April 2020 BotM - "Up" (possible spoilers)

[Kaje]

For April-May 2020, we had only one nomination so we're going to read :

Up! by Al Stewart and Claire Davis

After a failed attempt at college, Luke lives a quiet existence with his dad. He recovers from bitter disappointment and gradually life returns to a regular rhythm. Safe and predictable. Every day he gains confidence, but with health comes boredom. From the window ledge, he watches people outside and wishes he could be like them.

There's another side to Luke. Underneath his bed are five hidden pairs of jeans with matching Dr Martens: yellow, purple, striped, green and tartan. Some days he feels the itch to get them out. Nope. Those days are gone.

One day, an amazing thing happens. Dynamic blog artist Formaldehyde Bob comes to town with an exhibition of light and dark! Luke has crushed on him since being fifteen, idolising the man and his unusual creations. Something about the art calls to Luke like nothing else, makes him believe there might after all be someone out there who thinks in the same way. A soul mate. A bird with a similar song.

No. Luke isn't going to go and see Formaldehyde Bob. He isn't. Because he's happy with his monotonous lot and doesn't want to see hope sliding down a mountain of sand.

Will Luke take a chance and visit Formaldehyde Bob?
Can the jeans ever be worn again?
Does grumpy Barbara ever smile?
And the most important question: is there any magic left in the world?

Find out in this snowy tale of young love in the most unexpected places.

Content warning:(view spoiler)[ references to self-harm, mental illness. (hide spoiler)]

This thread is for discussion of this book - there is no specific reading schedule and you may post at any time. There may be spoilers in the comments, so be aware if you have not yet finished. Especially if you are posting early in the two months, please try to put real plot spoilers into a spoiler-hiding tag - write <*spoiler> before the text and <*/spoiler> at the end of it - with both * removed to make it work, and it will be hidden, revealed only (view spoiler)[ to those who choose to read it. (hide spoiler)]

I look forward to seeing what the group thinks of this one.

[Kaje]

This book is a favorite of mine - one of a few books with a neuroatypical main character that doesn't downplay their difficulties or force their triumphs to be about fitting in with expectations.

Luke is a great character who is figuring out how to make his life work, with the help of a wonderful dad. He hit a very low spot, after having to leave college. He has visions of a barren and dependent future. But the arrival of his favorite artist is a spark that will change both their lives.

Rob is also challenged by depression and self-doubt. He's agreed to a big art installation, but he's not sure he can pull it off. His depression tells him he's just going to fail. But the young man in the colorful jeans is a light against that darkness.

Each man's abilities and issues dovetail well to make them really good for each other. A sweet, warm, and poignant story (and free.)

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Mere]

I loved this book and already ordered another by this author.
Thanks for having it is a group read, as I hadn't heard of it otherwise.

[Kaje]

Mere wrote: "I loved this book and already ordered another by this author.
Thanks for having it is a group read, as I hadn't heard of it otherwise."

I'm so glad you enjoyed it - their writing style really works for me, and I like that they often have neuroatypical MCs and guys who have mental health challenges.