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Always Leaving
A Harmony Ink Press Young Adult Title
When Jason Barrett wakes up, he remembers only one his name. Frightened and driven by paranoia, Jason keeps moving, going from town to town working odd jobs and making no friends. When he stumbles onto an emergency in New Hanover and saves a fellow teenage boy, it offers him the first connection he’s felt in a while.
All Ravi Mittal learns about his knight-in-shining armor is his name. Jason. But New Hanover is a small town and it is easy to reconnect. To return Jason’s kindness, Ravi wants to help solve the riddle of Jason’s missing past. As they work through clues, Jason begins to feel settled. He finds a place he belongs with Ravi—maybe something more.
But Ravi’s father’s deep-seated prejudice against the African American teen threatens to tear Jason and Ravi apart� if the mystery chasing Jason doesn’t do it first.
When Jason Barrett wakes up, he remembers only one his name. Frightened and driven by paranoia, Jason keeps moving, going from town to town working odd jobs and making no friends. When he stumbles onto an emergency in New Hanover and saves a fellow teenage boy, it offers him the first connection he’s felt in a while.
All Ravi Mittal learns about his knight-in-shining armor is his name. Jason. But New Hanover is a small town and it is easy to reconnect. To return Jason’s kindness, Ravi wants to help solve the riddle of Jason’s missing past. As they work through clues, Jason begins to feel settled. He finds a place he belongs with Ravi—maybe something more.
But Ravi’s father’s deep-seated prejudice against the African American teen threatens to tear Jason and Ravi apart� if the mystery chasing Jason doesn’t do it first.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
13 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Gene Gant
17Ìýbooks43ÌýfollowersGene Gant lives with his family in a small, rural community in West Tennessee. He has been a ghost writer for many years and is looking forward to publishing more works under his own name.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 24, 2018
I was going to rate this lower, but then I reconsidered it as aspirational rather than realistic fiction, and seen in that light it is pretty good.
I picked this up because I'm a sucker for amnesia stories, but I'd recommend it more for readers looking for a cute, not very angsty teen romance.
I picked this up because I'm a sucker for amnesia stories, but I'd recommend it more for readers looking for a cute, not very angsty teen romance.
March 6, 2019
This is an adorable love story and Part 1 was my favorite.
These two are living very different lives - Ravi is well loved and taken care of by his parents. But he is adrift, looking for more in his life. Struggling with sports but wanting to be active, he takes up karate. A chance encounter when he passes out from heat and low blood sugar, a lovely stranger helps him up and makes sure Ravi is okay before quickly walking away. Ravi can't stop thinking about him.
Jason lives a very different life. He's been adrift for his own reasons - not sure where he comes from or what has happened, he is just trying to survive. After seeing a boy pass out, he rushed over to make sure he was okay -but know his life was too complicated and walked away before he could get to know him
As they finally meet back up, these two were adorable as they got to know each other. but Part 2 begins the mystery of who Jason is and of Ravi wanting to help him. I didn't enjoy that part of the story as much but it was still okay. The writing is pretty....easy to read. The words are basic, short and sweet.
These two are living very different lives - Ravi is well loved and taken care of by his parents. But he is adrift, looking for more in his life. Struggling with sports but wanting to be active, he takes up karate. A chance encounter when he passes out from heat and low blood sugar, a lovely stranger helps him up and makes sure Ravi is okay before quickly walking away. Ravi can't stop thinking about him.
Jason lives a very different life. He's been adrift for his own reasons - not sure where he comes from or what has happened, he is just trying to survive. After seeing a boy pass out, he rushed over to make sure he was okay -but know his life was too complicated and walked away before he could get to know him
As they finally meet back up, these two were adorable as they got to know each other. but Part 2 begins the mystery of who Jason is and of Ravi wanting to help him. I didn't enjoy that part of the story as much but it was still okay. The writing is pretty....easy to read. The words are basic, short and sweet.
August 7, 2015
“And the danger is that in this move toward new horizons and far directions, that I may lose what I have now, and not find anything except loneliness.� - Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath
Jason Barrett does not remember anything about his past except his name. he moves from place to place and is about to leave New Hanover when he stumbles upon Ravi Mittal in the park. the teenage boy fainted from overdoing his workout and Jason helps him but before Ravi could talk to him, Jason disappears. after the incident, each thinks about the other until they meet unexpectedly where Jason works. they become friends and much more. Jason begins to feel settled and the thought of leaving again slowly loses its grip. however, there is still the mystery of his past that would not let go until Jason could solve it.
this is not your typical lgbt teenage story where boy meets boy, falls in love and everything afterwards is happily ever after. there is so much more here than meets the reader's eyes.
the book's first quarter appears to be the usual fare found in any story and which are familiar to any reader - introducing the setting and characters and establishing the conflict. now this conflict turns out to be not one but two and each carries it own weight. rather than dragging the plot down, each of this burden propels the main protagonists and other characters to make decisions and spur them into action that impacts on one another.
the second quarter of the book until the very end is filled with exciting yet tense moments as the mystery surrounding Jason unravels. i was not expecting the turn of events and i knew i had to finish the book despite the late hour. it was either a choice between losing some precious sleep or losing my momentum. i sacrificed the former so i carried on and it was worth it!
Gene Gant did a great job with this novel. i like it that:
- there were multi-ethnic characters
- teenage angst was kept to a minimum (too much of it wears down my reading)
- the teenagers behaved responsibly most of the time
- the adults were understanding and supportive
- the issue of prejudice was resolved
- there was a happy ending!
because of this novel, i look forward to reading more of Gene Gant's works in the future.
*i received a copy for review from NetGalley
Jason Barrett does not remember anything about his past except his name. he moves from place to place and is about to leave New Hanover when he stumbles upon Ravi Mittal in the park. the teenage boy fainted from overdoing his workout and Jason helps him but before Ravi could talk to him, Jason disappears. after the incident, each thinks about the other until they meet unexpectedly where Jason works. they become friends and much more. Jason begins to feel settled and the thought of leaving again slowly loses its grip. however, there is still the mystery of his past that would not let go until Jason could solve it.
this is not your typical lgbt teenage story where boy meets boy, falls in love and everything afterwards is happily ever after. there is so much more here than meets the reader's eyes.
the book's first quarter appears to be the usual fare found in any story and which are familiar to any reader - introducing the setting and characters and establishing the conflict. now this conflict turns out to be not one but two and each carries it own weight. rather than dragging the plot down, each of this burden propels the main protagonists and other characters to make decisions and spur them into action that impacts on one another.
the second quarter of the book until the very end is filled with exciting yet tense moments as the mystery surrounding Jason unravels. i was not expecting the turn of events and i knew i had to finish the book despite the late hour. it was either a choice between losing some precious sleep or losing my momentum. i sacrificed the former so i carried on and it was worth it!
Gene Gant did a great job with this novel. i like it that:
- there were multi-ethnic characters
- teenage angst was kept to a minimum (too much of it wears down my reading)
- the teenagers behaved responsibly most of the time
- the adults were understanding and supportive
- the issue of prejudice was resolved
- there was a happy ending!
because of this novel, i look forward to reading more of Gene Gant's works in the future.
*i received a copy for review from NetGalley
December 29, 2014
Beautifully told story. Almost read it in one go.
Recommended XD
Recommended XD
July 26, 2017
Questa è stata una lettura molto dolce e insolita. Jason non sa chi è, non sa da dove viene ed è perennemente spinto a scappare da una forza invisibile: a New Hanover trova, dopo tanto tempo, un rifugio sicuro e degli affetti. Ma le minacce per Jason e il suo amato Ravi sono in agguato...
Allora, innanzitutto questo è uno YA perciò narra le vicende di due adolescenti, seppur degli adolescenti molto maturi: ho apprezzato molto la modalità con cui l'autore approccia la trama dandoci, da un lato, una storia romatica da insta-love, e dall'altro una storia di crescita e riscatto che affronta temi difficili come il razzismo, la discriminazione, l'intolleranza e la violenza. Aggiungiamo poi al tutto un pizzico di suspense ed avremo una lettura intrigante, dolce ed avvincente.
Impossibile non affezionarsi a Jason e a Ravi, dua adolescenti alle prese con la difficoltà di crescere, unita alle difficoltà legate al loro essere "diversi" dagli altri sotto molti aspetti: sessualità , religione, etnia, interessi...
Mi sento di consigliare questo libro a chi cerca qualcosa di diverso nel panorama del romance M/M, a chi ama le storie difficili e a chi non disdegna un basso contenuto di sensualità nelle sue letture.
Voto: 8
Want to read
June 13, 2018Challenge: Amnesia: paranoia/mental illness; interracial
August 14, 2015
Reviewed by Heather
Book provided by the publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
Always Leaving is a very emotional book in more ways than one. Not only does it involves homosexuality but it has racism thrown into the mix.
Jason is a hard working African American who is trying to find out who he is. I felt so bad for him throughout the story because of the way he was treated. He jumps from town to town finding work and not getting involved in much else. That is until he stumbles upon Ravi. He seems to be immediately attracted to him. The story that follows gives the best love story a run for its money.
I feel like all of the characters were believable and they all played a powerful role in the story. The storyline itself is very well put together, leaving no room for wasting the reader’s time. From start to finish there was never a dull moment.
With same-sex marriage and racism being two of the hottest topics in America right now, I think Gant did an amazing job of combining the two. I really like how this book is put together because the reader gets to know Jason before the story begins. Not only him as a character but some of the tough situations that he has to deal with. It’s not often you read a story with so much drama. Not only the hot topics but Jason losing his memory. I don’t want to give any spoilers but I will say that the past can really come back to bite you.
Always Leaving is a great book. I loved the drama, mystery, and inspiration. I’d definitely recommend this book. I feel like this book has a message to send to everyone that reads it. Yes, it is enjoyable but it also teaches valuable lessons.
Book provided by the publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
Always Leaving is a very emotional book in more ways than one. Not only does it involves homosexuality but it has racism thrown into the mix.
Jason is a hard working African American who is trying to find out who he is. I felt so bad for him throughout the story because of the way he was treated. He jumps from town to town finding work and not getting involved in much else. That is until he stumbles upon Ravi. He seems to be immediately attracted to him. The story that follows gives the best love story a run for its money.
I feel like all of the characters were believable and they all played a powerful role in the story. The storyline itself is very well put together, leaving no room for wasting the reader’s time. From start to finish there was never a dull moment.
With same-sex marriage and racism being two of the hottest topics in America right now, I think Gant did an amazing job of combining the two. I really like how this book is put together because the reader gets to know Jason before the story begins. Not only him as a character but some of the tough situations that he has to deal with. It’s not often you read a story with so much drama. Not only the hot topics but Jason losing his memory. I don’t want to give any spoilers but I will say that the past can really come back to bite you.
Always Leaving is a great book. I loved the drama, mystery, and inspiration. I’d definitely recommend this book. I feel like this book has a message to send to everyone that reads it. Yes, it is enjoyable but it also teaches valuable lessons.
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September 4, 2015
I'm going to preface this by saying that I don't think I was the intended audience for this short novel, which usually isn't a problem. I tend to read all kinds of things. Unfortunately, there was never any spark that drew me in. The characters, setting, story, and mystery were all okay, but I honestly was a little bored reading about them. We were supposed to be invested in these characters, but I couldn't muster more than an "Oh, that's really sweet" during nice moments and an "Oh, no" during bad / sad moments. Which is weird, because the characters weren't badly written or horrible people. I just felt like the conflict wasn't...conflict-y enough, and their reactions to it were not surprising. It was a conflict in name, but not in feeling. The story had been building toward this conflict, and it didn't really pan out for me. It just happened and then the book was over. Everything was tied up a little too neatly with a bright bow on top, and that bothered me. It just wasn't interesting. There was not enough action and too much internalizing. I got the impression while reading this book that it's supposed to be an easy read for younger readers (maybe pre-teens) based on how the story was simply written and how it was tied up, yet it had a lot of semi-explicit mentions of sex. So I honestly can't really pin down the age that this book is meant to be for. It's a quick read, but I personally found it quite boring.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2017
Jason Barrett never seems to stop walking. Six months prior, something happened to Jason that traumatized him so dramatically that he now has no prior memory of his life. He cannot remember who he is, where he has come from, if he has family, nothing, except his name. He has stayed in the latest town, New Hanover, for the longest thus far, almost a month. And yet, despite the kind woman he boards with, and the job he has at the local café, Jason feels the constant pull to move on, to keep walking, for despite all the dangers the open road holds, it is still the one place he feels a little safe. Jason’s life is one moment of body wracking fear after another and leaving is a sure way to keep him from cracking wide open.
Then he sees someone whose quick movements and beauty in motion actually makes him hesitate. Ravi Mitchell is fifteen, gay and determined. Having failed at almost every sport he’s attempted or chosen to quit over the homophobic bullying he has been the victim of, Ravi has embraced karate and with steely focus has decided he will be the best. However, on this day, Ravi pushes himself too far and collapses under the noonday sun to be rescued by none other than Jason.
Thus begins a sweetly cautious relationship between the two boys. Ravi, who deals with his father’s intense hatred of blacks and muslims, is now dating a black boy. When he is finally pressured into bringing home his new boyfriend, sparks fly and Jason retreats into the one place that has always calmed him, his music. Before he knows it, he is sitting at a piano, suddenly playing with finesse, while Ravi and his parents argue beyond the door of the study. The music that always calmed him will be the catalyst for a whole world of change for Jason and with it will come the source of the deep, dark moment that caused Jason’s memory lapse and his constant running. The only question that remains now is will Jason survive this visitor from his past?
What an intense and gorgeous novel Always Leaving turned out to be by story’s end. I was truly spellbound by the lush writing and the carefully woven mystery. Jason and Ravi were both atypical and yet deceptively normal teens in so many ways. The strong attraction they feel from one another springs from a place of mutual fear and need. For Ravi, the fears stem from failing his father and living with his Dad’s increasingly violent reaction to both the Muslim faith and the black community at large. It is a truly fascinating twist to this story that Jason is African American and perhaps the gentlest of people Ravi has ever met.
There was never a moment in this novel where I felt there was a wasted word or a hastily tossed off moment. Rather, each piece of this book intertwined with another, giving us an incredible tale of survival and courage
Then he sees someone whose quick movements and beauty in motion actually makes him hesitate. Ravi Mitchell is fifteen, gay and determined. Having failed at almost every sport he’s attempted or chosen to quit over the homophobic bullying he has been the victim of, Ravi has embraced karate and with steely focus has decided he will be the best. However, on this day, Ravi pushes himself too far and collapses under the noonday sun to be rescued by none other than Jason.
Thus begins a sweetly cautious relationship between the two boys. Ravi, who deals with his father’s intense hatred of blacks and muslims, is now dating a black boy. When he is finally pressured into bringing home his new boyfriend, sparks fly and Jason retreats into the one place that has always calmed him, his music. Before he knows it, he is sitting at a piano, suddenly playing with finesse, while Ravi and his parents argue beyond the door of the study. The music that always calmed him will be the catalyst for a whole world of change for Jason and with it will come the source of the deep, dark moment that caused Jason’s memory lapse and his constant running. The only question that remains now is will Jason survive this visitor from his past?
What an intense and gorgeous novel Always Leaving turned out to be by story’s end. I was truly spellbound by the lush writing and the carefully woven mystery. Jason and Ravi were both atypical and yet deceptively normal teens in so many ways. The strong attraction they feel from one another springs from a place of mutual fear and need. For Ravi, the fears stem from failing his father and living with his Dad’s increasingly violent reaction to both the Muslim faith and the black community at large. It is a truly fascinating twist to this story that Jason is African American and perhaps the gentlest of people Ravi has ever met.
There was never a moment in this novel where I felt there was a wasted word or a hastily tossed off moment. Rather, each piece of this book intertwined with another, giving us an incredible tale of survival and courage
April 1, 2018
Il romanzo di Gene Gant mi ha sorpresa per un paio di motivi.
Si tratta di un romance thriller: il protagonista �� evidentemente una persona che ha bisogno di aiuto e non ho alcuna intenzione di svelare il motivo. Ad ogni modo, ci saranno misteri da indagare, in relazione al passato di Jason e alla sua perdita di memoria e questo porterà a un po� di azione e adrenalina.
Jason trema ancora. Avverte le lacrime che gli si formano negli occhi e cerca di fermarle. «Non capisco cos’ho che non va,» mormora, vulnerabile e confuso. «Non capisco perché ho sempre così tanta paura.»
Ma la vera peculiarità che caratterizza questo racconto, a mio avviso, è il tempo verbale: il presente in terza persona. Rende l’esperienza di lettura un po� straniante e suggestiva, certamente allo scopo di enfatizzare la percezione alterata del protagonista Jason: da un lato la terza persona mantiene un certo distacco dai personaggi evitando l’immedesimazione piena, dall’altro il presente appiattisce la profondità temporale e ci fa sentire costantemente incalzati degli eventi, impedendo un orizzonte più ampio. Come dicevo, è una particolarità tutta da leggere e alla quale non ci si abitua mai, neppure nelle ultime pagine. La presenza di flashback e di piccoli balzelli indietro, poi, non fa che disorientare ulteriormente il lettore, ottenendo esattamente il risultato sperato.
Difficile dire se questo stile mi sia piaciuto oppure no: reca con sé sia aspetti positivi che negativi (in particolare ho sentito più le mancanze nella parte finale, mentre l’ho trovato in molti punti uno stile geniale e quasi su misura per questo romanzo).
L’effetto che ne consegue, in alcuni punti vicino allo stile giornalistico così affine al genere thriller, viene comunque sempre bilanciato da dialoghi perfetti, vivi e caldi, e da situazioni intrise di tenerezza, amicizia e spesso vicine all’amore incondizionato.
La schiena di Jason è percorsa da un brivido. Ravi sta iniziando a piacergli molto, anche se hanno iniziato a parlare da poco. Vorrebbe piacergli anche lui. Ravi, con la sua pelle marrone ambrato e i suoi capelli neri e lucenti, è bellissimo. Gli fa un po� paura non ha mai pensato a un altro ragazzo in questi termini, o almeno non ne ha memoria. Non ha mai desiderato baciare qualcuno con la stessa intensità con cui vuole baciare Ravi.
Ricordo che i protagonisti sono sedicenni, ragion per cui il romanzo è molto casto, pur incentrato su una storia d’amore.
Solo come annotazione, sono perplessa dalla copertina, che ritrae un ragazzo bianco, quando i due protagonisti sono entrambi di colore: afroamericano Jason, indiano Ravi. E questo mi fa riflettere sui lettori italiani, più che sulla casa editrice.
Credo sia un romanzo da catalogare come sperimentale: lo si ama o lo si odia. Io consiglio di leggerlo e di farvi la vostra opinione.
Si tratta di un romance thriller: il protagonista �� evidentemente una persona che ha bisogno di aiuto e non ho alcuna intenzione di svelare il motivo. Ad ogni modo, ci saranno misteri da indagare, in relazione al passato di Jason e alla sua perdita di memoria e questo porterà a un po� di azione e adrenalina.
Jason trema ancora. Avverte le lacrime che gli si formano negli occhi e cerca di fermarle. «Non capisco cos’ho che non va,» mormora, vulnerabile e confuso. «Non capisco perché ho sempre così tanta paura.»
Ma la vera peculiarità che caratterizza questo racconto, a mio avviso, è il tempo verbale: il presente in terza persona. Rende l’esperienza di lettura un po� straniante e suggestiva, certamente allo scopo di enfatizzare la percezione alterata del protagonista Jason: da un lato la terza persona mantiene un certo distacco dai personaggi evitando l’immedesimazione piena, dall’altro il presente appiattisce la profondità temporale e ci fa sentire costantemente incalzati degli eventi, impedendo un orizzonte più ampio. Come dicevo, è una particolarità tutta da leggere e alla quale non ci si abitua mai, neppure nelle ultime pagine. La presenza di flashback e di piccoli balzelli indietro, poi, non fa che disorientare ulteriormente il lettore, ottenendo esattamente il risultato sperato.
Difficile dire se questo stile mi sia piaciuto oppure no: reca con sé sia aspetti positivi che negativi (in particolare ho sentito più le mancanze nella parte finale, mentre l’ho trovato in molti punti uno stile geniale e quasi su misura per questo romanzo).
L’effetto che ne consegue, in alcuni punti vicino allo stile giornalistico così affine al genere thriller, viene comunque sempre bilanciato da dialoghi perfetti, vivi e caldi, e da situazioni intrise di tenerezza, amicizia e spesso vicine all’amore incondizionato.
La schiena di Jason è percorsa da un brivido. Ravi sta iniziando a piacergli molto, anche se hanno iniziato a parlare da poco. Vorrebbe piacergli anche lui. Ravi, con la sua pelle marrone ambrato e i suoi capelli neri e lucenti, è bellissimo. Gli fa un po� paura non ha mai pensato a un altro ragazzo in questi termini, o almeno non ne ha memoria. Non ha mai desiderato baciare qualcuno con la stessa intensità con cui vuole baciare Ravi.
Ricordo che i protagonisti sono sedicenni, ragion per cui il romanzo è molto casto, pur incentrato su una storia d’amore.
Solo come annotazione, sono perplessa dalla copertina, che ritrae un ragazzo bianco, quando i due protagonisti sono entrambi di colore: afroamericano Jason, indiano Ravi. E questo mi fa riflettere sui lettori italiani, più che sulla casa editrice.
Credo sia un romanzo da catalogare come sperimentale: lo si ama o lo si odia. Io consiglio di leggerlo e di farvi la vostra opinione.
December 25, 2017
Recensione a cura di Cleo per Feel The Book
Jason cammina, non si ferma mai, è in moto perenne. Qualcosa dentro di lui lo incalza senza dargli tregua, un impulso che non sa spiegarsi, dato che non possiede alcuna memoria di sé: si è svegliato in un bosco, ricoperto di foglie, con in testa solamente il proprio nome. E l’assoluta certezza di dover fuggire, senza mai fermarsi.
Confesso di non amare la narrazione alla terza persona singolare, è una scelta particolare da parte di un autore e non è facile leggere un romanzo scritto così, eppure per questa storia è la scelta giusta, l’unica in grado di comunicare tramite il modo in cui sono scritte le parole, ancora prima delle parole stesse, le emozioni vissute dai protagonisti.
Jason e Ravi sono due ragazzi e, ancora una volta, se in genere storco leggermente il naso davanti alle storie d’amore nate in fretta, per loro funziona. Due adolescenti che si incontrano e si piacciono subito, si cercano e si trovano, vivono l’innamoramento come un imperativo assoluto che soppianta qualsiasi altra cosa.
La trama riguardante il passato misterioso e sconosciuto di Jason si intreccia alle difficoltà di un amore adolescenziale, per di più tra due maschi, e ai pregiudizi razziali del padre di Ravi, di origini indiane, nei confronti dell’altro ragazzo, che l’uomo inizialmente associa in automatico alla delinquenza in quanto afroamericano.
Ben delineata la nuova famiglia che si crea intorno a Jason, nella piccola cittadina, aiutandolo a cavarsela e occupandosi di lui senza spaventarlo e indurlo a riprendere la sua fuga priva di meta. La giovane età dei protagonisti emerge nelle loro scelte e l’autore è bravo a rimanere coerente con essa, evitando di renderli degli adulti sotto mentite spoglie. Anche il mistero è costruito con perizia, sfociando in un climax finale che segue il ritmo incalzante della narrazione e fa correre, come Jason, di pagina in pagina con il fiato sospeso per la preoccupazione.
Una bella storia con uno stile particolare, che forse può intimidire all’inizio ma che consiglio di leggere, superando l’ostacolo del come e immergendosi nel cosa è scritto.
Editing recensione a cura di Nocturna per Feel The Book
Jason cammina, non si ferma mai, è in moto perenne. Qualcosa dentro di lui lo incalza senza dargli tregua, un impulso che non sa spiegarsi, dato che non possiede alcuna memoria di sé: si è svegliato in un bosco, ricoperto di foglie, con in testa solamente il proprio nome. E l’assoluta certezza di dover fuggire, senza mai fermarsi.
Confesso di non amare la narrazione alla terza persona singolare, è una scelta particolare da parte di un autore e non è facile leggere un romanzo scritto così, eppure per questa storia è la scelta giusta, l’unica in grado di comunicare tramite il modo in cui sono scritte le parole, ancora prima delle parole stesse, le emozioni vissute dai protagonisti.
Jason e Ravi sono due ragazzi e, ancora una volta, se in genere storco leggermente il naso davanti alle storie d’amore nate in fretta, per loro funziona. Due adolescenti che si incontrano e si piacciono subito, si cercano e si trovano, vivono l’innamoramento come un imperativo assoluto che soppianta qualsiasi altra cosa.
La trama riguardante il passato misterioso e sconosciuto di Jason si intreccia alle difficoltà di un amore adolescenziale, per di più tra due maschi, e ai pregiudizi razziali del padre di Ravi, di origini indiane, nei confronti dell’altro ragazzo, che l’uomo inizialmente associa in automatico alla delinquenza in quanto afroamericano.
Ben delineata la nuova famiglia che si crea intorno a Jason, nella piccola cittadina, aiutandolo a cavarsela e occupandosi di lui senza spaventarlo e indurlo a riprendere la sua fuga priva di meta. La giovane età dei protagonisti emerge nelle loro scelte e l’autore è bravo a rimanere coerente con essa, evitando di renderli degli adulti sotto mentite spoglie. Anche il mistero è costruito con perizia, sfociando in un climax finale che segue il ritmo incalzante della narrazione e fa correre, come Jason, di pagina in pagina con il fiato sospeso per la preoccupazione.
Una bella storia con uno stile particolare, che forse può intimidire all’inizio ma che consiglio di leggere, superando l’ostacolo del come e immergendosi nel cosa è scritto.
Editing recensione a cura di Nocturna per Feel The Book
May 17, 2022
Meno male che sono una che molto difficilmente molla i libri a metà . Perché superare la prima parte di questo libro non è stato facile.
Ancora una volta me la prendo con chi scrive le sinossi. Leggo una trama, mi intriga tantissimo, inizio a leggere e scopro che parla di ragazzini di nemmeno quindici anni.
Certamente non è colpa dell’autore se chi scrive la “quarta di copertina� si dimentica di indicare (anche solo approssimativamente) l’età dei protagonisti.
Il libro è buono. L’intrigo è ben scritto e i personaggi sono vivi e vibranti. Anche se l’inizio è lento. E il finale forse un po� troppo rapido.
Una buona lettura in ogni caso.
Ancora una volta me la prendo con chi scrive le sinossi. Leggo una trama, mi intriga tantissimo, inizio a leggere e scopro che parla di ragazzini di nemmeno quindici anni.
Certamente non è colpa dell’autore se chi scrive la “quarta di copertina� si dimentica di indicare (anche solo approssimativamente) l’età dei protagonisti.
Il libro è buono. L’intrigo è ben scritto e i personaggi sono vivi e vibranti. Anche se l’inizio è lento. E il finale forse un po� troppo rapido.
Una buona lettura in ogni caso.
July 1, 2018
I really liked this. I liked the characters, and I liked the plot. The angst was bearable, with a positive vibe the whole way through. No big misunderstandings. I liked that Jason was able to open up to Ravi without walking away. It was good to read a book where a character acts sensibly, instead of having to go through pages of irritating contrariness.
August 7, 2017
Uno stile molto particolare, che rende l'esperienza di lettura straniante e suggestiva, certamente allo scopo di enfatizzare la percezione alterata del protagonista Jason.
L’effetto che ne consegue, in alcuni punti vicino allo stile giornalistico così affine al genere thriller, viene comunque sempre bilanciato da dialoghi perfetti, vivi e caldi, e da situazioni intrise di tenerezza, amicizia e amore incondizionato.
prossimamente su Romanticamentefantasy.it
L’effetto che ne consegue, in alcuni punti vicino allo stile giornalistico così affine al genere thriller, viene comunque sempre bilanciato da dialoghi perfetti, vivi e caldi, e da situazioni intrise di tenerezza, amicizia e amore incondizionato.
prossimamente su Romanticamentefantasy.it
October 10, 2018
Some very enjoyable characters and a relatively complex plot- not just another teen romance.
It didn't quite earn the fifth star because I felt it was a touch contrived in places (mainly the last third of the book), but I would be interested in reading more of Gant's work in the future.
It didn't quite earn the fifth star because I felt it was a touch contrived in places (mainly the last third of the book), but I would be interested in reading more of Gant's work in the future.
September 9, 2017
La trama di questo libro mi aveva incuriosito parecchio per la sua originalità , motivo per cui ho iniziato a leggerlo piena di grandi aspettative� ma non sono riuscita ad entrare in sintonia con la storia.
Forse è colpa della narrazione al presente in terza persona, ma mi è parsa più una cronaca passo passo � di sentimenti ed eventi � che un romanzo. C’� la dolcezza del primo amore, l’innocenza dei quindici anni, dolore, tragedie, avvenimenti drammatici� in teoria c’� tutto quello che serve per un buon libro, ma non mi ha convinta del tutto, anche se la resa italiana si vede che è curata e l’editing è perfetto.
Forse è colpa mia, perché avevo aspettative troppo alte, ma la vicenda travagliata di ‘Jason� non mi ha avvinta e, secondariamente, l’improvviso ravvedimento di Adheesh mi sa di buonismo raffazzonato troppo in fretta. Salvo Annelle e Maddie. Anche Ravi, a suo modo, è un bel personaggio.
Forse è colpa della narrazione al presente in terza persona, ma mi è parsa più una cronaca passo passo � di sentimenti ed eventi � che un romanzo. C’� la dolcezza del primo amore, l’innocenza dei quindici anni, dolore, tragedie, avvenimenti drammatici� in teoria c’� tutto quello che serve per un buon libro, ma non mi ha convinta del tutto, anche se la resa italiana si vede che è curata e l’editing è perfetto.
Forse è colpa mia, perché avevo aspettative troppo alte, ma la vicenda travagliata di ‘Jason� non mi ha avvinta e, secondariamente, l’improvviso ravvedimento di Adheesh mi sa di buonismo raffazzonato troppo in fretta. Salvo Annelle e Maddie. Anche Ravi, a suo modo, è un bel personaggio.
August 8, 2015
Always Leaving is a story about Jason Barrett, a teenage African-American runaway. Within the first few pages,, you discover that Jason has been traveling around for a while, and he runs into some harsh situations that lead to him being unable to remember anything other than his name.
Enter Ravi Mittal, a teenage, gay Indian boy. Ravi has been obsessed with trying to prove that he is not just the gay kid in his school, so he tries out every sport he can, with no success. He finds solace in practicing karate, and actively practices moves in a park. One day, while traveling down the highway, Jason sees Ravi in the park, and he watches him. Ravi collapses from exhaustion, and Jason rushes to make sure he is okay. This begins the story of Jason and Ravi's growing relationship.
Ravi and Jason try their hardest to meet up with each other, and by sheer luck, they eventually run into each other again. They begin spending time together, while Jason tries to remember who he is and where he came from, and he also deals with his own fear of people, thanks to the harsh treatment he's received. Jason also has to come face-to-face with Ravi's racist father, and his relationship with Ravi has twists and turns, leading to a shocking reveal of just who Jason reallly is.
This is another cute YA novella dealing with teen boys falling in love, with both facing their inner demons, and finding comfort in each other's company. I am so glad that I picked up this book, because it's nice to read about people of color in a positive light, among all of the whitewashed main characters. I didn't know how this whole story would turn out, but I was very satisfied with this novella. Definitely pick this one up, it's great for an afternoon reading break.
Enter Ravi Mittal, a teenage, gay Indian boy. Ravi has been obsessed with trying to prove that he is not just the gay kid in his school, so he tries out every sport he can, with no success. He finds solace in practicing karate, and actively practices moves in a park. One day, while traveling down the highway, Jason sees Ravi in the park, and he watches him. Ravi collapses from exhaustion, and Jason rushes to make sure he is okay. This begins the story of Jason and Ravi's growing relationship.
Ravi and Jason try their hardest to meet up with each other, and by sheer luck, they eventually run into each other again. They begin spending time together, while Jason tries to remember who he is and where he came from, and he also deals with his own fear of people, thanks to the harsh treatment he's received. Jason also has to come face-to-face with Ravi's racist father, and his relationship with Ravi has twists and turns, leading to a shocking reveal of just who Jason reallly is.
This is another cute YA novella dealing with teen boys falling in love, with both facing their inner demons, and finding comfort in each other's company. I am so glad that I picked up this book, because it's nice to read about people of color in a positive light, among all of the whitewashed main characters. I didn't know how this whole story would turn out, but I was very satisfied with this novella. Definitely pick this one up, it's great for an afternoon reading break.
August 1, 2015
Read the full review on .
Note: This ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Always Leaving is a standalone novel by author Gene Gant and is about Jason Barrett, a teenage boy who has lost most of his memory and goes from town to town, never really having any particular destination in mind. While in New Hanover, he meets two women, one of whom gives him a place to stay and the other who gives him a place to work. When he meets Ravi Mittal, he unexpectedly finds someone he wants as a friend and, possibly, something more. The two boys become a source of happiness and inspiration for each other, but Ravi sees how uncomfortable Jason is when it comes to meeting new people and introducing him to his parents could be difficult, what with Ravi's father's dislike and distrust for blacks.
This was an interesting story that had some mystery and suspense mixed into it. Jason and Ravi's relationship is bolstered by the absolute love and trust they have for each other. Ravi is exactly what Jason needs to finally crawl out of his shell and become a more active participant in the world he lives in. You can't help but be curious as to what Jason's life prior to the amnesia may have been like and it's obvious by his actions and reactions that he went through some sort of physical trauma. Both the love story and mystery suspense aspects are melded together beautifully and the cast of characters bring life to a story of self-discovery and courage. I quite enjoyed Gene Gant's Always Leaving and give it 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars. �
Note: This ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Always Leaving is a standalone novel by author Gene Gant and is about Jason Barrett, a teenage boy who has lost most of his memory and goes from town to town, never really having any particular destination in mind. While in New Hanover, he meets two women, one of whom gives him a place to stay and the other who gives him a place to work. When he meets Ravi Mittal, he unexpectedly finds someone he wants as a friend and, possibly, something more. The two boys become a source of happiness and inspiration for each other, but Ravi sees how uncomfortable Jason is when it comes to meeting new people and introducing him to his parents could be difficult, what with Ravi's father's dislike and distrust for blacks.
This was an interesting story that had some mystery and suspense mixed into it. Jason and Ravi's relationship is bolstered by the absolute love and trust they have for each other. Ravi is exactly what Jason needs to finally crawl out of his shell and become a more active participant in the world he lives in. You can't help but be curious as to what Jason's life prior to the amnesia may have been like and it's obvious by his actions and reactions that he went through some sort of physical trauma. Both the love story and mystery suspense aspects are melded together beautifully and the cast of characters bring life to a story of self-discovery and courage. I quite enjoyed Gene Gant's Always Leaving and give it 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars. �
November 27, 2014
A review.
5 stars
What an intense and gorgeous novel Always Leaving turned out to be by story’s end. I was truly spellbound by the lush writing and the carefully woven mystery. Jason and Ravi were both atypical and yet deceptively normal teens in so many ways. The strong attraction they feel for one another springs from a place of mutual fear and need. For Ravi, the fears stem from failing his father and living with his Dad’s increasingly violent reaction to both the Muslim faith and the black community at large. It is a truly fascinating twist to this story that Jason is African American and perhaps the gentlest of people Ravi has ever met.
There was never a moment in this novel where I felt there was a wasted word or a hastily tossed off moment. Rather, each piece of this book intertwined with another, giving us an incredible tale of survival and courage. Always Leaving by Gene Gant is a topnotch young adult novel that will thrill teens and adults alike. I highly recommend it to you.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety .
5 stars
What an intense and gorgeous novel Always Leaving turned out to be by story’s end. I was truly spellbound by the lush writing and the carefully woven mystery. Jason and Ravi were both atypical and yet deceptively normal teens in so many ways. The strong attraction they feel for one another springs from a place of mutual fear and need. For Ravi, the fears stem from failing his father and living with his Dad’s increasingly violent reaction to both the Muslim faith and the black community at large. It is a truly fascinating twist to this story that Jason is African American and perhaps the gentlest of people Ravi has ever met.
There was never a moment in this novel where I felt there was a wasted word or a hastily tossed off moment. Rather, each piece of this book intertwined with another, giving us an incredible tale of survival and courage. Always Leaving by Gene Gant is a topnotch young adult novel that will thrill teens and adults alike. I highly recommend it to you.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety .
July 26, 2015
Sixteen-year-old Jason wakes up in a field with no memory of his life and only the thought that he needs to keep moving to stay ahead of harm. So he does keep moving from one small town to the next. He works, hitchhikes and stays off the radar until he lands in New Hanover and finds people he doesn't want to leave. There's the owner of the diner that he works at, his landlady, and Ravi - all people that draw Jason into staying in New Hanover. As time progresses, each of these connections tries to find out Jason's background but meets dead ends. Over time Jason and Ravi fall in love. But then Jason is kidnapped and hit over the head and then his memories come rushing back. But by then it may be too late as his kidnapper feels it is important to silence Jason permanently.
This is a good, quick read.
This is a good, quick read.
April 21, 2016
Okay so... there are good and bad points to thisee. I really appreciate that there is an lgbtqia+ interracial couple, ofc it's wonderful to see that represented in this short story, and the development for their relationship was lovely too. It was also refreshing to see supportive and protective adults in the story as well.
Unfortunately, it's hard to look past some of the more problematic aspects of this, that were entirely unnecessary within the overarching plot if I'm honest. Especially considering that the characters were supposed to be 15 and 16 years old. While they were much more mature than I expected, they are still young teenagers, and it just made some of Jason's experiences a lot worse.
Unfortunately, it's hard to look past some of the more problematic aspects of this, that were entirely unnecessary within the overarching plot if I'm honest. Especially considering that the characters were supposed to be 15 and 16 years old. While they were much more mature than I expected, they are still young teenagers, and it just made some of Jason's experiences a lot worse.
August 1, 2015
I recieved an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Here it is, What I really liked about Always Leaving, is that there is so much suspense. You want to know "Jason"'s past and what makes him the way he and the not knowing makes the book so engaging and hard to put down. The last few scenes were so intense I was immediately engaged and was curious about how it was going to end. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick suspensful read.
December 11, 2014
This writer is great with characterization. He creates a lot of sympathy for the MC here, Jason. Nice romance between Jason and Ravi, wrapped up in the mystery of Jason's amnesia. Lots of suspense. This was a quick, enjoyable read. Wish it had been longer.
December 8, 2014
What more can I say other than another wonderful story by Gene Gant. He never, ever disappoints. His characters are always so engaging and believable. I can always count on his books to be entertaining, life affirming and full of hope.
August 8, 2015
Jason wakes in a field and has no memory of his life. He starts hitchhiking and ends up in New Hanover where he meets Ravi.
Jason and Ravi try to put together Jasons missing past.
A quick and good read
Thank you Netgalley
Jason and Ravi try to put together Jasons missing past.
A quick and good read
Thank you Netgalley
November 18, 2017
Young love
I love a good mystery. I had to know what was missing from Jason’s past. We find out and it’s not pretty. Ravi and Jason do make the cutest couple. There was a lot of awakenings in this story. A perfect ending. 4.0 for firsts.
I love a good mystery. I had to know what was missing from Jason’s past. We find out and it’s not pretty. Ravi and Jason do make the cutest couple. There was a lot of awakenings in this story. A perfect ending. 4.0 for firsts.
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