Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas -> Starting June 24th, 2022

[Aly]

Brian has always been anxious, whether at home, or in class, or on the basketball court. His dad tries to get him to stand up for himself and his mom helps as much as she can, but after he and his brother are placed in foster care, Brian starts having panic attacks. And he doesn’t know if things will ever be “normal” again . . . Ezra’s always been popular. He’s friends with most of the kids on his basketball team—even Brian, who usually keeps to himself. But now, some of his friends have been acting differently, and Brian seems to be pulling away. Ezra wants to help, but he worries if he’s too nice to Brian, his friends will realize that he has a crush on him . . .
But when Brian and his brother run away, Ezra has no choice but to take the leap and reach out. Both boys have to decide if they’re willing to risk sharing parts of themselves they’d rather hide. But if they can be brave, they might just find the best in themselves—and each other.

[Alaina]

Starting this now!

[Aly]

I'm starting as soon as I finish Majesty

[Alaina]

Woohoo!

[Alaina]

Ch 1-10: (view spoiler)[Well, friend's kind of drift apart when growing up. I can totally see why Ezra feels weird. Also, I feel so freaking bad for Brian. Talk about a horrible birthday. I hope his mom gets help. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 11-20: (view spoiler)[I'm not a fan of his dad just leaving them on their own. Or a fan of Victor either. He's definitely a bully and deserved to be punched. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 21-30: (view spoiler)[OMYDAMN! He told him. My heart is happy. I'm still not a fan of Victor or Colby. Glad the others stuck by him. Also, what's with his dad? (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Ch 1-10 (view spoiler)[ Brian's parents suck. That his dad would be involved in illegal drug sales and endanger his family is so shitty. Then his mom decides she'd rather try to die than be there for her kids. Depression is a bitch (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Alaina wrote: "Ch 1-10: [spoilers removed]"

Worst birthday for real

[Alaina]

Ch 31-Finish: (view spoiler)[I'm glad he finally told Colby how he feels when he "jokes". (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Alaina wrote: "Ch 11-20: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ the dad sucks and abandoned them. Who gives a 13 year-old $10,000? (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Ch 11-20 (view spoiler)[ I'm glad Brian told Ezra where he was staying and now he's with his teacher. He needs a safe place to stay. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Aly wrote: "Ch 11-20 [spoilers removed]"

Yes, he really does!

[Aly]

Alaina wrote: "Ch 21-30: [spoilers removed]"

I'm so happy he said something. It was a cute scene

[Aly]

Ch 21-30 (view spoiler)[ I don't think Brian and his brother should go back with his mom for a while. She needs to prove she's stable and can support them first.

Ezra admitting his crush was so cute and I hope Brian gives it a thought (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Ch 31-End (view spoiler)[ I'm glad Brian told his dad how he felt and that his dad turned himself in. Hopefully he can move forward and things will be better.

I want an epilogue set 4 years in the future where Brian and Ezra are dating in high school and on the varsity basketball team. That would be adorable (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Alaina wrote: "Ch 31-Finish: [spoilers removed]"

Me too, even if it costs him the friendship

[Alaina]

Aly wrote: "Ch 31-End..."


OMG THAT EPILOGUE WOULD HAVE BEEN ADORABLE.

[Aly]

Alaina wrote: "Aly wrote: "Ch 31-End..."


OMG THAT EPILOGUE WOULD HAVE BEEN ADORABLE."

Right? Maybe I'll just write one