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Fadeaway #1
Going the Distance
A Harmony Ink Press Young Adult Title
Book One
From the Tales from Foster High Universe
Looking like the perfect all-American boy—tall, handsome, and athletic—makes it easy for Danny Monroe to blend in with the in-crowd of a new high school. It’s a trick he picked up moving with his father from one Marine base to the next. When you aren’t going to be around long, it’s better to give people what they want. And what they want are his quick hands and fast feet on the basketball court.
On court, he can be himself and ignore certain strange developing urges. Everyone knows you can’t like boys and be a jock, but for Danny his growing attraction is becoming overwhelming. At the thought of losing the only thing that matters, Danny starts to panic and realizes he has a choice to happiness or basketball.
Book One
From the Tales from Foster High Universe
Looking like the perfect all-American boy—tall, handsome, and athletic—makes it easy for Danny Monroe to blend in with the in-crowd of a new high school. It’s a trick he picked up moving with his father from one Marine base to the next. When you aren’t going to be around long, it’s better to give people what they want. And what they want are his quick hands and fast feet on the basketball court.
On court, he can be himself and ignore certain strange developing urges. Everyone knows you can’t like boys and be a jock, but for Danny his growing attraction is becoming overwhelming. At the thought of losing the only thing that matters, Danny starts to panic and realizes he has a choice to happiness or basketball.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2014
5 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
John Goode
35 books667 followersJohn Goode is a member of the class of '88 from Hogwarts school of wizardry, specializing in incantations and spoken spells. At the age of 14 he proudly represented District 13 in the 65th Panem games where he was disqualified for crying uncontrollably before the competition began. After that he moved to Forks, Washington where, against all odds, dated the hot, incredibly approachable werewolf instead of the stuck up jerk of a vampire but was crushed when he found out the werewolf was actually gayer than he was. After that he turned down the mandatory operation everyone must receive at 16 to become pretty citing that everyone pretty were just too stupid to live before moving away for greener pastures. After falling down an oddly large rabbit hole he became huge when his love for cakes combined with his inability to resist what sparsely worded notes commanded and was finally kicked out when he began playing solitaire with the Red Queen's 4th armored division. By 18 he had found the land in the back of his wardrobe but decided that thinly veiled religious allegories where not the neighbors he desired. When last seen he had become obsessed with growing a pair of wings after becoming obsessed with Fang's blog and hasn't been seen since.
Or he is this guy who lives in this place and writes stuff he hopes you read.
Or he is this guy who lives in this place and writes stuff he hopes you read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 3, 2025
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“I was waiting for a great gust of wind to choose for me once and for all and push me in the direction I needed to go. But the older I grew, the more it dawned on me that the decision was going to be up to me.
Which way? How to get there? Where is “there”?”
Why is it that every time I read a John Goode book, I'm always left feeling either angry or just emotionally exhausted? I can never win with him; and in a way, neither can his characters. 🥺 And much like Brad of Foster High, as much as rising basketball star six-foot six Danny aims of Going the Distance with a lucrative college future making him name resound off hoops and the court, there's too much on his plate already to make him even consider dedicating himself completely to basketball, when so much of his own emotional and personal turmoil is making certain that it intends to destroy him. 😟
I really was aiming to bid adieu to John Goode after Tales, but Danny was mentioned in the final book, and well, curiosity is my nemesis, so here we are. 😅 Danny's narration was rough and abrasive; but it was also very honest and from the heart. One where he wanted more than anything to escape the pressures of being straight, while knowing that being straight was the only way he would survive the cut-throat expectations of what it means to make it big. 'I no longer had any idea what happiness felt like.' My heart hurt at times for how deep his own guilt and shame ran - how he loathed the thought of disappointing his father, yearning to always meet his approval, desperate to appear normal so that he could simply fit in, already feeling like a freak, due to his height and talent. 😥
“I can’t do it any more, Nate, I can’t. I just want to be normal. I just want to be another guy.” I felt a sob shudder through me. “I’m tired of all of this. I just want to be normal.”
And that's always what gets to me; this onslaught of watching John Goode's protagonists ride the waves of homophobia amidst an athletic field that disapproves of lingering attachments between their players. It's not pretty - and people in Danny's life make a point of making that known - time and time again. 😢 But, there are people who understand where he is coming from, people like Nate, his pseudo-older brother who shows him that it is okay to be gay and he'll love him no matter what. "We’re all freaks; it’s what makes us interesting.' 🫂 Despite a crippling injury that left him hanging in the balance of whether or not he'll ever get to fulfill his dream of playing basketball, Danny eventually does make his way back onto the court. And he proves himself - to his Coach, to his single father, to the girls he's expected to be attracted to. It's a colossal weight of expectations that I had to wade through and wonder if Danny would make it to the shores - alive and intact.
I also find myself sometimes at odds at whether or not the crude dialogue and language is a reflection of the author's views or is it intended to depict the ways of Texans as realistically as possible. Using the term retard continuously became a little bit offensive for me; I mean, was it necessary? 😒 I also did not like the 180 Danny's father did after the way he first caught Danny in a compromising situation - owning up to his mistake, and then having the nerve to say to his son that he's on the path to nowhere if he ignores his sexuality the way that he's doing - 'he half sobbed. “No, son, I wanted you to be happy.' Do you know how much you could have spared Danny of the pain and abuse he self-inflicted upon himself that he's lived since he was fifteen - watching his every action, questioning his every deliberation, because he knew the retribution would be too costly. 😢 Harming himself so severely that it could cause irrevocable damage. It hurt me so much and frustrated me even more so, why do parents get to be parents ONLY when they realize how much their words have cut deep? How they weren't being parents when they needed to be, and no one is the wiser...
“There’s nothing wrong with you, dork. You’re just different, and there’s nothing wrong with being different. You haven’t figured that out yet, but you will.”
But, as much as it bothered me, the dedication plays in my mind; how the author wrote this for all gay athletes, who have faced these struggles. The need to cover up their initial desires and scope out females, instead, so that they wouldn't be targeted for derision or ridicule. 🥺 Danny's confused state over trying to figure out what exactly is the right way to behave was stressful - but so very palpable and believable. How his father's disappointment in him, shattered all his own expectations and yearnings - ' now I knew what was inside me. It was my duty to try to keep it under control.' It was strange how there was not much attention drawn towards his teammates' reaction this time around; the lack of how he never really feared that he would be called out for looking at them inappropriately - rather his lack of response to attraction to any of them. 😓 For him, his teammates were just for the game - his sole focus and intent. So, to see that most of his concerns were happening off the field was a different take for me.
Still, it is what it is; contemporary fiction that delves deep into the basest form of how one behaves when facing the challenges of trying to appease a father's expectation, while drowning oneself in the effort of doing so. 💔💔 At the threshold of his college freshman year, Danny is putting behind all the years of doubt and desperation of never being caught in that sort of compromising position again that his father would hold against him - 'him judging me and me feeling like absolute shit about it.' hat one critical and traumatic moment in his life forever compelled him to act rashly and intensely in the face of his attractions that threatened to bubble forth, as well as the friendships that were forever tarnished in the hope of saving reputation in the hopeful prospects of aiming for new heights. If that is the price of pursuing a future in basketball - the game that brings him the most happiness - is the cost worth it? The risk of hiding away who he is simply so that what his sexuality is will not be called into question? It is a tough spot he's in, and I am curious to see what the next step of his journey will lead him on. 🙏🏻
“I was waiting for a great gust of wind to choose for me once and for all and push me in the direction I needed to go. But the older I grew, the more it dawned on me that the decision was going to be up to me.
Which way? How to get there? Where is “there”?”
Why is it that every time I read a John Goode book, I'm always left feeling either angry or just emotionally exhausted? I can never win with him; and in a way, neither can his characters. 🥺 And much like Brad of Foster High, as much as rising basketball star six-foot six Danny aims of Going the Distance with a lucrative college future making him name resound off hoops and the court, there's too much on his plate already to make him even consider dedicating himself completely to basketball, when so much of his own emotional and personal turmoil is making certain that it intends to destroy him. 😟
I really was aiming to bid adieu to John Goode after Tales, but Danny was mentioned in the final book, and well, curiosity is my nemesis, so here we are. 😅 Danny's narration was rough and abrasive; but it was also very honest and from the heart. One where he wanted more than anything to escape the pressures of being straight, while knowing that being straight was the only way he would survive the cut-throat expectations of what it means to make it big. 'I no longer had any idea what happiness felt like.' My heart hurt at times for how deep his own guilt and shame ran - how he loathed the thought of disappointing his father, yearning to always meet his approval, desperate to appear normal so that he could simply fit in, already feeling like a freak, due to his height and talent. 😥
“I can’t do it any more, Nate, I can’t. I just want to be normal. I just want to be another guy.” I felt a sob shudder through me. “I’m tired of all of this. I just want to be normal.”
And that's always what gets to me; this onslaught of watching John Goode's protagonists ride the waves of homophobia amidst an athletic field that disapproves of lingering attachments between their players. It's not pretty - and people in Danny's life make a point of making that known - time and time again. 😢 But, there are people who understand where he is coming from, people like Nate, his pseudo-older brother who shows him that it is okay to be gay and he'll love him no matter what. "We’re all freaks; it’s what makes us interesting.' 🫂 Despite a crippling injury that left him hanging in the balance of whether or not he'll ever get to fulfill his dream of playing basketball, Danny eventually does make his way back onto the court. And he proves himself - to his Coach, to his single father, to the girls he's expected to be attracted to. It's a colossal weight of expectations that I had to wade through and wonder if Danny would make it to the shores - alive and intact.
I also find myself sometimes at odds at whether or not the crude dialogue and language is a reflection of the author's views or is it intended to depict the ways of Texans as realistically as possible. Using the term retard continuously became a little bit offensive for me; I mean, was it necessary? 😒 I also did not like the 180 Danny's father did after the way he first caught Danny in a compromising situation - owning up to his mistake, and then having the nerve to say to his son that he's on the path to nowhere if he ignores his sexuality the way that he's doing - 'he half sobbed. “No, son, I wanted you to be happy.' Do you know how much you could have spared Danny of the pain and abuse he self-inflicted upon himself that he's lived since he was fifteen - watching his every action, questioning his every deliberation, because he knew the retribution would be too costly. 😢 Harming himself so severely that it could cause irrevocable damage. It hurt me so much and frustrated me even more so, why do parents get to be parents ONLY when they realize how much their words have cut deep? How they weren't being parents when they needed to be, and no one is the wiser...
“There’s nothing wrong with you, dork. You’re just different, and there’s nothing wrong with being different. You haven’t figured that out yet, but you will.”
But, as much as it bothered me, the dedication plays in my mind; how the author wrote this for all gay athletes, who have faced these struggles. The need to cover up their initial desires and scope out females, instead, so that they wouldn't be targeted for derision or ridicule. 🥺 Danny's confused state over trying to figure out what exactly is the right way to behave was stressful - but so very palpable and believable. How his father's disappointment in him, shattered all his own expectations and yearnings - ' now I knew what was inside me. It was my duty to try to keep it under control.' It was strange how there was not much attention drawn towards his teammates' reaction this time around; the lack of how he never really feared that he would be called out for looking at them inappropriately - rather his lack of response to attraction to any of them. 😓 For him, his teammates were just for the game - his sole focus and intent. So, to see that most of his concerns were happening off the field was a different take for me.
Still, it is what it is; contemporary fiction that delves deep into the basest form of how one behaves when facing the challenges of trying to appease a father's expectation, while drowning oneself in the effort of doing so. 💔💔 At the threshold of his college freshman year, Danny is putting behind all the years of doubt and desperation of never being caught in that sort of compromising position again that his father would hold against him - 'him judging me and me feeling like absolute shit about it.' hat one critical and traumatic moment in his life forever compelled him to act rashly and intensely in the face of his attractions that threatened to bubble forth, as well as the friendships that were forever tarnished in the hope of saving reputation in the hopeful prospects of aiming for new heights. If that is the price of pursuing a future in basketball - the game that brings him the most happiness - is the cost worth it? The risk of hiding away who he is simply so that what his sexuality is will not be called into question? It is a tough spot he's in, and I am curious to see what the next step of his journey will lead him on. 🙏🏻
December 21, 2016
*bumping it up to 5 stars cause of John Goode*
Preparing for Edge of Glory. It has been 2 years since I read Danny's story but rereading his story has been even better!!!
first read 2014, November 28th
4,5 stars
I should probably from now on write my reviews right after when I finish the book.
When the emotions have not yet reduced!!
So this is how I’m feeling now…
I loved Danny from the start… His clumsiness, his difficulties accepting his body for being so huge… It was kinda sweet and heartbreaking sometimes!!
I disliked his father in the beginning for rejecting his child and giving his child the feeling not being good enough!!
This really influenced Danny throughout his teens. Danny always felt he was letting his dad down.. Letting Danny think he was
There was only one way I was going to be able to change my dad’s opinion of me and make him proud of me once and for all. An action that would redeem me in his eyes and end my own internal questions in one fell swoop.
I needed to find myself a girlfriend.
When Danny and his father move back to the US, Danny goes to a public highschool where he can practice good basketball and become the best he could be.
It’s there where he becomes good friends with Cody and he is confronted again with “his being different”
The story continues with Danny’s struggle with his identity, coming out for his sexual preference as an athlete… It shouldn’t have to be such a big deal.. I really hate that it’s anyone’s business at all…
Danny keeps being into denial and feels the needs to prove to everyone and especially himself – that he’s straight..
Again, I loved Father Mulligan!!!
“The church is not a sports team. We are not one side that is arbitrarily picked to be against another. You see perverts, and I see sick people who need to be healed. You see murderers, and I see fallen brothers and sisters who have never needed love more in their lives. And you see faggots, and I see a group of God’s children being hated for just being. And you say you are faithful Christians, and I see a group of hateful people masquerading as children of God.”
I reeeally loved the Nate/Nathan. Sigh…. He was such a supportive friend/brother for Danny. I really wished Danny would have listened to him…
When Sam was introduced, I was excited for Danny.. Should this be the one.. But I reckon it’s all too soon for Danny at this moment..
He has a long way to go, accepting himself so I’ll be rooting for him in the continuing series!!!
February 7, 2017
reread 01/07/2017 - EXQUISITE!!
---------------------
Hi!
Ok, so here it goes: this was not what I expected.
"Why?" you ask? Well, although while reading the book you can feel John's unique touch with the descriptions, the funny one-liners, the ridiculous comparisons that make your snort water through your nose (thank you for that btw, John *narrows eyes* :P) you won't meet a Kyle who wants to save the world or a Kane who follows his love into a different universe just to be with him..
No, you meet Danny: he's not perfect, he struggles with his identity, with his sexuality, with being a good person, but most importantly he's scared of disappointing his father. It was hard being in his head, reading about his pain, how hard he tries to be "normal" (notice the quotation marks). I just want to hug him.. and also slap him a little (you know for removing head out of ass purposes :D).
I understand why Danny's story had to be this way, it's not easy being a gay athlete and although more and more people don't care about this anymore, it's still such a big deal coming out in sports. SUCH A BIG DEAL! It's always "breaking news", there are always tons of discussions, everybody on the planet feeling like they deserve the right to comment about some's sexuality, someone's identity.. Why? Why is that? It always brings tears to my eyes; thinking someone can't do the things he/she loves most in the world because some closed minded people care about what they do in their private life.. it makes me sick..
So I get it, I get why this is not just a 'boy meets boy and everybody's happy' story.. I loved the fact the subject of religion came about (oh how I loved Father Thomas Mulligan's speech, that was EPIC!!), because this is the main excuse ignorant people use to throw rocks at LBGT athletes (or at everybody for that matter). I liked the way it evolved throughout the story and how it affected Danny (the wrong way, but it's how the world works).
Regarding Danny and his romantic interests .. *sigh* that was so difficult.. I may have cringed a little at times and and I'm not really sure what's going to happened next.. Not sure what to think about Sam .
I did luuuuurve Danny's father and Nathan! Both were such good supporters (even if they did make some mistakes at first-->I'm looking at you Mr. Dannny's father!), they tried really hard to make Danny accept himself and make good decisions.
And of course I love Danny (flaws and all) and hurt for him! *heavy sigh* Looking forward to reading more about his life (soon would be good *bats lashes at John*) and hope there will be more romance stuff in the next one :D
Hugs!
---------------------
Hi!
Ok, so here it goes: this was not what I expected.
"Why?" you ask? Well, although while reading the book you can feel John's unique touch with the descriptions, the funny one-liners, the ridiculous comparisons that make your snort water through your nose (thank you for that btw, John *narrows eyes* :P) you won't meet a Kyle who wants to save the world or a Kane who follows his love into a different universe just to be with him..
No, you meet Danny: he's not perfect, he struggles with his identity, with his sexuality, with being a good person, but most importantly he's scared of disappointing his father. It was hard being in his head, reading about his pain, how hard he tries to be "normal" (notice the quotation marks). I just want to hug him.. and also slap him a little (you know for removing head out of ass purposes :D).
I understand why Danny's story had to be this way, it's not easy being a gay athlete and although more and more people don't care about this anymore, it's still such a big deal coming out in sports. SUCH A BIG DEAL! It's always "breaking news", there are always tons of discussions, everybody on the planet feeling like they deserve the right to comment about some's sexuality, someone's identity.. Why? Why is that? It always brings tears to my eyes; thinking someone can't do the things he/she loves most in the world because some closed minded people care about what they do in their private life.. it makes me sick..
So I get it, I get why this is not just a 'boy meets boy and everybody's happy' story.. I loved the fact the subject of religion came about (oh how I loved Father Thomas Mulligan's speech, that was EPIC!!), because this is the main excuse ignorant people use to throw rocks at LBGT athletes (or at everybody for that matter). I liked the way it evolved throughout the story and how it affected Danny (the wrong way, but it's how the world works).
Regarding Danny and his romantic interests .. *sigh* that was so difficult.. I may have cringed a little at times and and I'm not really sure what's going to happened next.. Not sure what to think about Sam .
I did luuuuurve Danny's father and Nathan! Both were such good supporters (even if they did make some mistakes at first-->I'm looking at you Mr. Dannny's father!), they tried really hard to make Danny accept himself and make good decisions.
And of course I love Danny (flaws and all) and hurt for him! *heavy sigh* Looking forward to reading more about his life (soon would be good *bats lashes at John*) and hope there will be more romance stuff in the next one :D
Hugs!
November 28, 2014
I hate having to wait for the next book in a series. Even more, I hate not getting an ending I like to a story I've read. Even more, I hate not getting an ending at the end of a book, but instead, a cliffhanger, and then having to wait some exorbitantly long period of time to get to read the next book - which will probably have another cliffhanger. I hate this book! I hate this author! I hate the freaking publisher who put this book out! I hate my friend who told me he was going to read it so I did too! READ THIS BOOK! I LOVED IT AND RESENTED ANY MOMENT I HAD TO PUT IT DOWN! I CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT INSTALLMENT.
June 12, 2016
Phew what a ride!
What a true and heartfelt story.
I don't know where to start and how... I'm just so overwhelmed... With love and compassion for Danny. With despair about the choices he makes. Gosh, he is so, so lost. He is so out of it, so far away from reality, so contained. He's a mess, really.
But I love him and I need him to be happy, to find his true self, to let go of the lies and self-hatred. And I am sure that he will. Eventually ;-)
There is no one who can show me real life better than John. His stories and characters are so true, they are living and breathing, they become more than a story on a page. He makes me connect to the world.
And I think that is what everyone should have, at least once in a while. We all read for entertainment, and that is good. I'd never judge that. But I feel it is so very important that we don't forget what we are reading about. M/M is a great genre. But it's about real people, about our friends. It's not just something we can read and feel good about. Danny is real. He lives on this earth. It's important we don't forget.
***
I highly recommend this book! I advise to read the Tales from Foster High series first, since this is a spin-off, although it can be read on its own.
***
Thank you, John. Don't ever stop writing. Please.
4.5 stars
What a true and heartfelt story.
I don't know where to start and how... I'm just so overwhelmed... With love and compassion for Danny. With despair about the choices he makes. Gosh, he is so, so lost. He is so out of it, so far away from reality, so contained. He's a mess, really.
But I love him and I need him to be happy, to find his true self, to let go of the lies and self-hatred. And I am sure that he will. Eventually ;-)
There is no one who can show me real life better than John. His stories and characters are so true, they are living and breathing, they become more than a story on a page. He makes me connect to the world.
And I think that is what everyone should have, at least once in a while. We all read for entertainment, and that is good. I'd never judge that. But I feel it is so very important that we don't forget what we are reading about. M/M is a great genre. But it's about real people, about our friends. It's not just something we can read and feel good about. Danny is real. He lives on this earth. It's important we don't forget.
***
I highly recommend this book! I advise to read the Tales from Foster High series first, since this is a spin-off, although it can be read on its own.
***
Thank you, John. Don't ever stop writing. Please.
4.5 stars
December 18, 2016
Three things you should know before I start this rant:
1. This was beautifully written.
2. John Goode is a master of his craft.
3. I hated this story so much I am finding it hard to describe just how much I HATE IT. It should have been titled "Abandon All Hope".
This is extremely difficult to rate - because it deserves a 5 star rating for how well done it is, but I want to give it 1 star for how it made me feel.
Oh, John Goode...why?
@36% Finished...Man, I wanted to put this book down. I even tried to put it aside. But I had to pick it up again.
Damn you, John Goode, for not writing badly so I can quit you and your freaking heartbreaking stories. Because John Goode's writing draws me in like a Venus fly trap.
*reads while pouting*
Why would you want to stop reading this you ask, when I have clearly been engrossed up until this point? Because I hate unhappy endings. There. I said it. I'm a sucker for a happy ending, or at least not a miserable soul-sucking ending. Not that I know if this does or does not have one of those! Let's just say I can see the writing on the wall and it might as well be "REDRUM", ya hear me?
I only realized at 36% (so feel free to call me slow) that this is the story of the guy who showed Brad around at A&M who was in the closet and totally miserable about it.
What did I think I was reading about, you ask? Well, for some reason I got confused and thought this was the story about the kid who showed up in class and declared he was gay at the end of 151 Days . Turns out that dude's "Jared Fisher"...so, yeah, my bad.
This is about Daniel Devin Monroe, and all he's ever wanted to do is play basketball and ignore the fact he likes guys.
Danny's first sexual experience when he is eleven years old is met with such anger from his father, (not because of the act, but because the other boy claims Danny touched him while he was asleep because the other kid's father walks in on them fooling around) that it shapes the self-loathing Danny feels for himself throughout the story.
No matter who comes into his life and says being gay doesn't matter, Danny's complete self-loathing for his desire for other men drowns out any of their words or deeds.
When Danny meets Cody and they like each other I thought, maybe now he'll stop loathing himself for what he wants? But no.
I was hopeful when Danny meets Nate, the big-brother he never had, and Nate is so accepting I thought maybe now...but no.
When he meets Sam...but no.
When he meets Father Mulligan and is so buoyed by his sermon I thought, "Wow, this is great! It'll finally turn around now!" But once again, Danny's self-hatred rears his head and he uses the Bible like a knife to cut away any love and happiness from his life.
Killing your own happiness to make some else proud of you is the stupidest fucking reason to do anything.
Then I thought when Danny's dad finally gives his speech about loving him no matter what, that now, now he'll STOP and just be himself...
...but no.
I just...Oh my God the self-loathing in the story killed me. Killed. Me.
Also, it ends...without an ending. Just sayin'.
I mean, we know from 151 Days that Danny goes to school at A&M and continues to hide who he really is...and that just makes me unbelievably sad.
BTW, this is what's written in the notes of the book:
There are three books in this series: the one you are holding now; the next one, which is him in college; and the last one, which is him as a young adult. This I promise you, because I know some people don’t like to invest their time in a book series unless they know it’s going somewhere.
*sighs*
This is an excerpt from 151 Days , which, if you haven't read the Tales From Foster High stories, why not? No, seriously. Get on that.
TFFH Brad's POV and talking with Danny, who is the MC of this book - Going The Distance:
So, yeah, this makes me inordinately sad because I know there is no HEA (or even HFN) at the end of this story.
Damnit to all to hell, but I'll be one of the first in line for the others in the series.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
1. This was beautifully written.
2. John Goode is a master of his craft.
3. I hated this story so much I am finding it hard to describe just how much I HATE IT. It should have been titled "Abandon All Hope".
This is extremely difficult to rate - because it deserves a 5 star rating for how well done it is, but I want to give it 1 star for how it made me feel.
Oh, John Goode...why?
@36% Finished...Man, I wanted to put this book down. I even tried to put it aside. But I had to pick it up again.
Damn you, John Goode, for not writing badly so I can quit you and your freaking heartbreaking stories. Because John Goode's writing draws me in like a Venus fly trap.
*reads while pouting*
Why would you want to stop reading this you ask, when I have clearly been engrossed up until this point? Because I hate unhappy endings. There. I said it. I'm a sucker for a happy ending, or at least not a miserable soul-sucking ending. Not that I know if this does or does not have one of those! Let's just say I can see the writing on the wall and it might as well be "REDRUM", ya hear me?
I only realized at 36% (so feel free to call me slow) that this is the story of the guy who showed Brad around at A&M who was in the closet and totally miserable about it.
What did I think I was reading about, you ask? Well, for some reason I got confused and thought this was the story about the kid who showed up in class and declared he was gay at the end of 151 Days . Turns out that dude's "Jared Fisher"...so, yeah, my bad.
This is about Daniel Devin Monroe, and all he's ever wanted to do is play basketball and ignore the fact he likes guys.
Danny's first sexual experience when he is eleven years old is met with such anger from his father, (not because of the act, but because the other boy claims Danny touched him while he was asleep because the other kid's father walks in on them fooling around) that it shapes the self-loathing Danny feels for himself throughout the story.
No matter who comes into his life and says being gay doesn't matter, Danny's complete self-loathing for his desire for other men drowns out any of their words or deeds.
When Danny meets Cody and they like each other I thought, maybe now he'll stop loathing himself for what he wants? But no.
I was hopeful when Danny meets Nate, the big-brother he never had, and Nate is so accepting I thought maybe now...but no.
When he meets Sam...but no.
When he meets Father Mulligan and is so buoyed by his sermon I thought, "Wow, this is great! It'll finally turn around now!" But once again, Danny's self-hatred rears his head and he uses the Bible like a knife to cut away any love and happiness from his life.
Killing your own happiness to make some else proud of you is the stupidest fucking reason to do anything.
Then I thought when Danny's dad finally gives his speech about loving him no matter what, that now, now he'll STOP and just be himself...
...but no.
I just...Oh my God the self-loathing in the story killed me. Killed. Me.
Also, it ends...without an ending. Just sayin'.
I mean, we know from 151 Days that Danny goes to school at A&M and continues to hide who he really is...and that just makes me unbelievably sad.
BTW, this is what's written in the notes of the book:
There are three books in this series: the one you are holding now; the next one, which is him in college; and the last one, which is him as a young adult. This I promise you, because I know some people don’t like to invest their time in a book series unless they know it’s going somewhere.
*sighs*
This is an excerpt from 151 Days , which, if you haven't read the Tales From Foster High stories, why not? No, seriously. Get on that.
TFFH Brad's POV and talking with Danny, who is the MC of this book - Going The Distance:
So, yeah, this makes me inordinately sad because I know there is no HEA (or even HFN) at the end of this story.
Damnit to all to hell, but I'll be one of the first in line for the others in the series.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
December 21, 2016
ARGH!!!!! John, you can’t keep doing this to us, these cliffies will be the death of me...and since when has there been a ‘Kyle Stileno Foundation to Minimize the Number of Asshats in the World’?? And why wasn’t I invited to join, hmn?? 5 Golden NBA stars from me, for this unbelievably good...just AMAZING piece of fiction.
Daniel Devin Monroe. You will KILL me. You are NOT a freak!! It’s not about living up to everyone else’s expectations; it’s about living up to your OWN, and being happy in your own skin. So what if people expect you to be straight, normal...whatever THAT is?? Who gets to say what’s normal and what’s not in this crazy world we live in, and WHO put them in charge anyway??
Basketball, pfft!! Yeah, know next to nothing about it. An extremely well-paid version of netball if you have the skill, with quick hands and feet..and a brain to match. I get that for some people it’s like a religion (football fan here), I really do BUT there are limits, there MUST be limits surely as to what they, the coaches, can reasonably expect of you as far as your personal life is concerned (cos you know, you’re BOUND to perv on everyone in the changing rooms, start sprouting boners and ‘infect’ everyone with your gayness....).
Nate.... I luvs ya. Anyone who can say things like.....
‘You’re a great guy, Danny, and if I could be gay for you, I would.’
‘You think you’re broken, Danny? I see my brother everywhere I look. I see someone his age, and I wonder if that’s what he would look like. I see brothers fucking around, and it’s like I lost a limb but can still feel it ache.’
‘You’re not messed up at all, Danny. So you like guys; that isn’t messed up, that’s the way God made you. I don’t think there’s a thing wrong with it, and neither should you.’
‘Dude, we’re all freaks inside. Normal is just the lie we all agree to tell the public.’
...just turns me into a puddle of goo...oh and tears, there were plenty of those.
Daniel Devin Monroe. You will KILL me. You are NOT a freak!! It’s not about living up to everyone else’s expectations; it’s about living up to your OWN, and being happy in your own skin. So what if people expect you to be straight, normal...whatever THAT is?? Who gets to say what’s normal and what’s not in this crazy world we live in, and WHO put them in charge anyway??
Basketball, pfft!! Yeah, know next to nothing about it. An extremely well-paid version of netball if you have the skill, with quick hands and feet..and a brain to match. I get that for some people it’s like a religion (football fan here), I really do BUT there are limits, there MUST be limits surely as to what they, the coaches, can reasonably expect of you as far as your personal life is concerned (cos you know, you’re BOUND to perv on everyone in the changing rooms, start sprouting boners and ‘infect’ everyone with your gayness....).
Nate.... I luvs ya. Anyone who can say things like.....
‘You’re a great guy, Danny, and if I could be gay for you, I would.’
‘You think you’re broken, Danny? I see my brother everywhere I look. I see someone his age, and I wonder if that’s what he would look like. I see brothers fucking around, and it’s like I lost a limb but can still feel it ache.’
‘You’re not messed up at all, Danny. So you like guys; that isn’t messed up, that’s the way God made you. I don’t think there’s a thing wrong with it, and neither should you.’
‘Dude, we’re all freaks inside. Normal is just the lie we all agree to tell the public.’
...just turns me into a puddle of goo...oh and tears, there were plenty of those.
December 1, 2014
I don't know how to link it but I HIGHLY recommend y'all read Julie's review
So 5 star fabulous!
In general I have to say that I think its remarkable that John can create such life-like characters, they are so real. I love them like friends/children, etc.
Danny was too adorable. I loved that he was awkward and shy and sweet. My heart broke for him on more than one occasion. I wanted to defend him and protect him and yes, there were a few times when I wanted to shake him. I think that's the measure of great writing--feeling the entire rainbow of emotions, that's what real life is like. I think this one hit me a little different than the others I have read, I think someone else--maybe Julie? mentioned this as well...that as a mom, this is tough to read.
It's especially hard to read about a child feeling like they have disappointed their parent or that their parent is disappointed because of who they are and the intense desire to just be anything other than who you are for fear that you will let someone down, or have to give up something you love or just in general be shunned. It kind of took a toll on my poor little heart. Danny's dad, though at first a real ...ugh...turned out to be pretty fantastic. And Nate...gah! Where can I find one of him? Absolute best kind of friend to have, just loved it.
I think readers will definitely run through every possible emotion when reading this, but even when disappointed in Danny's decisions--and he made a few I wasn't fond of, you still love him and want him to be happy.
The cliffy's are KILLING me John! KILLING ME!!! Have you no sympathy for momo?
Waiting patiently for the continuation.
So 5 star fabulous!
In general I have to say that I think its remarkable that John can create such life-like characters, they are so real. I love them like friends/children, etc.
Danny was too adorable. I loved that he was awkward and shy and sweet. My heart broke for him on more than one occasion. I wanted to defend him and protect him and yes, there were a few times when I wanted to shake him. I think that's the measure of great writing--feeling the entire rainbow of emotions, that's what real life is like. I think this one hit me a little different than the others I have read, I think someone else--maybe Julie? mentioned this as well...that as a mom, this is tough to read.
It's especially hard to read about a child feeling like they have disappointed their parent or that their parent is disappointed because of who they are and the intense desire to just be anything other than who you are for fear that you will let someone down, or have to give up something you love or just in general be shunned. It kind of took a toll on my poor little heart. Danny's dad, though at first a real ...ugh...turned out to be pretty fantastic. And Nate...gah! Where can I find one of him? Absolute best kind of friend to have, just loved it.
I think readers will definitely run through every possible emotion when reading this, but even when disappointed in Danny's decisions--and he made a few I wasn't fond of, you still love him and want him to be happy.
The cliffy's are KILLING me John! KILLING ME!!! Have you no sympathy for momo?
Waiting patiently for the continuation.
February 18, 2016
Convoview brought to you by Paul & Marcie.
Paul: ...yeah. So tell me what you thought of the last %.
Me: I was sad. The choices he made... :/ I mean, I totally get how and why he did and thinks the way he thinks. I just wish he wasn't in those situations. I wanted to be there & talk to him- shake some freaking sense into him: Don't [spoiler ;)]!!! But I get it. His choices, his thought process. Life is hard. Life as a teenager even harder. Life as someone who is trying to find himself, his identity must be overwhelming.
I wished he would of took the opportunity there at the end with his dad and [spoiler ;)] But things always seem easier than what they really are. Especially for people who are on the outside looking in.
But yes, I enjoyed it!
Paul: Yes. I totally agree.
You should put that in your review.
Me: You think so?
You know my struggles with reviews. But when talking things over with you...stuff just comes out.
#mymuse ;)
Paul: Yep.
Just copy and paste our entire conversation about it ;)
[........]
And there you have it folks. He didn't need to tell me twice ;). But in a nutshell: I liked Danny (and Nate (& basketball))! I enjoyed the book! And I'm looking forward to the series.
Paul, thanks for the (spontaneous) BR and keeping the excitement in our relationship going.
;-P ;-*
Paul: ...yeah. So tell me what you thought of the last %.
Me: I was sad. The choices he made... :/ I mean, I totally get how and why he did and thinks the way he thinks. I just wish he wasn't in those situations. I wanted to be there & talk to him- shake some freaking sense into him: Don't [spoiler ;)]!!! But I get it. His choices, his thought process. Life is hard. Life as a teenager even harder. Life as someone who is trying to find himself, his identity must be overwhelming.
I wished he would of took the opportunity there at the end with his dad and [spoiler ;)] But things always seem easier than what they really are. Especially for people who are on the outside looking in.
But yes, I enjoyed it!
Paul: Yes. I totally agree.
You should put that in your review.
Me: You think so?
You know my struggles with reviews. But when talking things over with you...stuff just comes out.
#mymuse ;)
Paul: Yep.
Just copy and paste our entire conversation about it ;)
[........]
And there you have it folks. He didn't need to tell me twice ;). But in a nutshell: I liked Danny (and Nate (& basketball))! I enjoyed the book! And I'm looking forward to the series.
Paul, thanks for the (spontaneous) BR and keeping the excitement in our relationship going.
;-P ;-*
February 7, 2017
I enjoyed the beginning of Danny's story so much. <3 Can't wait to read the second book!!!
December 7, 2014
When we meet Danny for the first time he’s barely a teenager and struggling with a life that doesn’t handle him with kid gloves. After losing his mom when he was just 5 years old he is used to spending his childhood on different military bases. He refers to himself as the typical base brat… and not in a good way.
Scared that his dad will leave him like his mom did he struggles with his feelings. He wants to fit in, he wants to be normal, he wants to like girls and hates himself because he can’t. He is attracted to boys and his first encounter with a boy on a base in Germany ends disastrous but with a new beginning as well. Danny discovers his love for Basketball, a love that becomes a vital part of his life.
Oh, I was struggling with my feelings for this boy. At first I suffered with Danny, later in the story I felt the urge to kick his ass and set him straight (pun intended). :)
Btw, I’m a big fan of John, Danny’s dad who loves his son with everything he has. If only Danny would follow his advice…
"Things work out the way they want to.
We can push and pull and fight every second of our lives,
but there will always be things that are out of our hands.
All you can do is the best you can and let the chips fall where they fall.”
Near the end of the book Danny is 18 years old and he is blessed with a father who understands and loves him… and still he does anything to prove to himself, his dad and others that he is straight. At this point I was truly tempted to hunt Danny down and choke him with bare hands. Damn, I was so angry with him!
“I know I’m not what you wanted in a son—”
“What?” he said, cutting me off. “Are you serious?”
His voice was angry, and normally I would have been taken aback by it,
but all it did was make me feel worse.
“I know you would have liked someone who wasn’t—”
The word refused to pass my lips. “—who wasn’t wrong.”
He stopped and stared at me with an intensity that made me think
he might go off and hit me for a second.
In a halting voice that cracked with emotion, he asked,
“Did I make you think that? That you weren’t right?”
Anyway, as far as we are in Danny’s life I’m not his greatest fan, can’t he see what he is doing to himself? Please John, let him get his shit together in the future books!
As always John’s story telling is strong, powerful and engrossing, the story, and most of all the dialogues kept me on the edge of my seat. I eagerly anticipated getting to the next scene yet I hesitated as I was afraid of what would come. John has a special way with words that drew me right into the story, his writing is like painting pictures - vivid, intense and complex.
Let me end my review with one argument that broke my heart into a thousand pieces:
“But you wanted me to be straight,”
I said, my voice sounding like I was about to cry too.
He (Danny’s dad) half sobbed.
“No, son, I wanted you to be happy.”
If you don’t like to read stories that end with a cliffhanger, don’t worry. Going The Distance has an open ending, after all it’s the first book of a trilogy that accompanies Danny through his child- and young adulthood, but it doesn’t end with a cliffy.
Highly recommended to those who love reading coming of age- and young adult books.
4 out of 5 stars… we need some room for improvement, right? :)
November 2, 2017
Though I got angry at the lack of an HEA or HFN, I had to remember that this is a chronicle of a young man's life and his struggle with his sexuality and where he is in the world. That this is just part 1 of Danny's journey from birth until the end of high school. The writing is superb did elicit some strong feelings from me about Danny and his dad. I was angry at his dad but then understood this very young man in the military who lost his wife when Danny was quite young who didn't know what to do with his kid who seemed "different." Wanted to hug them both. Very emotional read. Still just so upsetting that kids struggling with puberty also have to struggle with their sexuality and how that doesn't fit what society deems as normal. Eagerly moving onto book 2.
July 28, 2017
This was a tough one for me. It was very raw and dealt primarily with Danny's state of mind an whether he can/will live as a gay man. We are witnesses to him growing up. I hated his dad and then I liked him but damage was already done. I think this book is one of the realest out there when it comes to gay teenagers and their inner thoughts about being gay
March 3, 2017
This YA/NA series first book introduces us to Danny, a teenager whose single father is career military. Danny has moved around the world with him, changing schools. As he reaches his teens in Germany, his developing height and skill with a basketball begin to give him a focus, a purpose, and a way to get the approval that he craves.
At the same time, he figures out he's attracted to other guys. But a difficult experience, and the fear of being gay in the world of sports, make him not only try to hide the fact, but also muddy his internal self-image until he's not sure what he is. Between a fear of disappointing his father, a goal of making the professional leagues where he doesn't dare be gay, and the pressures of fitting in with new groups of guys, Danny's sexuality is a matter of stress and confusion. He doesn't always deal with that well. Danny's a nicely-flawed character. But he's also an interesting one. This first book has a tentative ending, although not a cliffhanger, and I don't think it makes a fully satisfying read on its own, so I immediately picked up the next one.
At the same time, he figures out he's attracted to other guys. But a difficult experience, and the fear of being gay in the world of sports, make him not only try to hide the fact, but also muddy his internal self-image until he's not sure what he is. Between a fear of disappointing his father, a goal of making the professional leagues where he doesn't dare be gay, and the pressures of fitting in with new groups of guys, Danny's sexuality is a matter of stress and confusion. He doesn't always deal with that well. Danny's a nicely-flawed character. But he's also an interesting one. This first book has a tentative ending, although not a cliffhanger, and I don't think it makes a fully satisfying read on its own, so I immediately picked up the next one.
September 29, 2016
John Goode has an uncanny ability to completely blow me away with every book he writes. I love his Tales From Foster High series, it's one of the best and most emotional stories I've ever read. This book is almost as amazing. I love Danny and his teen angst, the reality of struggling with his sexuality while trying to be the star of the basketball team. It was so true to life, nothing overblown or unbelievable, even the lack of an ending, while slightly frustrating, was just like life. The cast of characters were wonderful and I saw a little of my own friends in each one. I hope book 2 comes soon because I want to know what happens next in Danny's life.
June 1, 2015
The reading of this book was my summer gift to myself. After reading lots of YA books this winter and spring in order to be able to recommend them to students, this was the book I chose to read on my first days of summer vacation. And what a perfect book to start out my summer reading spree.
Can I just say that I love Danny? That little glimpse of him in 151 Days was just enough to pique my interest, so when I heard about this book I got grabby hands. There is so much to this young man. We get to witness his life from shortly after his mother is killed in a car crash, where he and his military father have to struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives without her.
They are stationed in Germany, where Danny has all this anger and difficulties adjusting to his new life. He gets in with the wrong crowd, but it’s an unfortunate discovery and betrayal that defines how Danny sees himself. After this, the lengths he would go to in order to hide his sexuality from others – and frankly, from himself – were understandable, but damn, they made my heart hurt.
Initially, I didn’t think I was going to like Danny’s dad after his reaction to the one incident in Germany, but damn, I grew to love that man. He was the one that introduced basketball to Danny, giving Danny his passion in his life. His love and understanding for his son came through with what he did for Danny and some of the advice he tried to convey to his son. If only the two of them could bridge some of the communication gaps with each other.
This book covers Danny’s tween and teenage years. I understand that book 2 of the series covers Danny’s college basketball years, and book 3 his young adult years. All I can say is hot damn. We get two more books in this series. Just pardon my grabby hands.
Can I just say that I love Danny? That little glimpse of him in 151 Days was just enough to pique my interest, so when I heard about this book I got grabby hands. There is so much to this young man. We get to witness his life from shortly after his mother is killed in a car crash, where he and his military father have to struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives without her.
They are stationed in Germany, where Danny has all this anger and difficulties adjusting to his new life. He gets in with the wrong crowd, but it’s an unfortunate discovery and betrayal that defines how Danny sees himself. After this, the lengths he would go to in order to hide his sexuality from others – and frankly, from himself – were understandable, but damn, they made my heart hurt.
Initially, I didn’t think I was going to like Danny’s dad after his reaction to the one incident in Germany, but damn, I grew to love that man. He was the one that introduced basketball to Danny, giving Danny his passion in his life. His love and understanding for his son came through with what he did for Danny and some of the advice he tried to convey to his son. If only the two of them could bridge some of the communication gaps with each other.
This book covers Danny’s tween and teenage years. I understand that book 2 of the series covers Danny’s college basketball years, and book 3 his young adult years. All I can say is hot damn. We get two more books in this series. Just pardon my grabby hands.
June 13, 2015
You and your endings, John Goode, you and your endings...
I just adored Danny....and to tell you the truth, I almost didn't read this one. Why, you ask? I was so wrapped up in Kyle and Brad that I didn't give one crap and Danny in 151 Days. I couldn't imagine giving any craps about him in his own book, I just wanted MORE BRAD AND KYLE!!!! Alas, I was wrong. I should know better than to doubt my very favoritest author...for shame!!!
Danny's story was everything. I loved following him through his childhood from base to base, following the journey that led him to basketball and seeing the relationship between him and his dad grow. There was more than one scene between the two of them that gave me a tear or two (read: a whole bucket). And let's talk about Nate for a second...what an awesome friendship John has written. I loved the support and encouragement and sometimes tough love Nate gave Danny and cannot WAIT to see what's next. I seriously can't wait (let me emphasize....NEED NEXT BOOK NOOOOOOW!) to see where this story goes. I can't wait to see Danny's journey to self acceptance and I hope for lots more of his Dad and Nate too.
Thanks for another fabulous story, John Goode. You are SO fabulous!
I just adored Danny....and to tell you the truth, I almost didn't read this one. Why, you ask? I was so wrapped up in Kyle and Brad that I didn't give one crap and Danny in 151 Days. I couldn't imagine giving any craps about him in his own book, I just wanted MORE BRAD AND KYLE!!!! Alas, I was wrong. I should know better than to doubt my very favoritest author...for shame!!!
Danny's story was everything. I loved following him through his childhood from base to base, following the journey that led him to basketball and seeing the relationship between him and his dad grow. There was more than one scene between the two of them that gave me a tear or two (read: a whole bucket). And let's talk about Nate for a second...what an awesome friendship John has written. I loved the support and encouragement and sometimes tough love Nate gave Danny and cannot WAIT to see what's next. I seriously can't wait (let me emphasize....NEED NEXT BOOK NOOOOOOW!) to see where this story goes. I can't wait to see Danny's journey to self acceptance and I hope for lots more of his Dad and Nate too.
Thanks for another fabulous story, John Goode. You are SO fabulous!
July 16, 2016
Ready for the next one
December 2, 2014
Cliffhanger!!!! Damn you cliffhanger!! John how can you do that to me???
This was the first book I've read by this author and it won’t be my last. Going the Distance was a very real and very touching book about a young boy’s journey to becoming a man. This isn't a book where boy meets boy and they live together happily ever after. No, in this book we meet Danny as a young boy of 11 years old and we witness his struggles with accepting who he is.
Danny is not perfect; he struggles with his identity, with his sexuality, lacks self confidence and he is scared to death of disappointing his father. Danny’s mother died when he was a young boy and now he’s afraid that if he accepts who he really is, his father will leave him as well. It’s really heartbreaking, that insight we get into his private thoughts and feelings. He struggles with trying to be “normal” and just fit in, hates that he’s attracted to boys and will do anything at all to prove to himself and others that he can be straight. I wanted to hug him so tight because he needed someone to show him he’s perfect and loved just the way he is.
Danny does have people that support him; mostly his friend Nate (the absolute best friend anyone could ever wish for) who he met at Basketball camp and his father (whom I wanted to beat the crap out of at first). Danny is an athlete, he has a bright future ahead of him and I understand his reluctance to accept his sexuality. People still make a big deal about gay athletes and once an athlete comes out, everyone thinks his/her private life is open to their judgment and opinions. Nate and eventually Danny’s father try hard to convince Danny to accept who he really is, but Danny struggles. Religion came into play at one point and I really hate it when that happens. But in this case the Father’s speech was amazing and it should have had a positive effect on Danny. Instead Danny becomes obsessed with reading the bible and believes that being a homosexual is a sin.
Danny had a few love interests throughout the book, mostly other boys; his efforts to prove his non-gayness drive him to start dating a girl. Not a big deal, right? Yeah….umm about that! I cringed the whole time Danny and the girl had any sexual encounters because they were very graphic and just...Yuck! I read MM books for a reason, and while I don’t mind hints about hetero sex, this was way too much for my tastes. *shudders*
I loved Danny and I loved his story. I can’t wait to read the next one and find out what happens next in Danny’s life. And I really hope we won’t get tortured with M/F sex in the next book and please oh please John, insert some more MM romance and MM sex. I recommend this book to those who love coming of age stories and young adult books in general.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
This was the first book I've read by this author and it won’t be my last. Going the Distance was a very real and very touching book about a young boy’s journey to becoming a man. This isn't a book where boy meets boy and they live together happily ever after. No, in this book we meet Danny as a young boy of 11 years old and we witness his struggles with accepting who he is.
Danny is not perfect; he struggles with his identity, with his sexuality, lacks self confidence and he is scared to death of disappointing his father. Danny’s mother died when he was a young boy and now he’s afraid that if he accepts who he really is, his father will leave him as well. It’s really heartbreaking, that insight we get into his private thoughts and feelings. He struggles with trying to be “normal” and just fit in, hates that he’s attracted to boys and will do anything at all to prove to himself and others that he can be straight. I wanted to hug him so tight because he needed someone to show him he’s perfect and loved just the way he is.
Danny does have people that support him; mostly his friend Nate (the absolute best friend anyone could ever wish for) who he met at Basketball camp and his father (whom I wanted to beat the crap out of at first). Danny is an athlete, he has a bright future ahead of him and I understand his reluctance to accept his sexuality. People still make a big deal about gay athletes and once an athlete comes out, everyone thinks his/her private life is open to their judgment and opinions. Nate and eventually Danny’s father try hard to convince Danny to accept who he really is, but Danny struggles. Religion came into play at one point and I really hate it when that happens. But in this case the Father’s speech was amazing and it should have had a positive effect on Danny. Instead Danny becomes obsessed with reading the bible and believes that being a homosexual is a sin.
Danny had a few love interests throughout the book, mostly other boys; his efforts to prove his non-gayness drive him to start dating a girl. Not a big deal, right? Yeah….umm about that! I cringed the whole time Danny and the girl had any sexual encounters because they were very graphic and just...Yuck! I read MM books for a reason, and while I don’t mind hints about hetero sex, this was way too much for my tastes. *shudders*
I loved Danny and I loved his story. I can’t wait to read the next one and find out what happens next in Danny’s life. And I really hope we won’t get tortured with M/F sex in the next book and please oh please John, insert some more MM romance and MM sex. I recommend this book to those who love coming of age stories and young adult books in general.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
June 21, 2015
As usual, this was another great read. I look forward to the next installment in the series. It's actually quite refreshing to read a story where there's no immediate love interest stated or expected for the main character to end up with. It just keeps us guessing and adds mystery to it. On the other hand, I really did like Cody's character a lot and I wish it worked out differently, at least to remain friends if not more. Kind of a missed opportunity on Danny's part. He still has a lot of problems to work out though before he can commit to a real relationship and I'm excited to see how he gets to that point. I wish there was a release date for book 2!! The suspense is killing me. That cliffhanger! Why!?
August 28, 2017
I just freaking loved it, I couldn't put it down.
I am so in love with Danny, and all the other characters who are shown.
I could really feel and empathize with Danny. He is just soooo cute :)
Reread it 27.08.17
Still loved it :) Especially the beginning! Danny is just soooo cute.
Lol, I just realized I wrote exactly the same thing last time :'D Well, it's true!!
I am so in love with Danny, and all the other characters who are shown.
I could really feel and empathize with Danny. He is just soooo cute :)
Reread it 27.08.17
Still loved it :) Especially the beginning! Danny is just soooo cute.
Lol, I just realized I wrote exactly the same thing last time :'D Well, it's true!!
September 1, 2018
This was an engaging read.
January 19, 2015
4 star review by Dennis
It’s not easy being the son of a Marine, moving from base to base, but to make it even tougher for Danny is having feelings for guys. When his dad finds out about these feelings, Daniel begins to think there is something wrong with him and that his dad is ashamed of having him for a son. Losing himself playing basketball, he feels he can make his dad proud and then Daniel can deal with his hidden feelings.
Going the Distance is a good coming of age story. As a young teen Daniel has discovered feelings for other boys that some think is wrong, even him. John has a well written story that deals with how a teenager feels with not only being a new kid in high school, but with being a kid who is also trying to discover who he is and what his part in the world is. It is written as if Danny is telling you his own story of growing up with a single dad, who happens to be a Marine, and the things he deals with growing up. There are times when you want to shake Daniel and make him listen to what his dad, John, and his friend, Nate, are saying when they tell him they just want him to be happy. It might not be all rainbows and butterflies but since when is being a teenager, let alone a gay one, ever like that.
Take a chance and give “Going the Distance” a read. I recommend it!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
It’s not easy being the son of a Marine, moving from base to base, but to make it even tougher for Danny is having feelings for guys. When his dad finds out about these feelings, Daniel begins to think there is something wrong with him and that his dad is ashamed of having him for a son. Losing himself playing basketball, he feels he can make his dad proud and then Daniel can deal with his hidden feelings.
Going the Distance is a good coming of age story. As a young teen Daniel has discovered feelings for other boys that some think is wrong, even him. John has a well written story that deals with how a teenager feels with not only being a new kid in high school, but with being a kid who is also trying to discover who he is and what his part in the world is. It is written as if Danny is telling you his own story of growing up with a single dad, who happens to be a Marine, and the things he deals with growing up. There are times when you want to shake Daniel and make him listen to what his dad, John, and his friend, Nate, are saying when they tell him they just want him to be happy. It might not be all rainbows and butterflies but since when is being a teenager, let alone a gay one, ever like that.
Take a chance and give “Going the Distance” a read. I recommend it!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
March 13, 2017
This is quite a story. I can't really classify it yet as an M/M because most of this book is a high school student trying to figure out his sexuality, first exploring it and then denying it to try and please society and his father. But throughout all this, the book is also the story of someone just trying to grow up sane in a world where his mother was tragically killed in an auto accident, his very young Marine dad is trying his best to raise a son on his own, while being assigned frequently to a new base and therefore another new home and school further confusing his already confused son. On top of all of that the boy happens to be over six feet tall and a extremely talented basketball player.
Sounds complicated but the writing is spot on, mostly from the POV of the struggling son, and I enjoyed this immensely. There are no definite conclusions reached in this book #1 about hardly anything and I've started book #2 as our conflicted hero gets a basketball scholarship to Texas A&M and now his sexuality and, indeed, his place in life seems to be coming together. A really good read.
Sounds complicated but the writing is spot on, mostly from the POV of the struggling son, and I enjoyed this immensely. There are no definite conclusions reached in this book #1 about hardly anything and I've started book #2 as our conflicted hero gets a basketball scholarship to Texas A&M and now his sexuality and, indeed, his place in life seems to be coming together. A really good read.
December 29, 2014
I enjoyed this a lot, although initially I didn't think I was going to. The beginning of this book was a little slow for me, and it wasn't until Danny and his dad moved back to the States that things really picked up and I didn't want to put the book down.
Danny as a character frustrated the heck out of me, but he was only seventeen/eighteen by the end of the novel and as such perhaps can't be expected to know who he is yet. I was a little iffy on the religion creeping in at the end, and then bam--end of the book. I wasn't expecting the finish to be quite so sudden, and it felt a little off, but then I suppose that is what makes you keep an eye out for the next in the series!
Danny as a character frustrated the heck out of me, but he was only seventeen/eighteen by the end of the novel and as such perhaps can't be expected to know who he is yet. I was a little iffy on the religion creeping in at the end, and then bam--end of the book. I wasn't expecting the finish to be quite so sudden, and it felt a little off, but then I suppose that is what makes you keep an eye out for the next in the series!
December 15, 2014
I was very disappointed in this book. I loved all the tales from foster book the author wrote so I was expecting to like this book. Instead I found in boring. I found myself skipping large sections to get to the end. I didn't make it. I quit at the 82% mark. I just didn't feel anything for the characters. They didn't seem realistic. I just didn't even care how it would end. That has never happened to me before
March 20, 2015
Once again I was captivated by the amazing ability of John Goode to deliver such an astounding book. I don't know if I'll ever be ready to stop reading his work! On a different note if he makes me cry in public again I might have to leave the nook at home!!! Amazing story, amazing characters and I'm ready for the next one!!! READ THIS BOOK!!!!
set-aside
May 31, 2020I just learned about this book via a Kickstarter for book 2: "Edge Of Glory".
He's the dude who hits on Brad during the campus tour in 151 Days? Cool. I want to read. I always wondered who his lover back home was.
He's the dude who hits on Brad during the campus tour in 151 Days? Cool. I want to read. I always wondered who his lover back home was.
February 22, 2015
What can I say that hasn't been said? Nada. This is another wonderful book by John. I only wish book two were available to snatch up while I'm still in Danny, Nate's and Danny's Dad heads... Please hurry John.... :o)
January 22, 2015
I am not into basketball but still enjoyed this book so much. For me it is more about a boy with a complex and sometimes complicated character finding his path in life. The only thing I disliked (and still dislike) is that I will have to wait for the next book. Highly recommended.
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