Safe was a good read, but sad and hard to read at times. Safe takes us on a journey of two friends who become lovers. They support and help each other to become the men they are. One reason I don’t like short stories is because I don’t feel I get enough time to get to know the characters and their stories. However, I do feel that Cody did a great job of going through their relationship by giving us glimpses of the past. The little pieces of their history together really make them and their story feel so much more real for me.
I felt like I could relate in some ways to Nico, though our situations were very different. He had such a hard life, and needed badly to be protected. Caleb wanted to be that protector even before he was old enough to really know what that meant. Caleb was a great boyfriend. So very caring, sweet, and most of all, protective.
I want more! I would really love to know what became of these two, and how their story might end. I hope to one day get to read more about them. Until then I will leave you with a few words about the part of the book that I was disappointed in. This is not the story, writing, or author, but is a sore subject that I feel the need to address when I’m given the opportunity to.
I was extremely frustrated by the fact that Caleb's dad did nothing to help Nico when he Caleb first went to him. Sadly, that is all too common. If nothing else, It’s my hope that this book will open some eyes to the abuse that goes on that most are too afraid to get involved with. Don’t make excuses of why you shouldn’t or can’t help. Get in there and protect these kids who are beaten. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking the right questions and taking the appropriate actions. I know Cody has links on his blog for kids that need help, but this link is for the people who don’t know how to help. ~Timmy
Available from: Harmony Ink Press
and read Cody’s free serial story, Fairy.
About Safe
Caleb
had one mission in life.
To
keep his boyfriend safe.
They met at ten, kissed at twelve, and were madly in love by eighteen. Caleb Deering is the captain of the swim team and the hottest senior in school. He comes from a loving home with a kind father and a caring, but strict, mother who is battling breast cancer. Nico Caro is small and beautiful, and has a father who rules with an iron fist—literally. One morning Caleb forgets himself, and he pecks Nico on the lips at school. A teacher sees them and tattles to the Headmaster. The accidental outing at school might be the least of their problems, because the ball set in motion by the school’s calls to their parents could get Nico killed. In the face of that very real danger, Caleb knows he has only one mission in life: to keep Nico safe.
Lovely review Timmy.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I get frustrated at some short stories, this was one of those. I just wanted more. Not because there was anything missing or left out, but purely because I am greedy and want to see this couple grow into adults.
Thank you for the link. Everyone should read that and be aware.
I must be greedy too, Deeze, but then I always want more of Cody's writing.
DeleteTimmy
Timmy, once again, you just hit the nail, square on. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThis story? I loved it too. And I was just as frustrated as you when Caleb's dad did nothing.
Unfortunately, this happens much too often, and a good story tells it like it is.
It is GOOD to become frustrated and angry when you encounter things that are bad. It means you can start looking for alternative ways to do things.
Like following that link that you put in your review. The one that tells all of us adults what to do if we suspect a child is being abused. Thank you for that link.
I, too, would like to see more of this story, but I found it strangely rounded and full of all the information needed to come full circle inside the story itself, even though it was a novella. There is a special skill needed to make novellas work, and in this case, the story arc was crafted by a sensitive and good hand.
It's a beautiful story of hope for the future. I think we need more of these.
It was very rounded, and he could never write more and I would feel like I got the whole story, however like Deeze pointed out, we are greedy and want more. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
DeleteTimmy
A great review of one of my favorite books. I've read Safe twice and loved it just as much the second time. I loved the way Caleb and Nico's relationship blossomed from friends to lovers and the depth of emotion between them. And although you found the part about Caleb's father's inaction frustrating, I think it is good that Cody brings out this point in his writing. Because it is the frustration that spurs people to take action. It makes you think "Someone should do something about that." And then you stop and think "Wait a minute, I am SOMEONE, what am I doing about it?" Terrific review of a terrific book. And yes, I want to read more about Caleb and Nico too.
ReplyDeleteMy frustration is exactly that Mel! I wanted the to do something, However I can say first hand that being removed can often times be worse then stay where you are. The demons you know are better then the ones you don't.
DeleteTimmy
Great review! I also find I get frustrated by a short story sometimes because I want to know more!
ReplyDeleteI used to teach high school math and science. I was also a child advocate liaison for my school. It just meant that I got trained to listen to kids who wanted to report any kind of abuse. I, then would contact a CASA advisor to report the abuse. I reported twice. One turned out to be false and it got nasty but I don't regret reporting.
You did the right thing turning in suspected abuse, because what if it was happening? I think it's better to be wrong about turning it in, then being wrong cause you didn't. It can mean someone's life.
DeleteTimmy
Awesome review, Timmy! I'm hoping for more Caleb and Nico as well! Their story left me breathless at times. Just beautiful. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks Lili li! <3
DeleteTimmy
Thanks for your review, Timmy! This is one of those books that is hard for me to read. I find it painful to read about abuse. Unfortunately it is reality. As a teacher, I've seen abused and neglected children and had to call child services. These children need to know they are not alone. I was also frustrated that no one stood up for Nico against his dad - not Caleb's dad, not a principal, or teacher, or guidance counselor. I would hope in real life this wouldn't be true, but sometimes kids like Nico work hard at keeping their secrets. That why every child going through it needs a friend like Caleb. I thought their sweet childhood friendship turned love was told in a realistic and tender way. I truly loved the ending and wish all young people struggling with their identity and sexuality would find that kind of acceptance and love.
ReplyDeleteLiz, Thanks so much for reading and commenting. I agree that some kids hide it well, we learn to mask the pain and hurt. But there is many people that just would rather think it doesn't happen, so the lies the kid tells to cover bruises are easier to believe. It's sad but abuse is real, and I'm grateful to Cody for writing his books to help kids that need hope.
DeleteTimmy