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Where You Are

By: J.H. Trumble
Narrated by: Brad King, Noah Michael Levine
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Publisher's Summary

Robert Westfall's life is falling apart - everywhere but in math class. That's the one place where problems always have a solution. But in the world beyond high school, his father is terminally ill, his mother is squabbling with his interfering aunts, his boyfriend is unsupportive, and the career path that's been planned for him feels less appealing by the day. Robert's math teacher, Andrew McNelin, watches his best student floundering, concerned but wary of crossing the line between professional and personal. Gradually, Andrew becomes Robert's friend, then his confidante. As the year progresses, their relationship - in school and out of it - deepens and changes. And as hard as he tries to resist, Andrew knows that he and Robert are edging into territory that holds incalculable risks for both of them.

J. H. Trumble, author of the acclaimed Don't Let Me Go, explores a controversial subject with extraordinary sensitivity and grace, creating a deeply human and honest story of love, longing, and unexpected connection.

Contains mature themes.

©2013 J. H. Trumble (P)2019 Tantor
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: LGBTQ+

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I loved the journey but now I’m sitting here feeling a bit flat.
Narration was quite good.

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Thoughtful but harrowing taboo romance!

Although he is still learning the ropes, 24 yo Andrew McNelin has the makings of an excellent high school maths teacher. Close friends and family know he’s gay but he’s not out at his Texan school. He’s divorced with shared custody of a daughter, he’s good-looking and he attracts the attention of students and other staff, especially from one of his 17 yo senior students, Robert Westfall. Robert’s life is tough. His parents feel trapped in a dysfunctional marriage, his emotionally distant father has terminal brain cancer, and his mother can’t stand her father’s high-handed family. While they initially try to fight it, Andrew and Robert develop feelings for each other and they can’t wait for Robert to graduate.

This harrowing taboo romance is incredibly well-written but I felt really churned up about the characters, their decisions, and their inevitable slow-motion car crash. Every character made lots of mistakes and poor decisions. They also failed to say what needed to be said. While I tried to sympathise with their difficult circumstances, most of them also behave badly.

I remember being a 24 yo beginning teacher and, over the 10 years I taught, I definitely remember the very big line between professional friendliness and unprofessional behaviour - it’s not rocket science. This reminded me a lot of Alan Paton’s excellent Too Late The Phalarope about an illegal South African mixed race couple during Apartheid. That couple also knew the law and the risks but just couldn’t keep away. I don’t blame Robert, his youth and his emotionally turbulent life were crying out for support and comfort. But Andrew definitely shoulders responsibility for selfishly hurting everyone around him and his hot-and-cold reactions show he knew it. After so much harrowing angst and so many hurt people, this really needed a long and satisfying epilogue instead the faint glimmer of hope we got.

On the audiobook, US voice actors Brad King (as Andrew) and Noah Michael Levine (as Robert) were absolutely superb, every word and emotion was perfect (currently free on the Audible Plus catalogue).

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