Retrato do autor

Chase Connor

Autor(a) de A Surplus of Light

20 Works 77 Membros 4 Críticas 1 Favorited

Séries

Obras por Chase Connor

Etiquetado

Conhecimento Comum

Sexo
male

Membros

Críticas

Usually, I rate books based upon the writing quality rather than merely upon how much I enjoyed the book. In this book, what makes the writing quality stand-out is also what makes the book so enjoyable. The author Chase Connor did an excellent job of portraying 18-year-olds. The book feels authentic, the characters feel genuine, the behaviors of these young-men seem quite appropriate to their ages. In short, I enjoyed the book because of the writing and feel good about rating it well.
 
Assinalado
PaulLoesch | Apr 2, 2022 |
Mixed emotions

In general this book was nearly perfect. There was a 10-15% chunk of superfluous angst. It made me cry. The positioning of it left a bitter taste. In time I think that angst might grow on me. I understand why it was done but I still don’t like it. Still a good read. Still left my heart yearning.
 
Assinalado
katie66219 | Aug 24, 2021 |
*Update (May 18, 2021): HEAR YE, HEAR YE! WE GOT A FOLLOW-UP FOLKS!!!!! Grab the free(!) short story "A Species of Special Concern" here: https://chaseconnor.com/2021/05/18/a-species-of-special-concern/

⚠️ Intensive fangirling ahead: GUYSSSSSS I'M CRYING HALP
 
Assinalado
loqiton | Aug 1, 2021 |
*Don't forget to check out the free short story about Noah here! https://chaseconnor.com/2019/10/17/free-short-story-noah/

I was crying before I even hit the end of chapter 1 and couldn't stop reading until I reached the final page. My heart is full, my eyes are swollen, and I'm in dire need of a nap.

People don't like things outside the realm of their normal, and we're bombarded everyday with often violent reminders of nonacceptance and hatred erupting from the fear of the unknown.

"He doesn't suffer from Asperger Syndrome. He suffers from a world that refuses to conform to his needs. He suffers from neurotypical people who don't take time to try and understand him. He suffers from people who are cruel."


Noah, who has severe Asperger's, is a victim of such malicious ignorance, misunderstood by peers and those with the power to help who selfishly choose not to. While he might not comprehend the intent behind inaction or hatred as it spews from foolish mouths, he still knows that something doesn't add up. That he's missing a piece of the puzzle. It causes disruption inside.

To think how little effort some people are willing to make to foster an environment that can give as much of a sense of calm and normalcy to those who need it.

Noah sees everyone as a human being worthy of life and living. It's devastating how it doesn’t always work the other way.

But in the darkness exist pockets of light. In Principal Hoffman, in Mrs. Hess, in Manny, in Manny's family, in all the people in the community who embrace Noah for who he is, and of course, in Will.

"He told me that I was the best Noah in the world. I told him he was the best Will that I knew."


I can't even put into words the level of wreckage and healing Noah and Will's brotherly love simultaneously inflicted on me. In every action and every word, Will is love personified. Noah might not understand the concept of love as we know it, but you don't need to understand love to feel it.

I found this story to be an incredibly accurate depiction of Asperger's, at least from my surface level knowledge of the syndrome (stimming, hypersensitivity, repetitive behavior, stating facts with no filter but not with the intent of being harsh or crude, etc.), and the inclusion of Noah's perspective, so pure and accepting and remarkably self-aware, stunningly well-done.

I think we can all learn from Noah and the way he sees people and the world in its infinite beauty as they're meant to be.

"Each moment of his life with Noah, every event, the minutiae, was ruled by Noah's needs. And Will smiled after each moment, especially when Noah was unbothered. Noah didn't thank Will. Will didn't ask for thanks. In this I see God."


Manny provides the perfect outsider's perspective as he falls in love with Will as a lover and Noah as his own brother. Although I'm unable to attest to the accuracy of the description of Pancha Ganapati, etc., I absolutely loved the tidbits of Indian rep we got via Manny and his family.

Will and Manny are mature beyond their years in their thoughts and behavior, and I'm more than happy that Will has Manny in his corner now too. The way they'd quote books to each other....the booklover's idea of romance right there, my friends
… (mais)
 
Assinalado
loqiton | Aug 1, 2021 |

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Estatísticas

Obras
20
Membros
77
Popularidade
#231,246
Avaliação
3.9
Críticas
4
ISBN
13
Marcado como favorito
1

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