Anything Could Happen by Will Walton

Anything Could Happen by Will Walton

Review by Lauren

Source: copy from Book Expo America; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: When you’re in love with the wrong person for the right reasons, anything could happen.

Tretch lives in a very small town where everybody's in everybody else's business. Which makes it hard for him to be in love with his straight best friend. For his part, Matt is completely oblivious to the way Tretch feels – and Tretch can’t tell whether that makes it better or worse.

The problem with living a lie is that the lie can slowly become your life. For Tretch, the problem isn’t just with Matt. His family has no idea who he really is and what he’s really thinking. The girl at the local bookstore has no clue how off-base her crush on him is. And the guy at school who’s a thorn in Tretch’s side doesn’t realize how close to the truth he’s hitting.

Tretch has spent a lot of time dancing alone in his room, but now he’s got to step outside his comfort zone and into the wider world. Because like love, a true self can rarely be contained.

Review: When I attended Book Expo America in May, I met Will Walton at his signing and got a copy of his debut, Anything Could Happen. This is a really quick read and it's full of great characters. I really liked Tretch and I could identify with liking someone who has no clue whatsoever and you're pretty sure it's never going to happen anyway. I suppose a lot of people could understand Tretch's feelings, gay or straight, and this makes this a good book for a variety of readers.

Apart from Tretch, there are some other awesome characters in the book. Despite not realizing Tretch's feelings, Matt is a really good friend. He also has two dads, so you know he doesn't have a problem with people being gay. Tretch isn't out to anyone in the beginning of the book though, so it's interesting to see who he will ultimately trust before the conclusion.

I also really liked Tretch's brother, Joe. He's a bit older than Tretch but he's a good guy and he's there for his brother when he needs him. Tretch has some other great family members too, even if Tretch feels like he can't tell them he's gay. It's understandable though; you just feel bad for Tretch.

The biggest complaint about this book is probably that nothing really big happens. Things are revealed and there is a lot of emotion in parts, but overall, it's a fairly straight forward story. At the same time, this didn't really bother me. It's something people might wish to be made aware of, which is why I'm mentioning it here. For me, I think the book was quick and engaging enough that it works.

I'll definitely keep an eye out for more by Will Walton!

Waiting on Wednesday: Mad About the Hatter

Waiting on Wednesday comes from Breaking the Spine

Mad About the Hatter by Dakota Chase

Official Summary: This trip down the rabbit hole will reveal a very different Wonderland.

Alice’s younger brother, Henry, is sent to a bizarre world he never really believed existed. His best chance to get home is the Mad Hatter, who is a remarkably stranger, if more handsome, fellow than Henry expects. Hatter’s only goal is to keep his head firmly attached to his body, and his best chance for doing it is to bring “Boy Alice” to the Red Queen as ordered. It’s dislike at first sight for Henry and Hatter, but since circumstances force them to remain together, they try to abide each other.
During their travels and adventures through Wonderland, they grudgingly forge a friendship that tests their values and established beliefs. Learning to tolerate each other and then to compromise, offers them a chance for something more when they reach the end of their journey—if they can survive the obstacles along the way.

My Thoughts:  This book actually came out on August 20th from Harmony Ink Press, but I'm still waiting on it because I don't have a copy to read yet! Besides that, I think this book sounds great. I've become more interested in Alice in Wonderland themed novels lately and I like the idea of Alice's brother falling for the Hatter. Sounds like an interesting read!

What do you all think? What are you waiting on?

Music Choices for Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams

Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams by Brent Hartinger is the second book in an NA series about character Russel Middlebrook, who was first introduced in the YA book, Geography Club.

I reviewed this novel today over at Shooting Stars Mag (courtesy of Netgalley) so if you'd like to read my thoughts, please go over there.

For this blog though, I wanted to share some music picks that I felt fit the overall themes of the novel.

Pink- "Try"

This is a lyric video so you can understand the words. I figured this was an overall good song for the book - in terms of the romance and the idea of chasing your dreams. "You've gotta get up and try."

Jason Mraz- "I Won't Give Up"

I like this song for Russel and Kevin because they do go through a bit of a rough patch in the novel, but they learn to fight for each other. "I'm giving you all my love, I'm still looking up." Another lyric video too!


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What do you think of these songs? Are you interested in the novel? Don't forget to visit Shooting Stars Mag to read the review!

Etsy Pride (4)

Welcome to Etsy Pride (4). Sorry for the lack of posts this week, but it's been a hectic week. Normally I have at least three posts scheduled throughout the week, so I'll try and get back to that. If you would like to do a guest post or share a review, get in touch: lauren51990 AT aol DOT com.

Also, be sure and check out our Support post if you want us to feature your blog in the sidebar.

This Rainbow Confetti is listed under LGBT Pride Confetti (as well as other tags), but of course, it can be used for any gift or party. You can get this for $6 at Sweet As Honey Studio.

This LGBT Ally sign is great because I know a lot of people reading this might not identify as LGBT, but they do identify as an ally. Now you can show this off in your home! You can get this hoop for $16 from KLM Kreations.

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If you make something you want us to feature, get in touch (lauren51990 AT aol DOT com). Do the same if you see something you'd like us to share!

Support Us- We'll Link to You

Hello Everyone!

Thank you to everyone that has been reading our blog and commenting on the various posts. We all really appreciate it. Now, I wanted to reach out to all of you and see who would like to be seen as official supporters of the blog. If you look at the right hand side of this blog, it says Followers at the top. This will change to Supporters and I will include your blog link if you decide to be an official supporter.

This is really just a way to say thanks. You don't have to do anything but leave a comment and say you are a Supporter and include your blog link. I will then put that in the sidebar and anyone who visits this blog will see your link every time. Hopefully it will eventually send some new people your way as well.

Feel free to share this on your blog if you think some of your readers might like to know about our blog. Let them know that we're an LGBT Entertainment and News blog with a focus on information suitable for Young Adults and up. You can use the button at top if you wish - I made it, so spread it around!

Thank you,

Lauren Becker

Etsy Pride (3)

Welcome back to Etsy Pride! I do hope you'll find some fun Etsy items on these posts. A lot of pride items utilize the rainbow, so it doesn't have to be a pride symbol for you - you might find something you just think is cute or fun! Again, let me know what you think in the comments!

These are listed as a bright colored set of 6 wine glasses from The Salty Pickle. These aren't listed as LGBT Pride, but I think they would be perfect for it too! You get all six of these for $30 plus shipping.

I really love this Don't Hate Men's/Women's/Unisex t-shirt. Whether you identify as LGBT+ or are a straight ally, this would be perfect for everyone! This shop, TrulySanctuary, sells this shirt for $32.

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Thanks for reading! Please let me know your thoughts on these two items below in the comments, and spread the word if you think someone you know would appreciate these. As always, if you comment here, I will visit your blog and comment back on one of your posts (if you have one!!) :)

Waiting on Wednesday: Symptoms of Being Human

Waiting on Wednesday is featured on Breaking the Spine

I saw this on Escape In a Book the other week, and I wanted to share it here!

Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin

Out: Feb. 2, 2016

Summary: Riley Cavanaugh is many things: Punk rock. Snarky. Rebellious. And gender fluid. Some days Riley identifies as a boy, and others as a girl. The thing is . . . Riley isn’t exactly out yet. And between starting a new school and having a congressman father running for reelection in uber-conservative Orange County, the pressure—media and otherwise—is building up in Riley’s so-called “normal” life.

On the advice of a therapist, Riley starts an anonymous blog to vent those pent-up feelings and tell the truth of what it’s REALLY like to be a gender-fluid teenager. But just as Riley’s starting to settle in at school—even developing feelings for a mysterious outcast—the blog goes viral, and an unnamed commenter discovers Riley’s real identity, threatening exposure. Riley must make a choice: walk away from what the blog has created—a lifeline, new friends, a cause to believe in—or stand up, come out, and risk everything.

Why I Want to Read: I've never read a book with a gender fluid character, so that is interesting in and of itself. I also really like that Riley has a blog - I think all of us bloggers can relate to that enjoyment. I'm really excited to read this one. February isn't too far away.

What do you think? What are you waiting on?

-Lauren Becker

YA Author Heather Brewer Transitions to Zac Brewer

This was actually announced back in June, but I know that a lot of people probably still aren't aware, so I thought I'd share here. Bestselling YA author, Heather Brewer, has come out as a transgender, gay man. This means that Heather will now answer to the name Zac Brewer. Despite being a man himself, he still likes other men, which makes him transgender and gay. If you have questions about this, please do share in the comments!

Personally, I'm very proud of Zac for finally being able to come out and be true to his inner self. He says that his husband and children have known for awhile now and they are also supportive, which is fantastic. It's important to surround yourself by loving friends and family during any time of big change.

If you would like to hear more from Zac, please visit the Publisher's Weekly article/interview. Zac's website has already had a makeover in honor of the big news, so check that out too.

Please share your thoughts and questions in the comments below! Also, be sure to share this news. It's important to show everyone that being transgender is okay and that there are people out there to help you!

-Lauren Becker

Etsy Pride (2)

What did you think of last week's Etsy Pride feature? Here is number two! Please share your thoughts in the comments and be sure to spread the word if you see something you like.

LGBT Pride Italian Marble Coasters made by BreakebleDesigns

You can buy these four coasters for $20 by visiting the site! There are a lot of other cool, non-pride related coasters too.

Love is Love Bracelet made by SevaFarmGems

This bracelet, which represents LGBT pride and Marriage Equality, is $20 on the site.

Waiting on Wednesday: Guyliner by J. Leigh Bailey

Waiting on Wednesday is brought to you by Breaking the Spine

Guyliner by J. Leigh Bailey

Due Out: November 10, 2015

Official Summary: Seventeen year old Conner works his butt off to maintain the Golden Boy persona he’s created. He has the grades, the extracurriculars, the athletics, the perfect girlfriend, and a part-time job at his dad’s shop. He does everything that’s expected of him and plans every detail to ensure he gets the college scholarships that will be his ticket out of the podunk town where he lives. The last thing he needs is an unexpected attraction to Graham, an eyeliner-wearing soccer phenom from St. Louis, who makes him question his choices, his dreams, and his sexuality. Sure, he’d noticed good-looking boys before—that doesn't have to mean anything, right?—after all, he’s got a girlfriend. There’s no room on the agenda for a relationship with Graham. But the harder he fights his feelings for Graham the clearer it becomes that attraction doesn't always follow the rules.

And when family pressures, bad luck, and rumors threaten to derail his carefully laid plans Connor must face the hardest question of all – does he even want the future he’s fighting so hard to create?

I always find stories about late emergence of sexuality to be fascinating. Sometimes you figure it out early on, or you "always knew" but sometimes people are older when they find themselves suddenly more and more attracted to the same sex. I think Guyliner sounds like a really interesting novel and I'm curious to read it when it's released.

What do you think? Do share!

-Lauren Becker

Teacher Comes Out to Students Every Single Year

source

I wanted to share this story that I found last week on the website Gay Star News. It's about a drama teacher, Emma Baldry, from England who comes out every single year to her students. She wants them to know that her room is a safe space. They can come to her if they need help and they should not feel alone.

The photo above is from the website, and I wanted to share it as my main photo on here because it's a letter that one of Emma's students gave to her. It's about feeling safe to come out because she knew a teacher that had, and that same teacher helped changed other student's minds about LGBT + men and women.

I think this is a wonderful thing that the teacher did and continues to do, and I'm sure there are a lot of other teachers that are open to their students. I only hope it will be more common, because these people can really help students when they most need it.

What do you think about Emma's story?

-Lauren Becker