Something Like Summer – Jay Bell

There is something unique about this book, which set it apart from its genre. Sometimes homosexual themed novels could be carried away by the idealistic life of a peaceful gay world or the protagonist always ended up with the hot cute guy or happily ever after endings. “Something like Summer” does fit into one of these shoes, however, unlike the others it presented in a more sophisticated way which takes us on a roller coaster ride.

Jay Bell takes us through Benjamin Bentley’s life. Ben came out when he was 14. Since then he had been with different curious guys, no one was really looking for long lasting love but just fooling around with him. Until one day he saw a cute jogger in his neighborhood and hoping one day they could be boyfriends. And of course life wasn’t always we hoped it was but life continued. So what happens?

The novel is broken down into 3 parts: one, high school, two, college and three, adulthood. Life is supposed to be full of surprises and dilemmas. Despite that the fact that sometimes it could be easily fit into those cheesy scenarios, then these relatable crossroads pulling you closer to Ben, feeling as helpless as Ben keep your fingers turning the pages urging your mind read faster than your actions. It would be a tough call for me, if I were Ben. I guess most of us would feel the same way too. It’s already difficult to forget your first love; it would be even harder if you have unsettled feelings for them. I kept asking myself when I was reading it, would I do the same? I love about this novel is that it kept me thinking throughout my read.

It’s really hard to run away from those stupid little mistakes we made, the real challenge is how we handle them. One wrong move could cost your entire relationship. And how strong your relationship is could also put into account. I don't know why I felt I was in Ben’s shoes, not that I have any similar happened to me. It’s the power of the author, how he decided to write about a life of a person, it feels like I was growing up with Ben. Sometime this kind of story would get a bit boring but not this one.

The story is a bit unexpected, not a bad ending nor a happy ending. I was dumbfounded and needed some time to take in what I have read, in a good way. Overall it became one of my all time favourites. And I have to say there aren’t many on that list. So I’m really impressed.