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Loom in the Loft
Short story writer Drew, 13, has two dreams: to become a New York Times bestselling novelist, and to convince his single, 30-something neighbour Sasha to tutor him in the intimate arts. When an aged, terminally ill neighbour offers Drew the cash fortune stashed in the walls of her house, he enlists Sasha to assist with its post-mortem extraction. Pressed by the looming arrival of the deceased's estranged adult children, both eager to inherit her estate, Drew and Sasha bank on their promise to keep secrets neither can afford to have exposed.
86 pages, Paperback
Published June 14, 2024
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 26, 2025
I was sent a physical copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. This is a coming-of-age story. Drew is 13 and an only child being raised by a single mom. Like most kids he wants to make money, so he does this by mowing lawns for people in his neighborhood. One of his clients is a 30 something year old single woman who Drew of course has a crush on. We are thrown straight into the relationship between Sasha and Drew and for me personally I would have liked a little more build up to it. Like how it started. Sasha is very good at taking advantage of Drew and manipulating him in a way that had him eventually only working for her not only mowing her lawn but keeping her house clean and helping with her quilt making business.
When he informs one of his elderly clients that he wouldn't be mowing her lawn anymore she shows him her stash of money and tells him that he should come take it out of her house once she passes away because she doesn't want her ungrateful kids to end up with it. Drew of course tells Sasha about this, and they come up with a plan to get it out with no one the wiser.
I absolutely hated Sasha. Like I said she was an expert at manipulating Drew who might I remind you is a 13-year-old boy. I get Drew thinking having sex with an older woman is the greatest thing ever he's a teenage boy after all, but I have a hard time believing that he was as naive as he's made out to be. Last but not least the ending. I knew where this was going from the start, so it was pretty predictable but that didn't take away from the story overall but again Drew's reaction was a little unbelievable to me. I'm sorry but no one in their right mind is going to be as ok with what Sasha did as this boy was.
While this was predictable and a bit unbelievable at times, I still had a good time reading it and it was a quick read as well. This was my first book by this author, but I could see myself reading something else by him.
When he informs one of his elderly clients that he wouldn't be mowing her lawn anymore she shows him her stash of money and tells him that he should come take it out of her house once she passes away because she doesn't want her ungrateful kids to end up with it. Drew of course tells Sasha about this, and they come up with a plan to get it out with no one the wiser.
I absolutely hated Sasha. Like I said she was an expert at manipulating Drew who might I remind you is a 13-year-old boy. I get Drew thinking having sex with an older woman is the greatest thing ever he's a teenage boy after all, but I have a hard time believing that he was as naive as he's made out to be. Last but not least the ending. I knew where this was going from the start, so it was pretty predictable but that didn't take away from the story overall but again Drew's reaction was a little unbelievable to me. I'm sorry but no one in their right mind is going to be as ok with what Sasha did as this boy was.
While this was predictable and a bit unbelievable at times, I still had a good time reading it and it was a quick read as well. This was my first book by this author, but I could see myself reading something else by him.
August 30, 2024
3.5 stars
Loom In The Loft is a long short story.
Set in Canada during 1976, it is the coming-of-age tale of a young boy. Drew is thirteen years old and earns pocket money tending the gardens of a few neighbours in his street. His favourite client is Sasha, a young woman who lives alone. It is also the story of an elderly customer who wants Drew, rather than her greedy family, to benefit from her money when she dies.
This story pushes boundaries of trust, friendship and attraction between two people. It walks a fine line of legality which the author assures me he has researched. At times it was uncomfortable to read. I found it difficult to warm to Sasha; I was judging her motives and actions. In other parts I would have liked more depth to Drew’s character to help me understand his thoughts and actions.
This is definitely a niche subject matter; it makes me wonder what the writer will try next.
Loom In The Loft is a long short story.
Set in Canada during 1976, it is the coming-of-age tale of a young boy. Drew is thirteen years old and earns pocket money tending the gardens of a few neighbours in his street. His favourite client is Sasha, a young woman who lives alone. It is also the story of an elderly customer who wants Drew, rather than her greedy family, to benefit from her money when she dies.
This story pushes boundaries of trust, friendship and attraction between two people. It walks a fine line of legality which the author assures me he has researched. At times it was uncomfortable to read. I found it difficult to warm to Sasha; I was judging her motives and actions. In other parts I would have liked more depth to Drew’s character to help me understand his thoughts and actions.
This is definitely a niche subject matter; it makes me wonder what the writer will try next.
March 31, 2025
The story follows a hardworking teenage boy with a passion for writing and a deep love of books, influenced by his librarian mother. While mowing a neighbor’s lawn one Sunday, he meets Sasha, an attractive, single woman who invites him inside and offers him work helping with her weaving business. Slowly grooming Drew under the guise of mentorship, she wins his trust and even charms his mother. Though the story explores difficult and unsettling themes of manipulation, it’s also layered with subplots involving Drew’s struggling mother, a lonely aging neighbor, and a boy seeking connection. Black’s writing is captivating and thought-provoking, making this short but powerful novel an unforgettable read that leaves a lasting impression.
August 5, 2024
Black packs so much into this short read. I found myself looking forward to reading this one again because his writing is so enjoyable despite the heavy events playing out within. He has a way with words that blankets you as you weave through Drew’s decisions and boyhood naivete. If “Loom in the Loft” is any indication, Jay Black is certainly an author to watch for, with work that is captivating and deep I look forward to his future writing endeavors.
March 12, 2025
In his novella Loom in the Loft, Jay Black presents the bildungsroman of a young but precocious boy in the Canadian province of Ontario who comes under the spell of a beautiful neighbor woman. This calculating person takes advantage of his innocence and through no effort of her own, reaps a windfall far greater than she could ever have imagined—or deserved. It’s a spare but promising piece from a writer whose poems in English and French have won multiple awards.
Protagonist Drew is a pubescent lad, tall for his age and sophisticated beyond his years, whom a 30 year-old neighbor woman takes advantage of. In exchange for initiating him she works him hard, cooking, cleaning, doing the yardwork, helping with her weaving business, and running errands. (Please don’t expect anything explicit or pointedly titillating here; intimate events are handled very obliquely.) Another neighbor, a nonagenarian widow, adds tension in a surprising twist, and Drew’s life—and the novella—gain momentum and intrigue.
I’ve indicated the piece is spare; the prose is clean and serviceable—I appreciate Black’s straightforward approach. He adds depth and a bit of color to his main character, since his interests and actions are just what they should be. Or nearly so. I could have done with slightly more building-up of his sophistication and worldly wisdom, but this only counts as a quibble. Making him two or three years older would have done the trick, for me. The author also features a faint touch of metafiction, which is an ambitious stroke for this piece, and it feels unnecessary. Overall, though, Black paces his story well, withholds the right details when he needs to, and portrays his characters’ faults and virtues with a gifted writer’s instinct.
On balance, this is an enjoyable fiction that surprises with its well-built momentum; its virtues far outweigh its meager flaws and augur well for this writer’s future work.
https://bassoprofundo1.blogspot.com/2...
Protagonist Drew is a pubescent lad, tall for his age and sophisticated beyond his years, whom a 30 year-old neighbor woman takes advantage of. In exchange for initiating him she works him hard, cooking, cleaning, doing the yardwork, helping with her weaving business, and running errands. (Please don’t expect anything explicit or pointedly titillating here; intimate events are handled very obliquely.) Another neighbor, a nonagenarian widow, adds tension in a surprising twist, and Drew’s life—and the novella—gain momentum and intrigue.
I’ve indicated the piece is spare; the prose is clean and serviceable—I appreciate Black’s straightforward approach. He adds depth and a bit of color to his main character, since his interests and actions are just what they should be. Or nearly so. I could have done with slightly more building-up of his sophistication and worldly wisdom, but this only counts as a quibble. Making him two or three years older would have done the trick, for me. The author also features a faint touch of metafiction, which is an ambitious stroke for this piece, and it feels unnecessary. Overall, though, Black paces his story well, withholds the right details when he needs to, and portrays his characters’ faults and virtues with a gifted writer’s instinct.
On balance, this is an enjoyable fiction that surprises with its well-built momentum; its virtues far outweigh its meager flaws and augur well for this writer’s future work.
https://bassoprofundo1.blogspot.com/2...
September 17, 2024
A teenage boy is presented with, and seizes upon, life-changing opportunities that shape his young life, romantic dreams, and literary ambitions in Jay Black’s Loom in the Loft.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Thirteen-year-old Drew has aspirations of becoming a renowned writer, spending his spare time crafting short stories, and more enterprisingly mowing lawns for his neighbors, with one of his favorite clients being Sasha, a woman in her thirties who weaves and sells blankets from her home. With his attention drawn toward Sasha and her reciprocating the attention, the pair strike a deal for Drew to become her assistant, which includes the opportunity for Drew to gain an education of a more intimate nature that he's eager to begin. When Drew lets his neighbors know he won’t continue mowing their lawns, his elderly neighbor, who knows her death is imminent, offers him her covertly stashed fortune, in part as a slight to her ungrateful, estranged children and in part because she sees how much Drew and his mom care for one another, making them more deserving recipients in her eyes. When the neighbor passes, Drew enlists Sasha’s help to recover the millions in cash hidden in the home’s walls before the relatives arrive; while they pass a brief time together in a happy bubble carefully spending some of the money, Drew arrives to Sasha’s house one day to find her gone, but in her stead a typewriter left for him as a gift to help him fulfill his part of their initial deal to write her a story.
Within a brief and engrossing coming-of-age story that provided a variety of learning opportunities both big and small for the story’s young protagonist, the narrative progressed forward at a swift pace; while there were aspects of the narrative that resonated with an element of familiarity, whether from existing stories in a similar vein or stories taken from arresting headlines, there was a hefty level of suspension of disbelief necessary for the ambitious combination of both the age gap entanglement and the sudden bequeathment of hidden fortunes. Though set in the 1970s, mutually pursued and consented to, and written with care to not depict any explicit scenes, the relationship dynamic between Drew and Sasha was still discomforting to read at times as there is a power dynamic between them that is difficult to overlook, especially from a contemporary perspective. There was evident research that went into the factual accuracy of the writing, as made clear by supporting details such as the inflationary conversion rates for monetary values provided in footnotes for readers to help provide context for what Drew was receiving as payment for mowing lawns and what the elderly neighbor was bequeathing.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Thirteen-year-old Drew has aspirations of becoming a renowned writer, spending his spare time crafting short stories, and more enterprisingly mowing lawns for his neighbors, with one of his favorite clients being Sasha, a woman in her thirties who weaves and sells blankets from her home. With his attention drawn toward Sasha and her reciprocating the attention, the pair strike a deal for Drew to become her assistant, which includes the opportunity for Drew to gain an education of a more intimate nature that he's eager to begin. When Drew lets his neighbors know he won’t continue mowing their lawns, his elderly neighbor, who knows her death is imminent, offers him her covertly stashed fortune, in part as a slight to her ungrateful, estranged children and in part because she sees how much Drew and his mom care for one another, making them more deserving recipients in her eyes. When the neighbor passes, Drew enlists Sasha’s help to recover the millions in cash hidden in the home’s walls before the relatives arrive; while they pass a brief time together in a happy bubble carefully spending some of the money, Drew arrives to Sasha’s house one day to find her gone, but in her stead a typewriter left for him as a gift to help him fulfill his part of their initial deal to write her a story.
Within a brief and engrossing coming-of-age story that provided a variety of learning opportunities both big and small for the story’s young protagonist, the narrative progressed forward at a swift pace; while there were aspects of the narrative that resonated with an element of familiarity, whether from existing stories in a similar vein or stories taken from arresting headlines, there was a hefty level of suspension of disbelief necessary for the ambitious combination of both the age gap entanglement and the sudden bequeathment of hidden fortunes. Though set in the 1970s, mutually pursued and consented to, and written with care to not depict any explicit scenes, the relationship dynamic between Drew and Sasha was still discomforting to read at times as there is a power dynamic between them that is difficult to overlook, especially from a contemporary perspective. There was evident research that went into the factual accuracy of the writing, as made clear by supporting details such as the inflationary conversion rates for monetary values provided in footnotes for readers to help provide context for what Drew was receiving as payment for mowing lawns and what the elderly neighbor was bequeathing.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2024
Set in 1976, this story is about introverted 13 year old Drew, who mows lawns to make ends meet for him and his single mother. His favorite client is a young woman named Sasha, who crafts handmade blankets for a living, and whom he has a crush on. When Sasha takes a shine to him too she offers him up a position for him to be her assistant and quit mowing the other neighbors lawns.
Thrilled at the notion to spend more intimate time with Sasha, Drew jumps at the chance. But when he goes to tell the neighbors he won't be mowing for them anymore an elderly client offers up a fortune for Drew to inherit instead of her ungrateful and negligent adult children. Enlisting Sasha to help him gather the stash before the greedy relatives, Drew learns a lesson about growing up.
This book has the feel of a lot of coming of age movies that were popular around that time. The secret intimate relationship between Sasha and Drew is a 13 year old's fantasy come true. I loved how the story unfolds with the elderly neighbor's generous offer. This book was full of nostalgia and surprises around every corner. I loved the writing style, which painted a perfect picture of the characters and setting, bringing me back to simpler times before cell phones and social media.
The book is fairly short which makes for a good travel read. I know people who grew up in the 70s will enjoy this read but I think people of younger generations will appreciate it, too. Fans of Dawson's Creek and Summer of '42 will be in for a treat with this one.
Thrilled at the notion to spend more intimate time with Sasha, Drew jumps at the chance. But when he goes to tell the neighbors he won't be mowing for them anymore an elderly client offers up a fortune for Drew to inherit instead of her ungrateful and negligent adult children. Enlisting Sasha to help him gather the stash before the greedy relatives, Drew learns a lesson about growing up.
This book has the feel of a lot of coming of age movies that were popular around that time. The secret intimate relationship between Sasha and Drew is a 13 year old's fantasy come true. I loved how the story unfolds with the elderly neighbor's generous offer. This book was full of nostalgia and surprises around every corner. I loved the writing style, which painted a perfect picture of the characters and setting, bringing me back to simpler times before cell phones and social media.
The book is fairly short which makes for a good travel read. I know people who grew up in the 70s will enjoy this read but I think people of younger generations will appreciate it, too. Fans of Dawson's Creek and Summer of '42 will be in for a treat with this one.
October 28, 2024
Loom in the Loft is a quick read at just 86 pages long but there is a lot going on in the book to keep the reader entertained.
Set in Canada in the 1970s, Drew is 13 years old but he works hard both inside and outside of school to make his single mother proud of him. Drew mows lawns for his neighbours and he's so highly regarded that one of his elderly neighbours leaves him a life-changing inheritance. It's one of the younger neighbours who catches his eye though...
Sasha works from home making blankets in her loft and she sees an opportunity to get Drew working for her, keeping her house clean and her bed warm. It is clear to everyone but Drew that he is being groomed and manipulated by Sasha, but Drew doesn't really care as his wet dreams are becoming a reality.
It's no surprise which direction the story goes in and I was prepared to feel really angry on Drew's behalf but he is so mellow that I ended up having no ill-feelings towards Sasha as both characters got what they wanted in the end.
I really enjoyed the story and felt it was perfectly paced from start to finish. The only slight criticism I have is that my reading rhythm was slowed somewhat by the conversion to today's money whenever a monetary figure was mentioned. It didn't slow me down much though!
Nostalgic and captivating, Loom in the Loft is a very entertaining coming of age story and I think it's well worth reading.
I chose to read a digital ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Set in Canada in the 1970s, Drew is 13 years old but he works hard both inside and outside of school to make his single mother proud of him. Drew mows lawns for his neighbours and he's so highly regarded that one of his elderly neighbours leaves him a life-changing inheritance. It's one of the younger neighbours who catches his eye though...
Sasha works from home making blankets in her loft and she sees an opportunity to get Drew working for her, keeping her house clean and her bed warm. It is clear to everyone but Drew that he is being groomed and manipulated by Sasha, but Drew doesn't really care as his wet dreams are becoming a reality.
It's no surprise which direction the story goes in and I was prepared to feel really angry on Drew's behalf but he is so mellow that I ended up having no ill-feelings towards Sasha as both characters got what they wanted in the end.
I really enjoyed the story and felt it was perfectly paced from start to finish. The only slight criticism I have is that my reading rhythm was slowed somewhat by the conversion to today's money whenever a monetary figure was mentioned. It didn't slow me down much though!
Nostalgic and captivating, Loom in the Loft is a very entertaining coming of age story and I think it's well worth reading.
I chose to read a digital ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
October 19, 2024
A huge thank you to Jay Black for sending me this book! (This being sent to me doesn’t affect my review)
🧶 I really really enjoyed this book!!
🧶The writing is astonishing
🧶 The MC Drew is just such a sweet kid and it hurts my heart seeing how easy it is for this situation to happen
I would definitely recommend giving this a read but please read the trigger warnings beforehand
⚠️TW: Adult-minor relationship, alcohol consumption, grooming⚠️
✨ Full review on my blog, linked in bio ✨
🧶 I really really enjoyed this book!!
🧶The writing is astonishing
🧶 The MC Drew is just such a sweet kid and it hurts my heart seeing how easy it is for this situation to happen
I would definitely recommend giving this a read but please read the trigger warnings beforehand
⚠️TW: Adult-minor relationship, alcohol consumption, grooming⚠️
✨ Full review on my blog, linked in bio ✨
May 23, 2025
This story was a quick read, but there was a lot to unpack. I took the authors advice and took a while to digest what I read.
The story starts off right into Drew’s obsession with Sasha. I would have enjoyed reading about how they met and the development of his obsession with her leading up to this point, but then it wouldn’t be a short story.
Its cool to read a story about someone who is writing a story. Being a writer myself, there were lots of parts where I sympathize with Drew trying to write his stories and getting writers block.
By page thirty I’m wondering if this girl owns pants.
The start of this book had me gobsmacked. I did not expect Drew to be so young even though I was warned; I thought he would be a bit older. Sasha was manipulating right off the bat. She had Drew wrapped so tight around her finger she could get him literally on his hands and knees scrubbing the floor all because she walked around in her underwear and promised him the chance to explore the forbidden.
It was full of surprises as well. When I thought one of them would make a bad decision, they were logical and surprised me instead.
I’m was surprised Drew didn’t tell Sasha that Mrs. Crandall was dead right away. It seemed like their plan was set, he was going along with the new plan Sasha suggested and then instead he reverted back to thinking for himself for a while.
They are very back-and-forth. Very much “I need you, actually I don’t need you, wait I love you, but now I don’t like you anymore.” Obsessed with each other but in the next moment trying, and failing, to act nonchalant about the other.
The end was a bit predictable in my eyes but had a slight twist as well. Half-way through I thought I knew how it was going to end, because Drew was being so naive to Sasha’s signals and underlying questions. But then the story started going in another direction, so I was unsure where things were headed but then at the very last minute they ended up circling back around.
I had a typical reaction of yelling at the characters choices, especially a choice Drew makes near the end had me saying aloud, "No, no, no, no no, what are you thinking?"
I love that they are a Canadian author and the mentions things that are familiar to me and places like Montreal and Toronto.
Black definitely has an open mind and talent for writing what he feels. It’s a niche subject that’s not for everyone, but I enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more of his works.
The story starts off right into Drew’s obsession with Sasha. I would have enjoyed reading about how they met and the development of his obsession with her leading up to this point, but then it wouldn’t be a short story.
Its cool to read a story about someone who is writing a story. Being a writer myself, there were lots of parts where I sympathize with Drew trying to write his stories and getting writers block.
By page thirty I’m wondering if this girl owns pants.
The start of this book had me gobsmacked. I did not expect Drew to be so young even though I was warned; I thought he would be a bit older. Sasha was manipulating right off the bat. She had Drew wrapped so tight around her finger she could get him literally on his hands and knees scrubbing the floor all because she walked around in her underwear and promised him the chance to explore the forbidden.
It was full of surprises as well. When I thought one of them would make a bad decision, they were logical and surprised me instead.
I’m was surprised Drew didn’t tell Sasha that Mrs. Crandall was dead right away. It seemed like their plan was set, he was going along with the new plan Sasha suggested and then instead he reverted back to thinking for himself for a while.
They are very back-and-forth. Very much “I need you, actually I don’t need you, wait I love you, but now I don’t like you anymore.” Obsessed with each other but in the next moment trying, and failing, to act nonchalant about the other.
The end was a bit predictable in my eyes but had a slight twist as well. Half-way through I thought I knew how it was going to end, because Drew was being so naive to Sasha’s signals and underlying questions. But then the story started going in another direction, so I was unsure where things were headed but then at the very last minute they ended up circling back around.
I had a typical reaction of yelling at the characters choices, especially a choice Drew makes near the end had me saying aloud, "No, no, no, no no, what are you thinking?"
I love that they are a Canadian author and the mentions things that are familiar to me and places like Montreal and Toronto.
Black definitely has an open mind and talent for writing what he feels. It’s a niche subject that’s not for everyone, but I enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more of his works.
July 3, 2025
Loom in the Loft is a quiet, yet emotionally intense novel, here loom actually depicts a tool and loft a place; a tool designed to make a person trapped in an inappropriate place through emotional manipulation. This novel unfolds in details how complexities could be built considering someone’s identity, trust, and influence.
Here a young guy who was fond of solitude, creativity, and the desire for connection in a world that doesn’t always offer clear boundaries or safe harbor.
The story is rich with atmosphere. The author tried to narrate the scenes with a clear picture for its readers, crafted moments that felt both intimate and timeless, where even ordinary places like kitchens, backyards, and lofts carry layers of emotional weight. But the reflection of whole plot is haunting as it unveils manipulative gestures of a 30 years old lady towards 13 years old child. Calm surface of this story, however, masks deeper emotional undercurrents that quietly challenge the reader.
This novel is simply written, it doesn’t make its reader to find clues in complex narration. Author has introduced both the main characters directly while linking all the scenarios to the focus point. This story teaches its readers how to pay close attention to notice what's said, and more importantly, what isn’t.
The book also offers a thoughtful look at artistic ambition in youth. There’s a constant thread of creativity and self-expression that runs through the narrative, reminding us how events influence someone’s narrative towards life.
Maintaining restrictions in its writing; Loom in the Loft ultimately builds into a thought provoking explanation of influence and the fragile nature of emotional boundaries. It may become uncomfortable read for some individuals but it actually could teach parents how to educate their young child’s and teenagers not to be influenced by the wrong ones and how to protect themselves and their boundaries.
Here a young guy who was fond of solitude, creativity, and the desire for connection in a world that doesn’t always offer clear boundaries or safe harbor.
The story is rich with atmosphere. The author tried to narrate the scenes with a clear picture for its readers, crafted moments that felt both intimate and timeless, where even ordinary places like kitchens, backyards, and lofts carry layers of emotional weight. But the reflection of whole plot is haunting as it unveils manipulative gestures of a 30 years old lady towards 13 years old child. Calm surface of this story, however, masks deeper emotional undercurrents that quietly challenge the reader.
This novel is simply written, it doesn’t make its reader to find clues in complex narration. Author has introduced both the main characters directly while linking all the scenarios to the focus point. This story teaches its readers how to pay close attention to notice what's said, and more importantly, what isn’t.
The book also offers a thoughtful look at artistic ambition in youth. There’s a constant thread of creativity and self-expression that runs through the narrative, reminding us how events influence someone’s narrative towards life.
Maintaining restrictions in its writing; Loom in the Loft ultimately builds into a thought provoking explanation of influence and the fragile nature of emotional boundaries. It may become uncomfortable read for some individuals but it actually could teach parents how to educate their young child’s and teenagers not to be influenced by the wrong ones and how to protect themselves and their boundaries.
July 19, 2025
A nostalgic coming of age story with a hard lesson to be learned
Drew is thirteen; a student, aspiring writer, and hard worker who mows his neighbors’ lawns for cash on the weekend. Drew also has a crush on the stunning thirty-something year old Sasha who lives a few doors down from him. After the pair get to know each other a little better, Sasha agrees to “tutor” Drew in more intimate matters and even hires him on to be her assistant for her blanket making business. When a neighbor reveals her dying wish to Drew, he and Sasha devise a plan to carry out her instructions, but this comes at a high cost to Drew. Some lessons in life are hard pills to swallow, some secrets left unshared, and some relationships have lasting memories. The summer of 1976 will be a season that Drew is not likely to forget soon.
I didn’t hate this book, but I also didn’t love it. Drew and Sasha’s relationship is scandalous at best and downright illegal at worst and there were many times I felt a serious motherly “ick” at reading some of the scenes. One thing I will say is that Black refrains from any explicit scenes, which was a good thing as the thought of this sort of relationship was already hard enough to read as I figure it will be for many. The setting is 1970s Canada which hearkens back to a simpler time without the constant connection that we enjoy today. I thought Black did a good job of bringing that era to life and this really did feel like one of those movies that were so popular back in the eighties. The age gap romance reminded me strongly of “Risky Business” or “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” without any of the extra explicit scenes that made those titles border on obscene. Overall, Drew’s character was endearing and likeable, but I had a hard time warming up Sasha, and maybe it was my mothering instincts kicking in. As the story progressed and the more of her characteristics were revealed she really struck me as a person who was using an innocent teen for more than a bedroom dalliance.
Full disclosure: I was provided a copy of this title by the author or their authorized agent, however, have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
Drew is thirteen; a student, aspiring writer, and hard worker who mows his neighbors’ lawns for cash on the weekend. Drew also has a crush on the stunning thirty-something year old Sasha who lives a few doors down from him. After the pair get to know each other a little better, Sasha agrees to “tutor” Drew in more intimate matters and even hires him on to be her assistant for her blanket making business. When a neighbor reveals her dying wish to Drew, he and Sasha devise a plan to carry out her instructions, but this comes at a high cost to Drew. Some lessons in life are hard pills to swallow, some secrets left unshared, and some relationships have lasting memories. The summer of 1976 will be a season that Drew is not likely to forget soon.
I didn’t hate this book, but I also didn’t love it. Drew and Sasha’s relationship is scandalous at best and downright illegal at worst and there were many times I felt a serious motherly “ick” at reading some of the scenes. One thing I will say is that Black refrains from any explicit scenes, which was a good thing as the thought of this sort of relationship was already hard enough to read as I figure it will be for many. The setting is 1970s Canada which hearkens back to a simpler time without the constant connection that we enjoy today. I thought Black did a good job of bringing that era to life and this really did feel like one of those movies that were so popular back in the eighties. The age gap romance reminded me strongly of “Risky Business” or “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” without any of the extra explicit scenes that made those titles border on obscene. Overall, Drew’s character was endearing and likeable, but I had a hard time warming up Sasha, and maybe it was my mothering instincts kicking in. As the story progressed and the more of her characteristics were revealed she really struck me as a person who was using an innocent teen for more than a bedroom dalliance.
Full disclosure: I was provided a copy of this title by the author or their authorized agent, however, have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
October 7, 2024
Thirteen-year-old Drew’s neighbor is beautiful. Though he mows several lawns each weekend Sasha is the only neighbor who invites him in for something to drink. One day they start talking and she shows him the blankets she weaves and mentions her need for a helper. Drew is excited to spend time with her, as tantalizing glimpses of her underwear arouse him sexually. Read more about this book I received from the author in exchange for an honest review: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....
May 2, 2025
Alright, so you know those classic coming-of-age movies like Stand by Me? This story has that same feel of Nostalgia. In fact if I could summarize this book with just one word it would be that,Nostalgia.
It’s the 70’s and You’ve got Drew, this 13-year-old kid who wants to help his mother financially by mowing lawns, and of course being a teenager he’s got his major crush on Sasha, his artsy neighbor who makes blankets for a living. And guess what? She’s a bit into him too! (We’ll get back to this later) She basically hires him as her assistant, which, for a 13-year-old, is like winning the lottery.
Then one of Drew’s other clients an elderly neighbor throws a curveball, offering him her inheritance instead of leaving it to her not that great family. So, he and Sasha team up to grab the loot, and it’s all this crazy adventure.
It’s got that whole “secret, special relationship” vibe, which is totally what you dream about when you’re 13. Plus, the writing is superb and paints this awesome picture of the ’70s, before everyone was glued to their phones. And life was a whole lot simpler.
Okay, but here’s the thing… life is not now and the older woman and young kid” thing? It’s grooming, not just some innocent coming-of-age story even if it’s handled as tastefully as it is. It loses that innocent charm a bit, and makes you wonder how we saw things back then versus how we see them now. And this is coming from someone who doesn’t shy away from taboo reads at all.
It gives you food for thought that’s for sure, I would recommend it if you are looking for a quick insightful read.
It’s the 70’s and You’ve got Drew, this 13-year-old kid who wants to help his mother financially by mowing lawns, and of course being a teenager he’s got his major crush on Sasha, his artsy neighbor who makes blankets for a living. And guess what? She’s a bit into him too! (We’ll get back to this later) She basically hires him as her assistant, which, for a 13-year-old, is like winning the lottery.
Then one of Drew’s other clients an elderly neighbor throws a curveball, offering him her inheritance instead of leaving it to her not that great family. So, he and Sasha team up to grab the loot, and it’s all this crazy adventure.
It’s got that whole “secret, special relationship” vibe, which is totally what you dream about when you’re 13. Plus, the writing is superb and paints this awesome picture of the ’70s, before everyone was glued to their phones. And life was a whole lot simpler.
Okay, but here’s the thing… life is not now and the older woman and young kid” thing? It’s grooming, not just some innocent coming-of-age story even if it’s handled as tastefully as it is. It loses that innocent charm a bit, and makes you wonder how we saw things back then versus how we see them now. And this is coming from someone who doesn’t shy away from taboo reads at all.
It gives you food for thought that’s for sure, I would recommend it if you are looking for a quick insightful read.
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