THEME WEEK
Reviewed by Donna
TITLE: Where You Are
AUTHOR: J.H. Trumble
PUBLISHER: Kensington Publishing
LENGTH: 320 Pages
BLURB:
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.
REVIEW:
Where You Are is one of my all time, absolute, crazy-mad-for-it, favourite books ever, and five hearts just aren’t enough to show how much I love this story! This book makes me a little crazy. I’m all for people having their own opinion, except when it comes to this book. Honest to god, if I see a negative review of this book, I’m left shocked and wailing – What do you mean you don’t like it! That’s just sacrilege!
Seventeen-year-old Robert Westfall’s life is not one that anyone would choose. His father is dying, his mother is stressed and exhausted and his boyfriend is only concerned about himself. The only person who understands him and has time for him is his math teacher, Andrew McNelin. Andrew is always willing to listen, he seems to genuinely care, and wow, is he gorgeous. How could Robert not fall for him? A student falling for a teacher is hardly unheard of, but as Andrew spends more time with Robert, he can’t help but develop feelings for the younger man, no matter how much he fights it.
I know that some, if not most, readers would see this book as a taboo subject, the teacher and the student, but I can assure you upfront that there’s nothing creepy or perverted within the pages of this book. I know, it’s the sort of situation that you’d see on TV and probably have a strong reaction to. I know that I’d be thinking that that disgusting teacher should go to jail. But I think that’s partly why I like this book so much. You get the story from both characters’ perspectives. You experience these two men falling in love with each other and you know that Andrew falls for Robert despite the fact he’s younger and his student, not because of that. Andrew fights the attraction for all he’s worth but the fact that Robert is going through such a tough time at home causes Andrew to weaken because he can see how much Robert needs him. Even as you’re cheering for these two to get together, you’re cringing because you know that it’s going to blow up in their faces. And blow up it does. Rather spectacularly, and messily, and there’s no magic fix to make it all better. Angst lovers will probably get a kick out of this book. I spent a good portion of the later part of this book in tears, as the lovers were predictably torn apart but then skillfully and believably kept apart. The author puts both men and the reader through emotional havoc before allowing us the reward of a most perfect HEA.
I should probably note that there isn’t any on page sex in this book, but the two main characters do begin a sexual relationship while Robert is still seventeen. Just in case that’s something you absolutely refuse to read.
Like I said, I just love this book so damn much! I can’t recommend it enough, even for those readers who aren’t fans of young adult stories. Just look at that beautiful guy on the cover. How could you look at that picture and not want to read his story?
RATING: 
BUY LINKS:
Donna, you cracked me up! I cannot claim to love this book as much as you did, but I love J.H. Trumble’s books, so I know where you’re coming from. My favorite is Don’t Let Me Go. I just love it to bits and that ending is one that has stayed with me for years. Like I said, this one is not my favorite of Trumble’s three, but I will wholeheartedly second the recommendation!
Hi Carolyn, I’m always happy to hear from a fellow J.H. Trumble fan. The whole series is brilliant, isn’t it 🙂