FALLING FROM THE SKY: A Review :)

"What would you do if you were falling from the sky?"

TITLE: Falling From The Sky
AUTHOR/s: Nikki Godwin
PUBLICATION DATE: 21st of February, 2014
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | Book Depository 

 

I'm pretty sure that most, if not everyone, has been drowning in rainbows for the past couple of weeks (because #LoveWins! :D) And all that hype gave me the mood to read something LGBTQIA related. Since I've been hearing so many good things about Nikki Godwin's Falling From The Sky (especially because of Julie @ Books and Insomnia's review) I decided to give it a shot.

I'll admit that I was hesitant at first. Her other LGBTQIA-themed book, Breaking Saint Jude, is actually the one I wanted to check out but since I don't have a copy of it yet *ehem ehem* I settled on this one. 

I'm really glad I did! :D

All stability in sixteen-year-old Ridge McCoy’s life crashed and burned in the plane crash that killed his dad. This summer-long basketball camp is his chance to improve his skills and escape his problems back home. But his summer plans take a turn in an unexpected direction when he meets Micah Youngblood, the guy who runs the carousel at the local mall and has a reputation for devouring straight boys’ heterosexuality for breakfast, alongside his chocolate chip pancakes. 

Ridge needs a way to avoid the guys at camp, whose only quest for the summer is to drown in beer and hook up with girls. So when Micah offers to explain how the ten unique horses on the carousel are significant to his tribe, Ridge takes him up on it. Still, Ridge can't decide if this is a bad thing or not. All he knows is that he hasn’t felt this alive since his dad fell from the sky, and as the horse adventures come to an end, Ridge finds himself falling as well – for Micah.

As a supporter of LGBTQIA and of diverse books, it's surprising that Falling From The Sky is my first LGBTQIA-themed read which was written by an international author. I know, I know, but I've read lots from local authors so that counts for something, right?

Anyway, I'm really happy that it did not disappoint! In this review, I want to stress out three important points:

First are the little things which made the reading experience a whole lot better for me. Number one, that cover. LOOK AT IT! It's gorgeous! Or maybe it's just me and my fascination with dreamcatchers but it really is lovely. Also, I loved how the title was mentioned throughout the book. Aside from those, it was really nice that there were lots of blue in the story (from a rabbit foot, to rock candies, to dreamcatchers!) The carousel was a great addition too! And last but not the least, one word: ZOMBIES. 

The next one would be the characters. I so loved Ridge and Micah! They are in fact my first M/M ship <3 They are two different personas who has their own fair share of brokenness despite the facades that they try to pull out. And it was so nice that they found healing with each other *D'AWWWW*

Ridge's character was realistic in terms that of course, he felt really confused at some point because how can he, a "straight" guy, be falling for another guy? And I guess, it's natural for him to be scared too. But I'm glad that he managed to confront his issues eventually. Meanwhile, Micah is also a great character whom you just can't help but root for. He's someone you would actually want to be happy, like real happy and not just I-need-to-be-happy kind of happy.

If there is one thing I didn't like about Micah, it could be stated in a quote by Ridge: "I get it. Micah likes guys, Why can't he just accept it himself?" I really don't like it when people pull out the I-fancy-guys-but-don't-worry-I-fancy-girls-too card when they are not. There's nothing wrong with being gay. I don't get why they even need to hide behind bisexuality. Not only is it confusing but also, it creates the thinking that all bisexuals are just really gays when in fact, there are people who claims they are bisexuals because they really are. Gettit?

I also wish that Samantha's characterization wasn't the mean girlfriend trope. It's obvious that Ridge would like Micah better than Sam since she acts that way. If only she was portrayed as this sweet, understanding girlfriend and Ridge still chooses Micah, then THAT would've extremely counted for something.

But despite these little issues, there's this character who is really a pick-upper: the ever loyal friend, Terrence! I swear he lands a spot on my "bestest best friends" list because of his awesomeness. When Ridge opens up to him about his Micah-issues, he doesn't judge but rather, listens and gives really helpful advice without sounding too pushy. He also wins at being a good wingman lol 

The other secondary characters were adorable too! Zoey, Abby, Jade, Tuck. All of them contributed to the story and didn't seem like they were placed there just to be there.

Last but definitely not the least would be the plot itself and THAT ENDING (!!!) I loved how the story didn't seem rushed nor too dragged out. It has just the right elements to make you keep on going without even feeling bored. The ending was absolute perfection! In contrast to what most reviews are saying, I was very satisfied with how it ended. I swear it took all my self control not to squeeeeee since everyone was still sleeping when I finished it. But for real, it was amazing! I tried hard to figure out what 5683 actually meant but I failed big time so when Ridge (and I!) finally got it, ahhh! ALL THE FEELS <3 

And don't even get me started on THAT final line! *swoooooon* HEARTS! 

"He's right, though, about a little disaster being in everything. We have to just live among the wreckage." -Ridge 

"I get it, tragedies happen and sometimes you're disappointed, but I honestly believe that no matter what happens, a parent should never stop being a parent." -Ridge

"But Micah's biggest problem is that he attaches himself to people who aren't going to stick around." -Margot

"Honestly, does it even matter if anyone understands? He makes you happy, and you love him, and don’t you dare say you don’t because you know damn well that you do. So what if the world doesn’t understand?" -Terrence

This is a refreshing break from the usual YA I read. It has reaaaalllyyy diverse characters (with different races, gender, color, sexual orientation, etc.) Also, a major pointer for me is that it was clean (AKA not too steamy) and with just very little angst. It was really light, fluffy and sweet, just how I like it :)

Despite some small issues that I had with it, I can say that it was a fantastic read! 4 out of 5 rating for Nikki Godwin's Falling From the Sky! :)

4/5 Rating! :)