Review: Where You Are by J.H. Trumble (18+)

Where You Are by J.H. Trumble
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Expected publication:
January 2013
by Kensington Publishing
MATURE CONTENT

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 McNelis, 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.

J.H. Trumble, author of the acclaimed Don't Let Me Go, explores a controversial subject with extraordinary sensitivity and grace, creating a deeply human and honest story of love, longing, and unexpected connection.

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          My Review:

     Where You Are is J.H. Trumble's second novel. I read her first novel Don't Let Me and I absolutely LOVED it. So when I found out she was writing another novel, I got in contact with her. I asked her to please keep me posted on release date so I can request an ARC. And she was more than happy to help me. She's a really nice person, which makes me enjoy her books even more. I absolutely loved this novel. Ms. Trumble wrote such a compelling story, where a teacher falls for one of his students. Aside from the age difference and profession. Trumble wrote this story in such a way that I couldn't help but root for them, and hope that they find their place in life together.

     In the beginning when I started reading Where You Are, I had to put it down for a few days. Robert's dad is sick with Cancer and Cancer is always a touchy subject for me. That was really emotional, especially that I went through the same with my dad. But once I picked it back up and able to get past that, I understood Robert. I understood his longing for security and happiness. Life at home wasn't easy for him and he needed an outlet to escape. And that's where Andrew came in.

     What I love most about Andrew was that when he started having feelings for Robert, it wasn't all sexual. He had genuine feelings for him. He had true feelings of concern for Robert. And he tried really hard to hold his feelings back from Robert. What choice did he have? He was Robert's teacher and it's a felony to get involved with a student. But there was a point where Andrew thought to himself, screw the rules. This boy needs someone there for him. And that's where I fell in love with both men. This story was written perfectly. I kept hoping for them to figure out their differences.

     I love Robert and Andrew and if they were real life people, I would be so happy to see them together. So before you (as a reader) turn away from this novel because of the teacher/student relationship. Let me tell you that Trumble wrote this story in a sweet way, it focuses more on the emotional aspect then physical aspect. So in my opinion there really isn't an "Ick" factor. I give Where You Are 5 huge golden stars and a definite Good Choice for Reading!