Can you remember who you were before the world told you who you should be?
A friend posted that on his blog yesterday. He talked about painful memories of his seven-year-old self being made fun of for being different than people thought he should be. He may not have fully understood those differences at the time, but the message was clear: there's something wrong with you. It breaks my heart to think of a child's self-esteem being crushed like that.
Today is Valentine's Day, and I can't think of a better gift to give my friend than Be My Valentine, Bobby Bryson by Geoffrey Knight. The plot may not be exactly the same as what he experienced, but the overall theme is relevant.
In this short story, seven-year-old Mikey doesn't understand why everyone is so upset about the Valentine's Day card he made at school. His teacher told him to make a card for someone he had feelings for, and that's exactly what he did. He made a Valentine's Day card for Bobby Bryson, which sets off a chain of rather unpleasant events.
Mikey struggles to understand what he's done wrong; he can't grasp how something as simple as caring about someone could cause such a kerfuffle, and despite numerous protests, he is determined to deliver his Valentine. (Let's Go, Mikey!) I loved cheering him on each time he pushed back against the confusing messages the adults were telling him. Little Mikey is an inspiration.
This is such a sweet and charming tale. It reminds me not only of how simple and innocent love can be, but also how fragile. Mikey is stubborn and resilient, but not all children are. Good intentions or not, we all need to be careful of the messages we send children. A few poorly chosen words can scar a person for years to come. I hope Mikey's story touches your heart as deeply as it touched mine!
(And if you enjoy this one, be sure to check out The Boy From Brighton, also by Geoffrey Knight. It is equally as endearing.) ...more
This story reminds me of why I'm such a huge fan of Eli Easton's writing. Her stories are the perfect blend of sweet and sexy, with just the right amoThis story reminds me of why I'm such a huge fan of Eli Easton's writing. Her stories are the perfect blend of sweet and sexy, with just the right amount of personal struggle to keep things real. I adored these boys. My only complaint is that is was over too quickly, although the story in no way felt incomplete. Wonderfully written, and with so much dang heart. <3...more
A wonderful combination of hot and sweet! I enjoyed the unspoken connection between these guys. Neither was out, nor did they admit to each other theyA wonderful combination of hot and sweet! I enjoyed the unspoken connection between these guys. Neither was out, nor did they admit to each other they were gay. In fact, one of them overtly denied it, but the other dismissed that immediately and followed his instincts instead. The parking lot scene? Hot! Hot! Hot! And Kimber Vale has a lovely way with words. Very sexy short with a sweet ending!...more
Sooooooooo cute and funny! Loved it. I've never even heard of a pangolin until now. The main character was absolutely adorkable. And what a sweet endiSooooooooo cute and funny! Loved it. I've never even heard of a pangolin until now. The main character was absolutely adorkable. And what a sweet ending.
Beautifully written! I felt every bit of the emotional turmoil Jason experienced. My heart ached for him as he told Ben how he felt about their "relatBeautifully written! I felt every bit of the emotional turmoil Jason experienced. My heart ached for him as he told Ben how he felt about their "relationship". I loved the younger brother character, too. All three guys felt very real....more
Sensual and emotionally charged. Nice example of how two people can communicate their feelings through touch and eye contact rather than words. The auSensual and emotionally charged. Nice example of how two people can communicate their feelings through touch and eye contact rather than words. The author made great use of the short story format. I was completely drawn into the scene and the characters, yet satisfied at the end after only a few thousand words. Beautiful interpretation of the prompt!...more
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