have been better, sure, but I came here for a cute story and I got one.
Sherrie Henry had a cute idea with this story. The execution could have been better, sure, but I came here for a cute story and I got one.
July 4, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
Story 4.5
Narration 4.5
I first read this book in 2013 and it is just as good the second time round and the audio book is outstanding.
YA is not normally my thing but there is something about Last of the Summer Tomatoes that inspires hope and makes you believe that no matter how hard life gets or how downtrodden you feel that somewhere out there someone cares and that things can and will eventually get better. If you need a feel good story this will definitely fit the bill.
Kyle is just trying to get through the last few months of life at home before he has graduated, turned eighteen and escaped to college. He clings to this thought as it is the only way he will escape his abusive stepfather. When a teenage prank goes wrong he does a very noble thing and his punishment is to work out his summer on a farm but it saves him from a criminal record.
For Kyle the farm is a bit of a Utopia. Realistically everything is too good to be true but you have to look past that and realise that what Kyle is offered at the farm is love and understanding. He is nurtured, perhaps for the first time in his life, or at least the first time since his father died. He is so terrified of people’s reactions that it takes weeks for him to realise that no matter what he does he will not be hit, he will not be called names and that abuse and anger are not the norm of family life.
Alongside everything else he has to deal with he also has to look deep into himself and think about his sexuality when Sam, the son of the farmer, arrives home for the summer and catches his eye. For the first time in his life he feels safe and able to admit that he is gay. It’s not easy, you can’t just wipe away years of ingrained fear, but it is doable and do it he does as a summer romance blooms.
As the summer closes and Kyle has to think about returning home before starting his college life it is left a little unclear as to what they expect of each other but one thing is very certain, Kyle has found people who care for him and that won’t stop just because he isn’t under their roof. Real connections have been made and promises to stay in contact mean something to this young man who is not used to having anyone on his side. I felt like they got the ending they deserved even if their relationship hadn’t moved on quite as I expected – their sexual relationship just seemed a bit off to me but maybe that’s a YA thing.
Narration Review:
Paul Morey did a grand job – but doesn’t he always!
Story 4.5
Narration 4.5
I first read this book in 2013 and it is just as good the second time round and the audio book is outstanding.
YA is not normally my thing but there is something about Last of the Summer Tomatoes that inspires hope and makes you believe that no matter how hard life gets or how downtrodden you feel that somewhere out there someone cares and that things can and will eventually get better. If you need a feel good story this will definitely fit the bill.
Kyle is just trying to get through the last few months of life at home before he has graduated, turned eighteen and escaped to college. He clings to this thought as it is the only way he will escape his abusive stepfather. When a teenage prank goes wrong he does a very noble thing and his punishment is to work out his summer on a farm but it saves him from a criminal record.
For Kyle the farm is a bit of a Utopia. Realistically everything is too good to be true but you have to look past that and realise that what Kyle is offered at the farm is love and understanding. He is nurtured, perhaps for the first time in his life, or at least the first time since his father died. He is so terrified of people’s reactions that it takes weeks for him to realise that no matter what he does he will not be hit, he will not be called names and that abuse and anger are not the norm of family life.
Alongside everything else he has to deal with he also has to look deep into himself and think about his sexuality when Sam, the son of the farmer, arrives home for the summer and catches his eye. For the first time in his life he feels safe and able to admit that he is gay. It’s not easy, you can’t just wipe away years of ingrained fear, but it is doable and do it he does as a summer romance blooms.
As the summer closes and Kyle has to think about returning home before starting his college life it is left a little unclear as to what they expect of each other but one thing is very certain, Kyle has found people who care for him and that won’t stop just because he isn’t under their roof. Real connections have been made and promises to stay in contact mean something to this young man who is not used to having anyone on his side. I felt like they got the ending they deserved even if their relationship hadn’t moved on quite as I expected – their sexual relationship just seemed a bit off to me but maybe that’s a YA thing.
Narration Review:
Paul Morey did a grand job – but doesn’t he always!
September 1, 2013
B+
A sweet and charming story of a gentle young man's journey of self discovery.
Kyle was so innocent and naive it was at times hard to believe he was from New York. He had been abused and neglected for so long he had very little experience with making choices, mostly because he had never been allowed to. He truly believed that it was how the world was. I loved that he was such an artist, the way that he saw beauty in things that most people no longer notice. It was a pleasure to watch him gain confidence and begin to accept himself as he shook off the fear he had lived under for so long
Sam was so sweet and patient. I loved that he didn’t try to pressure Kyle or force his healing along. He wanted Kyle however he was, which in many ways sped up the process. He was such a great combination of vulnerable youth and mature wisdom. Being a year older and coming from a healthy home he was able to understand and help Kyle through the process of accepting his sexuality and living his life openly, without paralyzing fear.
Sam’s parents were wonderful. They were patient and loving with Kyle and helped him so much. They gave him a safe place to come out and come into his own as an adult. By providing an example of a healthy family and accepting him before he even came to their dairy farm, they gave him a home. I loved the moments he shared with Glenda.
It was refreshing to read a YA story that felt like it was written for that age group. There was a lot of soul searching and a sense that there was no need to rush into sex or adulthood, but to allow things to come naturally in their time.
I enjoyed this story of young love, standing up for yourself, what you believe in and finding your place in the world. Some very difficult and painful things were sensitively and sweetly dealt with. I really hope that these guys make it together.
Reviewed by Nina
A sweet and charming story of a gentle young man's journey of self discovery.
Kyle was so innocent and naive it was at times hard to believe he was from New York. He had been abused and neglected for so long he had very little experience with making choices, mostly because he had never been allowed to. He truly believed that it was how the world was. I loved that he was such an artist, the way that he saw beauty in things that most people no longer notice. It was a pleasure to watch him gain confidence and begin to accept himself as he shook off the fear he had lived under for so long
Sam was so sweet and patient. I loved that he didn’t try to pressure Kyle or force his healing along. He wanted Kyle however he was, which in many ways sped up the process. He was such a great combination of vulnerable youth and mature wisdom. Being a year older and coming from a healthy home he was able to understand and help Kyle through the process of accepting his sexuality and living his life openly, without paralyzing fear.
Sam’s parents were wonderful. They were patient and loving with Kyle and helped him so much. They gave him a safe place to come out and come into his own as an adult. By providing an example of a healthy family and accepting him before he even came to their dairy farm, they gave him a home. I loved the moments he shared with Glenda.
It was refreshing to read a YA story that felt like it was written for that age group. There was a lot of soul searching and a sense that there was no need to rush into sex or adulthood, but to allow things to come naturally in their time.
I enjoyed this story of young love, standing up for yourself, what you believe in and finding your place in the world. Some very difficult and painful things were sensitively and sweetly dealt with. I really hope that these guys make it together.
Reviewed by Nina
August 21, 2025
*** Note: I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review ***
Emo teen Kyle Jackowski is a born and raised New Yorker living with his miserly, abusive step-father and his perennially disempowered mother. When Kyle runs afoul of the legal system, he's sentenced to a residential work program on a dairy farm upstate. It may well be the luckiest day of his life. His placement family is welcoming and nurturing in a way that Kyle has never experienced before. But when their biological son returns from college and Kyle recognizes the guy from his dream...
This book is a feel-good tale of first love and a young guy coming into his own when he finds an environment that is suited to him. The beginning scenes (and pretty much any scenes with his stepfather) are a bit over the top, and the wholesomeness and acceptance that he finds in the rural family are almost too good to be true, but still, this is a pleasure to read.
Some of the passages involving Kyle's first exposure to farm-fresh foods actually made me hungry (and a bit homesick.) The first time the boys spend the night alone under the open sky, the city-boy, country-boy thing is one of the sweetest romantic scenes I've read in yonks.
The title of this book DOES make sense, but in a way, it sets the wrong tone for the novel. At first glance, it sounds sad, but one soon learns that "Last of the Summer Tomatoes" isn't necessarily a bad thing when a new crop is just around the corner. Just a bit nostalgic.
As a guy who grew up in the country and then moved to the city, I enjoyed this book a lot. Not sure if it will have the same impact on those that city slickers through and through.
*** Note: I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review ***
Emo teen Kyle Jackowski is a born and raised New Yorker living with his miserly, abusive step-father and his perennially disempowered mother. When Kyle runs afoul of the legal system, he's sentenced to a residential work program on a dairy farm upstate. It may well be the luckiest day of his life. His placement family is welcoming and nurturing in a way that Kyle has never experienced before. But when their biological son returns from college and Kyle recognizes the guy from his dream...
This book is a feel-good tale of first love and a young guy coming into his own when he finds an environment that is suited to him. The beginning scenes (and pretty much any scenes with his stepfather) are a bit over the top, and the wholesomeness and acceptance that he finds in the rural family are almost too good to be true, but still, this is a pleasure to read.
Some of the passages involving Kyle's first exposure to farm-fresh foods actually made me hungry (and a bit homesick.) The first time the boys spend the night alone under the open sky, the city-boy, country-boy thing is one of the sweetest romantic scenes I've read in yonks.
The title of this book DOES make sense, but in a way, it sets the wrong tone for the novel. At first glance, it sounds sad, but one soon learns that "Last of the Summer Tomatoes" isn't necessarily a bad thing when a new crop is just around the corner. Just a bit nostalgic.
As a guy who grew up in the country and then moved to the city, I enjoyed this book a lot. Not sure if it will have the same impact on those that city slickers through and through.
*** Note: I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review ***
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