Lisa was conservatively raised in a Catholic family in no-where middle America, where excitement is scarce and dreams are for sleeping. Little did she know, at age thirteen, she would suddenly find herself on a totally different path. Through an unlikely chance meeting of a fellow classmate, she's surprisingly mesmerized, almost consumed, to befriend a girl who is obviously from the other side of the tracks...the cool side. Lisa does whatever she has to just to be accepted into this small club of coolness. Little did she realize, she was signing up for a lot more than social status. The two best friends find themselves innocently taking their relationship to a foreign level neither had experienced or saw coming. A rollercoaster ride littered with choices and challenges Lisa never fathomed facing, especially in no-where middle America. She will find out what she is made of as she faces the consequences and struggles that come along with going against the grain. Throughout their six year relationship, you will witness a touching story of human nature at it's best...and at it's worst. Showing just how far the human spirit can be challenged and pushed to a point where your “fight or flight” instincts naturally kick in. Struggling just to survive in a world where you are not like everyone else, but at the same time you really are. The daily struggles- both internal and external- are exhausting, yet necessary in their quest for one simple human need....love. Finally breaking through all constraints that hold them back, reaching levels of one-ness that few actually obtain in a lifetime with their partner...only to find once they've reached that special place, it's not quite the right fit...for one of them, at least. This contemporary story will lead the reader through highs and lows, giving insight to the every day challenges of the socially unaccepted, which will no doubt leave them rooting for the underdog. Appealing to a wide variety of audiences, both homosexual and heterosexual, as the true message is not sexually based. A true story of human resilience and the power of love...plain and simple.
I really didn't know what to make of this book. After I was finished reading it, I had to step back for a few weeks and ruminate on it. It's kind of like letting spaghetti sauce simmer all day so the flavors can all blend together. I've decided I liked it!
I didn't have trouble reading about homosexual love so much as I did that it started so young. Thirteen is such a tender age to be engaged in any kind of sexual relationship that my brain has a hard time dealing with it. But, this is Lisa's story, and that's how it went - for better or for worse.
Lisa Vaughn's writing style is free and easy, making it quite enjoyable to read. She's brutally honest about every aspect of her life, from her family, to her friends, to her love. She has a self-deprecating humor that drew me to her. I felt like she would be a great friend to have.
The Gifted Ones is one woman's story, from childhood to adult. The ending is probably not what you would expect, but fully satisfying for the reader and the writer. It all comes down to love, in all its forms. And as for loving books, I think you will this one.
*Disclaimer: I was given this book free to review from the author. I was not required to write a positive review.
I didn't have trouble reading about homosexual love so much as I did that it started so young. Thirteen is such a tender age to be engaged in any kind of sexual relationship that my brain has a hard time dealing with it. But, this is Lisa's story, and that's how it went - for better or for worse.
Lisa Vaughn's writing style is free and easy, making it quite enjoyable to read. She's brutally honest about every aspect of her life, from her family, to her friends, to her love. She has a self-deprecating humor that drew me to her. I felt like she would be a great friend to have.
The Gifted Ones is one woman's story, from childhood to adult. The ending is probably not what you would expect, but fully satisfying for the reader and the writer. It all comes down to love, in all its forms. And as for loving books, I think you will this one.
*Disclaimer: I was given this book free to review from the author. I was not required to write a positive review.
I give this book 4 Bookworms.
Paperback: 282 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (April 19, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1456506234
ISBN-13: 978-1456506230
Ebook: 489 kb
Publisher: Lisa Vaughn (April 19, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
ASIN: B0056I5V78
Thank YOU Maria! I'm glad you let my words 'simmer' awhile as I know they are a lot to take in for some readers - it is very raw and honest - I totally understand! It was a lot for even me, and I lived it! lol... Thank you for your gracious review and getting my word out that love comes in many forms, for that I am forever grateful. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting review. The book cover is very telling, I think. One I would like to check out.
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