Enjoyed though hard topics
579963
This was easy to read and kept my interest(some grammar errors etc)  but not enough to bother me. I look forward to the next book.  I also read book one and say the same.
2151557
Enjoyable and a funny read.  I appreciate the author taking on some difficult topics while still keeping the story light.
3806298
Intriguing writing ,  enjoyed subject matter
231083
Although it touched on very controversial topics and sensitive subjects it definitely showed an honest, coming of oneself. It was hard to put down!
832270
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review

I think this story was bold and touched upon some very relatable subjects in those who are involved in a religious community and in general life as well. I do feel this is going to be a book that people are going to love or hate because of it's sensitive matter.

There is something that draws someone to such a taboo matter, but beyond the tense/angst amongst the characters there is a seriousness that can not be ignored. That choices we make, individually or together, can change the lives of many. To write about such matters with religion mixed into the storyline takes guts and walks a fine line that I enjoyed reading about.

The only downfall for me was that the ending felt rushed. We were thrown into variety of point of views that was a bit of a whirlwind. I get why they were shown, but without character build up to those views that were presented I found it difficult to imagine that that was the characters true reaction to the situation. I found it hard to connect with them without that development, but then again I thought about what it would take to have had those perspectives throughout the book. It would of made the book a bit more lengthy but I think it would of added to the power of it's message.

As it is, you will find it to be a quick read with a powerful message that will leave you thinking!!

4 *WINK* READ

Book Flirts by Jessi
452379
My book club enjoyed it.  We had a great conversation about the characters, as well as the topic of mental disability.
163660
Good discussion of a topic seldom covered.  Nice price too!
4158692
This was a great read - I really enjoyed it. There are some interesting topics to ponder that are involved in the story. Highly recommended.
2868624
Was a good read but was not as "deep " as I was expecting it to be- considering the topic
3124670
This was definitely a different type of book for me. It expresses something that some might deem sensitive  ones own sexual preference. I commend the author for taking this approach and being open to discuss the ramifications of discriminating those who like the same gender in the society she has built.

I believe the author held the sensitivity to the topic at hand very well. She had characters on both sides and it is clear, even though there are law giving same-sex relationships equal rights, that there are those who still take issue with the subject.

As I was reading, though, I did feel the characters and plot were lacking a bit. The key characters, Winter, Simon, and even Tabitha (Winters wife), were easy to distinguish one from the other. Epps did a solid job in showing the inner conflicts of these characters. However, the supporting characters were blended more together. I would think either a little less secondary characters or giving more information on each would help to differentiate one from the other better.

In general, the message of the story was unclear. Im not sure if it was meant to be a tale of the happenings in this made-up society or if there was supposed to be more. The court room scenes were interesting and the ending was pretty intense, but I think I would liked bottom-line of the story to be a bit clearer.

Overall, this was a fairly enjoyable read with few grammatical errors. It was an interesting take on a society where LGBT rights are more prominent.
2855422
Hard to engage in at first, but got more interesting
3128346
I read this book in one sitting because I really wanted to find out what happened to the characters. This book gets into some very heavy topics but is also laugh-out-loud funny at a couple points. It's extremely hard to categorize -- I've started describing it as a coming-of-age story, but with adults who, due to immaturity and/or being beaten down by the world, didn't really grow up the first time around. (Hootman's other book, Courting Greta, also fits this description). It reminded me of Zusak's I am the Messenger, but I can't quite explain why without getting spoilery.
1755313
I really enjoyed reading Tru and Frannie. The author does a really good job of discussing difficult topics without making them feel like plot fodder.
2667281
In spite of the awkward style of writing I found this book thought provoking and find I think about the interrelationships expressed and denial of death quite often.
4179135
I enjoyed this book a lot. Notwithstanding the author is trying sometimes to cover too many topics: education system, brain development, racism, poverty, even chess technics... I think the core idea throughout the book is interesting. Very nice book.
1832605
The subjects chosen for this book were not easy.  The author tackled women's rights, race relations, slavery, bigotry, prostitution, bi-racial relationships, unmarried pregnant women, abortion, and more.  The book was written honestly and well.  I am going to download book two right now and look forward to devouring it like I did this book.
4478893
I found the topic to be very interesting, and it did not let me down. Full of raw emotions and we'll written.