The Crossing

by Jennifer Hritz

When his mother commits suicide in the winter of 1992, University of Texas sophomore Joel Grayson represses the circumstances surrounding his death and his fear that he might be responsible. His best friend, James, becomes his lifeline, supporting his attempts to create a space for himself and his art. But Joel's past writhes beneath the surface, ready to seep through the cracks at any moment, leaving him unable to work. As memories of his abusive childhood force themselves to the forefront, Joel reaches out to Adam Atwater, a one-night stand laden with possibility. Can Joel find salvation in Adam? Or will he summon the courage to save himself? From the author of the novel, I, too, Have Suffered in the Garden , comes a story about longing, loyalty and what happens when we lose ourselves in love.

Genres: M M Romance

393 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2013

About the author

Jennifer Hritz is the author of Smoke and Glass, The Crossing, and I, Too, Have Suffered in the Garden. Winner of the Chris O’Malley Fiction Prize, she holds an M.A. in Literature and Language, as well as a Ph.D. in American Literature. Her short stories have been published in The Los Angeles Review and The Madison Review. She lives in Austin, Texas.

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Crossing was so incredebly beautiful
written from start to finish, that I don't even know where to start. It was also so filled with angst that I had trouble finishing it, and if it wasn't for the fact that the book was so well written, and if the writing hadn't pulled me in so deeply, I probably wouldn't have. I am not used with books with these much reality in them. It was almost too much.

But I don't regret reading it for a second. It was a hard read, there is no denying that, but when all was said and done I had really came to love all the characters and concidered them as old friends. It is amazing how much I felt part of their life, I really came to care about them. And I am so incredible happy that I have found this talanted author, Jennifer Hritz. She seems to be one of those, greatly underappreciated authors, that not many here on goodreads, yet have discovered. But she is from now one, one of the very few author's on my radar that I will read every book from.

The main character in this book is Joel, a closeted collage student. His longing in life is to paint, that is all he wants to do. Unfortunately, that is not a profession his father would ever accept, so is in school studying for a buisness degree. The only one who truly understands his passion is his mother. Joel's life changes dramatacally when she commits suicide, something that will haunt him for every day for the rest of his life. His only lifeline is his best friend James. Someone he later falls in love with. Unrequited love can hurt like a bitch though.

When everything looks pitch black for Joel, and he is on the verge to replay his mother's fate, he meets and has a one night stand with Adam. Will he be able to save Joel from his destiny or will the demons win?

When I've gathered enough strenght, I will start Jennifer's debut novel I, too, Have Sufffered in the Garden where we get into Adam's head. The Crossing happens chronologically first, so I chose to start with this before Adam's book. The Crossing is one of the best book I've read in its genre, and even overall. It makes me pretty astonished that so few people have discovered this gem. It's incredible well written and stunning. Jennifer Hritz doesn't take one single misstep. This book shows how gifted she is. It's been a long time since I've read something this completely captivating. 3,5 stars.

[J.H. Trumble · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Joel and Adam in Jennifer Hritz's first novel, I, TOO, HAVE SUFFERED IN THE GARDEN, as the two men fought to hold on to their relationship despite the rising demons from their past. Hritz's second novel introduces us to Joel as a young, talented college student struggling with his art and his feelings for his best friend while coping with family issues so painful they threaten to destroy him.

Hritz is a remarkable, fresh voice who is destined for greatness. Her writing is exquisite, fluid, infused with such raw emotion and unflinching authenticity that you can't help but become invested in the lives of her characters.

This is not your typical romance. It is so so much more than that. Hritz pulls no punches about the gritty reality that many young gay men face. If you've made it this far, then you owe it to yourself to read this book. Read this book!

Progress Updates:

At 74% now and I'm undone. The last scene just punched me in the gut. I feel Joel's pain in my bones.

[Amie King]

Gum? Hair gel? The taste of crimson paint? A book awash in vivid images and beautiful prose. A great prequel to I, too, Have Suffered in the Garden, that gives you a detailed look into the character's development through various awakening stages of life. The book invites you to share their suffering and joys, hidden desires and passions and will leave you wanting more.

[Ahufford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sucked me in and wouldn't let go.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sad when it ended. I felt deeply connected with Joel. A great and extremely intensive book.