TRIGGERS: violence, sexual assault, attempted assault, outdated attitudes, homophobia

I found this book by fluke and picked it up because of that GORGEOUS cover art. I'm so glad I did, because it is EASILY one of my favourite books of this year (so far).

The story takes place in 80's America, where Theodore Sullivan is embarking on his Rumspringa - a little late in life, due to *reasons* - and he meets Oswald Carter by accident, a young bartender, once-ballet dancer who is also a rent boy on the side. Oswald's father died in Vietnam, which has left its mark on him.

I LOVED Theo and Oz UTTERLY AND COMPLETELY! I couldn't have loved them and their journey more.

This was SO GOOD! I cried. It was sad, beautiful, about family, love, choices, and living with the consequences of your actions/choices. I feel weirdly sorry for Danny and Chloe - he's lost a family member twice and she lost her dreams.

I REALLY want to know what happened to Gene, and I see there's a duet called Dear Gene and I NEED IT NOW! RIGHT NOW! IN ENGLISH.

Oh, and I also NEED this in paperback! I WANT this on my bookshelf.