Reviewed by Kelly on
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2014/04/falling-from-sky-by-nikki-godwin.html
This is the first young adult novel I've read where either boy isn't the token gay background character. Usually we only see them as a comedic element, flamboyant and little value apart from being a stereotype to the wider audience. Falling From the Sky was incredibly gentle, loving and I fell in love with both the main characters which doesn't happen often, if ever.
Ridge is a lost soul. Since losing his father it seems that he's lost his family to grief and anger as well. They don't talk about his father, and has no one in his life apart from friend Terrance that he can talk to. He has a fear of planes and the mere sight of one freezes him in his tracks. But camp isn't an escape, it seems to be creating more problems... Until he meets Micah. Micah is lovely, overly dramatic and is dealing with his own hurt. But the gentle teen has nothing but time where Ridge is concerned and the two form a beautiful bond.
It was an incredibly touching story, I loved the Native American history of Micah's Jocolnu tribe and the Bear Creek Indian reservation. If you've never engaged in a same sex young adult contemporary, Falling From the Sky is the perfect introduction. There are no steamy scenes between the teens, which some readers who aren't perhaps as accepting, may find confronting. It's a stunning coming of age novel about healing, finding yourself and falling in love. Simply brilliant. Nikki is fast becoming one of my favourite indie authors. My only complaint is that I need more.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 18 April, 2014: Finished reading
- 18 April, 2014: Reviewed