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Ómorphi
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October 2013 BotM - Omorphi *spoilers* - *Past Abuse Content (Off page)*
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Thank you again to Kaje, Sammy, and all of the wonderful people who spend their precious time and energy running this group.Blurb about Omorphi:
High school senior Michael Sattler leads a charmed life. He’s a star athlete, has great friends, and parents who love him just the way he is. What’s missing from his life is a boyfriend. That’s a problem because he’s out only to his parents and best friend. When Michael accidentally bumps into Christy Castle at school, his life changes in ways he never imagined. Christy is Michael’s dream guy: smart, pretty, and sexy. But nothing could have prepared Michael for what being Christy's boyfriend would entail.
Christy needs to heal after years of abuse and knows he needs help to do it. After the death of his notorious father, he leaves his native Greece and settles in upstate New York. Alone, afraid, and left without a voice, Christy hides the myriad scars of his abuse. He desperately wants to be loved and when he meets Michael, he dares to hope that day has arrived. When one of Michael’s team-mates becomes an enemy and an abuser from Christy’s past seeks to return him to a life of slavery, only Michael and Christy's combined strength and unwavering determination can save them from the violence that threatens to destroy their future together.
M'kay -everyone- go read Omorphi like... super fast so we can all talk about the feels and stuff. XP
Serith wrote: "M'kay -everyone- go read Omorphi like... super fast so we can all talk about the feels and stuff. XP"LOL Thank you, Serith!!!
ok--hope this works--here is the link to my review. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I cannot say enough about this novel---primarily the way in which the abuse and its horribly damaging affects on Christy was handled. It was compassionate and caring without ever diminishing the very real impact sexual abuse has on the victim. This is such an impressive novel--I just loved it!
Sammy Goode wrote: "ok--hope this works--here is the link to my review. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I cannot say enough about this novel---primarily the way in which the abuse and its horribly ..."
Thank you, Sammy. It was a difficult story to tell without dropping into the polarizing, and often grotesque, subject of abuse. It is a very human story; one that focuses on hope, courage, and triumph, all without dancing around the cruelty of abuse.
Abuse does not define us and we should never judge ourselves by what heartless others have done to us. Even knowing this, the everlasting, invisible scars left by abuse (any kind of abuse) don’t only stunt development, but can be crippling.
Omorphi tells the story of a young man who is determined to live life to the fullest no matter the odds, his confusion, his fears, and triumphs; and how love can help guide the way. Thank you for reading my book.
C. wrote: "Sammy Goode wrote: "ok--hope this works--here is the link to my review. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I cannot say enough about this novel---primarily the way in which the abus..."
In my opinion you met and exceeded all the things you intended with this book, I know there have been some who feel the boys fell in love too fast or that the sometimes violent way they fought off their bullying was not appropriate--I grappled with both those things as I read the book. But in the context of the story, in the way in which these two boys battle through so much, I felt it worked.
Of course I attended a semi private school much like the one in your book so the things that happened on campus to me were very understandable.
I think the bigger issue for me was the way in which you held back from "healing" Christy. And, in fact some of the other children there at the ranch---that was what brought home the realism in this book--the truth--that victims of abuse never get over the abuse--but rather they grow beyond it and learn to cope with it--that was the real strength of your book other than the beautiful characters and compelling story!
Sorry if I am not making sense--hahaha--it is early!
I too have read this book, and it left a lasting impact. My review barely conveys the myriad if emotions it brought out in me. One that stands out is when Michael and Christy discuss making love, and Christy is sad and says it would be the first time for Michael. I loved how Michael turned the sadness around, and says that it would be the first time for Christy too. Because it would be done bc of love.
I cried.
Actually I cried quite a bit while reading. And my heart never beat as fast while reading any book when I got to the end and the chase to (view spoiler)
It's a fantastic book that so realistically depicts the struggles of young girls and boys after the abuse has been stopped. They don't get over it but they learn to cope, setbacks and all.
Thank you, Cody. It was amazing.
You guys have really great insight. It's definitely a story that sticks with you, isn't it? Haunting yet beautiful. It's very easy to love the characters, and I think that's what made it work so well because you get SO invested in their happiness and safety.Oooh Cody, I forgot to ask earlier but I noticed a comment on facebook about one of Christy's interests featuring in the second part - was this a joke or are you actually considering continuing their story?
Sammy Goode wrote: "C. wrote: "Sammy Goode wrote: "ok--hope this works--here is the link to my review. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I cannot say enough about this novel---primarily the way in whi..."
You make perfect sense, Sammy, and thank you for the compliments!
I wrestled with the pace of the relationship as well, but as you point out in your review: a week in the life of a teen can feel like a year. When teens like/love someone, emotions and thoughts multiply exponentially and fill every minute of every day to brimming. Teens do believe they fall in love within a week, (sometimes a day!) particularly when it is first love. I tried to temper it a bit with Michael's thoughts:
Christy kissed him softly, sweetly, and Michael was dumbstruck by the realization that, in one short week, he’d fallen in love. He knew he’d love Christy from the start but didn’t expect it to happen so fast. Nor did he expect it would affect him so deeply. Love was supposed to take a long time to grow, wasn’t it?
As to fighting off the bullying: IMHO, all homophobic bullying events are violent, even if only in subtle ways. From the nasty homecoming queen who accuses you of transmitting a virulent disease when you accidentally brush against her backpack in the hall; to the nerdy kid who purposefully knocks your book off your desk then kicks it down the aisle in class - then kicks you where it counts when you bend to retrieve it; to the privileged football player who knows you’re diseased thanks to the homecoming queen and says “get the [] away from me” when you try to sit in the seat next to him - the last open seat on the bus; or the loser who punches, kicks, and shoves you repeatedly simply because you’re there, every event is violent. I don’t believe an author can tell a story that includes homophobic bullying events and exclude violence.
At the risk of ruffling feathers, (if I do, I hope I do so constructively and encourage discussion), if this were a Het story, most would understand why, if not laud, a guy for punching another guy for attacking his girlfriend.
It is disrespectful to GLBTQ victims of bullying/abuse to omit, soften, or otherwise alter the very real violence that: a) they endure; and/or b) would otherwise be present in a Het story. It is also disrespectful to all youths not to address violence in a manner that meets with present-day exposure, impositions, and the demands of society. In Omorphi, I try to demonstrate the proper or "best" way to handle different kinds of confrontation, all while I permit the human factor to intervene.
You are correct, Sammy. Victims do not get “over” it. They get “beyond” it when and if they are able to compensate for the violence and abuse they haven endured. As Dr. Villarreal says in Omorphi, “[Christy] may never be able to be on his own.” If such were to be the case, by no means does this infer that a Christy can’t learn to live life to the fullest.
Thank you again for the nice remarks and compliments, Sammy!
Sandra wrote: "I too have read this book, and it left a lasting impact. My review barely conveys the myriad if emotions it brought out in me. One that stands out is when Michael and Christy discuss making love,..."
Thank you, Sandra!!!
The struggle to reorganize and learn to cope after abuse has ceased is only the beginning of the fight to learn to live again. I’m glad this stood out in the book, happier yet that you recognized and appreciated it.
You’re being shy, so I’m going to link your wonderful review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Thanks again for the compliments, Sandra!
Serith wrote: "You guys have really great insight. It's definitely a story that sticks with you, isn't it? Haunting yet beautiful. It's very easy to love the characters, and I think that's what made it work so we..."Thank you, Serith!
Dare I say that, yes, a sequel to the story is underway? YES! IT REALLY IS!
CODY SAYS TO SELF: WRITE FASTER!!!
C. wrote: "Sammy Goode wrote: "C. wrote: "Sammy Goode wrote: "ok--hope this works--here is the link to my review. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I cannot say enough about this novel---primar..."
At the risk of ruffling feathers, (if I do, I hope I do so constructively and encourage discussion), if this were a HET story, most would understand why, if not laud, a guy for punching another guy for attacking his girlfriend
First--this is stunningly TRUE. We call these types men in Het romances who strike back, "swashbuckling" "hot" and gush they are "heroes". And, quite frankly, so is Michael. He was simply defending the one he loves more than any other. I agree Cody, if this were a Het romance, the observations regarding the "less than politically correct" reactions to the bullying would not have been made at all.
And frankly this raises the bigger issue and, IMHO, worse offense leveled by society--that gay men and women should "look the other way" when violence is enacted upon their person. "Be a good role model" for other young gay teens. While I understand the need for good role models, I am a bit weary of the double standard. And if I, a straight female, am tired of it--I must think that most of my gay friends must be absolutely sickened and angered by it.
It is why I gave this novel 5 stars--I applaud you for taking a stand and making this novel as real as possible so that young men and women can see just a piece of themselves in these characters and know that their very real emotions and frustrations are okay to feel--that others feel the same as they do.
Every person may not be prone to physical responses when bullied and attacked but a character like Jake simply had to be be--he was wired that way. He was a much more physical person, like an overgrown puppy at times--so very sweet yet with a real bite if provoked. He had to react and defend that which he loved. Or, as regards Christy, defend a person Jake was growing to care for like a brother because he was Michael's boyfriend and Michael was Jake's best friend---it all adds up.
And upon seeing the incredible woundedness that was Christy's fragile spirit, who could not believe that either of the boys would indeed go toe to toe with anyone physically threatening to Christy?
Yes, the reactions, both physical and verbal worked in your novel--totally worked and I applaud you for taking the risk in having your characters be bold.
C. wrote: "Serith wrote: "You guys have really great insight. It's definitely a story that sticks with you, isn't it? Haunting yet beautiful. It's very easy to love the characters, and I think that's what mad..."fffff that is so wonderful to hear! ;w; *happy wiggles* This just made my day.
As for the topic of violence; there wasn't any moment in the novel where I felt the Michael and Jake acted without justice leading them ...to a point where I'm even confused how some readers could get upset over it. Teens get into fights all the time (or maybe my high school was just sketchy? hahaha). At least these boys were fighting for a real cause! Vigilantes make great characters.
Serith wrote: "C. wrote: "Serith wrote: "You guys have really great insight. It's definitely a story that sticks with you, isn't it? Haunting yet beautiful. It's very easy to love the characters, and I think that..."Thanks, and agree, Serith. Your high school was no more sketchy than any of the others I know of. Teens do have physical fights.
I'm glad you're excited about the sequel!!! :D
OMORPHI IS ON SALE!!! 20% OFF!!! In honor of Omorphi being chosen as Book of the Month by the Goodreads YA LGBT Group, the ebook can be purchased at 20% off for the remainder of the month of October. Only through Dreamspinner Press/Harmony Ink Press and All Romance eBooks!http://ckennedyauthor.blogspot.com/20...
Be aware that this book includes mature topics, particularly a past history of abuse. This story is about overcoming that past, but may contain memories and scenes that are uncomfortable. If this topic is personal or sensitive to you, especially if you are a teen reader, please discuss with your therapist whether reading and discussing this book will be a positive or negative thing for you.
I look forward to discussing this with the group.