LGBT MONTH Giveaway: What They Always Tell Us by Martin Wilson

Synopsis:

James: Popular, smart, and athletic, James seems to have it all. But the only thing James really wants is his college acceptance letter, so he can get far away from Alabama after high school. He’s tired of the same old parties; the tennis team; his so-called girlfriend, Alice; his ex, Clare – and especially his quiet younger brother, Alex. In a town where secrets are hard to keep, everyone knows what Alex did at the annual back-to-school party. The only question is why.

Alex: With his friends no longer talking to him and his brother constantly in motion, Alex is prepared to get through junior year on his own. And he would, if his ten-year-old neighbor, Henry, didn’t keep showing up, looking for company. Even James seems intrigued by Henry, and by the strange cars that come and go from his house across the street. But what Alex cares most about is running, and when he’s encouraged to try out for cross-country, he’s surprised to find more than just a supportive teammate in his brother’s friend Nathen.

Thoughtful and moving, What They Always Tell Us is a powerful debut novel about the bond between two brothers – and the year that changes everything. (Taken from Goodreads)

Information (about book):

Author(s): Martin Wilson

Rating (On Goodreads): 3.95

Rating by EBR:  ----
Release Date (Estimation): February 9, 2014

Link on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7756918-what-they-always-tell-us

Link to Review on EBR: ----

Information (about giveaway):

Start date: October 28, 2014

End date: November 18, 2014

Format of Prize: Paperback

Information need to participate: 

• mailing address in proper format (if won)
• Read "Terms and Conditions" before entering
• USA Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*We are not responsible for the damages, lost prize, etc. We are NOT the ones who mail the prize to you, therefore, Ethereal Book Reviews is solely not responsible for anything.

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LGBT MONTH Review of Turning 16 by Perie Wolford

Synopsis:
New Gay Series To Pay Tribute To Sixteen Candles Movie and Other Awesome John Hughes Movies (The Second Edition)

Sam never liked his birthdays because not a single one of them was happy... When he turned 1, he fell face-down into his birthday cake; when he turned 5, he broke his left arm and when he turned 7, he broke his right arm and his left leg; when he turned 12, his house caught fire. Now Sam is about to turn 16 and he is dreading the day. The only birthday wish he has is for Jake who is the Mr. Popular of Arcadia High to even acknowledge his existence, or better yet give him a happy-birthday kiss.

But Sam knows that it’s not gonna happen. Or is it?

Disclaimer: The plot of the books substantially varies from the John Hughes movies and all the references to the movies are made as a tribute to their awesomeness. (Taken from Goodreads)

Stars Given:★★★★★

Overall View:
I honestly just loved this book because of the simplicity.  There weren't any characters that I had disliked, and Sam was a very likable character.  I feel like almost every teen could relate to this book because of the problems that characters, especially Sam, face.  Not only can this relate to gay people in high school, but this book can also relate to others with different orientations too.  I really can't wait to read the second book and join Sam on another mini adventure again!  It is just one of the cutest books ever, I am definitely going to reread this book again!  I love how Sam has dreams about Jake, then both Jake and Mitch.  It just added a little more spice to the already perfect book.  This is recommended for those who would love to experience their high school love all over again...or if for those who would just want something light and cute to read.

Character:
Sam -
Description of Character: a hopelessly romantic boy with an indestructible sense of wonder and ever-optimistic spirit, who faces difficulties with a sarcastic smile on his face.


Review of Character: Sam was such a likable character, which is one reason why this book deserves 5 stars.  I found him cute, and his indecisiveness just made him a better character.  Why?  This is because many of us teens can relate to Sam.  Whether we are choosing between two future lovers, or two friends, we know what it is like to be torn between two choices.  I love how realistic this book is, and how Sam is relateable to many of us teenagers.  Because Sam is such a realistic character, he has changed the atmosphere of this whole book. 


*Supporting characters not listed

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LGBT MONTH Author Interview: Juliann Rich

ADD AUTHOR'S PICTURE ABOVE

About the Author:

Minnesota writer Juliann Rich spent her childhood in search of the perfect climbing tree. The taller the better! A branch thirty feet off the ground and surrounded by leaves, caterpillars, birds, and squirrels was a good perch for a young girl to find herself. Seeking truth in nature and finding a unique point of view remain crucial elements in her life as well as her writing.

Juliann is a PFLAG mom who can be found walking Pride parades with her son. She is also the daughter of evangelical Christian parents. As such she has been caught in the crossfire of the most heated topic to challenge our society and our churches today. She is drawn to stories that shed light on the conflicts that arise when sexual orientation, spirituality, family dynamics and peer relationships collide.  You can read more about her journey as an author and as an affirming mom on her website, www.juliannrich.com and her blog, www.therainbowtreeblog.com.

Juliann is the author of two affirmative young adult novels: Caught in the Crossfire and Searching for Grace. She is the 2014 recipient of the Emerging Writer Award from The Saints and Sinners Literary Festival and lives with her husband and their two dogs, Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Ms. Bella Moriarty, in the beautiful Minnesota River Valley. 

Look for her third book, Taking the Stand, releasing from Bold Strokes Books in 2015!
Interview:
What made you want to become a writer?
Being a reader. Seriously, I devoured books as a kid and I still do. They were and remain the portals to worlds that are far more interesting and vibrant than the day-to-day reality I live. I’m quite certain my desire to write was born by reveling in other peoples’ words.

Where do you get your inspirations from?
Everywhere! I can hear a snippet of a conversation, be in an atmospheric setting, read a headline in a newspaper and find story fuel. But real inspiration? The kind that wakes me in the middle of the night and drives me toward my computer? That always comes from some deep place within myself where I’ve encountered some truth and fallen in love with it.

Other than writing books, what else do you do in your free time?
I work part-time at a clinic, which is great because it forces me to interact with people—REAL people—and that’s so necessary to balance the internal time I spend with my characters. Also, helping others just plain makes me happy. In my truly “free” time, I enjoy hanging out with my family, my dogs, and my friends. I also try to etch out some time each week to be alone with myself in order to be able to recognize my own voice in a very noisy world.

If you could work with another author, who would it be?
This is SUCH a hard question because I am a big fan of so many writers, but if I have to pick just one it’s going to be Neil Gaiman. I have long been a fan of his work (The Ocean at the End of the Lane – WOW!), but it’s the way Neil approaches his life and his art that I would like to observe first-hand. Neil has tremendous reverence for the creative process and I would love to learn more about how he nurtures and honors his inner artist.

What are major themes of your work?
I am fascinated by the journey toward the authentic self. We are born and grow and live in a society that has countless ways to assign value and determine success. And yet, all that is external. An individual seeking personal truth must, at some point, ask and answer the question, “Who am I?” and that is the one theme that surfaces in every book and story I write.

What do you think people look for in a book?
Entertainment, escape, inspiration? All are fine answers to your question, but I’m not sure I can speak for what “people” look for in a book. However, I do know what I look for in a book.  I look for the opportunity to ride in the sidecar with a skilled driver at the wheel and a compelling travel companion to care about. Ultimately, I always open a book with the hope that I will be embarking on a journey that will leave me spent and satisfied by the time we reach our destination.

Are there any recent works you admire?
A new favorite book of mine is Silhouette of a Sparrow by Molly Beth Griffin, which came out in 2012. It is a perfectly crafted book set in 1920 about a girl named Garnet who falls in love with a flapper. I have SO much love for this beautifully written and moving book. 

Questions About the Book (Caught in the Crossfire Trilogy):
Which character in the book do you think you can relate to the most? 
Without a doubt, I relate to Garnet. Though my journey is different than hers, I understand her feeling like an ordinary sparrow in a world populated by exotically beautiful birds. 

How did you come up with the character's names?
Naming characters is the bane of my existence. Some come to me already named, which is lovely. Others are plucked from phone books. Seriously. I especially loathe trying to give characters last names. I feel the inside of a character long before I get to the external details of their lives. 

What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
Caught in the Crossfire, the first book in The Crossfire Trilogy, came to me first through my main character, Jonathan Cooper. He showed up one day in the quiet places of my life where my imagination hangs out and he was so full of love and faith and pain that I couldn’t resist finding out what happened next. That desire to discover whether he reached his destination on his journey toward authenticity has driven me every step of the way.

*The questions and answers of this author interview are only for Ethereal Book Reviews to use.  If you would like to get interviewed, please visit our "Contact Us" page and send us an e-mail.

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LGBT MONTH Featured Books: Caught in a Crossfire, Searching for Grace, and Taking a Stand by Juliann Rich

Synopsis:

Two boys at bible camp. One forbidden love. 

That’s the dilemma Jonathan Cooper faces when he goes away to Spirit Lake Bible Camp, situated along Minnesota’s rugged north shore, for a summer of fun. He is expecting mosquito bites, bonfires with s’mores, and photography classes with Simon, his favorite counselor who always helps him see life in perfect focus.

What he isn’t expecting is Ian McGuire, a new camper who openly argues against phrases like pray the gay away. Ian is certain of many things, including what could happen between them if only Jonathan could surrender to his feelings.

Jonathan, however, tosses in a storm of indecision between his belief in God and his inability to stay away from Ian. When a real storm hits and Ian is lost in it, Jonathan is forced to make a public decision that changes his life.

Information: 
Title: Caught in the Crossfire

Author(s): Juliann Rich

Link on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18406592-caught-in-the-crossfire

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Caught-Crossfire-Juliann-Rich/dp/1626390703/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1405942522&sr=8-3&keywords=Caught+in+the+Crossfire

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/449710
Bold Strokes Books: http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com/9781626391130e.html

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/caught-in-the-crossfire-juliann-rich/1116852801?ean=9781626390706

Average Stars (from Goodreads): 4.21

Synopsis:
First it's a rumor.  Then it's a fact.  And then it's on.  Camp is over and Jonathan Cooper returns home.  To life with his mother whose silence is worse than anything she could say...to his varsity soccer teammates at East Bay Christian Academy...to the growing rumors about what he did with a boy last summer at bible camp.

All the important lines blur. Between truth and lies. Between friends and enemies. Between reality and illusion. 
  
Just when Jonathan feels the most alone, help arrives from the unlikeliest of sources: Frances “Sketch” Mallory, the weird girl from his art class, and her equally eccentric friend, Mason. For a short while, thanks to Sketch and Mason, life is almost survivable. Then Ian McGuire comes to town on the night of the homecoming dance and tensions explode. Fists fly, blood flows, and Jonathan—powerless to stop it—does the only thing he believes might save them all: he prays for God’s grace.

Information: 
Title: Searching for Grace

Author(s): Juliann Rich

Link on Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20702857-searching-for-grace

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Searching-Grace-Juliann-Rich/dp/1626391963/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=079YKESHMWDF2WE7V8H9

Smashwords: ----
Bold Strokes Books: ----

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/searching-for-grace-juliann-rich/1118593779?ean=9781626391963

Average Stars (from Goodreads): 0.00 (not released)

Synopsis:

There’s a time for justice. Then there’s a time for taking the stand.

And Jonathan Cooper knows exactly what time it is.

It is time to tip the scales of justice in favor of his boyfriend, Ian McGuire, who is facing the charge of Assault and Battery.

 It is time to lie. To his parents, who think he’s on a ski trip with Pete Mitchell when he’s really in Madison searching for one person willing to testify on Ian’s behalf. To Ian’s parents, who have erased Ian from their lives. Even to himself. Because admitting his feelings for Mason Kellerman isn’t an option.

It is also time to face the truth. That Jonathan may have gone all the way to Madison for nothing. That he may be powerless to save Ian from a guilty verdict. That whether he likes it or not, it is time for him to TAKE THE STAND.

 Information: 
Title: Taking the Stand

Author(s): Juliann Rich

Average Stars (from Goodreads): 0.00 (Anticipated release date: April, 2015)

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LGBT MONTH Review of Supermassive by Nina Rossing

Synopsis:
Eighteen-year-old Ing is torn apart by two conflicting emotions: his numbing grief for his dead mother and his enduring love for a boy named Ellis. Four years ago, while visiting his grandmother in a remote part of Norway, his mother died the same day he kissed Ellis, his summer friend. Convinced that moving to Norway will solve his issues, Ing faces his first setback when he can’t bear to talk about his mother or go anywhere near the river where she drowned. The second blow comes when he meets Ellis at school and Ellis acts like nothing happened between them.

Ing resolves to rekindle their friendship, but his infatuation only grows as he gets to know the stunning and matured Ellis. When heart-shattering secrets surface, Ing’s resolve to bare his soul to Ellis starts to unravel. Forced to face his mother's death, he second-guesses his decision to move. His growing closeness with Ellis also frightens him, because if Ellis rejects him, he'll have no one left to love. Ing must decide what losses he is willing to endure and what chances to take in order to gain resolution. (Taken from Goodreads)

Stars Given:★★★★☆

Overall View:
What am I supposed to even say?  This book was amazing.  The only reason why I gave it 4 stars was because the beginning had me flipping through and scanning the pages.  It took a few chapters for me to get immersed into the book.  I am so glad I did not give up on it.  It took me two days to get through this book, which is unusual because I like to read slowly (mostly because I ended up getting distracted).  The plot of this book made it seem ordinary, but I had a lot to learn from Ing.  He was my favourite character, aside from Ellis, who was on par with Ing.  Ing remained strong no matter what was thrown at him, even if he did melt down in a few chapters.  His emotions really captured me and that brought me into Ing's perspective.  I also gave it a four stars because I wanted to know more about both Aron and Odin.  I wanted to hear about their own story, and the reason why they did what they did.  Odin, to me, was a really important character.  Without him, perhaps many things could've changed in the story.  I would love to read more about Odin's part of the story.  Maybe he could find love for himself one day, maybe not.  He did intrigue me as a character, such as Aron did too.  Finding out more about their background story would definitely bump this 4 stars to a 5.

Character:
Ing -
Description of Character: As an ex-extrovert, Ing kept a lot inside of him, including the death of his mother and the never ending memory of a summer kiss.  Now an introvert, Ing is a smart young man who is mostly composed, and able to hold back his feelings, especially in front of his only love Ellis.  Although strong on the outside, he is unable to let go of the death of his mother, causing him to turn away seafood.  Hoping to be able to find a way to let go of this mess, he goes back to the one place that holds a lot of memories.


Review of Character: Ing. Such an amazing character.  At first, he seemed like a bore, which caused me to scan a few pages in the beginning (I will go back and reread them sometime soon).  But later in the book, he honestly surprised me.  I supported Ing and his feelings for Ellis so much and it just...so hard to describe him.  I definitely loved his character, and the background story provided was enough to make him feel realistic.  Ing was a sweet, innocent, loving boy before the tragedy that tore him apart, although he still held strong in the end.  Even without his grieving father, he was able to get over the fact, in the end, that his mother had really died, even if her body was not recovered.  I absolutely love strong main characters and Ing is definitely one to be recognized for.  I just simply love Ing.


*Supporting characters not listed

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LGBT MONTH Author Interview: Nina Rossing

PICTURE UNAVAILABLE

About the Author:
Nina Rossing lives in Norway, where the winters are long and the summers short. Despite the brilliant nature surrounding her, she spends more time in front of her computer, or with a book in her hands, than in the great outdoors (though you may find her out on her mountain bike if the weather is good). She works as a high school teacher, which in her opinion is probably the best job in the world.

Nina is an avid and eclectic reader whose bookshelves are bursting (and so is her e-reader). After thinking about writing for many years, she now finds time to live out her dream after her kids are in bed. She prefers creating young adult stories where obstacles are overcome and endings are hopeful. (Taken from Goodreads)

Interview:
What made you want to become a writer?
I always loved to read, so when I wasn't reading, I made up stories in my head.  I was also painfully shy, so making up stories worked as an escape from the stressful real world.  I think I share that trait with a significant number of writers!

I loved writing stories in school, and I even came second in a YA short-story competition when I was seventeen (not a very good story, I might add - and that's not me being bashful about it either!), but I never felt I really had anything important to write about.  I think I read too many "serious" bppls. and felt I would never be able to match them with my limited life experience.  So I dreamed of writing a novel for many years, but never got around to actually doing it, until one day I decided to stop worrying about what kind of book I would write, and instead told myself to just get started on a story I would have liked to read.

So, a piece of advice to avid readers out there who think about writing: just do it.  Seriously.  If you let yourself be bogged down by what you think others will like or approve of, you'll never get a writing career.  Write what you want to write, and see where it takes you.  Sooner rather than later!

Where do you get your inspirations from? 
Maybe this sounds a bit dull – but I actually get very inspired through my job. Also, I have to say just paying attention to what is happening around the world provides tons of inspiration. I have so many ideas and not enough time!
As for my job, I’m a high school teacher, so I’m surrounded by lively people all day, and that is always good for inspiration. 
What inspires me can be really simple – for instance, a student says something in class, or writes a specific sentence that I notice in a paper, and then I start thinking and before I know it, I have something to work on that is usually completely different from what set off the idea in the first place.

Other than writing books, what else do you do in your free time?
I try to go out on my bike during summer months, because it’s nice exercise, and I like the forest. During winter it’s too dark and/or cold and/or snowy to ride a bike – for me at least –  so when I feel like doing something else than taking care of my kids, reading books and trying to catch up with friends and TV series, I have a spinning bike that I ride while watching Modern Family on my computer. 40 minutes of spinning = two episodes. Brilliant!

If you could work with another author, who would it be?
I had to think real hard about this one, because there are so many writers I admire, but also so many of those that I think I'm not at all compatible with when it cones to writing.  I wouldn't have minded writing a novel with a make writer where he writes chapters from a female prespective while I write from the make one, and then all sorts of crazy wonderfulness could unfold.  But who?  Maybe Matthew Quick, whose writing is very down to earth and subtly superb.

Other writers whose style I like, and who I wouldn't mind working with if I ever got the chance, are Carrie Mesrobian, Ruta Sepetvs, and Cat Clarke.  They're such good writers, and they're not afraid to tackle dark themes.

What are major themes of your work?
I think my major themes are pretty universal: Finding out who you are, and what purpose your life has. How to stand up for yourself, how to meet the expectations of others, and accepting that you are in charge of your future.

What do you think people look for in a book?
Escape, entertainment, and the opportunity to learn more about life through the eyes of others.  At least that's true of me when I read.  I vary the genres and categories I read quite a lot for this reason.  I read more YA than other books these days, since I think it's important as a YA writer to get a feel of the territory, so to speak, but I also read literary adult novels, romance novels, crime and thrillers, chick-lit, and feel-good...the list could go on and on because there are so many categories, and most novels can be put down into several.

Basically, as long as people read something, they're good.


Are there any recent works you admire?
Hundreds! But if I have to be specific, I can say that Madeline Miller’s award-winning The Song of Achilles is the best book I’ve read in many many years. There’s not a sentence in that book which doesn’t have a clear purpose. As for YA, Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was fabulous, and Carrie Mesrobian’s Sex & Violence was also brilliant.


Questions About the Book (Supermassive):
Which character in the book do you think you can relate to the most?
Since my novel is told from a first person present perspective, it would have been difficult for me not to, on some level, relate to my protagonist, Ing. I had to get under his skin to know how he would react, which could be draining at times since he responds differently to how I think I would have done in similar situations. I think that Ellis, who is mostly calm and doesn’t carry a lot of drama with him, is the one I can best relate to in terms of what kind of personal traits we share (he still does a few things I would never ever, though!)

How did you come up with the character's names?
With the setting being Norway, I needed to use local names. I could have gone with a few that are pretty hard to pronounce in English, but I chose to go for names that wouldn’t be too troublesome or unfamiliar. Astrid and Kristin, for instance. Finn is also a common name many places around the world. And June, pronounced something like ‘Yun-uh’ in Norway, is no problem in English. I needed a brave name for Odin, so I gave him the name of the mightiest of the old Norse gods. As for the protagonist, Ing, his name is short for a name he doesn’t like (which relates to him not being sure of who he really is yet), and Ellis was on a bit of a whim, to be honest!

What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
Once upon a time, I worked in a small place pretty similar to the one in the book.  Being a city girl, I was fascinated by the way the local community worked.  I knew I wanted to write a good old love story at some point in my life, and I wanted the remote surroundings I once experienced myself, to be an important part of the story.  When writing the book, I tried to use the landscape and mature of the setting to amplify the intense emotions of the protagonist.  I knew the fact that he is in love with another boy would never be the main obstacle, though obviously it did play a vital part in my inspiration - it has never been easy, I think, to be any kind of different in small communities, and when you are young, being different in any way can control your life.  The main obstacle in the book is the universal feeling of insecurity when you're in love and don't know if the feeling is mutual.  How difficult it is to put yourself out there to find answers, was what I wanted to be central to the story, which is also why I chose to tell the story from Ing's perspective in the present.

*The questions and answers of this author interview are only for Ethereal Book Reviews to use.  If you would like to get interviewed, please visit our "Contact Us" page and send us an e-mail.

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LGBT MONTH Featured Book: Supermassive by Nina Rossing

Synopsis:

Eighteen-year-old Ing is torn apart by two conflicting emotions: his numbing grief for his dead mother and his enduring love for a boy named Ellis. Four years ago, while visiting his grandmother in a remote part of Norway, his mother died the same day he kissed Ellis, his summer friend. Convinced that moving to Norway will solve his issues, Ing faces his first setback when he can’t bear to talk about his mother or go anywhere near the river where she drowned. The second blow comes when he meets Ellis at school and Ellis acts like nothing happened between them.

Ing resolves to rekindle their friendship, but his infatuation only grows as he gets to know the stunning and matured Ellis. When heart-shattering secrets surface, Ing’s resolve to bare his soul to Ellis starts to unravel. Forced to face his mother's death, he second-guesses his decision to move. His growing closeness with Ellis also frightens him, because if Ellis rejects him, he'll have no one left to love. Ing must decide what losses he is willing to endure and what chances to take in order to gain resolution. (Taken from Goodreads)

Information:

Title: Supermassive

Author(s): Nina Rossing

Link on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22558509-supermassive?ac=1

Amazon: ----

Smashwords: ----

Average Stars (from Goodreads): 4.23

Excerpt:

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LGBT MONTH Featured Author: Nina Rossing

PICTURE UNAVAILABLE

About the Author:
Nina Rossing lives in Norway, where the winters are long and the summers short. Despite the brilliant nature surrounding her, she spends more time in front of her computer, or with a book in her hands, than in the great outdoors (though you may find her out on her mountain bike if the weather is good). She works as a high school teacher, which in her opinion is probably the best job in the world.

Nina is an avid and eclectic reader whose bookshelves are bursting (and so is her e-reader). After thinking about writing for many years, she now finds time to live out her dream after her kids are in bed. She prefers creating young adult stories where obstacles are overcome and endings are hopeful. (Taken from Goodreads)

Other Information:
Books Written:

• Supermassive

Link to Goodreads Account: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8328556.Nina_Rossing
Most Popular Book (by the ratings on Goodreads): Supermassive
Blog: http://ninarossing.com
Link to Author Interview: http://etherealbookreviews.blogspot.com/2014/09/lgbt-month-author-interview-nina-rossing.html

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LGBT MONTH Review of Falling from the Sky by Nikki Godwin

Synopsis:
All stability in sixteen-year-old Ridge McCoy’s life crashed and burned in the plane crash that killed his dad. This summer-long basketball camp is his chance to improve his skills and escape his problems back home. But his summer plans take a turn in an unexpected direction when he meets Micah Youngblood, the guy who runs the carousel at the local mall and has a reputation for devouring straight boys’ heterosexuality for breakfast, alongside his chocolate chip pancakes.

Ridge needs a way to avoid the guys at camp, whose only quest for the summer is to drown in beer and hook up with girls. So when Micah offers to explain how the ten unique horses on the carousel are significant to his tribe, Ridge takes him up on it. Still, Ridge can't decide if this is a bad thing or not. All he knows is that he hasn’t felt this alive since his dad fell from the sky, and as the horse adventures come to an end, Ridge finds himself falling as well – for Micah. (Taken from Goodreads)

Stars Given:★★★★★

Overall View:
I honestly found this book to be very sweet and heart warming.  I loved both Micah and Ridge, although there were moments in the story where I really wanted to just slap one of them across the face.  Sort of in a good way though.  I love how this story doesn't only focus on being gay, but it also focuses on a character (Micah) who doesn't love labels.  A world without labels.  That would bring us world peace.  Micah did show a lot of personality, the ups and downs, which made me just love Micah.  He can be fun, and strong, but he also has a weak vulnerable side that allows us to look into Micah's mind and past.  There is no way to really explain how I truly felt about this book.  It is more than just a book to me.  The characters all felt so real, and I really sympathized with both Micah and Ridge.  They were totally perfect for each other and I know this may not be possible, but I really hope to find a sequel to this book in my hands one day.  I want to learn more about Micah and Ridge's relationship when he returns...if possible....I'm begging you Nikki Godwin...I need to see it!  One of the best books I have read in a while.  I really need the sequel, so please make one...I will begin praying for airplanes if there is.

Character:
Ridge -
Description of Character: Ridge's life has fallen apart due to many of the circumstances that has surrounded him.  He still can't believe his father is now gone, and his mother is still mourning, and his brother...well, he's not exactly the best brother. To get away from his problems at home, he decides to go in a basketball camp and expects to improve his skills as a basketball player, but what he doesn't expect is love.


Review of Character: Ridge was a very likable character.  Although I did want to slap him a few times to wake him up from his misery phase, I really liked him, mostly when he was with Micah.  He had a lot of dynamic as a character, showing both sides of him, from praying to airplanes, to playing video games at Micah's, the different emotions he showed lead me to believe that there really is a boy, exactly like Ridge, somewhere out there.  I had not expected this because I usually dislike the main character of books for several reasons, but Ridge really grabbed my attention when I read this book.


*Supporting characters not listed

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LGBT MONTH Book Promotion: Falling From the Sky by Nikki Godwin

Synopsis:
All stability in sixteen-year-old Ridge McCoy’s life crashed and burned in the plane crash that killed his dad. This summer-long basketball camp is his chance to improve his skills and escape his problems back home. But his summer plans take a turn in an unexpected direction when he meets Micah Youngblood, the guy who runs the carousel at the local mall and has a reputation for devouring straight boys’ heterosexuality for breakfast, alongside his chocolate chip pancakes.

Ridge needs a way to avoid the guys at camp, whose only quest for the summer is to drown in beer and hook up with girls. So when Micah offers to explain how the ten unique horses on the carousel are significant to his tribe, Ridge takes him up on it. Still, Ridge can't decide if this is a bad thing or not. All he knows is that he hasn’t felt this alive since his dad fell from the sky, and as the horse adventures come to an end, Ridge finds himself falling as well – for Micah. (Taken from Goodreads)



Information About the Book:
Author: Nikki Godwin
Link to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22561373-falling-from-the-sky?ac=1
Publisher: Self-published
Release Date: February 21, 2014
Links to Buy (with price):
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Falling-From-The-Nikki-Godwin-ebook/dp/B00IKMZYK6
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/falling-from-the-sky-nikki-godwin/1118722283
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/411042

Average Rating (from Goodreads): 4.20
Rating from EBR: ----

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LGBT MONTH Featured Author: Juliann Rich

About the Author:

Minnesota writer Juliann Rich spent her childhood in search of the perfect climbing tree. The taller the better! A branch thirty feet off the ground and surrounded by leaves, caterpillars, birds, and squirrels was a good perch for a young girl to find herself. Seeking truth in nature and finding a unique point of view remain crucial elements in her life as well as her writing.

Juliann is a PFLAG mom who can be found walking Pride parades with her son. She is also the daughter of evangelical Christian parents. As such she has been caught in the crossfire of the most heated topic to challenge our society and our churches today. She is drawn to stories that shed light on the conflicts that arise when sexual orientation, spirituality, family dynamics and peer relationships collide.  You can read more about her journey as an author and as an affirming mom on her website, www.juliannrich.com and her blog, www.therainbowtreeblog.com.

Juliann is the author of two affirmative young adult novels: Caught in the Crossfire and Searching for Grace. She is the 2014 recipient of the Emerging Writer Award from The Saints and Sinners Literary Festival and lives with her husband and their two dogs, Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Ms. Bella Moriarty, in the beautiful Minnesota River Valley. 

Look for her third book, Taking the Stand, releasing from Bold Strokes Books in 2015!

Other Information:   
Books Written:

• Caught in the Fire
• Searching for Grace

Link to Goodreads Account: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7247078.Juliann_Rich
Most Popular Book (by the ratings on Goodreads): Caught in the Fire 
Blog: www.juliannrich.com or www.therainbowtreeblog.com
Link to Author Interview: Coming Soon

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LGBT MONTH Review of Ghost Songs by Andrew Demcak

Synopsis:
It’s not easy being Todd Williams, a fourteen-and-a-half-year-old gay musical prodigy. The bullies, Bob and Ari, at his fancy private school make his life a living hell. Todd’s drunken, irresponsible mother, Eddie, constantly embarrasses him and puts his artistic future in jeopardy. And now, his best friend, Jennifer, who plays clarinet with him in the orchestra, isn’t speaking to him. Maybe Leroy, Todd’s friendly poltergeist, knows what’s going on with her. To top it off, he can no longer rely on Jennifer's help in the race to solve a puzzle that could lead to a buried treasure. Todd must learn to stand alone. He’s finding out that growing up is far scarier than he ever imagined. (Taken from Goodreads)

Stars Given:★★★★★



Overall View:
I have really enjoyed this book.  It took me just one day to finish reading the book, which doesn't happen often (I get distracted very easily).  I was very impressed with the character development because the book was fairly short.  I did not find any grammar mistakes, and the characters seemed very realistic to me.  Todd was definitely a likable character, which enhanced the book.  Although Jennifer wasn't exactly my favourite character, I did find that she matured in a different way from Todd near the ending.  Both of the experiences they had gone through, although very different, has allowed me to see the way their character was shaped and how they slowly matured from the beginning.  It disappointed me that Todd was betrayed by a certain character because, like Todd, I was pretty fond of his character.  This book is definitely one I will pick up again in the future.  A solid 5 stars is given to this book.  Thanks to the author who has provided me with this book, I am so grateful for being able to pick up this work of art.

Character:
Todd Williams -
Description of Character: Todd is a fourteen and a half year old musical prodigy.  He is bullied often by Ari and Bob, making his life at "McPrep" miserable.  His best friend, Jennifer, was the only person he could turn to, seeing as his single mother was an alcoholic, making it impossible for Todd and her to maintain a "normal" mother-son relationship.  Todd is interested in many different kinds of supernaturals, including ghosts.  Near the beginning, Todd and Jennifer had been reaching out to a ghost named Leroy, and soon after, Todd found out that Leroy isn't just any ghost.


Review of Character: I really loved Todd's character.  He was able to trust others easily, and he also played the flute! (Connection right there!)  His character was easy to love, mostly after seeing what he had to endure both at home, and at school, two places where we are supposed to feel protected and safe.  Todd's character has certainly developed.  From standing up to the bullies, to becoming best friends with Jennifer again, these situations had allowed to the readers to see the way Todd's character grew.  Not only was he strong, but you could also see his vulnerable side, showing two very different characters in him.  I certainly enjoyed the book, mostly because Todd was the main character (if it were Jennifer, I wouldn't have enjoyed this book as much as I did).

*Supporting characters not listed

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LGBT MONTH Author Interview: Andrew Demcak

PICTURE UNAVAILABLE

About the Author:
Andrew Demcak is an award-winning poet and novelist whose work has been widely published and anthologized both in print and on-line, and whose books have been featured by The American Library Association, Verse Daily, The Lambda Literary Foundation, The Best American Poetry blog, The Nervous Breakdown, and Poets/Artists. His first Young Adult (YA) novel, GHOST SONGS, was published March 13, 2014 by Harmony Ink Press. His first literary novel, If There's A Heaven Above, was published January 5, 2013 by JMS Books. His fourth book of poetry, Night Chant, was published by Lethe Press, 2011. His other poetry books are: A Single Hurt Color, GOSS 183::Casa Menendez Press, 2010, Zero Summer, BlazeVOX [Books], NY, 2009 and his first poetry book, Catching Tigers in Red Weather, three candles press, 2007, that was selected by Joan Larkin to win the Three Candles Press Open Book Award. He was a 2010 Finalist for The Crazyhorse Poetry Award. His work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, Lambda Award, Thom Gunn Poetry Award, both the California and Northern California Book Awards, Best of the Web, and others. He has an M. F. A. in English/Creative Writing from St. Mary's College in Moraga, CA , where he studied with Robert Hass, Brenda Hillman, Michael Palmer, Carol Snow, Frank Bidart, Gary Snyder, Charles Wright, and Sharon Olds. Andrew is also a member of the Squaw Valley Community of Writers, where he studied with Galway Kinnell, Richard Howard, and Lucille Clifton. His poems, including Young Man With iPod (Poetry Midwest, #13), are taught at Ohio State University as part of both its English 110.02 class, "The Genius and the Madman," and in its "American Poetry Since 1945" class. At the age of 23, Andrew published his first chapbook, The Psalms (Big 23 Press), which was favorably reviewed by Dr. Clifton Snider in the Small Press Review (issue 226, vol. 23, no. 11.) When he is not hard at work as a Children's Librarian for Oakland Public Library, he can be found eating okonomiyaki at Japantown in San Francisco. Viva Wallace Stevens! Visit Andrew at: AndrewDemcak.com

Interview:
What made you want to become a writer?

I never really thought about becoming a writer; I have always written since I was a kid.  I mostly wrote poetry until about 5 years ago when I wrote my first novel, If There's a Heaven Above (JMS Books).  I was a theater major as an undergrad in college.  Acting was okay, but I loved my playwriting class best.  I decided right then to become an English major with the emphasis on creative writing.  I ended up getting a Master's degree in English.

Where do you get your inspirations from?
My life and the stories of those who live around me.  It's dangerous to know a writer; you never know if you'll end up in one of his stories.

Other than writing books, what else do you do in your free time?
I love running, hiking, and hanging out with my husband (just got married in July, 2014!)  I collect early 20th century and mid century pottery, Grueby, van Briggle, Rookwood, Arequipa, California Faience, Grand Feu, Rose Cabat, etc. 

If you could work with another author, who would it be?
Gertrude Stein!  I love all of her linguistic experiments!

What are major themes of your work?

Abuse and recovery.  I heard a great definition of what a ghost is:  an emotion twisted beyond recognition.  It will not go away until the wrong is put right.  I think that is what Ghost Songs is all about.

What do you think people look for in a book?
Identification.  Ego loves its mirrors.  Also people want emotional release.

Are there any recent works you admire?

I loved Sharon Olds' most recent book of poetry, Stags Leap.  It is devastating in its honesty.

Questions About the Book (Ghost Songs):
Which character in the book do you think you can relate to the most?
I identify with both Todd, the lead, and his mother, Eddie.  But there is a little bit of me in all the characters.  It's a bit schizophrenic to have so many people in my head at one time!

How did you come up with the character's names?
Todd came from the idea of a generic boy, an "any-boy" so that he wouldn't be seen as different.  Eddie's name came from Absolutely Fabulous.  A tip of my hat to the marvelous Jennifer Saunders.

What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

This book is based on the true stories of several people, including myself.  I grew up in a haunted house.  To me, haunting is a psychological state.  The idea that things will happen to you that will follow you around for the rest of your life unless you can heal and purge them.

*The questions and answers of this author interview are only for Ethereal Book Reviews to use.  If you would like to get interviewed, please visit our "Contact Us" page and send us an e-mail.

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