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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I loved this book, from first time author Nick Burd, as it presented a true and honest interpretation of accepting yourself and others and growing to be the person you want to be.
The central character, Dade, is well drawn & realistically developed and although his relationships are central to the story, there is no one major important relationship and therefore each is explored & developed accordingly (his relationship with his parents; his ex-boyfriend; new boyfriend and best friend). Of course his 'coming out' is significant to story and provides the initial crux for his personal acceptance.
In the background to all this is the story of missing child 'Jenny', with various conversations around her whereabouts and safety. I think this aspect of the story is used well to keep events grounded; when something overly melodramatic is taking place, a reference to Jenny highlights that it could be worse. Also Jenny's story runs parrell with Dade's so the two can be seen progressing at a similar pace.
I truly got involved in this wonderful story, which for a gay-themed story had no graphic sexual content but rather the relationship between the guys was written in a tender way that allowed greater access to the inner thoughts of the characters rather than their actions.
For me, 'The Vast Fields of Ordinary' is a keeper, one to be enjoyed again, and ranks up there with other books such as the 'Rainbow Boys', 'Leave Myself behind' and 'An Inconvenient Agreement' which all present a positive image of gay characters and their relationships.
The central character, Dade, is well drawn & realistically developed and although his relationships are central to the story, there is no one major important relationship and therefore each is explored & developed accordingly (his relationship with his parents; his ex-boyfriend; new boyfriend and best friend). Of course his 'coming out' is significant to story and provides the initial crux for his personal acceptance.
In the background to all this is the story of missing child 'Jenny', with various conversations around her whereabouts and safety. I think this aspect of the story is used well to keep events grounded; when something overly melodramatic is taking place, a reference to Jenny highlights that it could be worse. Also Jenny's story runs parrell with Dade's so the two can be seen progressing at a similar pace.
I truly got involved in this wonderful story, which for a gay-themed story had no graphic sexual content but rather the relationship between the guys was written in a tender way that allowed greater access to the inner thoughts of the characters rather than their actions.
For me, 'The Vast Fields of Ordinary' is a keeper, one to be enjoyed again, and ranks up there with other books such as the 'Rainbow Boys', 'Leave Myself behind' and 'An Inconvenient Agreement' which all present a positive image of gay characters and their relationships.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Dade is marking time during that awkward summer between high school and college. Things at home are not the greatest so he welcomes the chance to get out. Unfortunately, his crappy job at Food World is about the closest he comes to escaping.
For as long as he can remember, he has been quietly repeating the words, "I am gay." He knows it is true but can't bring himself to tell his parents. Maybe when he is away at school in Michigan, he can break the news to them, but certainly not while he is still right here in Cedarville. They have enough problems of their own.
Over a year ago he did open up to Pablo. They have shared many intimate moments during their time together, but Pablo still insists in public that he has a girlfriend - which leaves Dade feeling used and alone.
This summer may have brought one bit of luck - Alex. From the moment Dade met him and saw his gorgeous smile, he has been wanting to spend time with him and find out what they might have in common. Alex isn't easy, though. He doesn't run with the same crowd as Dade, and hooking up is proving harder than he expected.
Dade is filled with confusion about his sexuality, uncertainty about his readiness for college, and a general inability to form lasting relationships. He bounces back and forth in odd friendships with Pablo, Lucy - a neighbors' niece, Alex, and twins named Jessica and Fessica. All the while he worries - about his parents, his future, and the mysterious disappearance of a local nine-year-old. Can he manage to handle all this and keep himself together until he can head off to school?
THE VAST FIELDS OF ORDINARY offers the perfect example of a teen-angst drama. First-time author Nick Burd captures the crazy mix of emotions and the desire to gain some sort of control that most teens face at one time or another as they struggle toward adulthood. His writing style makes for a smooth and satisfying read.
Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"
For as long as he can remember, he has been quietly repeating the words, "I am gay." He knows it is true but can't bring himself to tell his parents. Maybe when he is away at school in Michigan, he can break the news to them, but certainly not while he is still right here in Cedarville. They have enough problems of their own.
Over a year ago he did open up to Pablo. They have shared many intimate moments during their time together, but Pablo still insists in public that he has a girlfriend - which leaves Dade feeling used and alone.
This summer may have brought one bit of luck - Alex. From the moment Dade met him and saw his gorgeous smile, he has been wanting to spend time with him and find out what they might have in common. Alex isn't easy, though. He doesn't run with the same crowd as Dade, and hooking up is proving harder than he expected.
Dade is filled with confusion about his sexuality, uncertainty about his readiness for college, and a general inability to form lasting relationships. He bounces back and forth in odd friendships with Pablo, Lucy - a neighbors' niece, Alex, and twins named Jessica and Fessica. All the while he worries - about his parents, his future, and the mysterious disappearance of a local nine-year-old. Can he manage to handle all this and keep himself together until he can head off to school?
THE VAST FIELDS OF ORDINARY offers the perfect example of a teen-angst drama. First-time author Nick Burd captures the crazy mix of emotions and the desire to gain some sort of control that most teens face at one time or another as they struggle toward adulthood. His writing style makes for a smooth and satisfying read.
Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The theme of this book is familiar territory: a young man, Dade Sisnclair, on the verge of leaving school, who is coming to terms,not so much with his sexsuality, as with the consequences of being gay; a friend, Pablo, with whom he has sex, and who he loves, but who does not want to face up to the implications of the relationship; the homophobia of Pablo's girlfriend and her female friends (whose cruelty is brilliantly portrayed); a classic teen relationship with his parents; falling in love with Alex, an attractive and mysterious kid from the other side of the tracks.
What makes this book special is the evocation of mood and atmosphere, the appeal of the central characters, the bringing to life of love and passion and the drama inherent in the ordinary which is, of course, far from that for those who live it.
At the heart of the story is a tragedy but the true centre of the book are Dade and Alex, both appealing and memorable characters.
Those book is aimed primarily at the age group it portrays but its appeal, and relevance, go well beyond any particular age group.
What makes this book special is the evocation of mood and atmosphere, the appeal of the central characters, the bringing to life of love and passion and the drama inherent in the ordinary which is, of course, far from that for those who live it.
At the heart of the story is a tragedy but the true centre of the book are Dade and Alex, both appealing and memorable characters.
Those book is aimed primarily at the age group it portrays but its appeal, and relevance, go well beyond any particular age group.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
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