Reviewed by Susan Lee

STORY: The Preacher’s Son/Clay Rocks
BOOK: Lost and Found
AUTHORS: Caitlin Ricci/T. A. Webb
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:

The Preacher’s Son & Clay Rocks are corresponding stories about Clay, a young teen kicked out of his home by his religious parents after coming out as gay.  Clay leaves the only home and town he’s over known and heads to live with his sister.  Determined to live a life without shame, Clay quickly makes his mark in a new school with new friends.

The Preacher’s Son is Clay’s story.  It is emotional, as you can imagine, as Clay’s heart is broken by his parents’ actions.  Thankfully he has a supportive and loving sister in Sarah and he’s able to start over in a new town.  He joins the Rainbow Brigade and is accepted among a group of friends for who he is. Clay befriends Zeke, the local preacher’s son. The two share a connection and as their relationship deepens, Clay finds that he is both braver and stronger than he knew.  It is a sweet story about acceptance and young love and surprising allies.  It’s an important message and Clay is a really likable character.

Clay Rocks is Clay’s story from his sister Sarah’s POV.  Sarah has her own challenges as she, too, was basically been pushed out of her parents’ home for being in an interracial relationship (yeah…their parents are kind of awful).  As she supports Clay in his new life, she finds her life’s loose ends needing to be settled.  Finding inspiration from Clay, Sarah and her boyfriend Jess make tough choices to do what makes them both happy.  I found myself rooting for Sarah and thankful for her being there for Clay as well as finding her own HEA.

The premise of thes stories, time and again, breaks my heart. How parents can ever reject and turn their backs on their children is beyond any rational or emotional thought I can even imagine.  To throw your child out of your home without any way to take care of himself is criminal. And the fact that this story is REAL and TRUE and happening OFTEN makes me ANGRY.  Thanks to the authors of this anthology, to the publisher, to those who purchase it, and to Lost-N-Found Youth for all contributing in your own ways to take care of these effected youth.

This is a highly recommended read.

BUY LINKS:

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

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

To read all her reviews, click the link: SUSAN’S REVIEWS
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CONTEST WILL END ON 23rd 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:
TABATHA HEART’S GIVEAWAY
DAKOTA CHASE’S GIVEAWAY

Comments
  1. Cinders says:

    Cinders
    crozzy67@nctv.com
    I love this story I cried when he showed up at Sarah’s door and I loved her when she went off on her mother. Thanks for sharing your story

  2. Toni Whitmire says:

    I think what you are doing is wonderful and I wish their were more people like you. bibbiesparks@yahoo.com

  3. DebraG says:

    Debby
    debby236@gmail.com
    How interesting to write stories from two different perspectives. I can’t wait to read them

  4. Jbst says:

    Jbst
    strive4bst(AT) yahoo(Dot) com
    The stories from two different POV sound so interesting.

  5. Trix says:

    Trix
    vitajex(at)aol(dot)com
    I really like the concept here (sounds heartrending, but that’s okay)!

  6. Urb says:

    Urb
    brendurbanist@gmail.com
    I’m inspired when kids can overcome the ignorant prejudice of their parents. That takes a lot if strength! These stories sound so good!

  7. Carolyn says:

    Carolyn
    caroaz [at] ymail [dot] com
    Such a cool idea to have the stories interwoven like that. And of course, the message of these stories is sorely needed, and I wish that wasn’t so.

  8. Seiran says:

    Seiran
    dbfield22@msn.com
    These stories always break my heart. I really liked your concept of having the stories interwoven together. Can’t wait to read them.

  9. Cynthia says:

    Cynthia
    schan26.wisc@gmail(dot)com
    I’ve just brought Lost and Found. I look forward to reading your work.

  10. H.B. says:

    H.B.
    humhumbum@yahoo.com
    I’m always interested in stories that are interwoven and have an emotional element in it. Not to mention strength and hope are something I like to see in any characters I’m reading about.

  11. Sasha says:

    I’m always up for a powerful read.

    Sasha1312@gmail.com

  12. Debbie says:

    Debbie
    baker.debbie95@yahoo.com
    I’m looking forward to reading this book.

  13. […] Lost-N-Found Story Review & GIVEAWAY: The Preacher’s Son/Clay Rocks […]

  14. Penumbra says:

    Penumbra
    penumbrareads(at)gmail(dot)com
    Sounds like an emotional story.

  15. Jeanne says:

    This story sounds so heart wrenching. Looking forward to it.

  16. Thank you sharing this awesome review! I will check ing out more of your review Susan
    My heart breaks everytime I hear of another child being abandoned and thrown away. It angers me, and I want these parents to be held accountable for their very cruelty and abuse. It rips my heart out! These stories need to be read by everyone. The human species has lost its humanity, and these precious kids need to have a soft place to fall where they can be loved for who they are in all their unique charm. Thank you for the awesome giveaway!

    Darcy
    pomma @akwolf.com

  17. Marie says:

    This is such a worthwhile project. Thank you for participating!
    -Marie
    awindandbooks at gmail dot com

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