Official Review: Beneath the Surface

[SurroundedByBooks]

Thanks for the review. It was hard to get a feel for the book from the sample as it only showed preface. I’m not a fan of a collection of short stories even if they are connected to tell one story.

[Cecilia_L]

Thanks for the great review! I really appreciate the clear warnings about the sexual content and suicide context. As a reader, I don't like to be 'surprised' by some heavy topics... I prefer to know before hand.
This book is going on my 'Want to Read' bookshelf.
DN

You're welcome. I also appreciate being forewarned. Thanks for your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

This seems an interesting book for people who struggle to face their own sexuality and to others who are interested in such topics. Thank you for your great review!

You're welcome. I appreciate your comment.

[Rachel_Emmanuel]

I love books that deal with real problems people face on a daily basis. Reading them makes me see myself in any of the character. The author has done a good job writing this book. Weldone.

[Cecilia_L]

This book teaches us to accept one another for who we are. Nobody knows what the other person is truly passing through so do the best to help in such situations. Great book!

Thanks for your comment, Jaroks.

[Cecilia_L]

I especially like McCollister's talent for crafting eloquent passages that invite rereading: "As soon as you spoke, I knew it was a perfect fit. Your name was beautiful, but Claire seemed to capture you, all of you. So fragile, mysterious, strong, and beautiful, all wrapped in a song-like package." In my favorite story, "The Beach at Sunset," McCollister poignantly reveals Conner's pain from a recent loss and how his buried grief affects his perception and interactions with others. On a lighter note, the story also makes me long for a day at the beach!

Your light-hearted comment made me smile
It's hard to capture a poignant story in such a few short stories, so the author must be talented, for sure.
Thank you for the enthusiastic review!

Thanks, Lunastella. I appreciate your comment.

[chidan94]

Wow, great review. The book is already sounding interesting based on the review. Would like to try it out.

[Sophie Gabriel]

I'm actually intrigued by your review and the fact that this seems to be a moving story based on the life of a man who has gone through his fair share of struggles in life; emotionally and psychologically. It's not really my genre though so I'm just going to pass but I have no doubt someone somewhere will pick this book up one day and find answers to pressing questions they might have.

[kdstrack]

The drawing on the cover reflects the themes you have highlighted. I agree that his parents sound like amazing people.

[Chelsy Scherba]

I’m not really interested in the topics discussed, but hopefully others will enjoy!

[Seraphia Bunny Sparks]

It sounds like the author touches on some tough and complicated subjects that so many choose to avoid. I'm glad that he does that and helps essentially to give others a voice in the process. I'm not sure that this is a book that I personally would be interested in so I'll be passing on reading it.

[ohlendorfbe]

A slow-paced coming of age story just doesn't excite me. I'm glad there are books out there that explore those issues, but they just aren't for me. It seems that so many books have steamy sex scenes and profanity, both of which I am uncomfortable with. So I'm passing on this one, but kudos for a very informative and well-written review.

[Pocoyo]

I adore coming-of-age novels, and even though the cover gives me anxiety, I'll definitely try to check this out.

[Kajori Sheryl Paul]

A book about the adventures of a swimmer seems to be interesting.

Thank you for the great review.

[Nkoo]

A well-written coming-of-age story with themes such as mental health, depression, acceptance, gay sexuality, fear, rejection and many more powerful issues sounds interesting. Certainly, lovers of this genre will enjoy reading it. Thanks for your interesting review.