Go Your Own Way

‘Go Your Own Way’ is one of those books that everyone needs to stop what they’re doing and read it immediately. Lennox and Will’s relationship is one that is built so carefully throughout the book and is very sweet and passionate, The characterization of Lennox is so spot on for how someone who has been so hurt would act. Will is such a strong force to always stand up for what he believes is right. This book makes you think about how family isn’t always about what you’re born into, but who you surround yourself with. I just finished this book and already want more! Also, everyone needs a mom figure like Karen in their life. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

These days I am shying away from YA books because I have a hard time reading sex scenes between kids, especially as mine get older. And while there are some sex scenes in this book, this story is so strong that those scenes didn’t bother me as much. The writing is absolutely fantastic and I loved the dual points of view – I can’t imagine not being in either kid’s head. At the surface, there doesn’t appear to be much to this story but the depth of the characters and what they’re going through is staggering. This is a typical coming of age, bad boy and innocent boy story but so much more.

Lennox is the bad boy. His story is absolutely, heartbreakingly tragic. I hurt so much for him. He is an orphan that lashes out. He’s biracial and gay. And the grandparents that took him in when his father failed him, no longer want him. People treat him like trash because of his race, sexuality and criminal history. They don’t look further than his skin, ankle bracelet and crass comments (and they are REALLY bad). But underneath all that, he is a still small, very hurt boy. He is immensely talented. He is sweet, loving and has so much to offer. And Will sees that. As he spends more time with him, he sees past the brash comments and ankle bracelet (he never even sees the skin color difference) and gets to know the real Lennox; and falls in love with him; and finds out that love isn’t as easy as he thought it was. Will who is completely innocent when it comes to relationships – both emotional and sexual. Will who cannot comprehend how or why Lennox was thrown aside and is treated as badly as he is and lives as poorly as he does. Will who is a romantic and wants the hearts and flowers but Lennox knows nothing about that and wants no part of it. Will who wants to break through the tough exterior and live inside it with Lennox and wants to make things better for him and with him.

There is so much story here and it’s as wonderful as it is heartbreaking. And the author isn’t done yet, because book 2 should be just as emotional and wonderful as this book. And I’m diving in…