What do you think?
Rate this book
Good to Know #2
Un avant-goût de paradis
Suite de Bon à savoir
Bon à savoir, tome deux
Cela fait presque une année que William a perdu ses parents et quitté la seule vie qu’il ait jamais connue pour un nouveau foyer au Canada. Mais aujourd’hui, William aime plus que tout passer du temps avec ses deux nouveaux pères. Son oncle Jerry McKenzie l’a adopté et s’est marié avec David Loewenberger, et William apprend ce que signifie faire partie d’une famille.
Mais malgré tout l’amour et l’affection dont les deux hommes le couvrent, William se sent toujours seul. Ce n’est pas avant de rencontrer Cory, un lycéen qui aide son équipe de football, qu’il se met à penser à ce que ce serait d’avoir un frère. Il rêve que son vœu se réalise, mais d’abord William devra apprendre quelques leçons importantes sur l’amour et le deuil.
Bon à savoir, tome deux
Cela fait presque une année que William a perdu ses parents et quitté la seule vie qu’il ait jamais connue pour un nouveau foyer au Canada. Mais aujourd’hui, William aime plus que tout passer du temps avec ses deux nouveaux pères. Son oncle Jerry McKenzie l’a adopté et s’est marié avec David Loewenberger, et William apprend ce que signifie faire partie d’une famille.
Mais malgré tout l’amour et l’affection dont les deux hommes le couvrent, William se sent toujours seul. Ce n’est pas avant de rencontrer Cory, un lycéen qui aide son équipe de football, qu’il se met à penser à ce que ce serait d’avoir un frère. Il rêve que son vœu se réalise, mais d’abord William devra apprendre quelques leçons importantes sur l’amour et le deuil.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2010
4 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
D.W. Marchwell
21 books186 followersWhen D. W. Marchwell is not teaching future generations the wonders of science, he can usually be found hiking, writing, riding horses, trying new recipes, or searching for and lovingly restoring discarded antique furniture. A goofy and incurable romantic, D.W. admits that his stories are inspired by actual events and has a soft spot for those where boy not only meets boy but also turns out to be boy's soul mate. After almost fifteen years of working his way across Canada, D.W has finally found the perfect place to live at the foot of the Canadian Rockies. He still can't believe how lucky he is, and, as his grandmother taught him, counts his blessings every day.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 11, 2013
3.5
This was a lovely follow on to book one.
Jerry and David are still the perfect couple.
William is still my favourite, and it was lovely to see him start to grow.
Cory is an amazing boy/man. Instead of bowing to pressure and the ugliness of life, Cory tried to fight back. Luckily for him he met William, and was given the opportunity to be the man he was destined to be.
I would of liked to of seen a little more on how things were handled with the school regarding Cory. It just felt like Jerry and David let the school get away with treating Cory badly without fighting for Cory’s honour so to speak. Plus I do hate to see a sanctimonious weasel win LOL.
One small niggle that maybe wouldn’t be picked up on if these books were read as they were published, but reading them back to back it was more noticeable. There was a minor error with Lenore and her twins, which in book one were a boy and a girl but changed to two boys in book two.
Overall a sweet read, but have a tissue handy for those emotional moments.
This was a lovely follow on to book one.
Jerry and David are still the perfect couple.
William is still my favourite, and it was lovely to see him start to grow.
Cory is an amazing boy/man. Instead of bowing to pressure and the ugliness of life, Cory tried to fight back. Luckily for him he met William, and was given the opportunity to be the man he was destined to be.
I would of liked to of seen a little more on how things were handled with the school regarding Cory. It just felt like Jerry and David let the school get away with treating Cory badly without fighting for Cory’s honour so to speak. Plus I do hate to see a sanctimonious weasel win LOL.
One small niggle that maybe wouldn’t be picked up on if these books were read as they were published, but reading them back to back it was more noticeable. There was a minor error with Lenore and her twins, which in book one were a boy and a girl but changed to two boys in book two.
Overall a sweet read, but have a tissue handy for those emotional moments.
January 26, 2011
REALLY not my cup of tea. It wasn't a bad story - although I would guess that the previous story was better - but like a good few of these gay family contemporaries, it's so full of sugar that I felt i was going into diabetic shock.
The gay husbands did nothing but bill and coo and tell each other how beautiful they were, and how good a father they were to their incredibly short son, and they all spent all their other time either having mind blowing sex or telling said son how wonderful HE is.
There was no conflict. None. There was an attempt at it, but it was already solved before it was put into place and we were told that. At no point were we at all challenged that this family was going to implode.
And that was a shame, because it's not badly written (although not well edited) and this made it DULL.
if you like sickeningly sweet contemps where nothing ever goes wrong-ever-then you'll love this, but I didn't.
The gay husbands did nothing but bill and coo and tell each other how beautiful they were, and how good a father they were to their incredibly short son, and they all spent all their other time either having mind blowing sex or telling said son how wonderful HE is.
There was no conflict. None. There was an attempt at it, but it was already solved before it was put into place and we were told that. At no point were we at all challenged that this family was going to implode.
And that was a shame, because it's not badly written (although not well edited) and this made it DULL.
if you like sickeningly sweet contemps where nothing ever goes wrong-ever-then you'll love this, but I didn't.
November 4, 2010
I'm a fan of "Good to Know" and I enjoyed reading "An Earlier Heaven." It's nice to revisit of characters and a continuation of the storyline. My reason for not giving a higher rating is that the two boys seem a little to perfect. For Cory, a boy that has been beaten for the last six years by his father, lost his mother, and is subjected to constant ridicule by this classmates seem to polite, nice, and well adjusted. He should be showing more signs of psychological trauma/Abuse. (Mood swings, outburst, abusive language, physical violence)
Overall it's a heart warming story. Three Stars
Overall it's a heart warming story. Three Stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2010
Good to Know was pretty amazing and this one certainly keeps up that momentum.
William really doesn't have an easy time, but he's got two dads who love him to bits and that makes up for a lot.
I see a D.W.Marchwell book and I buy it. Don't even need to read the blurb.
I know I'll enjoy it and lose sleep because I want to finish it so badly.
William really doesn't have an easy time, but he's got two dads who love him to bits and that makes up for a lot.
I see a D.W.Marchwell book and I buy it. Don't even need to read the blurb.
I know I'll enjoy it and lose sleep because I want to finish it so badly.
May 24, 2011
“Good to Know” begins with Jerry McKenzie, an artist who is known for being a recluse and anti-social, gets a surprising gift on his doorstep – his school-age nephew, William. Jerry has no idea how to raise a child, or even if he wants to keep him, so he grabs on to the first person offering help – David. David is William’s teacher and wants to be sure that William is being taken care of after hearing his story – so he does what every good teacher would do, he swings by Jerry’s house for a home visit and finds Jerry completely out of his element. With the intent to help, not act on their mutual sexual attraction, David teaches Jerry the basics and Jerry falls in love with both of the new men in his life.
In the sequel, “An Earlier Heaven,” the family is revisited one year later – and continues to expand with love. William is still a bit of a loner, but he latches on to his soccer coach Cory, and is insistent that Jerry and David help him out. What ensues is a tale of great loss and heart break for William, but one that he continues to overcome and an unexpected family blossoms.
Each book is a good read as a stand alone, but the sequel even further cements their relationship and love after all of the struggles. In the first book, a romance and strong relationship grow through several obstacles. There is strife and struggle, but their underlying love for each other and William, is what makes you fall in love with the characters. A few times you’ll find yourself presented with information without explanation – only to find the explanation several chapters later (just an editorial miss, try not to be distracted). It was fun reading about a loving family – being able to see a child finally have a loving home, will bring you to tears a few times throughout the series. The books were both well-written with a very easy flow and evolution.
The sex in each book was very different. In the first book, there wasn’t a lot of sex and it was seriously lacking description – more of the “they went to bed and then it happened” type of description. In the second book, it was almost like Marchwell was told to add some spice, as there was a LOT more sex, but it seemed to miss the mark on hotness and excitement. There were a lot of “oh yeah, that’s hot” descriptions, but the sex was somewhat gratuitous and almost distracting. I found myself skimming these portions, which are usually my favorite parts.
Out of four…
Overall Read: ♥♥♥
Sex Heat: ♥
Plot: ♥♥♥
This is a good loving romantic story between two men and the home they create for their son. It’s an easy read and great if you’re looking for a tame story or love beyond the bedroom.
In the sequel, “An Earlier Heaven,” the family is revisited one year later – and continues to expand with love. William is still a bit of a loner, but he latches on to his soccer coach Cory, and is insistent that Jerry and David help him out. What ensues is a tale of great loss and heart break for William, but one that he continues to overcome and an unexpected family blossoms.
Each book is a good read as a stand alone, but the sequel even further cements their relationship and love after all of the struggles. In the first book, a romance and strong relationship grow through several obstacles. There is strife and struggle, but their underlying love for each other and William, is what makes you fall in love with the characters. A few times you’ll find yourself presented with information without explanation – only to find the explanation several chapters later (just an editorial miss, try not to be distracted). It was fun reading about a loving family – being able to see a child finally have a loving home, will bring you to tears a few times throughout the series. The books were both well-written with a very easy flow and evolution.
The sex in each book was very different. In the first book, there wasn’t a lot of sex and it was seriously lacking description – more of the “they went to bed and then it happened” type of description. In the second book, it was almost like Marchwell was told to add some spice, as there was a LOT more sex, but it seemed to miss the mark on hotness and excitement. There were a lot of “oh yeah, that’s hot” descriptions, but the sex was somewhat gratuitous and almost distracting. I found myself skimming these portions, which are usually my favorite parts.
Out of four…
Overall Read: ♥♥♥
Sex Heat: ♥
Plot: ♥♥♥
This is a good loving romantic story between two men and the home they create for their son. It’s an easy read and great if you’re looking for a tame story or love beyond the bedroom.
January 24, 2011
The star character of this sequel is William, who previously wasn’t explored as much as I had hoped. We largely saw him from the outside in and rarely got a glimpse into the difficulties of his new life. He plays a large part here, as we see him struggle to understand the very adult situation that his friend Cory is going through and issues that he is finally starting to work through, like death. It made me remember when I was young and wanted to know everything that was going on even though I was too young to understand it. It is a difficult and confusing time for a kid and William’s emotions were certainly on a roller coaster in this novel. He is so sensitive and he worries about upsetting his fathers. His biggest worry, though, is Cory and why he can stay with them at one moment and not the next. He goes through a lot of disappointment and confusion, and though he must go through it in order for Jerry and David to help Cory circumvent the legal issues he’s going through, it’s very hard to watch.
The sex between David and Jerry was stepped up here as well, which I believe is the consequence of the intimacy that comes with working through a relationship and the day to day struggles of married life. They are still hot for each other, but its because they work as a team throughout the day. They really have each other’s backs. That makes the sex more powerful, emotional, and intimate. Sex scenes are often written a bit awkwardly with all action and stilted dialogue (“Want you/Need you/Unghhh” — You catch my drift). David and Jerry talk throughout sex and it really works. I feel like I’m getting to know them better during these scenes where they not only say “I love you,” but they say why. Ultimately, it made the sex hot and loving...
For the full review, visit Reviews by Jessewave.
The sex between David and Jerry was stepped up here as well, which I believe is the consequence of the intimacy that comes with working through a relationship and the day to day struggles of married life. They are still hot for each other, but its because they work as a team throughout the day. They really have each other’s backs. That makes the sex more powerful, emotional, and intimate. Sex scenes are often written a bit awkwardly with all action and stilted dialogue (“Want you/Need you/Unghhh” — You catch my drift). David and Jerry talk throughout sex and it really works. I feel like I’m getting to know them better during these scenes where they not only say “I love you,” but they say why. Ultimately, it made the sex hot and loving...
For the full review, visit Reviews by Jessewave.
May 6, 2011
It's been a while since I read the first story, Good to Know, and so maybe my comparison is a bit off/flawed due to my memory, but An Earlier Heaven felt like it moved much slower all the way through. Slow enough that I actually read some other stories while I was in the middle of this one, which I almost never do. There were several internal thought-type passages that felt relatively extraneous and repetitive, and their removal might have helped fix the pacing of the story (for me).
You don't get to the main 'problem' until over 1/3 of the way through the story, which was part of the slowness problem I had with it. Before that, there are only hints around it couched in "we're a happy family now" build-up. I think perhaps some of that over-descriptiveness was supposed to help remind us of what happened in the previous story, but it didn't work for me. However, once I got into the meat of the story, it flowed more comfortably and I enjoyed it. I love where the title came from - very appropriate. 3.5 stars.
You don't get to the main 'problem' until over 1/3 of the way through the story, which was part of the slowness problem I had with it. Before that, there are only hints around it couched in "we're a happy family now" build-up. I think perhaps some of that over-descriptiveness was supposed to help remind us of what happened in the previous story, but it didn't work for me. However, once I got into the meat of the story, it flowed more comfortably and I enjoyed it. I love where the title came from - very appropriate. 3.5 stars.
January 4, 2012
I loved the first novel in this series, Good to Know, so much that I was a little wary of reading this sequel because I really, really didn't want to be disappointed. I wasn't!
The story picks up about a year after the first and showcases how the small family has grown and come together, even so far as adding an at-risk teen to the mix. While there is no great 'conflict' to overcome, there certainly is serious and familiar drama that the family must face and help young William to cope with. And Mr. Marchwell does this so very well! I once again fell in love with the McKenzie-Loewenberger family and can't wait to visit with them again, soon!
The story picks up about a year after the first and showcases how the small family has grown and come together, even so far as adding an at-risk teen to the mix. While there is no great 'conflict' to overcome, there certainly is serious and familiar drama that the family must face and help young William to cope with. And Mr. Marchwell does this so very well! I once again fell in love with the McKenzie-Loewenberger family and can't wait to visit with them again, soon!
November 10, 2010
I actually liked the sequel better than the original...funnily enough. The charaters were more rounded, I founded it easier to read the story as a whole and the only thing I could have asked for was a more relaxed ending, it just felt a little rushed. A good, relaxing story with all the ups and downs of real family life. Nx
February 3, 2015
Sometimes the sequel doesn't live up to the original story but I really enjoyed this second visit to Jerry, David and William. Cory was a great friend for William and this lovely family just gets stronger and stronger. I'm glad to know I still have one more book to read in this series and I'm really looking forward to it.
November 13, 2010
I really like the story itself, but there's something about the writing that just doesn't click with me. If you're looking for a sweet story though, it fits the bill.
December 3, 2010
*sighs*
That is the happy sigh of reading such a great book. I loved this sequel. I loved reading more about David and Jerry and the family that they made.
That is the happy sigh of reading such a great book. I loved this sequel. I loved reading more about David and Jerry and the family that they made.
May 28, 2015
A story that could have been told in less than 10 pages blown up to 230 - unbelievable
July 12, 2017
très belle suite
Read
January 4, 2011Once again D.W. Marchwell has shown himself to be a master at taking us right into the hearts of minds of the people that come to life in his books. One of Marchwell’s strongest points is the depth, emotional and otherwise, that we experience. He’s an observer and he knows people; he takes us with him as he explores his characters and their lives, what makes them tick.
I was somewhat trepidatious to dive into An Earlier Heaven, the sequel to his first book Good to Know, mostly because I didn’t know if he could revisit Jerry, David and William and do justice to Good to Know. Honestly, I should have known better; I’ve read all of his books and short stories to date and not once has he failed to captivate not only my imagination but my heart.
And so it was with An Earlier Heaven. As for the title, I had no idea what, or how, it would tie in with the story. Silly me: Of course it does and it’s enough to even now make me feel a little teary-eyed.
Finding Jerry, David and William more settled into family life was not unexpected; the love that David and Jerry have for each other and their son William is wonderfully depicted as well as vibrant and touching. Not that it’s unusual, by any means. But Jerry had long been the penultimate bachelor and David had learned to build walls so high that no one could breach them. Having a family of his own wasn’t anywhere on Jerry’s horizon nor, for David, an even distant possibility. Seeing that they had not only found a love together that surpassed any expectations, but had a son who had found a true home and two dads to go with it, was beautiful.
As I alluded to at the beginning of this review, Mr. Marchwell is able to take his readers right to the very core of the people who, I could swear, are real people with their own unique personalities. And as the story progressed, David and Jerry’s concerns about being a good parent rang so true. Speaking as a mother of four now, alas, all adults and away from home, many of the worries that Jerry had of being a good enough father as well as protecting William from any and all hurt are issues that I experienced as well. As for David’s desire to be peacemaker and keep everyone in his family safe, secure and happy, I definitely understand him. But the family I came from—unlike Jerry who lost his parents at a relatively young age, or David whose family turned their backs on him when he announced he was gay—I grew up knowing lots of love and had my parents’ examples to follow; it did help a lot.
William is a sweetheart, but he’s also a very normal eleven-year-old and I loved that he now felt that he had a home of his own as well as a family. Not a typical family, but William’s not someone who lives for ‘normal’. He’s such a mature child and he’s gone through enough in his few years to toughen up any body older. He has a gift for knowing someone at the heart and soul level even from the first meeting and this is something to cherish.
And then there’s Cory. Oh boy, his story was heartbreaking. But he’s solid and caring and determined to get through whatever he has too. The more that we got to know about him, I felt so badly for him. High school, be it junior or senior, can truly be the toughest experiences of a young person’s life…and if their life away from school is as miserable as Cory’s then honestly I don’t know how he became the wonderful young man he is. And his interactions with William and then David and Jerry? Well heartwarming sums it up very nicely.
For fans of D.W. Marchwell’s and those who loved Good to Know, then An Earlier Heaven is all the first book was and more. For those who’ve yet to get acquainted with this storyteller’s art—and what’s taking you so long anyway—let me advise you that you really don’t want to miss a single word. And if you’re a fan of thoughtful, introspective and touching, yet lightly humorous, stories, then you definitely want to treat yourself. But if you haven’t read Good to Know yet, be sure to indulge before you turn to An Earlier Heaven.
Kathy K.
I was somewhat trepidatious to dive into An Earlier Heaven, the sequel to his first book Good to Know, mostly because I didn’t know if he could revisit Jerry, David and William and do justice to Good to Know. Honestly, I should have known better; I’ve read all of his books and short stories to date and not once has he failed to captivate not only my imagination but my heart.
And so it was with An Earlier Heaven. As for the title, I had no idea what, or how, it would tie in with the story. Silly me: Of course it does and it’s enough to even now make me feel a little teary-eyed.
Finding Jerry, David and William more settled into family life was not unexpected; the love that David and Jerry have for each other and their son William is wonderfully depicted as well as vibrant and touching. Not that it’s unusual, by any means. But Jerry had long been the penultimate bachelor and David had learned to build walls so high that no one could breach them. Having a family of his own wasn’t anywhere on Jerry’s horizon nor, for David, an even distant possibility. Seeing that they had not only found a love together that surpassed any expectations, but had a son who had found a true home and two dads to go with it, was beautiful.
As I alluded to at the beginning of this review, Mr. Marchwell is able to take his readers right to the very core of the people who, I could swear, are real people with their own unique personalities. And as the story progressed, David and Jerry’s concerns about being a good parent rang so true. Speaking as a mother of four now, alas, all adults and away from home, many of the worries that Jerry had of being a good enough father as well as protecting William from any and all hurt are issues that I experienced as well. As for David’s desire to be peacemaker and keep everyone in his family safe, secure and happy, I definitely understand him. But the family I came from—unlike Jerry who lost his parents at a relatively young age, or David whose family turned their backs on him when he announced he was gay—I grew up knowing lots of love and had my parents’ examples to follow; it did help a lot.
William is a sweetheart, but he’s also a very normal eleven-year-old and I loved that he now felt that he had a home of his own as well as a family. Not a typical family, but William’s not someone who lives for ‘normal’. He’s such a mature child and he’s gone through enough in his few years to toughen up any body older. He has a gift for knowing someone at the heart and soul level even from the first meeting and this is something to cherish.
And then there’s Cory. Oh boy, his story was heartbreaking. But he’s solid and caring and determined to get through whatever he has too. The more that we got to know about him, I felt so badly for him. High school, be it junior or senior, can truly be the toughest experiences of a young person’s life…and if their life away from school is as miserable as Cory’s then honestly I don’t know how he became the wonderful young man he is. And his interactions with William and then David and Jerry? Well heartwarming sums it up very nicely.
For fans of D.W. Marchwell’s and those who loved Good to Know, then An Earlier Heaven is all the first book was and more. For those who’ve yet to get acquainted with this storyteller’s art—and what’s taking you so long anyway—let me advise you that you really don’t want to miss a single word. And if you’re a fan of thoughtful, introspective and touching, yet lightly humorous, stories, then you definitely want to treat yourself. But if you haven’t read Good to Know yet, be sure to indulge before you turn to An Earlier Heaven.
Kathy K.
September 5, 2016
“Una famiglia felice è soltanto un paradiso in anticipo”.
Ecco la frase incorniciata che dà il titolo al romanzo ed è ciò per cui Jerry e David devono lottare quotidianamente: ottenere un pezzetto di paradiso, di pace e serenità tutto per loro.
Ritroviamo i nostri eroi quasi un anno dopo averli salutati in “Buono a sapersi” e ora Jerry e David sono sposati, Jerry ha ufficialmente adottato William e la loro nuova vita si sta assestando, anche se il ruolo di genitori è una sfida continua – soprattutto per Jerry, che si sente costantemente inadeguato – e William fatica a socializzare, anche se, pian piano, sta superando i traumi del suo passato.
L’unico con cui il bambino pare aver legato è Cory, un ragazzo delle superiori che lo aiuta negli allenamenti di calcio ed è sempre gentile e paziente con lui.
Eppure Cory sembra portare con sé un bagaglio parecchio problematico, che preoccupa non poco Jerry e David, che temono che William resti nuovamente ferito, dato che i due ragazzi sono davvero molto uniti.
Come riusciranno, i nostri due protagonisti, a perseguire l’agognata felicità per se stessi e la loro famiglia?
Devo dire che, avendo gradito il primo libro, è stato piacevole ritrovare Jerry e David, ora in un rapporto più stabile e consolidato. Questi due uomini sono davvero speciali: coraggiosi, generosi, d’animo buono e sensibile verso chiunque.
Si completano vicendevolmente alla perfezione: l’irrequietezza di Jerry è stemperata dal buonsenso di David; nei momenti di cedimento sono l’uno il sostegno dell’altro. Come coppia fanno davvero scintille, regalandoci un sacco di momento molto hot e dolci al contempo.
Come padri sono altrettanto fantastici: presenti, pazienti, propositivi, ma non permissivi. David, essendo un insegnante, parte avvantaggiato nel rapportarsi coi ragazzi, ma è ammirevole lo sforzo di Jerry che vuole essere un degno padre per William. A volte, mi è sembrato persino troppo prudente ed eccessivo nei suoi patemi d’animo, ma è molto umano persino nelle sue debolezze. Sotto la scorza di uomo duro, batte un tenero cuore d’oro.
Anche David ha qualche incertezza nel proprio ruolo, perché non vuole ‘scavalcare’ la funzione genitoriale di Jerry con William.
William, dal canto suo, è rinato in un ambiente dove è capito e amato. È ancora timido e riservato, ma la sua vita è indubbiamente più serena.
Eppure, anche in questo libro affrontiamo tematiche delicate come la discriminazione, i pregiudizi (non solo omofobi), il lutto, la perdita, le violenze in ambito domestico e molto altro.
Cory è un personaggio fondamentale per le dinamiche della storia e vi verrà voglia di abbracciarlo come è successo a me.
Anche lui merita un pezzetto di paradiso e forse Jerry, David e William glielo offriranno.
Lo stile dell’autore è piacevole, la storia è scorrevole e coinvolgente.
Per pignoleria, segnalo qualche refuso sfuggito alla versione italiana, ma niente di troppo grave.
L’unica cosa che, per mio gusto personale, mi ha fatto storcere il naso è l’uso continuo del nomignolo “Baby”, ripetuto all’infinito nei momenti di intimità e non solo. Non so se è una scelta dell’autore o della traduzione, ma dopo un po’ risulta pesante.
Eccetto questo, la storia rimane gradevole e la consiglio a tutti, specialmente a chi aveva amato il primo libro, perché questa è una degna conclusione.
Ecco la frase incorniciata che dà il titolo al romanzo ed è ciò per cui Jerry e David devono lottare quotidianamente: ottenere un pezzetto di paradiso, di pace e serenità tutto per loro.
Ritroviamo i nostri eroi quasi un anno dopo averli salutati in “Buono a sapersi” e ora Jerry e David sono sposati, Jerry ha ufficialmente adottato William e la loro nuova vita si sta assestando, anche se il ruolo di genitori è una sfida continua – soprattutto per Jerry, che si sente costantemente inadeguato – e William fatica a socializzare, anche se, pian piano, sta superando i traumi del suo passato.
L’unico con cui il bambino pare aver legato è Cory, un ragazzo delle superiori che lo aiuta negli allenamenti di calcio ed è sempre gentile e paziente con lui.
Eppure Cory sembra portare con sé un bagaglio parecchio problematico, che preoccupa non poco Jerry e David, che temono che William resti nuovamente ferito, dato che i due ragazzi sono davvero molto uniti.
Come riusciranno, i nostri due protagonisti, a perseguire l’agognata felicità per se stessi e la loro famiglia?
Devo dire che, avendo gradito il primo libro, è stato piacevole ritrovare Jerry e David, ora in un rapporto più stabile e consolidato. Questi due uomini sono davvero speciali: coraggiosi, generosi, d’animo buono e sensibile verso chiunque.
Si completano vicendevolmente alla perfezione: l’irrequietezza di Jerry è stemperata dal buonsenso di David; nei momenti di cedimento sono l’uno il sostegno dell’altro. Come coppia fanno davvero scintille, regalandoci un sacco di momento molto hot e dolci al contempo.
Come padri sono altrettanto fantastici: presenti, pazienti, propositivi, ma non permissivi. David, essendo un insegnante, parte avvantaggiato nel rapportarsi coi ragazzi, ma è ammirevole lo sforzo di Jerry che vuole essere un degno padre per William. A volte, mi è sembrato persino troppo prudente ed eccessivo nei suoi patemi d’animo, ma è molto umano persino nelle sue debolezze. Sotto la scorza di uomo duro, batte un tenero cuore d’oro.
Anche David ha qualche incertezza nel proprio ruolo, perché non vuole ‘scavalcare’ la funzione genitoriale di Jerry con William.
William, dal canto suo, è rinato in un ambiente dove è capito e amato. È ancora timido e riservato, ma la sua vita è indubbiamente più serena.
Eppure, anche in questo libro affrontiamo tematiche delicate come la discriminazione, i pregiudizi (non solo omofobi), il lutto, la perdita, le violenze in ambito domestico e molto altro.
Cory è un personaggio fondamentale per le dinamiche della storia e vi verrà voglia di abbracciarlo come è successo a me.
Anche lui merita un pezzetto di paradiso e forse Jerry, David e William glielo offriranno.
Lo stile dell’autore è piacevole, la storia è scorrevole e coinvolgente.
Per pignoleria, segnalo qualche refuso sfuggito alla versione italiana, ma niente di troppo grave.
L’unica cosa che, per mio gusto personale, mi ha fatto storcere il naso è l’uso continuo del nomignolo “Baby”, ripetuto all’infinito nei momenti di intimità e non solo. Non so se è una scelta dell’autore o della traduzione, ma dopo un po’ risulta pesante.
Eccetto questo, la storia rimane gradevole e la consiglio a tutti, specialmente a chi aveva amato il primo libro, perché questa è una degna conclusione.
June 9, 2012
This book is the sequel of Good to Know, and you must read the first book to understand it. Starting one year after the first book, it's another great story, of two married men and their eleven years old kid.
I recommend it to everyone searching a good romance, with any angst. There is just a quick "drama" when a new character is added to the story (Cory, a teenager and friend of Willian).
If I like so much why I'm not giving more than 3 stars (and to be honest almost gave just 2)
My first problem is all the damn absurd "problem" about how tall is Willian. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but why the two gat fathers of Willian keep talking about how short is he, "god help him" to allow he not be short as his parents were (Willian's real parents were not tall), why he was so short to a 11 years old boy, how fast and great soccer player he was even if he was so short.... GAAAAHHHHHHH
WHYYYYY this damn thing, over and over again? William is a health boy! Polite and a marvelous son!! WHY THIS DAMN THING ABOUT HOW TALL IS HE?
and now... To be fair the above problem wasn't something that would make me take stars from a book It just annoy me, not real bother me a lot.
I took 2 stars because of the follow phrase
OMFG!
What Jerry, the main character said???? Sorry? Should I laugh? I don't think so... I work more than 9 hours a day, and I'm really and deep offended by Jerry comment. What is his problem? No seriously, I would like to know why a Canadian character should be so damn racist. What? Because the lady live in Swiss she lazy? As an Eropean she is "more laid back"?
Damn.... Sooooooo unnecessary offend all Europeans making a joke.
Sorry, just to ask, but if someone substitute the phrase with
"She's Canadian" Jerry said with a smile, as if that explained everything. “They're a little more laid back, from what I recall.
Would the writer and all Canadians think it's an unnecessary joke, because it's not polite call a nation (or region) lazy?
So yeah, it's a 5 stars book, but as a Italo-Brasilian and married to an Italian I think this joke was unnecessary, and really should not be part of ANY story.
I recommend it to everyone searching a good romance, with any angst. There is just a quick "drama" when a new character is added to the story (Cory, a teenager and friend of Willian).
If I like so much why I'm not giving more than 3 stars (and to be honest almost gave just 2)
My first problem is all the damn absurd "problem" about how tall is Willian. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but why the two gat fathers of Willian keep talking about how short is he, "god help him" to allow he not be short as his parents were (Willian's real parents were not tall), why he was so short to a 11 years old boy, how fast and great soccer player he was even if he was so short.... GAAAAHHHHHHH
WHYYYYY this damn thing, over and over again? William is a health boy! Polite and a marvelous son!! WHY THIS DAMN THING ABOUT HOW TALL IS HE?
and now... To be fair the above problem wasn't something that would make me take stars from a book It just annoy me, not real bother me a lot.
I took 2 stars because of the follow phrase
""I don't know,” David said as he shook his head. “She's never taken this long to answer any of his e-mails. I hope everything is okay."
"She's European,” Jerry said with a smile, as if that explained everything. “They're a little more laid back, from what I recall.”
OMFG!
What Jerry, the main character said???? Sorry? Should I laugh? I don't think so... I work more than 9 hours a day, and I'm really and deep offended by Jerry comment. What is his problem? No seriously, I would like to know why a Canadian character should be so damn racist. What? Because the lady live in Swiss she lazy? As an Eropean she is "more laid back"?
Damn.... Sooooooo unnecessary offend all Europeans making a joke.
Sorry, just to ask, but if someone substitute the phrase with
"She's Canadian" Jerry said with a smile, as if that explained everything. “They're a little more laid back, from what I recall.
Would the writer and all Canadians think it's an unnecessary joke, because it's not polite call a nation (or region) lazy?
So yeah, it's a 5 stars book, but as a Italo-Brasilian and married to an Italian I think this joke was unnecessary, and really should not be part of ANY story.
June 26, 2013
Avis aux lectrices, ce livre est le tome 2 d'une trilogie, je vous recommande de lire le premier (bon à savoir) avant d'entamer celui-ci car vous risqueriez d’être un peu perturbées par certains passages qui reviennent sur leur passé commun.
Dans le premier tome nous avions appris à connaître David et Jerry, hommes dans la quarantaine aux antipodes l'un de l'autre mais qui vont grâce à William se rencontrer, se découvrir et surtout s'aimer. Nous retrouvons notre couple marié au moment où nous l'avons laissé, ils ont réussit à créer un foyer pour William et se sont installés dans une vie de famille chaleureuse et découvrent les tracas et les joies d'être pères. Un des points forts de D.W Marchwell c'est sa sensibilité et la profondeur dont il imprègne ces personnages, il sait insuffler de l'émotion. Il nous entraîne avec lui dans la vie de ses héros, ce qui les motive, il explore leurs personnalités le bon comme le mauvais, tout sonne vrai.
Il n’y a pas vraiment d’intrigues ni rebondissements, c’est juste l’histoire d’une famille avec ses bonheurs et ses tracas. On suit avec tendresse les hésitations, les questions que se posent ses deux papas sur l’éducation de leur fils, leur inquiétude devant cet enfant si solitaire et son amitié avec un adolescent de seize ans au passé difficile. Cory pour William c’est le frère qu’il a toujours voulu et l’adolescent va peu a peu faire sa place dans ce foyer chaleureux, l’auteur semble avoir une connaissance approfondie des difficultés douloureuses que peut rencontrer un jeune garçon issu d’un certain milieu, il nous fait une description très réaliste des problèmes.
J’ai apprécié ce second tome qui n’est pas vraiment une romance au sens propre mais la continuation d’une histoire d’amour, j’ai également aimé la vie de famille qui s’est construite avec un couple constitué de deux hommes, vie somme toute guère différente de celle d’un couple hétérosexuel, je me suis réconcilié avec le personnage de David qui m’avait un peu horripilé dans le tome précédent. Par contre, comme pour le premier opus c’est le rythme du récit qui me gêne, de longues descriptions le ralentissent. Mon deuxième souci ce sont les trop nombreuses scènes intimes qui viennent interférer ; entendons nous bien, j’aime l’érotisme et les scènes chaudes dans un texte mais il faut qu’elles arrivent à bon escient, d’autre part les termes employés sont soient mièvres soient vulgaires.
Malgré tout j’ai aimé ce second opus car c’est une belle histoire et je lirais sans aucun doute le dernier tome en VO par contre « Roots and Wings » qui clôt la trilogie.
Dans le premier tome nous avions appris à connaître David et Jerry, hommes dans la quarantaine aux antipodes l'un de l'autre mais qui vont grâce à William se rencontrer, se découvrir et surtout s'aimer. Nous retrouvons notre couple marié au moment où nous l'avons laissé, ils ont réussit à créer un foyer pour William et se sont installés dans une vie de famille chaleureuse et découvrent les tracas et les joies d'être pères. Un des points forts de D.W Marchwell c'est sa sensibilité et la profondeur dont il imprègne ces personnages, il sait insuffler de l'émotion. Il nous entraîne avec lui dans la vie de ses héros, ce qui les motive, il explore leurs personnalités le bon comme le mauvais, tout sonne vrai.
Il n’y a pas vraiment d’intrigues ni rebondissements, c’est juste l’histoire d’une famille avec ses bonheurs et ses tracas. On suit avec tendresse les hésitations, les questions que se posent ses deux papas sur l’éducation de leur fils, leur inquiétude devant cet enfant si solitaire et son amitié avec un adolescent de seize ans au passé difficile. Cory pour William c’est le frère qu’il a toujours voulu et l’adolescent va peu a peu faire sa place dans ce foyer chaleureux, l’auteur semble avoir une connaissance approfondie des difficultés douloureuses que peut rencontrer un jeune garçon issu d’un certain milieu, il nous fait une description très réaliste des problèmes.
J’ai apprécié ce second tome qui n’est pas vraiment une romance au sens propre mais la continuation d’une histoire d’amour, j’ai également aimé la vie de famille qui s’est construite avec un couple constitué de deux hommes, vie somme toute guère différente de celle d’un couple hétérosexuel, je me suis réconcilié avec le personnage de David qui m’avait un peu horripilé dans le tome précédent. Par contre, comme pour le premier opus c’est le rythme du récit qui me gêne, de longues descriptions le ralentissent. Mon deuxième souci ce sont les trop nombreuses scènes intimes qui viennent interférer ; entendons nous bien, j’aime l’érotisme et les scènes chaudes dans un texte mais il faut qu’elles arrivent à bon escient, d’autre part les termes employés sont soient mièvres soient vulgaires.
Malgré tout j’ai aimé ce second opus car c’est une belle histoire et je lirais sans aucun doute le dernier tome en VO par contre « Roots and Wings » qui clôt la trilogie.
March 29, 2014
Seguito del romanzo "Buono a sapersi", troviamo ancora Jerry e David alle prese con l'adolescenza di William, con l'aggiunta di un nuovo personaggio, Cory, un sedicenne in difficoltà.
In questo romanzo, viviamo la vita quotidiana di questa coppia speciale che sta facendo di tutto per dare un'adolescenza perfetta ad un ragazzino di undici anni molto più maturo della sua età anagrafica.
Direi che se la cavano molto bene, soprattutto perché affrontano diverse prove davvero difficili anche nelle famiglie etero sessuali perché è con i sentimenti di un ragazzino che si è alle prese, non con l'omofobia o la difficoltà nel dichiarare il proprio amore.
Tra queste pagine vediamo quanto sia difficile fare il genitore e allo stesso tempo dare sempre il cento per cento sul lavoro e nella vita di coppia, soprattutto se il giovane ragazzo si affeziona a un sedicenne che ha parecchi problemi familiari, tanto da preferire la compagnia di un ragazzino molto più piccolo di lui.
L'ho apprezzato molto di più del primo romanzo perché oltre alla vita di coppia, riusciamo a vedere anche il punto di vista dei due giovani, che cercano di rapportarsi agli adulti con approcci diversi come la gentilezza o la spavalderia. E' bello leggere della loro quotidianità e l'ho trovato davvero un punto in più per il romanzo.
In questo romanzo, viviamo la vita quotidiana di questa coppia speciale che sta facendo di tutto per dare un'adolescenza perfetta ad un ragazzino di undici anni molto più maturo della sua età anagrafica.
Direi che se la cavano molto bene, soprattutto perché affrontano diverse prove davvero difficili anche nelle famiglie etero sessuali perché è con i sentimenti di un ragazzino che si è alle prese, non con l'omofobia o la difficoltà nel dichiarare il proprio amore.
Tra queste pagine vediamo quanto sia difficile fare il genitore e allo stesso tempo dare sempre il cento per cento sul lavoro e nella vita di coppia, soprattutto se il giovane ragazzo si affeziona a un sedicenne che ha parecchi problemi familiari, tanto da preferire la compagnia di un ragazzino molto più piccolo di lui.
L'ho apprezzato molto di più del primo romanzo perché oltre alla vita di coppia, riusciamo a vedere anche il punto di vista dei due giovani, che cercano di rapportarsi agli adulti con approcci diversi come la gentilezza o la spavalderia. E' bello leggere della loro quotidianità e l'ho trovato davvero un punto in più per il romanzo.
September 13, 2015
As far as sequels go, this one was a really cute one.
I really liked seeing the family Jerry, David and William created. I felt just awful for Cory, and I 100% do not get how or why they let that principle get away with being as nasty he was to Cory AND about David and Jerry. If I were them I wouldn't have let him say such nasty things and treat Cory the way they did, I hate when the bad guys in books don't get the karmatic smack down that they deserve!
I also didn't understand the "law" where it said it was okay for Cory to run away from his aunts and live with David and Jerry... I don't think that's a law in the U.S.... it made me wonder about it, glad it happened though in this particular story.
Overall, it was such a cute story and I love reading about this family... On to the next one!
I really liked seeing the family Jerry, David and William created. I felt just awful for Cory, and I 100% do not get how or why they let that principle get away with being as nasty he was to Cory AND about David and Jerry. If I were them I wouldn't have let him say such nasty things and treat Cory the way they did, I hate when the bad guys in books don't get the karmatic smack down that they deserve!
I also didn't understand the "law" where it said it was okay for Cory to run away from his aunts and live with David and Jerry... I don't think that's a law in the U.S.... it made me wonder about it, glad it happened though in this particular story.
Overall, it was such a cute story and I love reading about this family... On to the next one!
August 26, 2012
I love this series, the idea of two older men, their relationship, a family with William, then how Cory figures into their family, the issues he has to deal with, how that affects William, and the fact that Jerry and David would love it if they did not have to expose William to anything unhappy if they could (and don't we all feel that way about the innocence in life?).
These are great characters, very real situations, and I really like the way it is dealt with - this is one of those books where I was crying and cheering for the outcome I hoped for, and it was written so well, had this been the end of the series, it still would have been a very satisfying sequel to Good to Know.
However, we get one more.....
These are great characters, very real situations, and I really like the way it is dealt with - this is one of those books where I was crying and cheering for the outcome I hoped for, and it was written so well, had this been the end of the series, it still would have been a very satisfying sequel to Good to Know.
However, we get one more.....
January 28, 2012
William is such a sweetheart; I want to adopt him myself! I have really enjoyed watching the relationship between William and his dads develop over time. Jerry's love for William and insecurities about being a good father never failed to tug at my heartstrings. I love these two!
Jerry's relationship with his husband, David, is sweet and satisfying as well, but didn't hold my interest as much. I would have enjoyed this book just as much without any of the sex scenes. That's actually a testament to how well written the characters are, because I don't typically enjoy books without a little somethin' somethin'.
Jerry's relationship with his husband, David, is sweet and satisfying as well, but didn't hold my interest as much. I would have enjoyed this book just as much without any of the sex scenes. That's actually a testament to how well written the characters are, because I don't typically enjoy books without a little somethin' somethin'.
April 21, 2014
I think I loved this sequel more than the first book. The story switched off points of view – even including William’s (the son) – which provides greater insight into each of the characters. Jerry and David are already an established couple in this sequel and there’s no angst in their relationship. The angst comes in the form of life’s trials that affect their son and how they go about dealing with each of those. The addition of Cory to the story was a welcome surprise as is learning there’s one more book in the series.
February 7, 2011
**4.5 upped to a 5**
Great sequel to Good To Know - I love D.W.'s writing style and the characters he created, they're like familiar friends in my life now. It was great seeing things from William's point of view and adding Cory into the mix, as well. Jerry and David are still a fabulous couple and I loved the strides they've made in their relationship and the pride and love they have for "their" son. I also have to admit to connecting so much with this book because of the location and the familiarity with which D.W. writes about my province. :)
Great sequel to Good To Know - I love D.W.'s writing style and the characters he created, they're like familiar friends in my life now. It was great seeing things from William's point of view and adding Cory into the mix, as well. Jerry and David are still a fabulous couple and I loved the strides they've made in their relationship and the pride and love they have for "their" son. I also have to admit to connecting so much with this book because of the location and the familiarity with which D.W. writes about my province. :)
March 10, 2012
4 1/2 stars!
I loved this book and can hardly wait to dig into ROOTS AND WINGS, the third book in the series. Mr. Marchwell develops such wonderful characters you just don’t want to leave them behind when a book ends. As a series, it’s almost like memories that we love to go over again and again, to recall what happened next and how what looked like a terrible situation actually turned out well or at least all right in a different way.
Please see my complete review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.... (March 11, 2012)
I loved this book and can hardly wait to dig into ROOTS AND WINGS, the third book in the series. Mr. Marchwell develops such wonderful characters you just don’t want to leave them behind when a book ends. As a series, it’s almost like memories that we love to go over again and again, to recall what happened next and how what looked like a terrible situation actually turned out well or at least all right in a different way.
Please see my complete review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.... (March 11, 2012)
March 26, 2013
This sequel of Good to Know furthers the story of David, Jerry, and William as they continue their lives together.
I had to stop many times while reading both of these titles, mostly because I can only hope that my life will find that happiness that David, Jerry and William found in each other. This time around, the story is told from the perspectives of each of the characters: William, David, Jerry, and a new face, Cory. The troubles they go through will pull at your heartstrings and at the end you will be left with nothing but a smile on your face and in your heart.
I had to stop many times while reading both of these titles, mostly because I can only hope that my life will find that happiness that David, Jerry and William found in each other. This time around, the story is told from the perspectives of each of the characters: William, David, Jerry, and a new face, Cory. The troubles they go through will pull at your heartstrings and at the end you will be left with nothing but a smile on your face and in your heart.
December 8, 2014
A continuation of the Good To Know series when we meet again artist Jerry who is now partner of David raising young William. William though very intelligent has few friends and is somewhat shy. The only friendship that William seems to have is with is polite and kind-hearted teen Cory. Cory is 16 and teaches William or Billiam as he calls him soccer and more. Cory seems to be hiding a secret about his home life...what could it be and how will it affect William and his dads. Love this series and it's indeed a good read!
June 25, 2012
The only thing that annoyed me was the numerous sex scenes. I skipped those a lot because I really wanted to know what happened to Cory. I love it when a good guy getting all the tough breaks gets rescued by loving people. I just couldn't get there fast enough because Jerry and David kept mauling each other in detail.
Overall it was a sweet and wonderful story with some heart breaking scenes from William and Cory.
Overall it was a sweet and wonderful story with some heart breaking scenes from William and Cory.
February 22, 2011
Very nice sequel to Good to Know. I love Mr. Marchwell's writing, it's flows so effortlessly and doesn't distract from the story. The characters in An Earlier Heaven are very likable, entertaining, and fully developed. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Marchwell.
I give An Earlier Heaven three stars.
June 15, 2012
I liked this story although not as much as I wanted to. The MCs are nice, likable men and William is a cutie but the Dad's really need to get over their fixation on just how short William is. After a while the "short" issue was annoying to read. I did however like the addition of Cory and look forward to the next story in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews