February 2012: Don't Let Me Go

[Johanna]

Pender wrote: "I’d accidentally read a spoiler about the attack and since I’m squeamish I spent the first two thirds of the book dreading Nate’s flashback of the attack. I guess the author made a conscious decision not to write that scene and I’m grateful for that."

I agree. I also dreaded the scene of the raping to come for a long time while reading - and I was relieved that it never came. But this way the effect of the attack scene (that was not there or was at least not told all the way) was even bigger for me. It felt like the author left it to be like a blank spot, just the way Nate himself didn't want to think about it or talk about it. So in this case less details equaled more pain.

[Jordan]

I was wondering when that rape scene would come around. I was waiting for it, wondering how she would write it. And I was surprised that she didn't actually write it, but that she kind of skirted around it several times. I thought that was a great way to write it. Because you're constantly reminded that it did happen, and it doesn't fall to the back of your mind like it tried to do on me with everything else going on.

[Pender]

Johanna wrote: "Pender wrote: "I’d accidentally read a spoiler about the attack and since I’m squeamish I spent the first two thirds of the book dreading Nate’s flashback of the attack. I guess the author made a c..."

I thought I was relieved but I've been thinking about the book since I finished reading it. I would have liked to know who or even if the attack was stopped and how badly hurt Adam was. Those details would have been nice to have.

[Jordan]

You're right Pender. I would have liked to have that info too. Just a little more would have helped. But then, in his POV, he's blocking everything out apparently. Even any hospital stays he might have had. Oh well.

[Pender]

Jordan wrote: "You're right Pender. I would have liked to have that info too. Just a little more would have helped. But then, in his POV, he's blocking everything out apparently. Even any hospital stays he might ..."

I hadn't thought of that. I kept thinking he'd bounced back pretty quickly (a little too quickly) but with that interpretation, he's barely started to face the trauma.

[Jordan]

I didn't get that at first either. But reading the thoughts of others here, I understood eventually that the story is told the way he experienced it, or felt like he'd experienced it. He's an unreliable narrator at times, because he blocks things out of his mind, and doesn't remember things in order and such. But I think it makes the story that much more interesting.

The hard part though, is getting that subtly across to readers who might not pick up on it. I would have had a slightly different reading experience if I'd picked up on that while reading, rather than afterword.

[Reggie]

I've found myself thinking about this book. I'm glad I read it. I know there is no way for my to "understand" what LGBTQ youth are facing. I can't wrap my mind around dealing with hormal issues and then these community issues all at the same time.

On this note- Sephanie Hecht has a post at Wave's on the "Safe Reading Zone" banner. Her post is well written and illuminating.


http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/201...

[Josh]

Reggie wrote: "I've found myself thinking about this book. I'm glad I read it. I know there is no way for my to "understand" what LGBTQ youth are facing. I can't wrap my mind around dealing with hormal issues a..."

Yes. Very heartfelt. But I'm not sure I understand the significance of "Safe Reading Zone." What does it actually stand for? I guess what I mean is how is it different from the rainbow banner?

[Reggie]

Josh wrote: "Reggie wrote: "I've found myself thinking about this book. I'm glad I read it. I know there is no way for my to "understand" what LGBTQ youth are facing. I can't wrap my mind around dealing with ..."

I see what you mean, I think it is to have a link connection for youth support?

[Sammy Goode]

Hi all, thought I would jump in--thanks Reggie for inviting me--I think the answer to your questions is found in the motto of the emblem itself:

The Safe Reading Zone Campaign is a website designed for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender individuals. There are several resources on the site to help those who may be questioning their sexuality, afraid of coming out due to their current situation, or are feeling bullied due to their sexual orientation. Families of LGBTQ individuals may also find this website helpful and informative to foster a healthy environment where their loved one is understood and feels supported.

While many of the sites listed are for teens--most of the authors supporting the zone are actually 18 plus authors--but the idea is to make available a place where anyone can go who needs help or support--I believe the unique aspect to it is that it is author driven--they support it, post there, and have connected LBGT literature to the overarching rainbow symbol. That is my understanding of it.

[Josh]

Sammy2006 wrote: "Hi all, thought I would jump in--thanks Reggie for inviting me--I think the answer to your questions is found in the motto of the emblem itself:

The Safe Reading Zone Campaign is a website designe..."

Thanks, Sammy. It certainly seems like a nice idea.