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Bacon Grief
Charlie, a musical-theatre nerd with deep appreciation for sprinkle-topped ice creams and other snack foods, is active in his church and comes from a family who loves and appreciates him for exactly who he is, purple pants and all.
Tim, a lover of crinkle-cut pickles, black olives and other forgivably-disgusting crudités, belongs to a conservative Christian pastor and devout mother who move to the rural town to staff a small church that, predictably, holds little place for Tim.
After meeting online and given the green light to attend a youth group at another church, Tim and Charlie become fast friends with more and more in common. When they consider more than friendship, Tim is faced with his reality and the choice to reconcile faith and sexuality or walk away from it all.
Tim, a lover of crinkle-cut pickles, black olives and other forgivably-disgusting crudités, belongs to a conservative Christian pastor and devout mother who move to the rural town to staff a small church that, predictably, holds little place for Tim.
After meeting online and given the green light to attend a youth group at another church, Tim and Charlie become fast friends with more and more in common. When they consider more than friendship, Tim is faced with his reality and the choice to reconcile faith and sexuality or walk away from it all.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2021
4 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Joel Shoemaker
4 books26 followersJoel Shoemaker has been a librarian for a decade and a magician for three! He lives in central Illinois with his husband, and his dog, Maximus. He consumes an inordinate amount of cheese.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 8, 2022
This is my debut novel! Though written for LGBTQIA tweens and teens, bacon grief is a cute, funny, short little book that I think, I hope, ultimately, everyone will love. Let me know what you think!
December 15, 2021
I don't usually write reviews but for this book, I felt compelled to do so. This is by no means a linguistic masterpiece and the nontraditional format took some getting used to, but as a whole, the elements of the book came together to better tell the story. Having grown up in a conservative Catholic household and as a member of the LGBT+ community, the themes of this book hit really close to home. I've been struggling with my beliefs and identity again recently, and this book, given to me at a school meet and greet I almost didn't attend, seems very much like a sign from God that I'll be okay. Thank you, Joel Shoemaker, for that small comfort.
July 27, 2022
joel this is so slay
December 19, 2022
Book Review - bacon grief by Joel Shoemaker
Here we have a beautiful book to review! Do not be deceived by this title, which is enticing in itself. This is a great novel about sacrifice and deeper human connection. The fine line between what you know and what’s to come.
On a tandem journey between two people colliding to one we meet Charlie and Tim, opposites who attract and realize… maybe they are not so different. Between the alignment and differences of faith and the exquisitely done sense of humor to keep this story formal and informal in the best way, this was a treat and so heart warming!
This author doubles and triples as a librarian and magician, and let’s just say these two occupations have made for his ability to create magical words. This book is a breath of fresh air and had me smiling as I flipped from page to page.
The combination of religion and the word alongside believing in yourself and figuring out who you truly are is a blessing in itself and this book does justice to that. I have never read a piece about this intertwining idea and it was so good!
The setting in itself was a familiar sense of reality while also depicting the two different ones very fluently. In doing so, we as readers are able to visualize the two people in their separate natures. Further, their personalities can be identified so well through their upbringing and atmospheres.
The plot as well was intricate yet to the point. I always try to identify plot, setting, and characters; three main elements to story. And then on top of that, define the tension and conflict and resolutions in between each plot point. While all of these were very easily identifiable, that does not go to say this is a simple read. This is a gut wrenching and heart felt read that just follows the story grid in such a great way, straying off from basic guidelines but keeping structure in a way that had me glued to the page.
I hope you will give this story a read! Definitely worth your time and the author is too kind! From Illinois to living with a life with his husband and dog, author Joel Shoemaker is making a name for himself in the industry and I would be so happy if you would look at his work!
Here we have a beautiful book to review! Do not be deceived by this title, which is enticing in itself. This is a great novel about sacrifice and deeper human connection. The fine line between what you know and what’s to come.
On a tandem journey between two people colliding to one we meet Charlie and Tim, opposites who attract and realize… maybe they are not so different. Between the alignment and differences of faith and the exquisitely done sense of humor to keep this story formal and informal in the best way, this was a treat and so heart warming!
This author doubles and triples as a librarian and magician, and let’s just say these two occupations have made for his ability to create magical words. This book is a breath of fresh air and had me smiling as I flipped from page to page.
The combination of religion and the word alongside believing in yourself and figuring out who you truly are is a blessing in itself and this book does justice to that. I have never read a piece about this intertwining idea and it was so good!
The setting in itself was a familiar sense of reality while also depicting the two different ones very fluently. In doing so, we as readers are able to visualize the two people in their separate natures. Further, their personalities can be identified so well through their upbringing and atmospheres.
The plot as well was intricate yet to the point. I always try to identify plot, setting, and characters; three main elements to story. And then on top of that, define the tension and conflict and resolutions in between each plot point. While all of these were very easily identifiable, that does not go to say this is a simple read. This is a gut wrenching and heart felt read that just follows the story grid in such a great way, straying off from basic guidelines but keeping structure in a way that had me glued to the page.
I hope you will give this story a read! Definitely worth your time and the author is too kind! From Illinois to living with a life with his husband and dog, author Joel Shoemaker is making a name for himself in the industry and I would be so happy if you would look at his work!
April 11, 2022
This book was a really great find, the quirky narrative style makes the characters come alive. Charlie is a beautiful protagonist navigating the potential angst of first love, aligning sexuality with church going, and finding a place in the school drama club, all with buoyant humour and hope.
The choice to use footnotes fits perfectly with Charlie's character, a logophile who gets Tim's attention with his wide vocabulary. The seriousness of Tim being torn between his parents' belief about what the Bible teaches and his growing attraction to Charlie is presented realistically, but the tone of the novel remains positive. People are flawed and make their decision based on hundreds of unknown factors, but there is always a place where you will be accepted and loved.
The choice to use footnotes fits perfectly with Charlie's character, a logophile who gets Tim's attention with his wide vocabulary. The seriousness of Tim being torn between his parents' belief about what the Bible teaches and his growing attraction to Charlie is presented realistically, but the tone of the novel remains positive. People are flawed and make their decision based on hundreds of unknown factors, but there is always a place where you will be accepted and loved.
July 17, 2022
This book is great. The non-traditional nature of the book makes it a fun & quick read. And it was a kind look at the portion of the LGBT community that happens to be Christian. (These people exist & they deserve kind stories. Not every LGBT, Christian person lives in fear & misery. Some find joy, or hope, or can reconcile the two part of them.) This book is definitely intersectional!! Also, this book was legit funny.
Fun fact: I met the author at a state day for library staff in Illinois. He’s as funny & adorable in real life as his book is!!
Fun fact: I met the author at a state day for library staff in Illinois. He’s as funny & adorable in real life as his book is!!
June 7, 2022
I had absolutely no reason to discover this book — I’m not young, religious or gay. And I’m vegan (although that’s not really relevant despite the title).
But the writing was so good I was entertained all the way through. It’s a short book that I listened to from audible and my only criticism is that it’s hard to laugh and run at the same time. 🤣
But the writing was so good I was entertained all the way through. It’s a short book that I listened to from audible and my only criticism is that it’s hard to laugh and run at the same time. 🤣
April 12, 2022
This is a quick, sweet read. I finished it on an airplane flight and it was the perfect length to focus on this book and be carried into their lives.
You'll be hard-pressed not to embrace Tim and Charlie. You root for them, their friendship and how they work to reconcile it all with their faith. You remember what it was like to be a young person embracing adolescence (and theatre!) and how it felt to audition as a young person, how you wanted to have someone else there by your side that you knew and trusted - and even at a young age - loved. Even if you have never had to navigate questioning your sexuality, you can still relate to these well-crafted characters as they struggle to find themselves and determine how to navigate life and familial expectations while straddling the fence of faith and fondness.
A touching debut book and I look forward to more from this author.
You'll be hard-pressed not to embrace Tim and Charlie. You root for them, their friendship and how they work to reconcile it all with their faith. You remember what it was like to be a young person embracing adolescence (and theatre!) and how it felt to audition as a young person, how you wanted to have someone else there by your side that you knew and trusted - and even at a young age - loved. Even if you have never had to navigate questioning your sexuality, you can still relate to these well-crafted characters as they struggle to find themselves and determine how to navigate life and familial expectations while straddling the fence of faith and fondness.
A touching debut book and I look forward to more from this author.
April 14, 2022
Disclaimer--Joel is a FB friend and a relation by marriage (not to mention a fellow librarian). This book is written with equal measures of heart and humor. I'm a sucker for a witty footnote, which Bacon Grief is replete with, a love of obscure vocabulary, ditto, and LGBTQ YA--especially when it's embraced by a progressive Christian attitude. Yes, both the main characters are from more conservatively religious families (Catholic and evangelical), but I love that this narrative grows from the understanding that there's a path of Christianity that says, "Love is love is love..."
The writing style is stream of conscious and a unique, personal voice. While it may take the reader awhile to acclimate, it also makes this unlike any other YA novel you will have read.
The writing style is stream of conscious and a unique, personal voice. While it may take the reader awhile to acclimate, it also makes this unlike any other YA novel you will have read.
January 9, 2023
Not a huge fan of the narrator, who is a bit much. But, I suppose I'd rather have a character with too much than not enough. As far as MY experience as a reader, it's a 3. But I give it an extra star for handling loving Jesus while loving the same gender in YA novel. Not a popular combo. Also issues of being accepted and not. It's...a bit flimsy on the plot, but I acknowledge that if one fleshes it out much, it might not feel as applicable to someone reading it.
So in 2023, it gets a 4 for being a book that should have existed at least 30 years ago, but in 30 years, maybe we'll all be lucky if it is far out-classed by many other examples of gay characters who also are Catholic/Christian.
So in 2023, it gets a 4 for being a book that should have existed at least 30 years ago, but in 30 years, maybe we'll all be lucky if it is far out-classed by many other examples of gay characters who also are Catholic/Christian.
March 28, 2022
Written by my dear friends husband, but not even a biased review. I loved this book. The writing style was different, but it worked well for my ADHD brain. It kept my attention, it made me cry for what people of the LGBTQ+ community have gone through, and smile for the love that can/will be found when you find yourself. If you are a Christian struggling with your sexuality, it’s worth a read. If you aren’t struggling with your sexuality it’s still worth a read. Also, Kummerspeck is my new favorite word. <3
April 12, 2022
Shoemaker engaging writing style, full of heart, humor, and quirkiness, to this story of love navigating its way through through challenges faced by so many of our LGBTQIA+ youth. I encourage everyone to give it a read, and encourage parents and teachers to read it to their young charges. I hope it finds its way to bookshelves in every library in every school, every town, every city. It's that good. It's that needed. It's that special.
November 14, 2022
I feel forelsket and kilig about Kummerspeck. Thank you, Joel. ❤️
April 29, 2025
This was the sweetest and most endearing book. I read it in one sitting - it's a mix between short story and novel.
April 9, 2022
A story with big heart and a delightfully quirky writing style.
February 26, 2023
A delightful read for everyone. But should be required reading for anyone coming out of the closet. Very amusing (1) and light hearted.
(1) aided by footnotes
(1) aided by footnotes
June 6, 2023
The formatting was very different than anything I have ever read, but I quickly caught on and was able to enjoy the story of young love and how religion and queerness are not mutually exclusive. I LOVE the footnotes that Joel added in!
February 21, 2022
Although knowing the author makes this book even more special, the writing style is unique and so much fun. There were laughs, there were tears, and I cannot recommend this book enough. Heart-warming and a book to be read over and over again.
October 28, 2024
This book will not be for everyone and I’m one of them. It took a while for me to understand what was going on. The first part of the novel I didn’t know who was talking/describing the story and I just wasn’t a fan of the way this was written.
That said, this is an intriguing short, quick and inspiring novel. For those that enjoy quirky and different writing styles this may be the book for you. I did enjoy the storyline when I started to understand what was happening, it just took awhile for me.
That said, this is an intriguing short, quick and inspiring novel. For those that enjoy quirky and different writing styles this may be the book for you. I did enjoy the storyline when I started to understand what was happening, it just took awhile for me.
January 25, 2022
High school student Tim moves into a town in Central Illinois, and becomes fast friends with classmate Charlie. Charlie and Tim realize that they might be more than friends, but can their relationship survive the disapproval of their church community? This short book was written in an engaging, modern conversational style, but dared to tackle an important subject, how to navigate Christianity as a Jesus-loving gay teen without throwing it all out the window. I particularly enjoyed the neat use of footnotes throughout the book. Thought-provoking fast-read for teens or those who care about teens.
December 19, 2022
This is a charming, quarky, sweet story that i could not put down. The way this book was written with footnotes to the exotic vocabulary was drawing in auch a unique way. Fantastic and I really hope to see more from this author.
December 19, 2021
I am blessed to say I went to school and performed in a play with the author. I’ve seen him perform in a few productions. I’ve known him to be a many of many eloquent words so to see this style of writing you are quite literally diving into Joel’s head. This is a beautiful story that hits home for many people. I can only pray it comes to light to others in the LGBTQIA+ community they are welcomed and loved!!
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January 6, 2022The world needs more stories like this one. I enjoyed getting to know Charlie and Tim, two gay teens whose faith is central to their identities. Their romance is full of heart and humor The stream-of-consciousness narrative approach takes a little getting used to, but works well once you get into the rhythm. The footnotes and unusual words (Kummerspeck!) add to the fun.
November 4, 2021
This charming, character-centered debut novel is humorous and poignant. The format is unique featuring almost vignette like glimpses into Tom and Charlies lives along with chat conversations. Highly recommend.
January 5, 2022
A great mixture of heart and humor that has the quirky sensibility I’ve come to enjoy from the author himself! In the back, he writes that his prayer is that whoever needs this book will find it and I echo that sentiment as well.
November 3, 2023
The style took a while to get used to, but once I did the story was cute! The style reads like a journal so the story pulls you in.
April 9, 2024
In Bacon Grief, author Joel Shoemaker skillfully navigates the intersection of faith, sexuality, and the tumultuous journey of self-discovery. We’re introduced to Charlie, an exuberant musical theatre aficionado, and Tim, who, with a palate for the peculiar, faces the challenge of reconciling his sexuality with his conservative Christian upbringing. Their online meeting blossoms into a deep and complicated friendship against a backdrop of Christian youth culture, which sets the stage for a narrative that is rich with humor, warmth, and poignant reflections on faith and identity.
Shoemaker’s writing shines in its ability to infuse humor and heart into a story that tackles complex themes. The character development is robust, with Charlie’s unapologetic embrace of his identity providing a stark contrast to Tim’s internal struggles. Their online interactions, which are laced with wit and teenage awkwardness, are particularly well-crafted and capture the authenticity of youthful dialogue. While I enjoyed the story, I felt that, at times, the narrative meanders through anecdotes and backstories, which, while charming, occasionally take readers away from the central storyline. Despite this, the novel’s heart remains in its exploration of acceptance, both self and societal, within the context of religious belief.
The thematic juxtaposition of conservative Christianity and LGBTQIA+ issues is handled with both sensitivity and boldness. Shoemaker doesn’t shy away from depicting the pain and conflict inherent in such a clash but also injects a sense of hope and potential for reconciliation. The characters’ journey through the landscape of religious dogma, family expectations, and self-acceptance resonates with a raw honesty that is both touching and thought-provoking.
Bacon Grief is a provocative novel that offers a story that is as entertaining as it is meaningful. This book is an excellent pick for readers who appreciate a blend of humor and depth in their reading. It will particularly resonate with young adults grappling with their identities, as well as anyone interested in the nuanced interplay between faith and sexuality. Shoemaker’s book is a heartening reminder that amidst life’s challenges, acceptance and love can often find a way.
Shoemaker’s writing shines in its ability to infuse humor and heart into a story that tackles complex themes. The character development is robust, with Charlie’s unapologetic embrace of his identity providing a stark contrast to Tim’s internal struggles. Their online interactions, which are laced with wit and teenage awkwardness, are particularly well-crafted and capture the authenticity of youthful dialogue. While I enjoyed the story, I felt that, at times, the narrative meanders through anecdotes and backstories, which, while charming, occasionally take readers away from the central storyline. Despite this, the novel’s heart remains in its exploration of acceptance, both self and societal, within the context of religious belief.
The thematic juxtaposition of conservative Christianity and LGBTQIA+ issues is handled with both sensitivity and boldness. Shoemaker doesn’t shy away from depicting the pain and conflict inherent in such a clash but also injects a sense of hope and potential for reconciliation. The characters’ journey through the landscape of religious dogma, family expectations, and self-acceptance resonates with a raw honesty that is both touching and thought-provoking.
Bacon Grief is a provocative novel that offers a story that is as entertaining as it is meaningful. This book is an excellent pick for readers who appreciate a blend of humor and depth in their reading. It will particularly resonate with young adults grappling with their identities, as well as anyone interested in the nuanced interplay between faith and sexuality. Shoemaker’s book is a heartening reminder that amidst life’s challenges, acceptance and love can often find a way.
April 12, 2022
The subject matter of this book is probably the most important part. This book is so much more than relevant. The author conveys the story in a witty, believable way. I always say the very best books are ones where you find yourself wanting to sit down and talk with the characters and Bacon Grief does not disappoint!
December 28, 2022
This was reviewed for work and competition therefore I can not share.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews