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charkinzie's review
4.0
This book is a symphony all on its own. Jayden is a 16-year-old student who is bullied for being gay . One day, he stumbles across violin playing, private schoolboy, Darren. Darren is witty, caustic, has the messiest hair Jayden's ever seen....and he's immediately drawn to him.
Once these two boys get together, Jayden realizes there's more to Darren than he initially guessed. Depression lurks at the edges of Darren's life and sometimes takes over to the point that he shuts down. At such a young age, Jayden finds the weight of his boyfriend's depression overwhelming and out of control. But when you love someone, you stay with them and you just keep trying to figure out the best course of action.
Music plays a huge role in this story. Metzger does a wonderful job of illustrating the commitment it takes to be a musician and the way emotions can be all tangled up in our art. Many important issues are covered in this book: bullying, homophobia, self-harm, depression, coming out, parental pressure. And tangled up with all those issues... is a first love that will make your heartache.
Once these two boys get together, Jayden realizes there's more to Darren than he initially guessed. Depression lurks at the edges of Darren's life and sometimes takes over to the point that he shuts down. At such a young age, Jayden finds the weight of his boyfriend's depression overwhelming and out of control. But when you love someone, you stay with them and you just keep trying to figure out the best course of action.
Music plays a huge role in this story. Metzger does a wonderful job of illustrating the commitment it takes to be a musician and the way emotions can be all tangled up in our art. Many important issues are covered in this book: bullying, homophobia, self-harm, depression, coming out, parental pressure. And tangled up with all those issues... is a first love that will make your heartache.
anitalouise's review
4.0
I loved Dad!!! OMG what a great guy. A rather slow moving but emotional, funny and wry YA about Darren and Jayden, both in school. I am a US girl so the whole comprehensive/revision/GCSEs thing was hard to comprehend. I did Google frequently so from what I can remember, I think these guys are in 6th form which I guess is equivalent to high school in the US. They are about 16. Jayden goes to a comprehensive school which is like a public school in the US. He's bullied endlessly by some thugs. His mom and dad are two of the loveliest people I've ever read in bookland. Sweet, love their son unconditionally. Darren, oh my poor Darren. Goes to a private school, is crazy musically talented but is suffering. They meet and stumble into this lovely relationship. I had to keep reminding myself that this is YA. There was no on-page sex and yes, as a smut queen, I did grumble about missing all the good bits, but eventually just went with the flow. Sad and did cry about Darren's struggles with his family, his situation, just everything. Be mindful that this is book 1. Could be read as a standalone but why would you since Darren and Jayden are so loveable.
thebroadsheets's review
5.0
Whew, that was intense. One of the most startlingly real depictions of depression I've ever encountered. But it was also one of the funniest and sweetest stories too. Absolutely brilliant all around.