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The Bright Side Brigade
It all begins at the carnival...
A chain reaction of hope begins to build, giving one boy the courage to confess his feelings and another to make a wish on a wishing machine. By the time the carnival is over, fate will take a hand in the future of a group of young men who fight fear, bullies, their own insecurities, and events that could change the course of their lives forever.
Banding together, they create The Bright Side Brigade, an LGBT support group to fight the hidden crimes of a zero tolerance school.
Their weapons?
Hope. Friendship. And love.
Warning: this book contains themes of bullying, homophobia, and suicide.
A chain reaction of hope begins to build, giving one boy the courage to confess his feelings and another to make a wish on a wishing machine. By the time the carnival is over, fate will take a hand in the future of a group of young men who fight fear, bullies, their own insecurities, and events that could change the course of their lives forever.
Banding together, they create The Bright Side Brigade, an LGBT support group to fight the hidden crimes of a zero tolerance school.
Their weapons?
Hope. Friendship. And love.
Warning: this book contains themes of bullying, homophobia, and suicide.
- GenresContemporary
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2019
2 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Elaine White
45 books263 followersElaine White is the author of multi-genre MM romance, celebrating 'love is love' and offering diversity in both genre and character within her stories.
Growing up in a small town and fighting cancer in her early teens taught her that life is short and dreams should be pursued. She lives vicariously through her independent, and often hellion characters, exploring all possibilities within the romantic universe.
The Winner of two Watty Awards – Collector's Dream (An Unpredictable Life) and Hidden Gem (Faithfully) – and an Honourable Mention in 2016's Rainbow Awards (A Royal Craving) Elaine is a self-professed geek, reading addict, and a romantic at heart.
You can find Elaine on the following sites:
Wattpad - http://smarturl.it/ElleLainey
Pinterest - http://smarturl.it/ElainesPinterest
YouTube - http://smarturl.it/ElainesYouTube
Tumblr - http://smarturl.it/ElainesTumblr
Linkedin - http://smarturl.it/ElainesLinkedIn
Google - http://smarturl.it/ElainesGoogle
Growing up in a small town and fighting cancer in her early teens taught her that life is short and dreams should be pursued. She lives vicariously through her independent, and often hellion characters, exploring all possibilities within the romantic universe.
The Winner of two Watty Awards – Collector's Dream (An Unpredictable Life) and Hidden Gem (Faithfully) – and an Honourable Mention in 2016's Rainbow Awards (A Royal Craving) Elaine is a self-professed geek, reading addict, and a romantic at heart.
You can find Elaine on the following sites:
Wattpad - http://smarturl.it/ElleLainey
Pinterest - http://smarturl.it/ElainesPinterest
YouTube - http://smarturl.it/ElainesYouTube
Tumblr - http://smarturl.it/ElainesTumblr
Linkedin - http://smarturl.it/ElainesLinkedIn
Google - http://smarturl.it/ElainesGoogle
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 22, 2019
ARC provided via author for an honest review.
I think what I like the most about this book is how simplistically real it is. And when I say simplistic, I mean that in a very, very good way. 1st person, and alternating 1st povs are the new thing for any kind of teen and/or lgbt book. I'm sick of it, because I feel it's harder to write in 3rd. You need to really feel and experience what the characters are doing in the story, not feel as if you are detached watching in from the outside. You need to be drawn in to the story so it's more like you're walking side by side as an in the moment spectator.
Elaine White does a phenomenal job detailing the experiences of Tracey, Jovan, Digby and the rest of the gang. It's nothing over the top, but rather everyday life in a very engaging and storyteller way. It's hard to be a good 3rd person storyteller to where the readers can see and feel the story rather than simply be "told" the story.
Alvin's thing for Tracey is so painful and sweet. It's hard exploring sexuality and even harder when there's someone you like but can't bring yourself to do so in the mix of life's challenges and in a toxic school and town setting.
I really did enjoy this. It's not a story full of dramatic angst or anything, but it is so very charming and real that I think it adds to the story in addition to how it was told. I really liked this one and YA alone usually sounds the same, so the fact that this wasn't a reflection of the stereotype YA (hetero) stories, was a huge plus in my book too.
I think what I like the most about this book is how simplistically real it is. And when I say simplistic, I mean that in a very, very good way. 1st person, and alternating 1st povs are the new thing for any kind of teen and/or lgbt book. I'm sick of it, because I feel it's harder to write in 3rd. You need to really feel and experience what the characters are doing in the story, not feel as if you are detached watching in from the outside. You need to be drawn in to the story so it's more like you're walking side by side as an in the moment spectator.
Elaine White does a phenomenal job detailing the experiences of Tracey, Jovan, Digby and the rest of the gang. It's nothing over the top, but rather everyday life in a very engaging and storyteller way. It's hard to be a good 3rd person storyteller to where the readers can see and feel the story rather than simply be "told" the story.
Alvin's thing for Tracey is so painful and sweet. It's hard exploring sexuality and even harder when there's someone you like but can't bring yourself to do so in the mix of life's challenges and in a toxic school and town setting.
I really did enjoy this. It's not a story full of dramatic angst or anything, but it is so very charming and real that I think it adds to the story in addition to how it was told. I really liked this one and YA alone usually sounds the same, so the fact that this wasn't a reflection of the stereotype YA (hetero) stories, was a huge plus in my book too.
August 16, 2022
This is where Degrassi High meets Tales of the City - minus the sex and OTT criminal elements. Multi-character, multi-POV storylines intersect (or don't), delivered mostly in a linear fashion over a period of several months. A broad spectrum of sexuality is represented by a large cast of 'MCs' and whilst the individual dilemmas and struggles proved engaging - there was something 'generic' about a few of the MC's 'voices'. 3.5 stars overall.
February 13, 2019
Unexpectedly I found this story was a collection of interconnected short stories with the common theme of young men exploring their gay identities in their teens. Each story is a sensitive betrayal of the emotional turmoil of the different characters as each story delves into each theme which covers the injustices foisted on young men because they aren't cisgender. Curl up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate as you read.
September 29, 2023
The Bright Side Brigade is a set of interconnecting stories, all related to each other, but with different people in the starring roles for each one. What this means is you keep up to date on all of the people here, but not in the way you were expecting.
What was I expecting when I agreed to review this? I'll be honest, not this!!! I read a hard-hitting, emotional, full-of-impact story that shows you that sometimes, you actually need something you didn't think you did. This school had a Zero Tolerance manifesto in place and didn't think they needed anything else, but as these stories progress, you see just how much they do!
There is no one couple I loved more than the others, and that is simply amazing. Usually, in a box set or anthology, I will ALWAYS have one favourite story/couple. Not here. All of these boys and girls touched my heart. I cheered for their victories, and I wept for their sorrows. Seriously!!! I was astounded by what I read, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word!
Now, onto the technical side. There were no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed. I may have missed one when I was wiping away the tears, but I doubt it. A bunch of short stories, making up an emotional whole. The pacing was perfect for each and every one. I guess if I wanted to nitpick, I would say I'm not entirely sure where it is set. It mentions Glasgow, but then medical bills - which is possible in the UK, but not usual. However, I couldn't care if this was set on Space Planet number 9! I loved this book, and I really, REALLY, hope to see more of The Bright Side Brigade... please?!
In case you haven't realised it yet - I absolutely recommend this book!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 29, 2019
What was I expecting when I agreed to review this? I'll be honest, not this!!! I read a hard-hitting, emotional, full-of-impact story that shows you that sometimes, you actually need something you didn't think you did. This school had a Zero Tolerance manifesto in place and didn't think they needed anything else, but as these stories progress, you see just how much they do!
There is no one couple I loved more than the others, and that is simply amazing. Usually, in a box set or anthology, I will ALWAYS have one favourite story/couple. Not here. All of these boys and girls touched my heart. I cheered for their victories, and I wept for their sorrows. Seriously!!! I was astounded by what I read, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word!
Now, onto the technical side. There were no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed. I may have missed one when I was wiping away the tears, but I doubt it. A bunch of short stories, making up an emotional whole. The pacing was perfect for each and every one. I guess if I wanted to nitpick, I would say I'm not entirely sure where it is set. It mentions Glasgow, but then medical bills - which is possible in the UK, but not usual. However, I couldn't care if this was set on Space Planet number 9! I loved this book, and I really, REALLY, hope to see more of The Bright Side Brigade... please?!
In case you haven't realised it yet - I absolutely recommend this book!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 29, 2019
October 8, 2019
4.5 stars.🌟 A great book for a Young Adult storyline from a great writer. The cover of this book got my attention and I had to look at it further, I'm glad I did. A base of stories centred around a carnival at first and their friends. Beautifully written in each POV with characters finding love.
Includes scary tunnel rides, love triangles, first kisses, interracial couples, to name a few that's included and heeps more.
At 15 Alvin had feelings for Tracy and wanted to tell him. His brother, Javon pushing him to see what happens since Tracys was his friend. A carnival grounds seemed perfect for Javon to play matchmaker. Digby too was along in the group. Alvin is the protective one over his brother since his parents take a back seat. I felt for Alvin he needs love too.
Does Stering get his wish?. And more.....
Includes scary tunnel rides, love triangles, first kisses, interracial couples, to name a few that's included and heeps more.
At 15 Alvin had feelings for Tracy and wanted to tell him. His brother, Javon pushing him to see what happens since Tracys was his friend. A carnival grounds seemed perfect for Javon to play matchmaker. Digby too was along in the group. Alvin is the protective one over his brother since his parents take a back seat. I felt for Alvin he needs love too.
Does Stering get his wish?. And more.....
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews