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It's Dade's last summer at home. He has a crappy job at Food World, a 'boyfriend' who won't publicly acknowledge his existence (maybe because Pablo also has a girlfriend), and parents on the verge of a divorce. College is Dade's shining beacon of possibility, a horizon to keep him from floating away.
Then he meets the mysterious Alex Kincaid. Falling in real love finally lets Dade come out of the closet-and, ironically, ignites a ruthless passion in Pablo. But just when true happiness has set in, tragedy shatters the dreamy curtain of summer, and Dade will use every ounce of strength he's gained to break from his past and start fresh with the future.
This debut novel is deceptively quiet-the story of a recent high school graduate, Dade, struggling to come out and yearning to get to college and away from his parents' marital troubles and stifling suburban peers. Yet in the same way that Sarah Dessen allows readers to lose themselves in the ordinary, Burd takes a familiar plot-boy struggles with his sexuality, then meets a love interest who changes everything-and makes it fresh. Dade's inner monologues and interactions with others feel real, and bear a poignant honesty (after shopping for college: "It occurred to me that these things made of plastic, glass, and metal would become the foundation for my new life"). With the arrival of Alex, Dade's first real boyfriend and one catalyst behind Dade's coming out, the story moves into sweet, romantic territory, which balances some of the deeper, more painful issues brewing in Dade's life (including his father's affair and his friend/ex-hookup Pablo's inner turmoil). The novel's one flaw is its unsatisfying ending, which feels both melodramatic and abrupt. Aside from this, Burd is an author to watch. Ages 14-up. (May)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr 9 Up
Dade Hamilton is off to college in August, but until then, he must deal with a boring job in a dull city, his parents' failing marriage, and a rocky relationship with Pablo, a boy who publicly denies his homosexuality and doesn't seem to care for Dade except when they are alone. When Dade meets Alex, however, the summer begins to improve. Alex is handsome and mysterious; most importantly, he adores Dade and isn't afraid to show it. With Alex in the picture, Pablo slowly tries to regain Dade's attention. What results is a series of dramatic interactions and events that force Dade to examine his emotions, his life, and the people in it. Burd addresses the themes of family, unrequited love, bullying, and sexuality in a fresh and believable manner. His use of language is beautiful; his words paint clear pictures of Dade's deep and complex psyche. While his homosexuality is an important element of the story, it isn't the main focus. It's just a part of his character that readers accept without question. The Vast Fields of Ordinary is a refreshingly honest, sometimes funny, and often tender novel.-Sarah K. Allen, Thetford Academy, VT
I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end and just couldn't put it down. I have to open with that because it's all I can really think about.
The Vast Fields of Ordinary is a fantastic coming-of-age story told from the point of view of a gay boy fresh out of high school, facing life during the summer before he starts college.
Reading this, I saw so much of myself in Dade Hamilton and could identify with the character on so many levels and I think many other readers will agree. You're instantly transported back to that time in your life where nothing makes sense and the road ahead of you is just one massive blur of people and events that ultimately shape your character and allow you to carve your own path in life.
This book perfect for both the young who are approaching this amazing time in their lives and those of us who have already grown past it and think back on that time, remembering how surreal it all felt.
The story is raw, uncompromising and honest, never saccharine or pandering. It captures youth in a bottle for a new generation.
This book deserves a place right alongside The Catcher in the Rye and The Perks of Being a Wallflower on everyones' shelves. If you haven't read it, grab a copy now!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 5, 2012
This novel has truly taken the spot as my all-time favorite novel hands down. I read this novel in the span of a day and a half, & I could not put it down, and when I had to I rushed to pick it back up again. I was so drawn into this novel. The characters are so realistic, the plot (simply put) is truly well done. I truly don't know how else to explain this amazing novel, its lefted me speechless!!! Reminds me of the novel Perks of Being A Wallflower, but soo much better. If you havent read this or have doubts, get yourself a copy! You wont regret it!!!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 21, 2012
Such a great book. Very enjoyable read. Kept me glued to the pages.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 25, 2012
I bought this book out of impalse but I was not let down, that's for sure. This was an over all amazing book that I am sure I will continue to read over and over. It dealt with all the complexities of life and all that comes with it. The author had a unique way of drawing you in without being overly bouyant on the physical attributes of people. He really made you focus on the personalities at hand and made you get to know all the characters for who they were not what they were. I would have to say the only thing that I wish was different was the ending. It did seem a bit rushed but yet again that's what life is like. I strongly recommend this, it offers many answers that some don't even know they're asking.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 1, 2012
I admired the strength and desire to stay true to his own person. Reminds me of my struggles growing up. Wonderful story and great character development
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 27, 2011
This book holds the number one spot for the best book I've ever read in my life! :D This book is absolutely beautiful and I loved every bit of it. I am definitely going to enjoy rereading this book over and over again. I LOVE THIS BOOK WITH AN INTENSE BURNING PASSION. And I absolutely fell in love with Dade and Alex. ^.^ They're such beautiful charcters and they are adorable together. ;)
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 25, 2011
Burd does a good job playing with the idea that life and all the people and events it encompasses, including ourselves, are all a sort of mystery box with unlimited potential, for better or worse. There are some great moments in this book that make you stop and wonder about the vast fields of potential in your own ordinary life. My only real complaint is that Burd too often abandons these moments in favor of what often becomes a too-witty-by-half dialogue. Still, it's a nice quick read with interesting and unconventional characters that manages to pose some interesting questions without being dense.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.When I read this book about a year ago, I fell in love with the coming-of-age story and the lovely characters. It truly is a wonderful story and one that I enjoy rereading.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 20, 2011
This is a very good book!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 1, 2011
i love the fact that the author did not just dwell on sexual stuff but real emotions a gay teen experiences in reality! two thumbs up!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 10, 2011
Funny, charming, whitty, heatbreaking, and absolutely beautiful. Its a must read.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 4, 2011
A must read!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 3, 2011
This is the most amazing book I have ever read. I've read many, many books. By far, this was the one that struck me the most and took my breath away. I loved it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 4, 2011
I absolutely loved the characters in this book! The writing style made everything flow so well that it was hard to put the book down. I hope to see more books from this author in the future!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 19, 2011
It took me to places ive never been. It made me laugh, cry, and hope for the best in the end. You wont be disappointed with this one.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 6, 2011
The book was realistic. It was all truths to what we do as young adults. It embodied our faults and success. Real relationships, real friendships and things that we all deal with at some point in our lie.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 2, 2011
I couldn't put it down
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 1, 2012
I can relater so much. I love it
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Posted June 21, 2012
Wat are you gay? This book is just gay propagansa.
0 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 3, 2012
Awesome
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Overview
It's Dade's last summer at home. He has a crappy job at Food World, a 'boyfriend' who won't publicly acknowledge his existence (maybe because Pablo also has a girlfriend), and parents on the verge of a divorce. College is Dade's shining beacon of possibility, a horizon to keep him from floating away.
Then he meets the mysterious Alex Kincaid. Falling in real love finally lets Dade come out of the closet-and, ironically, ignites a ruthless passion in Pablo. But just when true ...