Thursday, June 4, 2009

Review- The Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd


The Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd
"It’s Dade’s last summer at home. He has a crappy job at Food World, a “boyfriend” who won’t publicly acknowledge his existence (maybe because Pablo also has a girlfriend), and parents on the verge of a divorce. College is Dade’s shining beacon of possibility, a horizon to keep him from floating away. Then he meets the mysterious Alex Kincaid. Falling in real love finally lets Dade come out of the closet—and, ironically, ignites a ruthless passion in Pablo. But just when true happiness has set in, tragedy shatters the dreamy curtain of summer, and Dade will use every ounce of strength he’s gained to break from his past and start fresh with the future."- summary from Amazon

This was an amazing book; Burd's debut is simply fantastic. It's so detailed, realistic, witty, emotional, pretty much everything you'd want in a novel. Dade is a relateable character and I loved reading about his adventures this summer with his friend Lucy and boyfriend Alex and other friends and enemies he meets along the way. While it is a coming out story, it doesn't feel tired like some seem to be as Burd breathes new life into this kind of story. The prose is beautifully written and compelling, which made the book difficult to put down. Highly recommended.

5 comments :

Sadako said...

Looks awesome, I'd really like to read this. Dade sounds like a great character. I like that he's gay but it doesn't seem to be like an ohmigod, gay book about issues and sadness, but rather just about a cool, hip dude who happens to like other dudes. Nice.

BookChic said...

Sadako- It really is that kind of book. Just a regular book really where the character happens to be gay. There is a romance, but it's not the only focus of the book. I hope you get a chance to read it and would love to hear your thoughts on it when you do!

PS Love your icon! :) Anime rocks.

Anonymous said...

This book was absolutely amazing. I'm 19, gay and dont really have a stereotype at all, and thats what this book showed me. Very rarely do i give any gay book a chance only because i never feel connected, but even though i've never had a hookup buddy, or even a boyfriend yet, or never had divorced parents... this book... i just connected its an amazing feeling and i'd love to support the author any way i can.

J.H. Trumble said...

I am crazy about this book. I got to interview Nick, himself. He talks about Vast Fields and what he's working on now: http://bit.ly/cUR63q

Justine said...

I've read many good reviews about this book too. It seems like a memorable book with many significant moments. I think I should read it. :)