(Click on the banner to know more about the LOST AND FOUND EVENT)

Reviewed by Shelley

STORY: Sam I Am
BOOK: Lost and Found
AUTHORS: Jeff Erno
EDITOR: Kris Jacen
PUBLISHER: Featherweight Press
BLURB: Some statistics say that 40% of all homeless teens are GLBT. They’re on the streets after their families have thrown them away, told them that they don’t matter, that they’re not normal. Well, guess what? Those families are wrong. This collection of stories by ten talented authors spans the spectrum (historical, paranormal, transgender, cutter, gay) to show that – it’s okay, there are people out there that care, and these teens are perfect just the way they are.

REVIEW:

When fifteen year old Sam confesses to his Mom that he’s gay, he didn’t expect to be taken from his family home by concerned Christians who propose to keep him in a secure facility where he will be ‘cured’.  When desperate pleading and tears don’t work, he flees and decides to take his chances on the streets.

This short story begins two years later. Sam has recently formed a close relationship with Cody who’s taken it upon himself to care for Sam. That is, until Cody himself becomes a victim of their wretched situation and Sam is left alone; panicked and distraught.

Enter Greg, a youth pastor, who proves to be the antithesis of what Sam believes Christians to be. Now Sam must trust the very church that stole his innocence, betrayed his faith and ruined his life. Will Sam ever be able to trust again? And will he ever find Cody?

This short story addresses the virtues of ‘good’ Church vs ‘bad’ Church. And like the other stories in this anthology it is a compelling,thought provoking topic.

The story in itself is quite spare. The writing is almost insufficient and the pace and time arc doesn’t quite allow the reader to fully engage with the characters. But still, the message is strongand one that resonates with the theme of this anthology. Fortunately with just a bit of love, kindness and acceptance Sam’s story leaves a person with hope and optimism for young GLBT kids.

BUY LINKS:

Featherweight Store  ||  Book Store (ebook)  ||  Book Store (Paperback)

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Shelley is one of the official reviewers on The Blog of Sid Love.

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TO WIN A FREE COPY OF ANY ONE OF JEFF ERNO’S BACKLIST TITLES, LEAVE A COMMENT TO THIS POST:
(Click to check out Jeff Erno’s published works)

1) Follow the given format to enter yourself into the contest:

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Why do you need to follow? – To get instant updates on the winner announcement, or other giveaway events that are planned to be hosted on this blog or simply for the reviews and author interviews that are posted here.

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CONTEST WILL END ON 24th June, 2013 @ 11:59 PM Central Time!!

There will be a giveaway contest everyday from 16th to 23rd of June, 2013. The blog will be hosting these for the authors who have contributed to this anthology – who will be giving away either any of their books from their backlist (excluding Lost & Found, of course!) or their will be a giveaway of Gift Cards!

MLR Press will choose a lucky winner from the entire lot who have participated in these daily contests and the winner will get to choose one book of their choice from their HUGE backlist!

ALSO, PARTICIPATE IN:
DAKOTA CHASE’S GIVEAWAY
CAITLIN RICCI’S GIVEAWAY