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A Secret Edge 
| 80% Recommended by our customers. Publisher: Kensington Catalog: Book Release date: 2007-06-01 Media: Paperback Number of pages: 304 Ean: 9780758219275 Book Isbn: 075821927X Reading level: Young Adult  Tip: compare prices with similar booksAuthor:
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Written on July 20, 2007 Summary: Strong and original coming-of-age story This wonderful coming-of-age story by Robin Reardon transcends stereotypes, focusing on a main character who is, if not a jock, athletic. Jason Peele is on his school's track team, and so are all of his potential romantic interests. It's nice to see an author address gays who are athletically inclined. The topic isn't broached enough, in my humble opinion to reflect reality. In other words, there are a large number of high school teens who play football, baseball, basketball, tennis, teens who are on the track team, swim team, etc. - who are just as good as their heterosexual counterparts, and who get short shrift in gay literature. These teens, seeking out YA gay literature, don't find themselves in many books and are often disillusioned. There are notable exceptions of course. Alex Sanchez' superb "Rainbow Trilogy" (Rainbow Boys, Rainbow High, and Rainbow Road ), comes to mind, as one of the three main characters is the star of the basketball team, and another is on the swim team. But this isn't just a book with athletic teens. This is an extremely well written and well researched book. Jason's journey is an interesting one. We meet him in the first chapter after a wet dream (about David Bowie - to each their own, I suppose It's also nice to see an interracial relationship depicted without any of the typical (and clichéd) race issues. Jason sees Raj, and is attracted to him. When he gets to know Raj, he likes him even more because Raj is a nice guy. Period. (As it should be in an ideal world - not that this book expresses utopian ideals...) There's never a question about whether or not he could see himself with someone of a different nationality. Reardon handles their relationship deftly. There are times when the book might feel preachy to some, and I mention this in my review only to refute reviews that (if written in the future, because as of this writing there are none) look down on it. I'm of the opinion that the book is not preachy; rather, it's sharing essential information that teens need. Just the facts, ma'am - so to speak. Robin Reardon has a strong, assertive voice, is able to portray different yet complex characters adeptly, and is unquestionably a writer to keep an eye on. Written on July 4, 2007 Summary: Delightful The book is wonderful, evocative of emotional states that, as a psychotherapist, I recognize as accurate, real, convincing. The writing is also delightful, with little surprises hidden in the pages like tiny chocolate mints. Written on June 28, 2007 Summary: Sixteen year old school athlete confronts his sexualtity Young Jason Peele lives with his aunt an uncle, his parents having been killed when he was two, but he is confused as his dreams centre on boys and not girls. At sixteen years old he is perhaps an average student and not the most popular, but he enjoys English Lit and he excels at athletics, particularly running. It is while training for an upcoming inter-schools competition that he notices Raj, a particularly lithe and good looking coloured student practicing the high jump. He makes himself known to Raj who has recently arrived from India, and soon the two fall in love, but all is not plain sailing. Raj, a year older than Jason, soon seduces him, but then proves to be something of an enigma seeming at times distant and aloof and leaving Jason uncertain as to where he stands. Jason also has to contend with bullying, particularly involving a one time friend who has now turned against him. Then there is Robert, a quiet homely looking student who rescues Jason from his attackers and then seeks his help with school work as well as guidance dating girls. As a result Jason finds himself on a double date with Robert and two girls, adding to is confusion. To compound his problems he is flattered by sudden attentions of fellow student and athlete Norm, coming from the wealthy side of town, who also falls for him. Jason has to contend with all these problems including coming out to his aunt and uncle, sending his emotions into turmoil at the time of his training for his all important athletics; but he remains remarkably well balanced and positive, proving a perfect role model for other youths similarly confused about their sexuality. It is a little patronising in tone at times, even slipping in advice on preparing English assignments in addition to the handling of gay issues. It does however deliver a clear moral message, and Jason as a character comes across convincingly, not perfect but very likeable, willing to learn and help to others, and particularly demonstrating a good balance of appropriate pride and humility. That aside it is a very warm and touching love story and Jason comes out of it well proving that honesty is the best approach, and showing that whatever problems there are, there are always more then enough positive points to counter them. Jason tells his tale frankly and with wit and humour; an enjoyable and rewarding read, and a heart warming love story. Written on May 31, 2007 Summary: Sensitive Coming of Age Reardon, Robin. "A Secret Edge", Kensington, 2007. Sensitive Coming of Age Amos Lassen and Literary Pride Coming of age and coming out stories have always been a staple of gay literature. Most of these are tiring and tell the same story in different words. Then we have Robin Reardon's "A Secret Edge". This is a surprise of a book. It is sensitive and real and tells of young love in a way I have not found in a very long time. It is a beautiful rendering of young gay love and it will warm even the blackest of hearts. It is fun and compelling. It is not just a coming of age story but it is also about ideas that are not usually discussed in young, new fiction. Some of the issues that are dealt with are family dynamics, honesty, friendship, cultural dynamics, morality and religion in a world where valence is kept to a minimum. Jason is a 16 year old who as to deal with his feelings about being gay and falling in love at the same time. It is not enough that he has fallen in love but he has fallen in love with someone from a completely different background. The object of his affection is afraid to return the feelings even though he is somewhat out. The trials and tribulations of young love permeate the plot and this s a beautiful read. Reardon's prose is as sensitive as his characters are. He tells a beautiful story in a way that will not be easily forgotten. There is so much in this book to like that t is somewhat hard to even try to relate. I feel that we should keep our eyes on Robin Reardon. I believe he has what it takes to be a very serious author. If "Secret Edge" is indicative of more yet to come the we will have wonderful literary treats awaiting us. Reardon is one to watch but while you are watching, pick up a copy of "A Secret Edge". |
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| Price comparison |
 A Secret Edge |
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| Our price | $10.20 | $12.99 | $10.20 | $9.89 | $11.96 | $11.20 |
| List price | $15.00 | $12.99 | $15.00 | $10.99 | $14.95 | $14.00 |
| Lowest used price | $6.46 | $11.50 | $7.10 | $7.96 | $11.95 | $9.89 |
| Lowest new price | $7.18 | $12.99 | $7.48 | $8.00 | $11.96 | $8.39 |
| Collectible price | - | $19.95 | - | - | - | - |
| Catalog | Book | Book | Book | Book | Book | Book |
| Release date | 2007-06-01 | 2006-04-19 | 2007-10-01 | 2006-08-06 | 2007-04-30 | 2007-04-17 |
| Media | Paperback | Paperback | Paperback | Paperback | Paperback | Paperback |
| Number of pages | 304 | 312 | 352 | 300 | 214 | 268 |
| Ean | 9780758219275 | 9781419628894 | 9780758216861 | 9781596323278 | 9781560236610 | 9781599983479 |
| Book Isbn | 075821927X | 1419628895 | 0758216866 | 1596323272 | 1560236612 | 1599983478 |
| Reading level | Young Adult | - | - | - | - | - |
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