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The Dogs of Balboa
Michael Mirez witnesses a sexual assault and does nothing to stop it. Torn apart by guilt, Michael sabotages his own life, until one year later, when Michael unexpectedly crosses paths with the victim again. Michael is determined to make it up to Noah, a painfully shy Native American boy whose only ambition is to travel into space. But Noah doesn't remember Michael; and Michael doesn't have the courage to refresh his memory. And behind Noah's attack lies a disturbing pastime with roots as old as America itself.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2014
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254 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 17, 2015
This is an amazing YA book!
I love Rose Christo. I've loved everything of hers I've read so far. They're just the type of books I could read and read again. And I don't see that stopping. I love the way she makes me feel things and she always makes me fall in love with her characters.
This book deals with some pretty heavy stuff. It's a book that won't be for everyone. But like a lot of Rose Christo books, it's one I learned a lot from.
I loved Michael and I loved Noah. I loved the friendship that developed between them. And I really wanted Michael to come clean to Noah, and to himself. His struggle felt real and I really wanted to hug him and make things better, but I know it had to work out the way it did.
The ending made me smile. It was nice to see these boys find happiness. Recommended! Especially if you're a Rose Christo fan.
I love Rose Christo. I've loved everything of hers I've read so far. They're just the type of books I could read and read again. And I don't see that stopping. I love the way she makes me feel things and she always makes me fall in love with her characters.
This book deals with some pretty heavy stuff. It's a book that won't be for everyone. But like a lot of Rose Christo books, it's one I learned a lot from.
I loved Michael and I loved Noah. I loved the friendship that developed between them. And I really wanted Michael to come clean to Noah, and to himself. His struggle felt real and I really wanted to hug him and make things better, but I know it had to work out the way it did.
He belonged in my arms. He melted into me, close and tight, and I felt every part of him with every part of me.
The ending made me smile. It was nice to see these boys find happiness. Recommended! Especially if you're a Rose Christo fan.
December 1, 2014
I don't think I can write a review for this one. I've been trying, but it's too hard. This is a very touching book, very moving, and it made this science geek smile with all of the discussions about the beauty of space. I recommend it to everyone.
The thing that got me, though? The MC here - Michael - he hates himself. There are no two ways around it. We all have bad days, or have made poor life choices, but I for one have never encountered someone who truly hated themselves.
Being in Michael's head was at times, too much for me. So much guilt. So much blame. So much hopelessness. I think he would have been suicidal if it required less effort. And so when he meets Noah again, it becomes more of a story of finding reasons to live. Finding peace and acceptance within an imperfect world, within imperfect people, within himself.
Which is a beautiful story, but one I just can't bring myself to delve into again. It's not a tragedy, but it certainly left its mark on me.
The thing that got me, though? The MC here - Michael - he hates himself. There are no two ways around it. We all have bad days, or have made poor life choices, but I for one have never encountered someone who truly hated themselves.
Being in Michael's head was at times, too much for me. So much guilt. So much blame. So much hopelessness. I think he would have been suicidal if it required less effort. And so when he meets Noah again, it becomes more of a story of finding reasons to live. Finding peace and acceptance within an imperfect world, within imperfect people, within himself.
Which is a beautiful story, but one I just can't bring myself to delve into again. It's not a tragedy, but it certainly left its mark on me.
July 18, 2019
I feel like this book just didn’t flow as cohesively compared to Rose Christo’s other works. Though after just finishing her Gives Light Series, maybe my expectations were a bit too high. The ending was exactly what I was looking for when I started this book, but it just couldn’t really make up for how boring the rest of it was.
March 10, 2018
Disclaimer: Author Rose Christo may not be Native American herself, as she has claimed.
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Not Christo's best, but it comes together in the end.
The start of this book is a bit messy and repetitive, with Michael's self recrimination approaching the dreaded 'wallow' and not a whole lot happening, but after the gut punch of the Day of the Dead celebration it tightens up admirably.
The characters are memorable, as is always the case with Christo. This just needed another beta reader, I think.
If you have a high threshold for Teen Angst, go for it.
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Not Christo's best, but it comes together in the end.
The start of this book is a bit messy and repetitive, with Michael's self recrimination approaching the dreaded 'wallow' and not a whole lot happening, but after the gut punch of the Day of the Dead celebration it tightens up admirably.
The characters are memorable, as is always the case with Christo. This just needed another beta reader, I think.
If you have a high threshold for Teen Angst, go for it.
January 3, 2019
I can say with unwavering certainty that this is one of the most painful, yet beautiful, stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I finished it with tears in my eyes; Tears of happiness and tears of despair.
The title of this book comes from the story of Vasco Nuñez de Balboa and the innocent souls he threw to his dogs.
“When Balboa reached the Americas he met men who were married to men, and women who were married to women. We called them Two-Spirit. Their differences made them sacred in our eyes. Balboa didn’t like it. He rounded up all the Two-Spirits he could find and fed them to his dogs. That was the last time it was safe to be gay in America.”
This book touched upon a lot of horrifying things white settlers subjected upon Native Americans, things that have conveniently been omitted from US history in order to maintain the picture of savagery the white man painted for the sake of justifying the despicable ways they killed a race of people, people who made their lives better by teaching them simple things they were too ignorant to learn on their own, without mercy.
Not only is the topic of racism explored within the pages of this novel but the topic of homophobia is explored as well. We often forget about intersectionality and tend to focus only on the issues that affect us personally, without sparing any thought to how both race and sexuality overlap to make one’s life even more difficult for them. There are a lot of harsh truths told without restrictions throughout this book and I rejoice at the knowledge I now hold, knowledge I can use to possibly protect someone the way Michael protected Noah. To save someone the way Michael saved Noah without even realizing it.
The friendship between Noah and Michael, and the romantic feelings of love that blossomed between them right in front of my eyes, made me feel as if the world was not as cruel and hateful as I often believe it to be when I ponder the atrocities of human kind, and the many ways we hurt one another like Noah was hurt. What Michael and Noah have is something pure and natural and mesmerizing. They shattered me to pieces only to painstakingly put me back together piece by piece; The cracks within me are still visible and I wouldn’t have it any other way because this book changed me in ways we all need to be changed.
If you are looking for a YA lgbt novel that has meaning, depth, a love that mirrors the undeniable beauty of the stars in the sky and the supernovas in the universe, a cast of diverse characters with real personalities, and an ending that is happier than any childhood fairytale I was ever told then you should pick this book up immediately. Your very being will be imprinted with the words on these pages; It will forever stay with you. I know it is now irrevocably a part of me and I am so thankful to have found this author and the stories she has to tell.
The title of this book comes from the story of Vasco Nuñez de Balboa and the innocent souls he threw to his dogs.
“When Balboa reached the Americas he met men who were married to men, and women who were married to women. We called them Two-Spirit. Their differences made them sacred in our eyes. Balboa didn’t like it. He rounded up all the Two-Spirits he could find and fed them to his dogs. That was the last time it was safe to be gay in America.”
This book touched upon a lot of horrifying things white settlers subjected upon Native Americans, things that have conveniently been omitted from US history in order to maintain the picture of savagery the white man painted for the sake of justifying the despicable ways they killed a race of people, people who made their lives better by teaching them simple things they were too ignorant to learn on their own, without mercy.
Not only is the topic of racism explored within the pages of this novel but the topic of homophobia is explored as well. We often forget about intersectionality and tend to focus only on the issues that affect us personally, without sparing any thought to how both race and sexuality overlap to make one’s life even more difficult for them. There are a lot of harsh truths told without restrictions throughout this book and I rejoice at the knowledge I now hold, knowledge I can use to possibly protect someone the way Michael protected Noah. To save someone the way Michael saved Noah without even realizing it.
The friendship between Noah and Michael, and the romantic feelings of love that blossomed between them right in front of my eyes, made me feel as if the world was not as cruel and hateful as I often believe it to be when I ponder the atrocities of human kind, and the many ways we hurt one another like Noah was hurt. What Michael and Noah have is something pure and natural and mesmerizing. They shattered me to pieces only to painstakingly put me back together piece by piece; The cracks within me are still visible and I wouldn’t have it any other way because this book changed me in ways we all need to be changed.
If you are looking for a YA lgbt novel that has meaning, depth, a love that mirrors the undeniable beauty of the stars in the sky and the supernovas in the universe, a cast of diverse characters with real personalities, and an ending that is happier than any childhood fairytale I was ever told then you should pick this book up immediately. Your very being will be imprinted with the words on these pages; It will forever stay with you. I know it is now irrevocably a part of me and I am so thankful to have found this author and the stories she has to tell.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2014
I love this gay teen story. I find it original and relevant as I continue to learn from this writer about the injustice and evil done to the Native Americans. Rose Christo is a wonderful writer and she has again given us two very memorable characters in Michael and Noah. The story is told from Michael's viewpoint but Noah is never sidelined. The boys' growth throughout the story is touching, certain scenes gripping. I love the quietness in which the story is delivered. I was so immersed in the quiet flow even in a reflective mood that when a truth was revealed during the celebration of the dead, I was just gut punched. Just so so sad, darn it! Rose Christo gives such great voices to her YA characters and Michael and Noah are just another two beautiful examples. Michael’s remorse, finally the willingness to forgive himself and maybe let go of someone who was so precious to him. Noah’s quite courage, inner beauty and bravery to accept the horror done to him because of his heritage. These boys’ emotional journeys will stick with me for a long time. And I love that last page which gives so much hope. Highly recommended for those of us who want something unique and unforgettable
June 14, 2015
Another great book from RC
There is just something about Rose Christo's characters that make me want to hug and protect them. I really liked this book, I'm glad I took the time to read it. Now I gotta go and read the 6 book in the Gives Light series, Rafael and Skylar are waiting for me!
There is just something about Rose Christo's characters that make me want to hug and protect them. I really liked this book, I'm glad I took the time to read it. Now I gotta go and read the 6 book in the Gives Light series, Rafael and Skylar are waiting for me!
September 8, 2014
3.5. as usual full of heartbreaking details about the world's indigenous peoples (in this case native american and saami), interesting cast of characters and bonus
June 12, 2020
“Everybody thinks they know how they’ll react in a crisis—until the crisis actually happens.”
Oh my god. This book is phenomenal. Brilliant. It picked me up and destroyed me into tiny pieces. How did I not know this book existed.
This was poetic, sad, heartbreaking angsty. I knew it was going to be a trip from the first chapter. The writing was whimsical and elegant and beautiful. I loved how the author eased into the story, building it up from Micheal’s childhood until the incident that changed his life.
On his way home, fifteen years old Michael encountered a horrible sight of a guy getting raped in an alley. Instead of stopping it, he ran but called the cops.
Michael spiraled into depression and serious self hate after that night. His view of himself, his morals, what he was capable of changed. He thought he was a good person but he realized he is not (because how could he leave the kid?). He failed grade 10, quit playing tennis, and gave up on everything he likes.
Then he met Noah Flattery, the guy who was raped in the alley. Noah was a new kid at school, and after an awkward encounter Noah and Micheal developed a slow relationship.
It was emotional. Michael didn’t quiet stop feeling like the scum of the earth, but he did everything to redeem himself and protect Noah. Noah was SO precious and delicate and smart as fuck and funny.
This book wasn’t a light read. It tackled issues that I didnt know the depth of but glad that I now know to some degree. It was intellectual and engaging and so so so beautifully written.
Honestly i can wax poetry all day but now I’ll just go see other work for this author.
Oh my god. This book is phenomenal. Brilliant. It picked me up and destroyed me into tiny pieces. How did I not know this book existed.
This was poetic, sad, heartbreaking angsty. I knew it was going to be a trip from the first chapter. The writing was whimsical and elegant and beautiful. I loved how the author eased into the story, building it up from Micheal’s childhood until the incident that changed his life.
On his way home, fifteen years old Michael encountered a horrible sight of a guy getting raped in an alley. Instead of stopping it, he ran but called the cops.
Michael spiraled into depression and serious self hate after that night. His view of himself, his morals, what he was capable of changed. He thought he was a good person but he realized he is not (because how could he leave the kid?). He failed grade 10, quit playing tennis, and gave up on everything he likes.
Then he met Noah Flattery, the guy who was raped in the alley. Noah was a new kid at school, and after an awkward encounter Noah and Micheal developed a slow relationship.
It was emotional. Michael didn’t quiet stop feeling like the scum of the earth, but he did everything to redeem himself and protect Noah. Noah was SO precious and delicate and smart as fuck and funny.
This book wasn’t a light read. It tackled issues that I didnt know the depth of but glad that I now know to some degree. It was intellectual and engaging and so so so beautifully written.
Honestly i can wax poetry all day but now I’ll just go see other work for this author.
Read
June 4, 2017Thought provoking
A great book from a brilliant author I really love Rose Christies books can't get enough. This is not an easy read but its such a good read, I highly recommend it.
A great book from a brilliant author I really love Rose Christies books can't get enough. This is not an easy read but its such a good read, I highly recommend it.
October 25, 2014
Painful and beautiful at once
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 8/10
PROS:
- The writing here is technically simple, but the story has a lot of little statements throughout that give the whole thing a subtle sense of the profound.
- The awkward way in which Michael and Noah talk to each other is both painful and endearing. It struck me as realistic, especially for teenagers who are struggling with what they consider to be forbidden feelings.
- I loved the subtle ways in which Noah’s opinions and happiness affect Michael’s. They’re connected emotionally: first there’s confusion, then the slow blossoming of confusion into affection, and then eventually the blossoming of affection into love.
- Every character is interesting in his or her own way--quirky or psychologically damaged. It’s almost like watching a circus. You never know what’s going to happen next because you never quite know what the characters are capable of.
- (Possible slight SPOILER here) I’m not sure I’ve ever read a story in which the psychological effects of rape are explored from a witness’s point of view rather than a survivor’s. This book shows how very traumatic rape can be even if you’re not the direct victim of it.
CONS:
- The narration is conversational, which I think suits the tone of the story. However, the short sentences (“Mom and Grandma cleaned the glass table. Dad and I abandoned our empty plates. He took my hand in his and I shivered. His hands were always cold.”) give the story a choppy rhythm that I found difficult to get into the flow of.
- The timeline is a little confusing at times. It’s not always clear whether we’re seeing present tense or a memory/flashback (and if it *is* a flashback, when that one occurred in relation to the others). The whole story is a bit disjointed, flitting from one thought to another as quickly as Michael’s thoughts do. I’m convinced that this was intentional on the author’s part, but it doesn’t make the story very easy to read.
Overall comments: I had a hard time at the start of the story sympathizing with the narrator. He avoids anything that requires any “Effort,” as he says, and I simply couldn’t find much respect for him. The reason for his attitude becomes clear as the story progresses, though, and I found not only the change in him, but also the change in my outlook toward him, to be rather drastic. It’s not an easy read, but I do think it’s worth the effort.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 8/10
PROS:
- The writing here is technically simple, but the story has a lot of little statements throughout that give the whole thing a subtle sense of the profound.
- The awkward way in which Michael and Noah talk to each other is both painful and endearing. It struck me as realistic, especially for teenagers who are struggling with what they consider to be forbidden feelings.
- I loved the subtle ways in which Noah’s opinions and happiness affect Michael’s. They’re connected emotionally: first there’s confusion, then the slow blossoming of confusion into affection, and then eventually the blossoming of affection into love.
- Every character is interesting in his or her own way--quirky or psychologically damaged. It’s almost like watching a circus. You never know what’s going to happen next because you never quite know what the characters are capable of.
- (Possible slight SPOILER here) I’m not sure I’ve ever read a story in which the psychological effects of rape are explored from a witness’s point of view rather than a survivor’s. This book shows how very traumatic rape can be even if you’re not the direct victim of it.
CONS:
- The narration is conversational, which I think suits the tone of the story. However, the short sentences (“Mom and Grandma cleaned the glass table. Dad and I abandoned our empty plates. He took my hand in his and I shivered. His hands were always cold.”) give the story a choppy rhythm that I found difficult to get into the flow of.
- The timeline is a little confusing at times. It’s not always clear whether we’re seeing present tense or a memory/flashback (and if it *is* a flashback, when that one occurred in relation to the others). The whole story is a bit disjointed, flitting from one thought to another as quickly as Michael’s thoughts do. I’m convinced that this was intentional on the author’s part, but it doesn’t make the story very easy to read.
Overall comments: I had a hard time at the start of the story sympathizing with the narrator. He avoids anything that requires any “Effort,” as he says, and I simply couldn’t find much respect for him. The reason for his attitude becomes clear as the story progresses, though, and I found not only the change in him, but also the change in my outlook toward him, to be rather drastic. It’s not an easy read, but I do think it’s worth the effort.
July 23, 2015
Asexuality is mentioned. Trans girl. Mexican and Native gay leads. Korean character. I love the diversity in Rose Christo’s books so much you don’t understand. I also love that her gay romances are basically history books. I’ve never been more interested in history, I shit you not. But seriously, man. Everything I have ever learnt in school is a big fat lie. I’m sorry because I loved my teachers. But boy were you wrong. We grew up adoring man-slaughterers and misanthropes. I am so so sick of it. We should have been told the other side of the story. I want to forget everything and start over. I am going to read all of her books, I SWEAR.
May 18, 2018
I had a difficult time getting into this novel. It was difficult with the structure in which it was written. It was hard to distinguish between memory and flashbacks. I found it interesting that the effects of rape are from the witnesses point of view and not the survivors point of view.
September 21, 2014
Amazing. Review soon.
January 8, 2023
I really love Rose Christo’s writing… Idk what it is but it has me hooked. This wasn’t my favourite book of hers and I didn’t enjoy the ending as much as I’d expected but it was still a really sad and sweet story. If there’s a character in a book named Noah, it’s honestly just a guarantee that I’ll love them and it was no different here. The little article at the end about them in the future was cute but I just wanted more!!! Were they still just friends? What happened to their school friends and their families? The ending just left me with so many questions.
November 21, 2019
This is a good book, the only problem it has is that there are big parts of it where nothing really happens, there's an interesting plot twist in the middle of it, but apart from that it becomes really boring in some parts. Despite that i'm giving it 3.5 stars due to the interesting information it shares and the good ending.
This isn't a book to read if you're looking for a lot of romance, because it doesn't have almost any (only in the ending).
This isn't a book to read if you're looking for a lot of romance, because it doesn't have almost any (only in the ending).
June 1, 2018
Tough story that tries to do a LOT over the course of a fairly compact novel. Main character's pain at loss of brother, inaction/guilt and coming to terms with who he is is honest and handled well. There are some frank and graphic converastions among the characters. REcommend for independent reading.
September 27, 2018
Good, but not the most memorable of her books.
June 2, 2020
eu só tenho a agradecer por esta obra prima.
October 14, 2021
I wasn't expecting the plot twist!! Beautiful, but very heavy. I cried a lot the whole book
30-or-more
January 3, 2023paused at 61 %
December 20, 2015
OMG
I read Rose Christo earlier this year so I don't know why I didn't read this sooner.
I read up to chapter 8 last night, which was a wise idea, because from chapter 8 to the end I cried my eyes out.
Joel ;_;
I liked a lot of things about this book, the mixed european family in USA (nordics!) the spaniard-catholic father, because usually all the hispanic people are portrayed the same. The racist spaniard grandma, this is super accurate! hahaha. The parents weren't perfect but that made them so real.
Kirste was so cute and Hannah creeped me out too. How it was super multicultural (and social integration) but not forced. I didn't know about Gujjus for example. Yay for integration.
Noah and Michael were lovely of course.
I read Rose Christo earlier this year so I don't know why I didn't read this sooner.
I read up to chapter 8 last night, which was a wise idea, because from chapter 8 to the end I cried my eyes out.
Joel ;_;
I liked a lot of things about this book, the mixed european family in USA (nordics!) the spaniard-catholic father, because usually all the hispanic people are portrayed the same. The racist spaniard grandma, this is super accurate! hahaha. The parents weren't perfect but that made them so real.
Kirste was so cute and Hannah creeped me out too. How it was super multicultural (and social integration) but not forced. I didn't know about Gujjus for example. Yay for integration.
Noah and Michael were lovely of course.
March 19, 2016
I bought The Dogs of Balboa years ago when I was all about YA books or books with young MCs. For me, that phase is over. So that's one of the reasons this wasn't a five-star for me. I applaud Rose Christo's stylized writing and even though they were young they were very interesting well-rounded characters. Big points for the portrayal of Native American characters.
August 7, 2014
2.5 stars~
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