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Dear Diary #1
Dear Diary
Chris Bishop is an All-American type guy with the perfect family, perfect grades and perfect girlfriend, with a bright and shiny future ahead of him. He thought he had everything planned, thought he knew it all. But one summer, a kiss, and green eye hunk changed his whole life. Volunteering in a law firm was an opportunity for his future but it took him in a direction he never thought of or dreamt could happen.
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2011
3 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Allison Cassatta
42 books187 followersI am a married, 33 year old, female, with no children. By trade I am a network engineer with far too many years under my belt. My first book was published in 2010 by Kerlak Publishing, followed by a short story in 2011 through Dreamspinner Press. I don't have any formal training, I simply write what I feel. I have a vivid imagination and love building dream worlds for my readers to escape to.
I recently discovered that I am a hopeless romantic and that usually makes for some very turbulent stories. As most know, love is a mountain and at its peak there's infinite beauty, but it's best appreciated after a difficult climb... that's how I write. The world would be a boring place if we didn't have to fight a little for what we wanted, now wouldn't it.
I recently discovered that I am a hopeless romantic and that usually makes for some very turbulent stories. As most know, love is a mountain and at its peak there's infinite beauty, but it's best appreciated after a difficult climb... that's how I write. The world would be a boring place if we didn't have to fight a little for what we wanted, now wouldn't it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 20, 2011
This sweet little short takes an interesting story-telling perspective. It’s Chris’ senior prom and as he’s getting ready, he starts telling the story to his “diary” about how his life changed and how he discovered he was gay. His parents gave him a little voice recorder and rather than use it for class notes, he uses it as a personal diary. He doesn’t really get the big deal about prom and didn’t want to go, but his mother was all excited so he agrees. As he’s telling the story of how he met Josh while volunteering at a law firm the summer before, he is interrupted by his ex-girlfriend (whom he broke up with once he figured out he was gay) but is also going to prom, his little sister, and his Dad, who are trying to hurry him to get ready, but he just wants to finish pouring out his story of how he met Josh, figured out he was attracted to guys and the process he took in admitting he was gay.
It’s very sweet, and Chris is just 18 and may seem a bit starry-eyed and melodramatic in his telling of how enamoured he was of Josh (who is a year older), and the process of discovery for him, but that’s how teenagers are, everything is the “most” for them. (At leat the ones I know. Of course because it’s just his version of what happened, you don’t know anything much about Josh, except that he was much more confident in his sexuality, and is a freshman in college now. But Chris’ thoughts and emotions, from his puzzlement at crushing on a guy when he’d never thought about that, through his freak-out when Josh kisses him, to his first sexual experience, and getting caught sneaking out of the house by his parents are all clear and entertaining.
I won’t reveal the ending, but it caught me by surprise, in a very good way. It’s an equally sweet, and upbeat ending for Chris as he heads off to this last big event in his life before heading off to college, where he’s looking forward to being able to be himself, without fear of the reaction of his friends in high school. So when you’re in the mood for a feel-good read about young love, realistically portrayed I think, with all the insecurity that comes with that, in addition to coming out, I recommend this story.
I also think this story would be suitable for a young person who is dealing with coming out, and coming to terms with their attraction to guys. It’s not overly graphic, but I think it handles Chris’ confusion, and the thrill of being sexually attracted to someone for the first time ever, along with the fear of what that means for friends and family, very well, and might be an interesting read for young people in a similar situation.
It’s very sweet, and Chris is just 18 and may seem a bit starry-eyed and melodramatic in his telling of how enamoured he was of Josh (who is a year older), and the process of discovery for him, but that’s how teenagers are, everything is the “most” for them. (At leat the ones I know. Of course because it’s just his version of what happened, you don’t know anything much about Josh, except that he was much more confident in his sexuality, and is a freshman in college now. But Chris’ thoughts and emotions, from his puzzlement at crushing on a guy when he’d never thought about that, through his freak-out when Josh kisses him, to his first sexual experience, and getting caught sneaking out of the house by his parents are all clear and entertaining.
I won’t reveal the ending, but it caught me by surprise, in a very good way. It’s an equally sweet, and upbeat ending for Chris as he heads off to this last big event in his life before heading off to college, where he’s looking forward to being able to be himself, without fear of the reaction of his friends in high school. So when you’re in the mood for a feel-good read about young love, realistically portrayed I think, with all the insecurity that comes with that, in addition to coming out, I recommend this story.
I also think this story would be suitable for a young person who is dealing with coming out, and coming to terms with their attraction to guys. It’s not overly graphic, but I think it handles Chris’ confusion, and the thrill of being sexually attracted to someone for the first time ever, along with the fear of what that means for friends and family, very well, and might be an interesting read for young people in a similar situation.
March 30, 2013
Chris is getting ready for his Prom and as he's doing that he is reminiscing about his summer of love and discovery with Josh. He speaks his thoughts into a voice recorder, using it as a diary.
Short and sweet!
Short and sweet!
June 25, 2011
Dear Diary is an interesting running monologue, told in first person by Chris. Chris is a high school senior who uses a gift from his parents, a hand-held recorder, as his diary. It is this, interspersed with third person narrative, that make up the story of how Chris discovered, and embraced, his true self. The story is told on the night of Chris’ senior prom. His mother had made a big deal of Chris going, and to make her happy, he agreed. He isn’t particularly excited about it, but Chris is very close to his family. He is in the process of getting ready as he is dictating his story.
Chris is a popular guy in high school, with great grades, a lot of friends, a steady girlfriend and an amazing family. His life is unfolding nicely. To that end, he interns at a law firm, where he meets Josh, an intern a year older than himself. Meeting Josh is an upheaval, a turn-around and a shake-up of all Chris thought he knew about himself. The slow progression of how he felt and how he deals with it, are told by Chris.
There are times in the “diary” portion that I stopped to question, “Would an 18-year-old talk like that? Especially to a diary?” Things such as, “I fought the brewing disappointment”, seemed incongruous to how Chris spoke otherwise.
And then there were other parts, “His fingers wrapped around my downstairs business, and my heart started to pound so hard I could feel it in my ears. I just knew I was about to die.”, where I could so envision an excited, amazed teenager saying just that.
Allison Cassatta has captured some of the little quirks that make people realize they have met someone special, noticing how they hold their pen, or what they do when they are uncomfortable. Dear Diary is an endearing coming of age story, with a lovely twist at the end that made me smile and reread it, twice. There is no angst in the story, just a sweet stream of consciousness from an 18 year old.
May 6, 2013
Short, sweet and just perfect.
May 26, 2013
Sometimes risking everything is worth it. But knowing when that's the case, which "something" is the one to go for, is not as easy as it may seem. Chris works hard and has an easy life, but he discovers a few truths during his last year in high school, and they shake things up. Now, on the afternoon and evening before his prom, he is trying to come to grips with all of it, and the method he uses is fascinating. He speaks his story into a digital recorder, his "diary", to make sure he remembers it before taking the next step. His final rite before truly becoming a man, it is supposed to bring him closure and help him look forward.
Chris knows he is gay, but he's never admitted it out loud. He has a boyfriend, and hasn’t really been hiding the fact he does, so he understands the truth. Yet, saying it out loud has so far eluded him. Speaking it into the recording device makes it easier for him, and it gave me hope that he'll find the courage to say it to his family and friends next.
Josh is a great guy, and while we only get to see him through Chris's eyes, he emerges as a pretty amazing friend and lover. He's only a year older than Chris, but I got the feeling he's been out longer than that, and it wasn't at all an easy process for him. He lives in the dorms and never talks about his family, so there will be things to deal with in the sequel, I am sure. But the way he supports Chris made this a very sweet story indeed.
It's a pretty unique way of telling a story, and I have to say it really grew on me. Chris's emotions are so raw, even though everything he talks about is in the past. But as he reflects on them, he brings them back not only for himself but for me to see and understand what was going on in his head. And the ending of the story, as he walks downstairs to meet his date for the evening, is just perfect!
If you like sweet stories that make you smile as much as they make you think, if you enjoy reading about fresh realizations of deep truths and how a young man might deal with coming out to himself, and if you're looking for a book that will touch your heart and move you deeply, then you definitely need to read this novella. I adored it and cannot wait for the next installment.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Chris knows he is gay, but he's never admitted it out loud. He has a boyfriend, and hasn’t really been hiding the fact he does, so he understands the truth. Yet, saying it out loud has so far eluded him. Speaking it into the recording device makes it easier for him, and it gave me hope that he'll find the courage to say it to his family and friends next.
Josh is a great guy, and while we only get to see him through Chris's eyes, he emerges as a pretty amazing friend and lover. He's only a year older than Chris, but I got the feeling he's been out longer than that, and it wasn't at all an easy process for him. He lives in the dorms and never talks about his family, so there will be things to deal with in the sequel, I am sure. But the way he supports Chris made this a very sweet story indeed.
It's a pretty unique way of telling a story, and I have to say it really grew on me. Chris's emotions are so raw, even though everything he talks about is in the past. But as he reflects on them, he brings them back not only for himself but for me to see and understand what was going on in his head. And the ending of the story, as he walks downstairs to meet his date for the evening, is just perfect!
If you like sweet stories that make you smile as much as they make you think, if you enjoy reading about fresh realizations of deep truths and how a young man might deal with coming out to himself, and if you're looking for a book that will touch your heart and move you deeply, then you definitely need to read this novella. I adored it and cannot wait for the next installment.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 26, 2013
This story takes us on the path of an eighteen-year-old Chris who, in the midst of getting ready for his senior year prom, decides this day is to be the day he purges his stories in an almost cathartic fashion, so he sets out to record the precious memories he had of a summer romance that changed his life – with a man named Josh, who was an intern for a law firm Chris was volunteering at.
This was all done through the use of a hand-held recorder he received for Christmas. In fact, this recorded version of these events is where the story lies, along with intermittent appearances from all the people that he holds dear in the present – his family and best friend. Together, Chris makes his prom experience one that is not merely just a step into adulthood.
But whilst this short story has the sweetest of intentions, and I truly tried to like the story (as I am a sucker for cathartic spilling) this story also had some of my pet peeves.
To see the whole review, go to:
On Top Down Under Book Reviews: http://bookreviewsandtherapy.blogspot...
Greedy Bug Book Reviews: http://greedybug.blogspot.com.au/2013...
ETA - Note from Mr. Austro-Hungarian: After I submitted my review to Greedy Bug Book Reviews, it came to my attention that this book is published as a M/M adult book. Not YA.This means that this book was intentionally marketed as an adult M/M book. However, the language and content that was contained in this book was barely of a Young Adult nature, and - quite frankly - the use of the word 'Jimmy' to describe the anatomical male sex organ is absolutely disgraceful in a book marketed to adults.
I had originally given Dear Diary two stars, but for the aforementioned reasons, I have decided to mark the book down to one star.
This was all done through the use of a hand-held recorder he received for Christmas. In fact, this recorded version of these events is where the story lies, along with intermittent appearances from all the people that he holds dear in the present – his family and best friend. Together, Chris makes his prom experience one that is not merely just a step into adulthood.
But whilst this short story has the sweetest of intentions, and I truly tried to like the story (as I am a sucker for cathartic spilling) this story also had some of my pet peeves.
To see the whole review, go to:
On Top Down Under Book Reviews: http://bookreviewsandtherapy.blogspot...
Greedy Bug Book Reviews: http://greedybug.blogspot.com.au/2013...
ETA - Note from Mr. Austro-Hungarian: After I submitted my review to Greedy Bug Book Reviews, it came to my attention that this book is published as a M/M adult book. Not YA.This means that this book was intentionally marketed as an adult M/M book. However, the language and content that was contained in this book was barely of a Young Adult nature, and - quite frankly - the use of the word 'Jimmy' to describe the anatomical male sex organ is absolutely disgraceful in a book marketed to adults.
I had originally given Dear Diary two stars, but for the aforementioned reasons, I have decided to mark the book down to one star.
June 14, 2013
Review posted on World of Diversity Fiction
Dear Diary is a fast, fun read. It’s a coming of age story told by Chris on his prom night. He‘s given a voice recorder as a gift from his parents and he uses that to record his “diary”. The story is sweet and the ending has a cute twist.
Chris tells the story of how he meets Josh, comes to realize he’s gay and how he now understands why his relationship with his girlfriend Sarah isn’t what it should be. I wish there had been a bit more of Josh but this isn’t his story, there is a sequel and I’m hoping to hear more about him in it.
I loved how this was written, a first person narrative by Chris but also a third person narrative of the other characters in Chris’s life, it gave me a small understanding of everyone’s thoughts and feelings. Chris tells it all in one day as he is getting ready for his Prom, all the excitement of first’s and the growing relationship between Josh and Chris feel real.
There is no angst, it’s not graphic and I think this could be put in the Young Adult genre just as easily as the Contemporary M/M romance genre it’s in.
I recommend this novella, it will put a smile on your face it’s such a feel good story.
May 15, 2013
"Dear Diary" is a brief snippet of a look at a young man's coming out journey. Virtually the entire story takes place as Chris, an all-American high school senior, is getting ready to go to his senior prom. The story is a mixture of first person and third person points of view, which makes it a little difficult to follow.
Briefly, Chris wants to get down the story of his first love in his digital recorder before leaving for his prom. His first "girl friend" is named Sarah, and he ultimately breaks up with her because he has fallen for a college freshman named Josh.
As he tells his story, it appears that Chris will be attending his senior prom with Sarah as a friend, but,of course, since this story has an incredibly sticky-sweet happy ending, we know who his real date is for the prom. This is a very sweet story, but there is absolutely no conflict. Even when the author sets up a conflict because Chris violated curfew by sneaking out of the house to be with his boyfriend, all we get is Mike Brady from the Brady Bunch telling his kid that "he'll be fine, but he has to tell his boyfriend that he is being grounded for a few weeks." What?!? If that's supposed to be conflict, I want to live in that make-believe world because there is no doubt that any other parent in the real world would not be acting like Ward and June Cleaver after their supposedly straight son has crawled out of his bedroom window after midnight to meet his gay lover for some quick and dirty car sex!
This is a long short story -- it's not really a novella. And, it looks like the author has planned a second story for these same characters (concerning Chris' first gay pride event). Maybe there will be some actual conflict to drive the story forward in the sequel.
As for this short story, I give it 3.5 stars.
Briefly, Chris wants to get down the story of his first love in his digital recorder before leaving for his prom. His first "girl friend" is named Sarah, and he ultimately breaks up with her because he has fallen for a college freshman named Josh.
As he tells his story, it appears that Chris will be attending his senior prom with Sarah as a friend, but,of course, since this story has an incredibly sticky-sweet happy ending, we know who his real date is for the prom. This is a very sweet story, but there is absolutely no conflict. Even when the author sets up a conflict because Chris violated curfew by sneaking out of the house to be with his boyfriend, all we get is Mike Brady from the Brady Bunch telling his kid that "he'll be fine, but he has to tell his boyfriend that he is being grounded for a few weeks." What?!? If that's supposed to be conflict, I want to live in that make-believe world because there is no doubt that any other parent in the real world would not be acting like Ward and June Cleaver after their supposedly straight son has crawled out of his bedroom window after midnight to meet his gay lover for some quick and dirty car sex!
This is a long short story -- it's not really a novella. And, it looks like the author has planned a second story for these same characters (concerning Chris' first gay pride event). Maybe there will be some actual conflict to drive the story forward in the sequel.
As for this short story, I give it 3.5 stars.
Read
June 9, 2012A nice novella, mix of diary and tale, following the afternoon before the prom of 17 years old Chris; aside for being the last prom before going away from home to College, it’s also the day Chris is ready to admit he is gay and in love with Josh.
In the hour before the traditional photo with Chris in his nineties ready for the prom, Chris remembers how he met Josh the previous summer, how he suddenly realized why he was never attracted to girls, how Josh was able, with patience and love, to conquer Chris.
It’s also a tale of doubts and fears, despite being able to accept Josh’s love, Chris was not able to come out at school, fearing the same fate another guy suffered the previous year. Chris is aware that, even if he is in a privileged situation, good student, loving and supporting family, a future ready for him, the world can be cruel, and everything can crash down if he is not careful.
I also like that the author didn’t make of these two guys some sort of careless heroes; when Chris’s father found out about Chris’s breaking the rules to meet with Josh, both Chris than Josh were scared to face the adult; that is, even if in love, Chris and Josh are only two teenagers, and the adult world and judgment is still something scaring and imposing.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0057PZWHO/?...
In the hour before the traditional photo with Chris in his nineties ready for the prom, Chris remembers how he met Josh the previous summer, how he suddenly realized why he was never attracted to girls, how Josh was able, with patience and love, to conquer Chris.
It’s also a tale of doubts and fears, despite being able to accept Josh’s love, Chris was not able to come out at school, fearing the same fate another guy suffered the previous year. Chris is aware that, even if he is in a privileged situation, good student, loving and supporting family, a future ready for him, the world can be cruel, and everything can crash down if he is not careful.
I also like that the author didn’t make of these two guys some sort of careless heroes; when Chris’s father found out about Chris’s breaking the rules to meet with Josh, both Chris than Josh were scared to face the adult; that is, even if in love, Chris and Josh are only two teenagers, and the adult world and judgment is still something scaring and imposing.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0057PZWHO/?...
June 14, 2011
Loved this book! I think it took me about a hour to read it because i couldn't put it down. A young man whose family are like the perfect american family, good grades, popular at school, girlfriend and knew where his future was heading until he met another guy who put his head in a spin and made him question everything, changed him so to speak. Very easy to read book, making you want more when you get to the end.
June 24, 2011
I have just finsihed reading this book and I thought it was amazing.
It's only the second book of this genre I have ever read, and I am so glad I read it.
Allison has a way of making you feel a real connection with her characters. I have to say, I really needed a tissue handy as I did shed a few tears.
Thank you Allison for writing such a wonderful short story, and for helping me broaden my horizons by reading it.
It's only the second book of this genre I have ever read, and I am so glad I read it.
Allison has a way of making you feel a real connection with her characters. I have to say, I really needed a tissue handy as I did shed a few tears.
Thank you Allison for writing such a wonderful short story, and for helping me broaden my horizons by reading it.
June 14, 2011
Dear Diary is Chris's adorable coming out story, of how Josh flipped his world upside down. Chris tells his memoirs to a voice recorder the evening of his high school prom. I love the fact that Sarah didn't completely run out on Chris. She stuck by him wholeheartedly loving him for who he is as any real friend would do... Great story with a wonderful ending. =)
June 18, 2011
I loved this story. It only took me about 20 minutes to read since I couldn't put it down. I loved Chris's tender heart and how he wanted to be a good son & boyfriend, but also true to himself on his new found identity. I was so happy and releaved that this story had a happy ending. I loved how Josh and Chris were now an open and out, offical couple, included and loved by his family and friends.
June 14, 2011
I love the way this woman writes, she sucks you in and gets you hooked! I am hoping to pick up her Immortals book soon! Love her! You have gotta read! You will fall in love!
June 14, 2011
As usual, a wonderful read by a great writer. Allison hooks you in right from the start. This book leaves you smiling and with tears in your eyes with a happy ending. I loved it.
January 21, 2012
Can't say it better than Tam, so I won't even try it:) Now off to reading the sequel.
May 30, 2013
I really liked this book, but honestly it was a little boring until the last chapter, when they were leaving for the prom.
May 7, 2013
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Chris is getting ready for his senior prom, he is reflecting on the last eight months and confiding to his digital diary everything that has happened to him since he met Josh. Josh who Chris met when working the summer at a law firm and had Chris rethinking everything about himself as he recognised his attraction to Josh.
This is a wonderful coming of age story as a young man remembers everything that changed for him in the past several months, as he prepares to shut the door on one of part of his life and say goodbye to his high school years and begins the next step of his life. We join Chris as he prepares for his prom, as he pours his heart out to his diary taking us through his attraction to another boy, his conflicting emotions of his first male kiss, his fear of coming out, his confession to his girlfriend and admitting to his parents his new relationship.
Allison Cassatta takes us into the heart of an eighteen year old as he makes sense of his sexuality and finally says to himself ‘I’m gay’, this story takes us through those moments most important to Chris as he worked out what he felt and how he reacted. Although we only see Josh from Chris’s perspective we get a very good sense of him, he’s only a year older and is slightly more confident in his sexuality. We also see quite a bit about Chris’s ex-girlfriend Sarah and we are left puzzled as Sarah is also getting ready for the prom at Chris’s house. The ending is just wonderful, filled with hope and love.
This is a brilliant story that would be great for young adults who are still trying to find themselves, it would show them that they aren’t alone in their struggle for identity and that it is okay to be scared. I have to recommend that everyone who loves m/m reads this story of young love and discovering one’s self.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Chris is getting ready for his senior prom, he is reflecting on the last eight months and confiding to his digital diary everything that has happened to him since he met Josh. Josh who Chris met when working the summer at a law firm and had Chris rethinking everything about himself as he recognised his attraction to Josh.
This is a wonderful coming of age story as a young man remembers everything that changed for him in the past several months, as he prepares to shut the door on one of part of his life and say goodbye to his high school years and begins the next step of his life. We join Chris as he prepares for his prom, as he pours his heart out to his diary taking us through his attraction to another boy, his conflicting emotions of his first male kiss, his fear of coming out, his confession to his girlfriend and admitting to his parents his new relationship.
Allison Cassatta takes us into the heart of an eighteen year old as he makes sense of his sexuality and finally says to himself ‘I’m gay’, this story takes us through those moments most important to Chris as he worked out what he felt and how he reacted. Although we only see Josh from Chris’s perspective we get a very good sense of him, he’s only a year older and is slightly more confident in his sexuality. We also see quite a bit about Chris’s ex-girlfriend Sarah and we are left puzzled as Sarah is also getting ready for the prom at Chris’s house. The ending is just wonderful, filled with hope and love.
This is a brilliant story that would be great for young adults who are still trying to find themselves, it would show them that they aren’t alone in their struggle for identity and that it is okay to be scared. I have to recommend that everyone who loves m/m reads this story of young love and discovering one’s self.
November 16, 2014
This was a cute, short story that had one of the more interesting narrators and story flow I've seen in a while. As Chris was getting ready for his prom night, he records in an audio recorder, the events of the previous summer romance. It was the moment in time when he first started questioning his sexuality. Despite having a girlfriend, Sarah, he was instantly drawn to Josh, for reasons he didn't even realize till much later. And as Chris recalls and records the diary entry of that time, the present (getting ready for prom) interjects itself throughout.
Both Chris and Josh were pretty young when they first met and fell in love. 18 and 19 respectively. And with Chris not even knowing his own preferences at the time, let alone being in the closet, it was understandably awkward. There really wasn't any real drama in the story though. Both his breakup with Sarah and eventual coming out was only mentioned briefly.
While I liked the story and the format in which it was told, I do wish Chris hadn't skipped over so much of what happened and elaborated more on certain points. Like the moment when he he came out to his parents. Or how his relationship with Josh developed. Things like that. All said though, I really can't wait to see how their relationship develops from this point onwards.
Both Chris and Josh were pretty young when they first met and fell in love. 18 and 19 respectively. And with Chris not even knowing his own preferences at the time, let alone being in the closet, it was understandably awkward. There really wasn't any real drama in the story though. Both his breakup with Sarah and eventual coming out was only mentioned briefly.
While I liked the story and the format in which it was told, I do wish Chris hadn't skipped over so much of what happened and elaborated more on certain points. Like the moment when he he came out to his parents. Or how his relationship with Josh developed. Things like that. All said though, I really can't wait to see how their relationship develops from this point onwards.
May 18, 2013
Chris is getting ready to attend the teenagers' right of passage - the school prom. While he doesn't really see it as significant himself, it's important to his mother. So he's putting on a tux and going through the ritual. But before that he has something else to do. Something that is more important to him by far. Chris needs to commit the story of his summer love to his digital diary via the hand-held recorder his father gave him. That summer, he discovered both love and a part of himself that he hadn't even realised was there.
This is essentially a diary entry - as, on the day of his prom, Chris tells of his summer romance, the one that made him realise that he's gay - yet it's predominately told in third person (with the diary entries themselves told in first person POV). You'd think that it would seem strange, but for the most part it does work.
I would love to see this developed into a full length novel and have the opportunity to really get to know all the characters, because I really liked them. It would have been nice to see more of Chris and Josh's interactions together. I feel that I never really got to know Josh as well as I'd have liked. Even so, I thought this was a very enjoyable, feel-good story and, despite a couple of minor things, I thought it was well written.
Read my full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
This is essentially a diary entry - as, on the day of his prom, Chris tells of his summer romance, the one that made him realise that he's gay - yet it's predominately told in third person (with the diary entries themselves told in first person POV). You'd think that it would seem strange, but for the most part it does work.
I would love to see this developed into a full length novel and have the opportunity to really get to know all the characters, because I really liked them. It would have been nice to see more of Chris and Josh's interactions together. I feel that I never really got to know Josh as well as I'd have liked. Even so, I thought this was a very enjoyable, feel-good story and, despite a couple of minor things, I thought it was well written.
Read my full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
November 18, 2011
Normally, I’m not a fan of the diary-style story . . . the self-conscious monologue of one character who dominates every aspect of the story. Dear Diary is a bit different, in that Chris’ narration is a bit more immediate and natural, owing largely to him reciting it into a hand-held recorder, as opposed to writing it all down. A third-person narrator frames the diary entries, giving us both context and distance from the events.
At its heart, this is the story of a young man discovering himself, coming out to himself, and finally learning to love himself. It’s sweet and honest, and delightfully erotic. We don’t get to know much about Josh, other than what Chris relates, and much of that is uncertain (and possibly even unreliable). It makes for an interesting story, since we’re left feeling as awkward and uncertain as Chris, and just as excited as events take some interesting turns.
Definitely a feel-good, empowering story, this takes us from first kiss to first sexual experience, with all of the excitement, doubt, confusion, and joy in between.
At its heart, this is the story of a young man discovering himself, coming out to himself, and finally learning to love himself. It’s sweet and honest, and delightfully erotic. We don’t get to know much about Josh, other than what Chris relates, and much of that is uncertain (and possibly even unreliable). It makes for an interesting story, since we’re left feeling as awkward and uncertain as Chris, and just as excited as events take some interesting turns.
Definitely a feel-good, empowering story, this takes us from first kiss to first sexual experience, with all of the excitement, doubt, confusion, and joy in between.
May 18, 2013
4 Stars
Chris is getting ready to attend the teenagers’ right of passage – the school prom. While he doesn’t really see it as significant himself, it’s important to his mother. So he’s putting on a tux and going through the ritual. But before that he has something else to do. Something that is more important to him by far. Chris needs to commit the story of his summer love to his digital diary via the hand- held recorder his father gave him. That summer he discovered both love and a part of himself that he hadn’t even realised was there.
“See, this past summer, I met Josh and he…” Chris let out a deep, contented sigh. “He changed everything, opened up something in me I never knew existed. He made me feel things I’d never felt before.”
This is essentially a diary entry – as, on the day of his prom, Chris tells of his summer romance, the one that made him realise that he’s gay....
Read Booksmiten's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
Chris is getting ready to attend the teenagers’ right of passage – the school prom. While he doesn’t really see it as significant himself, it’s important to his mother. So he’s putting on a tux and going through the ritual. But before that he has something else to do. Something that is more important to him by far. Chris needs to commit the story of his summer love to his digital diary via the hand- held recorder his father gave him. That summer he discovered both love and a part of himself that he hadn’t even realised was there.
“See, this past summer, I met Josh and he…” Chris let out a deep, contented sigh. “He changed everything, opened up something in me I never knew existed. He made me feel things I’d never felt before.”
This is essentially a diary entry – as, on the day of his prom, Chris tells of his summer romance, the one that made him realise that he’s gay....
Read Booksmiten's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
January 9, 2012
Allison Cassatta's DEAR DIARY is a fun, quick read that takes place on the night of a young gay man's high school prom. He is reading into a digital voice recorder his memories of realizing that he is gay and his coming out experience. While his mother and ex-girlfriend are encouraging him to come out of his room and pose for pictures he stalls to finish his diary entry. What happens when he finally comes downstairs is a delightful twist to the story and made the book a winner for me. Loved the ending and everything that led up to it. Allison Cassatta is an m/m author to watch!
See my complete review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.... (Jan. 9, 2012)
See my complete review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.... (Jan. 9, 2012)
February 22, 2012
This is a really good story that deals with discovering you are gay. I loved this short story and the characters in it, i found that it was heart warming and sensitive with descriptive yet useful information and incite. The characters are well rounded and detailed, with the story-line taking the same in depth consideration by the author. I found the story heart warming and captivating, this story does bring out a thought provoking side to it too which is always an added bonus. This is def a book i would recommend for people wanting a quick read that enjoy m/m reads or would just like to discover the world of erotica through literature.
March 9, 2018
This was a really sweet read without being overly syrupy. The author managed to effectively capture the youthful exuberance of the protagonist, however, there were a few instances where I found the language and sentence construction used distracted from that. I would have liked more of Josh, but I get that he isn't the focus of the story, but rather the incentive for Chris's recollections. I can only wish that everyone who realizes they are gay and comes out has such a loving family and understanding friends.
September 4, 2013
I really enjoyed the way this story was told: The main character narrating his story to a recorder. Very different from the usual and very well executed. At the same time, the story of the present also took place with him getting ready for prom and taking a big step to accept who he is. The end was very sweet. Being surrounded by friends and family who support you after hearing his struggle, he is lucky and I was so happy everything turned out good for him.
July 14, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book and have reread it twice since buying it. The feeling it makes me feel is like new love. It's my first GBLT romance I have ever read and Dear Diary by Allison Cassatta turned me into a regular GBLT fan. Here's the link you may buy it directly from the publisher at http://www.xoxopublishing.com/shop-on...
and other ebook stores. Audrina
and other ebook stores. Audrina
January 25, 2012
Such a sweet story! Chris volunteers at a law office before college and meets Josh. Soon Chris is finding himself thinking of Josh in ways he's never thought of a boy before. Most of the story is told by Chris re-telling it to a tape recorder on the day of his high school prom. A really great short story. Good thing there is another book, the ending leaves much to be desired!!
October 13, 2012
So just for the record, I hate when stuff is mislabeled. This is a short-story, not a novella. Now that that is out of the way... It was sweet, although a little slow. I wanted the HEA but wasn't sure I was gonna get it, but this was a good little short . Not sure why the guy on the cover has tats thought (another pet peeve, non-story-matching cover models!)
October 14, 2011
While this book is a short story, there's nothing short about the main character. I loved reading his coming of age story, and as always, Allison paints beautiful imagery with intricate monologues that leave you wanting more.
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