Today I have a special treat for you. I'm going to not only give you my review of WHERE YOU ARE, I am going to give you a peek into the music of the story and give you a chance to win the book as well as the soundtrack that goes with it. I really hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Robert Westfall's life is falling apart-everywhere but in math class. That's the one place where problems always have a solution. But in the world beyond high school, his father is terminally ill, his mother is squabbling with his interfering aunts, his boyfriend is unsupportive, and the career path that's been planned for him feels less appealing by the day.Robert's math teacher, Andrew McNelis, watches his best student floundering, concerned but wary of crossing the line between professional and personal. Gradually, Andrew becomes Robert's friend, then his confidante. As the year progresses, their relationship-in school and out of it-deepens and changes. And as hard as he tries to resist, Andrew knows that he and Robert are edging into territory that holds incalculable risks for both of them.J.H. Trumble, author of the acclaimed Don't Let Me Go, explores a controversial subject with extraordinary sensitivity and grace, creating a deeply human and honest story of love, longing, and unexpected connection.
I'm not even sure where exactly to begin with telling you about my love for this story. I began reading WHERE YOU ARE and instantly felt several emotions.
The characters are amazing. Strong and beautifully constructed. Robert is a senior in high school and is going through the motions of every day life while dealing with his father dying from cancer. The father that never really was a father to him at all. This is heartbreaking. I've never wanted so badly to be able to reach in and hold someone and offer my love and support. This amazing kid that is so strong and supportive and smart, he just needs to be loved and shown love. When he finds that love he tries to rationalize that it's right and okay -- not wrong. He's fallen in love with one of his teachers. That couldn't be right, but oh, it is and it's the real, beautiful and supportive kind of love that Robert needs. Andrew is everything he could ask for and wants to be there for him. It's really beautiful.
While Andrew and Robert try to maintain a relationship on the down low, both men have other things in their life to deal with. Robert has school, his mother and wretched aunts. The guilt and sorrow of losing his father, the for-show-only-boyfriend that Nick is and the wonderful children that he helps in group therapy. Andrew has school, and his beautiful daughter that he is so devoted to. His ex-wife but still best friend and would do absolutely everything to be more. Andrew just wants to do what's best, to do what's right and keep peace. Both Andrew and Robert will fight the world just so they can love. In the end, is it enough? I can't wait for you to find out.
I'm really fortunate to have found this author. I have a deep love for her books. I definitely recommend WHERE YOU ARE to anyone and everyone. I hope it touches you deep down in your soul like it has done me.
How about a peek at the music soundtrack for WHERE YOU ARE.
This playlist is available on iTunes Ping . Or visit iTunes Ping and search J. H. Trumble.
Music has a way of transporting you back to a time, a place, a moment. These are the songs that I imagine will always remind Andrew and Robert of the year they found each other. You’ll recognize many of them from the story.
“Boys Don’t Cry,” Plumb
Robert struggles with his relationship with his father.
“Music Again,” Adam Lambert
Texting with Robert makes Andrew feel alive.
“Alone,” Heart
Falling in love.
“Cupid Shuffle,” Cupid
Dancing in the band hall.
“Stereo Hearts,” Gym Class Heroes (feat. Adam Levine)
Andrew shows his stuff in the parking lot.
“What About Love,” Heart
Andrew puts on the brakes and devastates Robert.
“Dirty Little Secret,” The All-American Rejects
Giving in to love.
“Down on Me,” Jeremiah & 50 Cent
Dancing in a club downtown.
“Low,” Flo Rida (feat. T-Pain)
Robert dances dirty hip-hop on the bed.
“Redbone Hound,” Idgy Vaughn
A real date.
“Edge of Glory,” Lady Gaga
Sheer happiness before the fall.
“Not Afraid,” Eminem
Facing the future together.
Don't forget to check out Brent at Naughty Book Kitties tomorrow (12/26) for some more Trumble goodness and giveaways!
RULES:
Open to US Residents 13+ * Winner must respond within 48 hours*
That sounds fantastic! Great review too! Can't wait to read this one!
ReplyDeleteThis soundtrack sounds great! My fave though is Bloodspell by Amalie Howard. That soundtrack fits the book brilliantly. Another close is the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack which is all opera & classical so it's great for the office :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds fantastic! Great review too! Can't wait to read this one!
ReplyDeleteHow about the book made into a movie -- The Perks of Being a Walllflower"?
ReplyDeleteMy heart!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI Need this book NOW!!!
You're so lucky you get to read it!!
:D
I was going to get the kindle but I just saw it is more expensive than the printed copy so I'll save for the printed instead.
Easy by Tammara Webber :D
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I have a favorite book with a soundtrack because I don't always pay attention to that stuff, but I love when authors relate music to their books. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have this one - but I don't know if I'll read it. Probably give it to my friend as its more her style haha.
ReplyDeletePabkins @ My Shelf Confessions