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The Celestial
25th Annual Lambda Literary Awards Finalist
Gold Winner, 2012 Foreword Reviews’ IndieFab Book of the Year Awards
Love was the last thing Todd Webster Morgan expected to find while searching for gold in 1870s California. But that was before he met Lâo Jian.
Hardened beyond his nineteen years, Todd Webster Morgan is determined to find gold high in the Sierra Nevadas. But his dream is violently upended. Complicating matters even more, he meets a young Chinese immigrant named Lâo Jian, whose own dreams of finding gold have been quashed by violence.
But life back in Sacramento isn’t any easier. Todd’s mother struggles to make ends meet. His invalid uncle becomes increasingly angry. Todd seeks employment with little success. Meanwhile his friendship with Lâo Jian turns to love. But their relationship is strained as anti-Chinese sentiment grows.
Todd vows not to lose Lâo Jian. The couple must risk everything to make a life for themselves. A life that requires facing fear and prejudice head on.
Gold Winner, 2012 Foreword Reviews’ IndieFab Book of the Year Awards
Love was the last thing Todd Webster Morgan expected to find while searching for gold in 1870s California. But that was before he met Lâo Jian.
Hardened beyond his nineteen years, Todd Webster Morgan is determined to find gold high in the Sierra Nevadas. But his dream is violently upended. Complicating matters even more, he meets a young Chinese immigrant named Lâo Jian, whose own dreams of finding gold have been quashed by violence.
But life back in Sacramento isn’t any easier. Todd’s mother struggles to make ends meet. His invalid uncle becomes increasingly angry. Todd seeks employment with little success. Meanwhile his friendship with Lâo Jian turns to love. But their relationship is strained as anti-Chinese sentiment grows.
Todd vows not to lose Lâo Jian. The couple must risk everything to make a life for themselves. A life that requires facing fear and prejudice head on.
180 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2012
1 person is currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
Barry Brennessel
32 books42 followersWhen Barry’s first collection of stories was read aloud by his second grade teacher, the author hid. As the years flew by, he wrote more, hid less (not really), and branched out to Super 8 films and cassette tape recorders. Barry’s audience—consisting solely of friends and family—were both amused and bemused.
Since those childhood days, Barry has earned degrees in English and French from the State University of New York College at Brockport, and a Master of Arts in Writing from the Johns Hopkins University.
Tinseltown, a Finalist in the 24th Annual Lambda Literary Awards, is Barry’s first novel. His novel The Celestial won the Gold Medal in the 2012 ForeWord Book of the Year Awards and was a Finalist in the 25th Annual Lambda Literary Awards. Reunion, a collection of linked stories, was a Finalist in the 2012 ForeWord Book of the Year Awards.
His work has appeared in SNReview, Perspectives, Time Pilot, Liquid Ohio, Nocturnal Lyric, Midnight Times, Gival Press’s ArLiJo, and Polari Journal. His stories, novels and teleplays have won awards, including a 2008 Pushcart Prize nomination; 3rd Place in the 2010 Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA) literary contest and finalist status in the 2006, 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2013 PNWA contests; 3rd Place in the 79th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition and a winning entry in the 2013 WILDSound Screenplay competition.
When not embroiled in his own writing, Barry sips wine, nibbles on chocolate, and watches films and TV—both the classic and the cheesy. (Mmm…cheese!)
http://barrybrennessel.com/
Since those childhood days, Barry has earned degrees in English and French from the State University of New York College at Brockport, and a Master of Arts in Writing from the Johns Hopkins University.
Tinseltown, a Finalist in the 24th Annual Lambda Literary Awards, is Barry’s first novel. His novel The Celestial won the Gold Medal in the 2012 ForeWord Book of the Year Awards and was a Finalist in the 25th Annual Lambda Literary Awards. Reunion, a collection of linked stories, was a Finalist in the 2012 ForeWord Book of the Year Awards.
His work has appeared in SNReview, Perspectives, Time Pilot, Liquid Ohio, Nocturnal Lyric, Midnight Times, Gival Press’s ArLiJo, and Polari Journal. His stories, novels and teleplays have won awards, including a 2008 Pushcart Prize nomination; 3rd Place in the 2010 Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA) literary contest and finalist status in the 2006, 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2013 PNWA contests; 3rd Place in the 79th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition and a winning entry in the 2013 WILDSound Screenplay competition.
When not embroiled in his own writing, Barry sips wine, nibbles on chocolate, and watches films and TV—both the classic and the cheesy. (Mmm…cheese!)
http://barrybrennessel.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 16, 2013
4.5 stars (the extra 0.5 stars, because I'm super bias about this story).
The Celestial is a historical fiction that took me into the right state of mind: a world when things were black and white with two characters that fit into the non-existent grey of society. Told from Todd's (first person) point of view, you get a narrative of his adventures to pan for gold in the mountains, his meeting with Lao Jian, their adventure to Sacramento, and their struggle to etch a life for themselves, together.
What really won me over was Todd's characterization. Being shy of twenty years old, he's what his mother calls a "mediator." He's rational and mature, with a naivety that allows him to be open to even Lao Jian, a Chinese immigrant, whom are targets of discrimination and racism evident during this time period. However, when it comes to Lao Jian, Todd's enthusiasm, commitment, and love is absolutely ADORABLE! It made my heart melt and clench, especially when his fear and paranoia for Lao Jian has merit during these violent times. Yet despite all the odds against our two MCs, things do wrap up quite nicely in the end. The last chapter actually takes place in the 1920s, when Todd and Lao Jian are old men, and was a great way to close this beautiful story.
So I have to conclude that my extra 0.5 star for this book is born from bias (at least more than what I am used to subjecting in my reviews). Being Chinese myself, born in Hong Kong, and moving to America at a young age were all things that Lao Jian and I share. Even though we are from different time periods (obviously), I know what it's like to have hateful racial slurs tossed in your face. Being told to "go back to China" seem to be something that doesn't change regardless of the era you live in (along with other choice words and phrases). So in a way, I felt a personal connection with Lao Jian that made me enjoy The Celestial even more. Another source of bias is that I understood the Cantonese that were mentioned in the story, so the exchanges between Lao Jian and Todd were even more amusing.
So overall? I absolutely love this book! It wasn't an adventure-filled book that will make you sit on the edge of your seat. Don't expect sex in every chapter (in fact, there was only one sexual scene), nor any huge soap-opera type of melodrama. Todd is such a simple-minded character that he cuts through the type of BS that makes books well over 300+ pages and forces readers to skim. There's none of that here.
The Celestial is a great book, because it tells the story of love that is beautiful in its rarity, innocence and simplicity. And all without skimming!
The Celestial is a historical fiction that took me into the right state of mind: a world when things were black and white with two characters that fit into the non-existent grey of society. Told from Todd's (first person) point of view, you get a narrative of his adventures to pan for gold in the mountains, his meeting with Lao Jian, their adventure to Sacramento, and their struggle to etch a life for themselves, together.
What really won me over was Todd's characterization. Being shy of twenty years old, he's what his mother calls a "mediator." He's rational and mature, with a naivety that allows him to be open to even Lao Jian, a Chinese immigrant, whom are targets of discrimination and racism evident during this time period. However, when it comes to Lao Jian, Todd's enthusiasm, commitment, and love is absolutely ADORABLE! It made my heart melt and clench, especially when his fear and paranoia for Lao Jian has merit during these violent times. Yet despite all the odds against our two MCs, things do wrap up quite nicely in the end. The last chapter actually takes place in the 1920s, when Todd and Lao Jian are old men, and was a great way to close this beautiful story.
So I have to conclude that my extra 0.5 star for this book is born from bias (at least more than what I am used to subjecting in my reviews). Being Chinese myself, born in Hong Kong, and moving to America at a young age were all things that Lao Jian and I share. Even though we are from different time periods (obviously), I know what it's like to have hateful racial slurs tossed in your face. Being told to "go back to China" seem to be something that doesn't change regardless of the era you live in (along with other choice words and phrases). So in a way, I felt a personal connection with Lao Jian that made me enjoy The Celestial even more. Another source of bias is that I understood the Cantonese that were mentioned in the story, so the exchanges between Lao Jian and Todd were even more amusing.
So overall? I absolutely love this book! It wasn't an adventure-filled book that will make you sit on the edge of your seat. Don't expect sex in every chapter (in fact, there was only one sexual scene), nor any huge soap-opera type of melodrama. Todd is such a simple-minded character that he cuts through the type of BS that makes books well over 300+ pages and forces readers to skim. There's none of that here.
The Celestial is a great book, because it tells the story of love that is beautiful in its rarity, innocence and simplicity. And all without skimming!
Read
February 9, 2016read for the MMQ BoM Feb 2016
No rating from me, purely because this is not my book. The writing is solid, the ending is very sweet. I like how Brennessel dealt with accents throughout the book, without spelling every line out phonetically. I also appreciate Brennessel includes a non-white love interest. This made me consider the shameful treatment of Chinese immigrants who were actively encouraged by Otago government to come and be physical labor during NZ's gold rush (mainly men, mainly from Guangdong province), and then treated appallingly. And any book that provokes thinks is doing something right. Two thumbs up.
**
I can't lie: I'm somewhat hesitant. There is nothing about this that is my usual kind of read. If I don't like it, it will in no way be the author's fault. But I'm going in hoping for a delightful new reading experience. perhaps alcohol will help.
No rating from me, purely because this is not my book. The writing is solid, the ending is very sweet. I like how Brennessel dealt with accents throughout the book, without spelling every line out phonetically. I also appreciate Brennessel includes a non-white love interest. This made me consider the shameful treatment of Chinese immigrants who were actively encouraged by Otago government to come and be physical labor during NZ's gold rush (mainly men, mainly from Guangdong province), and then treated appallingly. And any book that provokes thinks is doing something right. Two thumbs up.
**
I can't lie: I'm somewhat hesitant. There is nothing about this that is my usual kind of read. If I don't like it, it will in no way be the author's fault. But I'm going in hoping for a delightful new reading experience. perhaps alcohol will help.
April 27, 2013
Truth be told, my gut rating is slightly under 4 stars but I rounded it up because this story has such endearing qualities that I want to champion it (not that it’s necessary, when you see its ratings).
The Celestial is a ‘voice’ type of story. It is told in the 1st person POV, its rhythm given by short sentences that require a little time to get used to. I don’t know if they belong to the author’s usual style but they eventually fit to deliver the thoughts of a certainly well-mannered, yet basically educated, simple young man.
"(…) As Ma has said plenty of times, I’ve always been an owdacious one.”
One night, Todd Webster Morgan leaves his Ma’s house to fulfil his dreams of riches and claim his part in the gold rush. When this dream turns to a sudden end, a new adventure begins, that make him cross part of the country with an unexpected sidekick and send him on the path to become a man.
Through misadventures and encounters, small details and secondary characters, this story depicts America in the post civil war years, thus embarking the reader in a most interesting time travel as well as an endearing coming-of-age story.
Todd Webster has the innocence and curiosity of youth. Everything is possible and the world is his. Yet, he shows a down-to-earth common sense, is determined, unafraid to stand up for himself and others and his humour and sharpness are the signature of an agile mind reflecting upon his contemporaries and humanity in general.
He’s got bite and spunk and a mouth to go with! You will have understood it by now, his voice gives this story all its charm.
Todd Webster meets Lao Jian early in the story and he leads his ‘courtship’ and relationship just as he leads the rest of his life: wide-eyed, open, heart on the sleeve and never conceding defeat.
Their burgeoning love and the interracial aspect play their part in the time travel and coming-of age story. I won’t linger on them, let’s just say that Lao Jian unknowingly summed it up perfectly and that Voltaire's "we must cultivate our garden" meets this sample of Chinese wisdom:
”It’s a proverb,” Lao Jian explained.” It goes, ‘Nurture the plant one year; ten days of flowers’ .
My only reserve comes from an overall mixed impression that is probably due to the writing.
I can’t help feeling that it was sometimes the monotonous-sounding analogy of a sepia picture whose stiff postures and colour reflect indeed an era but make it trickier to capture life.
I nevertheless recommend to give this book a try : it is interesting, refreshing and warming.
The Celestial is a ‘voice’ type of story. It is told in the 1st person POV, its rhythm given by short sentences that require a little time to get used to. I don’t know if they belong to the author’s usual style but they eventually fit to deliver the thoughts of a certainly well-mannered, yet basically educated, simple young man.
"(…) As Ma has said plenty of times, I’ve always been an owdacious one.”
One night, Todd Webster Morgan leaves his Ma’s house to fulfil his dreams of riches and claim his part in the gold rush. When this dream turns to a sudden end, a new adventure begins, that make him cross part of the country with an unexpected sidekick and send him on the path to become a man.
Through misadventures and encounters, small details and secondary characters, this story depicts America in the post civil war years, thus embarking the reader in a most interesting time travel as well as an endearing coming-of-age story.
Todd Webster has the innocence and curiosity of youth. Everything is possible and the world is his. Yet, he shows a down-to-earth common sense, is determined, unafraid to stand up for himself and others and his humour and sharpness are the signature of an agile mind reflecting upon his contemporaries and humanity in general.
He’s got bite and spunk and a mouth to go with! You will have understood it by now, his voice gives this story all its charm.
Todd Webster meets Lao Jian early in the story and he leads his ‘courtship’ and relationship just as he leads the rest of his life: wide-eyed, open, heart on the sleeve and never conceding defeat.
Their burgeoning love and the interracial aspect play their part in the time travel and coming-of age story. I won’t linger on them, let’s just say that Lao Jian unknowingly summed it up perfectly and that Voltaire's "we must cultivate our garden" meets this sample of Chinese wisdom:
”It’s a proverb,” Lao Jian explained.” It goes, ‘Nurture the plant one year; ten days of flowers’ .
My only reserve comes from an overall mixed impression that is probably due to the writing.
I can’t help feeling that it was sometimes the monotonous-sounding analogy of a sepia picture whose stiff postures and colour reflect indeed an era but make it trickier to capture life.
I nevertheless recommend to give this book a try : it is interesting, refreshing and warming.
February 18, 2017
I think this book just wasn't for me. I felt like I put this book down more than I picked it up. I really didn't even have any interest in it and had to end up forcing myself to finish it. It's not that the characters were awful, or that I hated what plot there was, it's just that I didn't know where the author was going with it all. For a majority of the novel, I don't feel that it had much direction. Every time I thought it was headed in one dedicated direction, the author would drop it and abruptly swerve into another one. At first I thought it was going to be romance, but then there was the stuff with the Irishmen, then the theft, then racism was brought into play. And then stuff with Todd's family happened, and I thought it would be about that. But then, nope! Back to romance. And even by the end I don't really know what the aim of it was. It felt more like a stream of consciousness with no real aim.
I generally like slowburn romances, especially ones that are sweet, but this one was just sweet-boring. And it's not really slowburn when you think about it because sex goes down within two days of them meeting. I knew they'd had an attraction, but it still felt rather sudden to me (especially with the sudden, three paragraph-wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am scene). And the placement of it was odd, imo.
I also much didn't like the book overall because it had a very melancholic tone to it, imo, which I think is due to this book being more fiction than romance (which is not what I'd gone into it believing it to be). There was racism, death, separation, etc., with . Every time I thought things would pick up, something else sad happened, which I didn't enjoy.
When I thought karma would come for the horrible people, nothing came of it (). The book just left me dissatisfied. I thought the book would end . I usually like reading for the fun of it, and this book didn't leave me with fuzzy or warm feelings.
I generally like slowburn romances, especially ones that are sweet, but this one was just sweet-boring. And it's not really slowburn when you think about it because sex goes down within two days of them meeting. I knew they'd had an attraction, but it still felt rather sudden to me (especially with the sudden, three paragraph-wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am scene). And the placement of it was odd, imo.
I also much didn't like the book overall because it had a very melancholic tone to it, imo, which I think is due to this book being more fiction than romance (which is not what I'd gone into it believing it to be). There was racism, death, separation, etc., with . Every time I thought things would pick up, something else sad happened, which I didn't enjoy.
When I thought karma would come for the horrible people, nothing came of it (). The book just left me dissatisfied. I thought the book would end . I usually like reading for the fun of it, and this book didn't leave me with fuzzy or warm feelings.
November 12, 2012
This book is the first-person account of a somewhat-naive young man, Todd, who has set out to pan for gold in the mountains of the American west coast in the 1870's. He's the only child of a hard-working widowed mother, and he hopes to make their fortune and relieve his mother's struggles to make ends meet. But the gold claims are a violent place, and Todd gets caught up in other men's quarrels and is forced to flee.
Unlike most white men of the day, Todd is refreshingly free from prejudice. He meets a young man from China, a "Celestial", and forms an immediate friendship. But California in that era is not friendly or safe for immigrants, and the Chinese are at the bottom of the pecking order. His friend Lâo Jian is ostracized, viewed with suspicion wherever they go, and sometimes at physical risk as anti-immigrant sentiment is unleashed on the Chinese community.
Todd returns home to Sacramento with Lâo Jian, who has nowhere else to go. Todd arrives back at his mother's house broke, without a job, and close friends with a "foreigner." Finding a way to fit in, to earn a living, and to be with Lâo Jian as their friendship becomes love, is a difficult challenge and not made easier by Todd's own nature.
One of the pleasures of this book is Todd's narrative voice, which feels authentically young, sometimes foolish, sometimes angry, sometimes hopeful even when the evidence is against him. His acceptance of his love for Lâo Jian is fast and complete, without much self-doubt, but feels real. His fumbling to figure out a way to make things work was realistic.
This is a fast-moving story and clearly written. If anything I'd have loved for this book to be longer. The glimpses of the immigrant community into which Lâo Jian disappeared in each new city were tantalizing but limited. The challenges which the two young men would have faced between themselves, both personal and cultural, didn't have time to arise as they dealt with the very real issues of the outside world. The historical setting is very well handled, feeling authentic without ever seeming over-detailed or imposed on the story. This book was a refreshing change-of-pace and I would happily read more about these two young men and their unique challenges, should the author ever be tempted to fill us in. However this story does stand alone as a complete narrative. This could be a good YA read as well, and I will be recommending it in the YA LGBT group.
Unlike most white men of the day, Todd is refreshingly free from prejudice. He meets a young man from China, a "Celestial", and forms an immediate friendship. But California in that era is not friendly or safe for immigrants, and the Chinese are at the bottom of the pecking order. His friend Lâo Jian is ostracized, viewed with suspicion wherever they go, and sometimes at physical risk as anti-immigrant sentiment is unleashed on the Chinese community.
Todd returns home to Sacramento with Lâo Jian, who has nowhere else to go. Todd arrives back at his mother's house broke, without a job, and close friends with a "foreigner." Finding a way to fit in, to earn a living, and to be with Lâo Jian as their friendship becomes love, is a difficult challenge and not made easier by Todd's own nature.
One of the pleasures of this book is Todd's narrative voice, which feels authentically young, sometimes foolish, sometimes angry, sometimes hopeful even when the evidence is against him. His acceptance of his love for Lâo Jian is fast and complete, without much self-doubt, but feels real. His fumbling to figure out a way to make things work was realistic.
This is a fast-moving story and clearly written. If anything I'd have loved for this book to be longer. The glimpses of the immigrant community into which Lâo Jian disappeared in each new city were tantalizing but limited. The challenges which the two young men would have faced between themselves, both personal and cultural, didn't have time to arise as they dealt with the very real issues of the outside world. The historical setting is very well handled, feeling authentic without ever seeming over-detailed or imposed on the story. This book was a refreshing change-of-pace and I would happily read more about these two young men and their unique challenges, should the author ever be tempted to fill us in. However this story does stand alone as a complete narrative. This could be a good YA read as well, and I will be recommending it in the YA LGBT group.
April 20, 2014
I sometimes cringe reading historical books because the author relies too heavily on time period accuracy. Don't get me wrong - I want historical accuracy. But I don't want to read a three page scene about washing laundry with rocks just because that's how they used to do it. The author researched it, so it was automatically included. Blech. I want historical accuracy. I just don't want it to get in the way of telling a a great story.
The other thing that bugs me is forced, awkward historical language. Yes, people in the past talked different than we do today but they had similar fears, anger, jealousies, etc. They didn't see a steam locomotive and bless themselves as if it were the end of the world.
I'm delighted to say that Brennessel's historical novel The Celestial has neither foible.
The narrator's voice--while definitely from another time period--felt folksy and yet I could easily relate to his thoughts. I will share an example of plain-spoken, language-from-the-past that I loved. After Todd's mother gives him "the look" indicating she knows exactly what's going on with his love interest, Todd thinks: I couldn't tell for certain, but that popular rumor is that mothers always know more than you think..
See? Simple. Elegant. Recognizable.
The narrator spins his confused, introspective, hopeful tale of young love, and we get a fascinating glimpse of how gay men in another time discovered their "unnatural desires" were actually beautiful, even if society wasn't ready to accept that love.
I can't say that the Old West is one of my favorite time periods to rediscover. But after this book, I may have to change my mind. I loved the glimpse into the characters we met, their rough motivations, the hard lives forced upon them. It felt very different from today...but on the emotional level, not so different.
Another quote, just a gorgeous, ordinary detail that felt rich with insight to these characters:
We had but one photograph in the entire house. It was of Ma and Uncle Ned when they were six and four, respectively. Ma stood in a dress, her right hand planted on her hip. She looked directly into the camera, her expression so serious and dignified. Uncle Ned, in his dark little suit, had his hand wrapped around Ma's left arm. He smirked, as though he thought the entire affair was a humorous time-wasting game.
Read this book.
The other thing that bugs me is forced, awkward historical language. Yes, people in the past talked different than we do today but they had similar fears, anger, jealousies, etc. They didn't see a steam locomotive and bless themselves as if it were the end of the world.
I'm delighted to say that Brennessel's historical novel The Celestial has neither foible.
The narrator's voice--while definitely from another time period--felt folksy and yet I could easily relate to his thoughts. I will share an example of plain-spoken, language-from-the-past that I loved. After Todd's mother gives him "the look" indicating she knows exactly what's going on with his love interest, Todd thinks: I couldn't tell for certain, but that popular rumor is that mothers always know more than you think..
See? Simple. Elegant. Recognizable.
The narrator spins his confused, introspective, hopeful tale of young love, and we get a fascinating glimpse of how gay men in another time discovered their "unnatural desires" were actually beautiful, even if society wasn't ready to accept that love.
I can't say that the Old West is one of my favorite time periods to rediscover. But after this book, I may have to change my mind. I loved the glimpse into the characters we met, their rough motivations, the hard lives forced upon them. It felt very different from today...but on the emotional level, not so different.
Another quote, just a gorgeous, ordinary detail that felt rich with insight to these characters:
We had but one photograph in the entire house. It was of Ma and Uncle Ned when they were six and four, respectively. Ma stood in a dress, her right hand planted on her hip. She looked directly into the camera, her expression so serious and dignified. Uncle Ned, in his dark little suit, had his hand wrapped around Ma's left arm. He smirked, as though he thought the entire affair was a humorous time-wasting game.
Read this book.
February 11, 2016
I know you’re looking at all those other 4 and 5 star reviews & thinking “there’s always got to be one”. Yup that’s right I’m going to be the lone hater on this book…
I read for the MMQ BoM Feb 2016 & well…. I found it odd? Dull? Something. It probably came down to Todd, I told Emma he brought to mind Leonard from the Big Bang Theory. That show is supposed to be about Leonard & Penny (if you IMD it you’ll see) but I find Leonard boring. I like Shelton best…this book needed a Shelton or even a Howard. Yeah Todd could’ve used an interesting side kick.
Todd falls for EVERYONE it seems. When the book starts out he’s in love with (goes to look up the guy’s name) Breandan…but that doesn’t work out. During this time he meets Lao Jian & it’s a weird kind of insta-something. I’m just not sure what happened. At some point they fall in love and decided on happily ever after. I didn’t buy it. Another thing, this blurb says “Hardened beyond his nineteen years” I saw this and laughed. Todd was not a hard guy.
Also the way this all worked out during the 1870s, with them being gay, with one being Chinese….& the time jump. I just couldn’t get on board with a historical fairytale.
But….there are a ton of 4 to 5 star reviews, so you should make up your own mind.
I read for the MMQ BoM Feb 2016 & well…. I found it odd? Dull? Something. It probably came down to Todd, I told Emma he brought to mind Leonard from the Big Bang Theory. That show is supposed to be about Leonard & Penny (if you IMD it you’ll see) but I find Leonard boring. I like Shelton best…this book needed a Shelton or even a Howard. Yeah Todd could’ve used an interesting side kick.
Todd falls for EVERYONE it seems. When the book starts out he’s in love with (goes to look up the guy’s name) Breandan…but that doesn’t work out. During this time he meets Lao Jian & it’s a weird kind of insta-something. I’m just not sure what happened. At some point they fall in love and decided on happily ever after. I didn’t buy it. Another thing, this blurb says “Hardened beyond his nineteen years” I saw this and laughed. Todd was not a hard guy.
Also the way this all worked out during the 1870s, with them being gay, with one being Chinese….& the time jump. I just couldn’t get on board with a historical fairytale.
But….there are a ton of 4 to 5 star reviews, so you should make up your own mind.
February 13, 2014
Lao Jian knelt down and did something strange, something unexpected. He cradled me, and I didn't flinch or try to pull away. I closed my eyes. I lost myself in the unsettling combination of grief and kindness, colliding in a manner I'd never experienced before.
Another beautifully written book by Barry Brennessel. I can see why it won so many accolades.
The Celestial is an interracial, historical romance set primarily in 1870's California and ends with a beautiful and fitting epilogue many years later. It is not long at around 175 pages, but it puts much into those pages. It's the perfect size. I loved the voice of the narrator, Todd Webster Morgan, a nineteen year old from Sacramento who steals away to perhaps find gold and money for his Ma and his disabled Uncle Ned, not necessarily under the right circumstances, but with the right heart. Along the way he meets trouble and he also meets Lao Jian a Celestial, who no longer has family. The book looks at family, intolerance, prejudice, hope, and love. It is written with much empathy and I enjoyed every moment of it.
Because The Celestial can be read by teenagers up I have the review on two blogs. If you are under 18, you can read the review on Greedy Bug and if you are 18 years or over, you can read the review at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/... 18+
http://greedybugbookreviews.com/the-c... YA
Another beautifully written book by Barry Brennessel. I can see why it won so many accolades.
The Celestial is an interracial, historical romance set primarily in 1870's California and ends with a beautiful and fitting epilogue many years later. It is not long at around 175 pages, but it puts much into those pages. It's the perfect size. I loved the voice of the narrator, Todd Webster Morgan, a nineteen year old from Sacramento who steals away to perhaps find gold and money for his Ma and his disabled Uncle Ned, not necessarily under the right circumstances, but with the right heart. Along the way he meets trouble and he also meets Lao Jian a Celestial, who no longer has family. The book looks at family, intolerance, prejudice, hope, and love. It is written with much empathy and I enjoyed every moment of it.
Because The Celestial can be read by teenagers up I have the review on two blogs. If you are under 18, you can read the review on Greedy Bug and if you are 18 years or over, you can read the review at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/... 18+
http://greedybugbookreviews.com/the-c... YA
January 28, 2019
Overall, I've enjoyed reading The Celestial by Barry Brennessel.
The story and setting - California, 1870s - are certainly intriguing and I really liked the two main characters.
Todd, who is also the narrating voice in the story, is a bit reckless and rambling (his internal monologues and reflections can be quite whimsical and endearing) and the openness with which she embraces Lao Jian's culture was portrayed in a very interesting manner.
Lao Jian himself is an interesting personality - quiet and reflexive, he provides a lovely counterpart to Todd's rushing approach to life.
The writing, tender in its straightforwardness, presents some very nice passages.
There were, however, a few aspects that I've found less convincing. The structure was a bit uneven, especially in its second part where there was a lot of build up that was resolved too quickly and easily.
Some characters - especially Todd's uncle - would have deserved further development and I felt the same for some of the subplots, such as the one focusing on Marnie and Mr. Thompkins.
I just felt that the novel somehow didn't deliver to a series of very intriguing promises and I felt a bit let down by the ending.
So, I guess I'm a bit uncertain about an overall rating but considering that there were parts I really enjoyed, I'll probably give it a slightly rounded 3 stars.
The story and setting - California, 1870s - are certainly intriguing and I really liked the two main characters.
Todd, who is also the narrating voice in the story, is a bit reckless and rambling (his internal monologues and reflections can be quite whimsical and endearing) and the openness with which she embraces Lao Jian's culture was portrayed in a very interesting manner.
Lao Jian himself is an interesting personality - quiet and reflexive, he provides a lovely counterpart to Todd's rushing approach to life.
The writing, tender in its straightforwardness, presents some very nice passages.
There were, however, a few aspects that I've found less convincing. The structure was a bit uneven, especially in its second part where there was a lot of build up that was resolved too quickly and easily.
Some characters - especially Todd's uncle - would have deserved further development and I felt the same for some of the subplots, such as the one focusing on Marnie and Mr. Thompkins.
I just felt that the novel somehow didn't deliver to a series of very intriguing promises and I felt a bit let down by the ending.
So, I guess I'm a bit uncertain about an overall rating but considering that there were parts I really enjoyed, I'll probably give it a slightly rounded 3 stars.
October 25, 2012
In 1871 nineteen-year-old Todd Morgan steals some of his mother’s money, leaves the plot of land they live on north of Sacramento with his uncle Ned Calvert, buys a horse, and heads for the Sierra Nevadas near Truckee to find gold. The money actually belonged to his father, who got himself killed in a barroom brawl.
Ned, Todd’s mother’s angry and bitter younger brother, who chose to fight and lose a leg for the losing side in the Civil War, has goaded his nephew into his impulsive and naive adventure. Todd’s search for gold and instant wealth ends in horrifying violence, leaving him with nothing but the clothes he wears.
Todd doesn’t discover any gold in his pan, but he does find Lao Jian, a young Chinese immigrant who is also prospecting for gold with his uncle. The title of Barry Brennessel’s page-turning novel derives from Americans of that day calling Chinese immigrants “celestials” because they came from what was known as the “Celestial Empire.”
Finding themselves in grave danger, Todd and Lao Jian flee Truckee together. The intense prejudice against both Chinese people and individuals desiring persons of their own sex force Todd and Lao Jian to fight what often appears to be a hopeless battle on two fronts.
Todd Morgan and Lao Jian aren’t without their flaws, but I found them wholly sympathetic. One could say they fight their battle on three fronts, the third being their disarming innocence in a world cruel beyond their imagination.
I loved reading this novel. It has a compelling story, believable characters, and artful writing. Todd, the narrator, says this about a young man he meets in the mountains (before he runs into Lao Jian): “It was like staring into a meadow in springtime, and your eyes just don’t want to work themselves free of the colors when the wildflowers dance in the breeze.”
Regarding both Chinese and Irish immigrants, Todd says, “The law sure took umbrage when the criminal was a foreigner, but looked the other way when the foreigner was a victim.”
The short last chapter is one of the finest epilogues I’ve read. The first line alone, a date, found me wiping my eyes so that I could read on.
(As originally reviewed on Rainbow Book Reviews. Please visit http://www.rainbowbookreviews.com for other reviews that may be of interest.)
Ned, Todd’s mother’s angry and bitter younger brother, who chose to fight and lose a leg for the losing side in the Civil War, has goaded his nephew into his impulsive and naive adventure. Todd’s search for gold and instant wealth ends in horrifying violence, leaving him with nothing but the clothes he wears.
Todd doesn’t discover any gold in his pan, but he does find Lao Jian, a young Chinese immigrant who is also prospecting for gold with his uncle. The title of Barry Brennessel’s page-turning novel derives from Americans of that day calling Chinese immigrants “celestials” because they came from what was known as the “Celestial Empire.”
Finding themselves in grave danger, Todd and Lao Jian flee Truckee together. The intense prejudice against both Chinese people and individuals desiring persons of their own sex force Todd and Lao Jian to fight what often appears to be a hopeless battle on two fronts.
Todd Morgan and Lao Jian aren’t without their flaws, but I found them wholly sympathetic. One could say they fight their battle on three fronts, the third being their disarming innocence in a world cruel beyond their imagination.
I loved reading this novel. It has a compelling story, believable characters, and artful writing. Todd, the narrator, says this about a young man he meets in the mountains (before he runs into Lao Jian): “It was like staring into a meadow in springtime, and your eyes just don’t want to work themselves free of the colors when the wildflowers dance in the breeze.”
Regarding both Chinese and Irish immigrants, Todd says, “The law sure took umbrage when the criminal was a foreigner, but looked the other way when the foreigner was a victim.”
The short last chapter is one of the finest epilogues I’ve read. The first line alone, a date, found me wiping my eyes so that I could read on.
(As originally reviewed on Rainbow Book Reviews. Please visit http://www.rainbowbookreviews.com for other reviews that may be of interest.)
January 21, 2013
Gerry B's Book Reviews
5.0 bees
It’s unanimous: Barry Brennessel’s novel The Celestial [MLR Press,LLC, September 6, 2012] is a great story! Most reviews I have read have dipped into the superlative bag for apt descriptors, and I must agree.
My approach comes from my passion and accompanying research into American frontier history, including the California mining communities of the mid-1800s, and I must say that the author has captured the tone of these rough-and-tumble, gritty and grotty settlements remarkably well.
Set against this rugged backdrop is the wide-eyed naïveté of farmboy, Todd Morgan, and his companion Lâo Jian; both innocent romantics who just want to live and love in the midst of this harsh environment.
Part of Brennessel’s strength as a writer is his ability to create vivid characters who are both interesting and unique. Each character has a distinctive voice that sets him (or her) apart while contributing to the over all story. So, whether it’s Ned Calvert, Todd’s irascible uncle, or the young Irish miner, Breandon (on whom Todd has an early crush), they all contribute in their own way.
One of the regrettable aspects of frontier society was the degree of prejudice against certain ethnic societies, i.e. Native Americans and certain foreigners, especially–to the miners–the Chinese, who were called “Chinamen,” “Johnny Pig Tails,” or “Celestials” (because they came from the so-called “Celestial Empire.”)
The miners resented them because they saw them as competition, and distrusted them because they tended to stick to their own communities, which is not surprising since they were generally shunned elsewhere. As a result the Chinese were subjected to all manner of abuse, even murder, and Brennessel has done quite a credible job of portraying this.
Nonetheless, Todd and Lâo Jian persevere primarily because of the strength and love they derive from one another, and this is the inspirational theme that underlies the whole story. Highly recommended. Five bees!
5.0 bees
It’s unanimous: Barry Brennessel’s novel The Celestial [MLR Press,LLC, September 6, 2012] is a great story! Most reviews I have read have dipped into the superlative bag for apt descriptors, and I must agree.
My approach comes from my passion and accompanying research into American frontier history, including the California mining communities of the mid-1800s, and I must say that the author has captured the tone of these rough-and-tumble, gritty and grotty settlements remarkably well.
Set against this rugged backdrop is the wide-eyed naïveté of farmboy, Todd Morgan, and his companion Lâo Jian; both innocent romantics who just want to live and love in the midst of this harsh environment.
Part of Brennessel’s strength as a writer is his ability to create vivid characters who are both interesting and unique. Each character has a distinctive voice that sets him (or her) apart while contributing to the over all story. So, whether it’s Ned Calvert, Todd’s irascible uncle, or the young Irish miner, Breandon (on whom Todd has an early crush), they all contribute in their own way.
One of the regrettable aspects of frontier society was the degree of prejudice against certain ethnic societies, i.e. Native Americans and certain foreigners, especially–to the miners–the Chinese, who were called “Chinamen,” “Johnny Pig Tails,” or “Celestials” (because they came from the so-called “Celestial Empire.”)
The miners resented them because they saw them as competition, and distrusted them because they tended to stick to their own communities, which is not surprising since they were generally shunned elsewhere. As a result the Chinese were subjected to all manner of abuse, even murder, and Brennessel has done quite a credible job of portraying this.
Nonetheless, Todd and Lâo Jian persevere primarily because of the strength and love they derive from one another, and this is the inspirational theme that underlies the whole story. Highly recommended. Five bees!
December 9, 2012
What an amazing story! The first person POV worked for me, putting me very much inside Todd Webster's head. How refreshing his uncomplicated dedication to what he thought was right and his lack of the prejudices so prevalent at the time. Because of the POV, we witnessed Todd's meeting Lâo Jian, and his early admiration of the young Chinese immigrant.
From the mining camps where they meet, to Truckee, Colorado then on to Sacramento, California we follow our two heroes as they slowly form a bond that turns into something much deeper. The details were perfect, helping me visualize another place and time clearly.
The author shows us bigotry, but also a glimpse at unconditional acceptance in the Chinese community that becomes Todd and Lâo Jian's refuge. Then, we're privileged to see prejudice fall, as biased people reform their beliefs when face to face with the object of their scorn, only to find...a person just like themselves, with thoughts and feelings, dreams and disappointments.
The story brought to mind the repetitive pattern of prejudice that each new immigrant group faced upon coming to the US, and which hasn't faded with time. Wherever there are people, inequality exists. You think we'd have learned better by now.
The story contains only one brief sexual scene, but the tone didn't call for more than that. Rather, we're gifted with sweetness and tenderness in the men's regard for each other. Beautifully, beautifully done.
The story warmed my heart, and the author delivered something I'd hoped for while reading, letting us visit the two men later in life. Ah, Mr. Brennessel, what a delightful new novel you've given me for my favorite’s shelf.
From the mining camps where they meet, to Truckee, Colorado then on to Sacramento, California we follow our two heroes as they slowly form a bond that turns into something much deeper. The details were perfect, helping me visualize another place and time clearly.
The author shows us bigotry, but also a glimpse at unconditional acceptance in the Chinese community that becomes Todd and Lâo Jian's refuge. Then, we're privileged to see prejudice fall, as biased people reform their beliefs when face to face with the object of their scorn, only to find...a person just like themselves, with thoughts and feelings, dreams and disappointments.
The story brought to mind the repetitive pattern of prejudice that each new immigrant group faced upon coming to the US, and which hasn't faded with time. Wherever there are people, inequality exists. You think we'd have learned better by now.
The story contains only one brief sexual scene, but the tone didn't call for more than that. Rather, we're gifted with sweetness and tenderness in the men's regard for each other. Beautifully, beautifully done.
The story warmed my heart, and the author delivered something I'd hoped for while reading, letting us visit the two men later in life. Ah, Mr. Brennessel, what a delightful new novel you've given me for my favorite’s shelf.
June 4, 2013
This is one of those stories that needed to be written and needs to be read. I'm a huge fan of historical romance and this story focuses on a topic I've known about but haven't yet found anyone who's tackled, and that's the plight of Asian immigrants in frontier America. It's sad that this topic isn't discussed more, but I give Mr. Brennessel credit for not only taking it on, but doing a beautiful job with it.
Not only is this story very well written, it's powerful in the discrimination that it shows. The story takes place in California during the gold rush, with Todd trying to find his fortune panning for gold. He finds much more in Lao Jian. The story is told from Todd's point of view, and sometimes it's hard for me to really enjoy and get immersed in a first person story, but not with this one. I fell right into it and loved every minutes. The relationship between them certainly isn't easy and the book has it's share of heartwrenching moments, but it's all true and realistic for the times.
I see now in the time since I added it that it's been nominated for many awards and they're all very well deserved. It's a beautiful story. So much praise for it.
Not only is this story very well written, it's powerful in the discrimination that it shows. The story takes place in California during the gold rush, with Todd trying to find his fortune panning for gold. He finds much more in Lao Jian. The story is told from Todd's point of view, and sometimes it's hard for me to really enjoy and get immersed in a first person story, but not with this one. I fell right into it and loved every minutes. The relationship between them certainly isn't easy and the book has it's share of heartwrenching moments, but it's all true and realistic for the times.
I see now in the time since I added it that it's been nominated for many awards and they're all very well deserved. It's a beautiful story. So much praise for it.
wait-and-see
August 13, 2015Cha', what the hell is up with that "Chinese" name? What's with the "â"? This ain't Vietnamese. Dear god, I hope that's now how it's written in the book itself. That would drive me nuts.
Actually, what's the stats on Chinese immigrants during the California gold rush? Bc the name appears to be Mandarin, and I have a vague impression that most of the immigrants coming during the gold rush were Cantonese-speakers/people from Guangdong/Canton. Is this another case of pan-Asia/pan-Chinese, or is there actually a reason behind this?
Actually, what's the stats on Chinese immigrants during the California gold rush? Bc the name appears to be Mandarin, and I have a vague impression that most of the immigrants coming during the gold rush were Cantonese-speakers/people from Guangdong/Canton. Is this another case of pan-Asia/pan-Chinese, or is there actually a reason behind this?
October 12, 2012
My review of The Celestial can be found on Speak Its Name.
June 29, 2016
I have been looking for a well-written story featuring Chinese and Western men falling in love, and I found it in The Celestial. Brennessel creates an engaging narrative from beginning to end, with lyrical phrasing, self-reflexive turns, and even epistolary chapters. This novel had the feel of a classic Jack London book--I felt immersed in the setting, both time and place.
I also appreciated how issues that affect couples now--being out, or interracial--was dealt with in this historical piece, and gave a sense of timelessness to the emotions and struggles people face when confronted with bigotry and violence.
I found a little difficulty with the Chinese phrases, which appeared not to follow standard romanization, and at times seemed to confuse Cantonese and Mandarin (which are different dialects, so they would be romanized differently). It's a challenge when it comes to using another language while writing in English; I appreciated the author's efforts nonetheless to capture the feel of an interracial and intercultural relationship, though, and this is merely the quibble of a reader who happens to speak both Mandarin and Cantonese.
The Celestial satisfied my hunger for a work written by an author with a sensitive heart for how people love, fight, and fight for who they love, as well as a talented ear for language. I look forward to reading other books by Brennessel.
I also appreciated how issues that affect couples now--being out, or interracial--was dealt with in this historical piece, and gave a sense of timelessness to the emotions and struggles people face when confronted with bigotry and violence.
I found a little difficulty with the Chinese phrases, which appeared not to follow standard romanization, and at times seemed to confuse Cantonese and Mandarin (which are different dialects, so they would be romanized differently). It's a challenge when it comes to using another language while writing in English; I appreciated the author's efforts nonetheless to capture the feel of an interracial and intercultural relationship, though, and this is merely the quibble of a reader who happens to speak both Mandarin and Cantonese.
The Celestial satisfied my hunger for a work written by an author with a sensitive heart for how people love, fight, and fight for who they love, as well as a talented ear for language. I look forward to reading other books by Brennessel.
February 26, 2015
A really enjoyable story about a harsh time.
The story covers the hardships of the goldrush, the poverty that drove people to go for gold, the discrimination against and ignorance of foreigners. But it also details the friendship and growing love of Todd and Lao Jian.
I would categorsie this as a historic story with a romance, only because I think it is a much better story for the romance element being almost the third or fourth story line in the book. I was expecting a much grittier read (and wasn't so keen on that idea) so for me, it being a fairly easy read was a nice surprise( whilst there is violence, it is generally off page and we really just see the aftermath).
The writing style allowed me to become fully immersed in the story, so that I had to finish in one sitting. If you want lots of sex in your reads, then prepare to be disappointed but read all the same!
I'd have loved either a part 2 or a second book detailing the story of Todd and Lao Jian up to the epilogue - just have to use my imagination!
The story covers the hardships of the goldrush, the poverty that drove people to go for gold, the discrimination against and ignorance of foreigners. But it also details the friendship and growing love of Todd and Lao Jian.
I would categorsie this as a historic story with a romance, only because I think it is a much better story for the romance element being almost the third or fourth story line in the book. I was expecting a much grittier read (and wasn't so keen on that idea) so for me, it being a fairly easy read was a nice surprise( whilst there is violence, it is generally off page and we really just see the aftermath).
The writing style allowed me to become fully immersed in the story, so that I had to finish in one sitting. If you want lots of sex in your reads, then prepare to be disappointed but read all the same!
I'd have loved either a part 2 or a second book detailing the story of Todd and Lao Jian up to the epilogue - just have to use my imagination!
December 11, 2018
The author has built a poignant and captivating story that skilfully entwines history with fiction. Everything about it is excellent, from the writing, the characterization to the setting. He's clever at reviving tragedy, misery, greed, cowardice, courage and hope. In the midst of the "gold fever", so perilious and unpredictable, and with the constant hate against everything and everyone that is Chinese, Mr Brennessel is able to elicit friendship, tenderness and love. I just fell in love with Todd Webster & Lâo Jian ... What a FANTASTIC novel!
January 23, 2016
Do you know how hard it is to find a LGBT or M/M story with Asian MCs? Or just in romance in general?
I'm so happy I found this, and I'm a bit biased, but this was enjoyable and sad but also ultra sweet and loving.
I'm so happy I found this, and I'm a bit biased, but this was enjoyable and sad but also ultra sweet and loving.
June 19, 2022
It's a lovely journey
I don't have anything else to say just lovely
I don't have anything else to say just lovely
Read
September 19, 2025In 1871 nineteen-year-old Todd Morgan steals some of his mother’s money, leaves the plot of land they live on north of Sacramento with his uncle Ned Calvert, buys a horse, and heads for the Sierra Nevadas near Truckee to find gold. The money actually belonged to his father, who got himself killed in a barroom brawl.
Ned, Todd’s mother’s angry and bitter younger brother, who chose to fight and lose a leg for the losing side in the Civil War, has goaded his nephew into his impulsive and naive adventure. Todd’s search for gold and instant wealth ends in horrifying violence, leaving him with nothing but the clothes he wears.
Todd doesn’t discover any gold in his pan, but he does find Lao Jian, a young Chinese immigrant who is also prospecting for gold with his uncle. The title of Barry Brennessel’s page-turning novel derives from Americans of that day calling Chinese immigrants “celestials” because they came from what was known as the “Celestial Empire.”
Finding themselves in grave danger, Todd and Lao Jian flee Truckee together. The intense prejudice against both Chinese people and individuals desiring persons of their own sex force Todd and Lao Jian to fight what often appears to be a hopeless battle on two fronts.
Todd Morgan and Lao Jian aren’t without their flaws, but I found them wholly sympathetic. One could say they fight their battle on three fronts, the third being their disarming innocence in a world cruel beyond their imagination.
I loved reading this novel. It has a compelling story, believable characters, and artful writing. Todd, the narrator, says this about a young man he meets in the mountains (before he runs into Lao Jian): “It was like staring into a meadow in springtime, and your eyes just don’t want to work themselves free of the colors when the wildflowers dance in the breeze.”
Regarding both Chinese and Irish immigrants, Todd says, “The law sure took umbrage when the criminal was a foreigner, but looked the other way when the foreigner was a victim.”
The short last chapter is one of the finest epilogues I’ve read. The first line alone, a date, found me wiping my eyes so that I could read on.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. The first edition of this book was purchased by the reviewer.
Ned, Todd’s mother’s angry and bitter younger brother, who chose to fight and lose a leg for the losing side in the Civil War, has goaded his nephew into his impulsive and naive adventure. Todd’s search for gold and instant wealth ends in horrifying violence, leaving him with nothing but the clothes he wears.
Todd doesn’t discover any gold in his pan, but he does find Lao Jian, a young Chinese immigrant who is also prospecting for gold with his uncle. The title of Barry Brennessel’s page-turning novel derives from Americans of that day calling Chinese immigrants “celestials” because they came from what was known as the “Celestial Empire.”
Finding themselves in grave danger, Todd and Lao Jian flee Truckee together. The intense prejudice against both Chinese people and individuals desiring persons of their own sex force Todd and Lao Jian to fight what often appears to be a hopeless battle on two fronts.
Todd Morgan and Lao Jian aren’t without their flaws, but I found them wholly sympathetic. One could say they fight their battle on three fronts, the third being their disarming innocence in a world cruel beyond their imagination.
I loved reading this novel. It has a compelling story, believable characters, and artful writing. Todd, the narrator, says this about a young man he meets in the mountains (before he runs into Lao Jian): “It was like staring into a meadow in springtime, and your eyes just don’t want to work themselves free of the colors when the wildflowers dance in the breeze.”
Regarding both Chinese and Irish immigrants, Todd says, “The law sure took umbrage when the criminal was a foreigner, but looked the other way when the foreigner was a victim.”
The short last chapter is one of the finest epilogues I’ve read. The first line alone, a date, found me wiping my eyes so that I could read on.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. The first edition of this book was purchased by the reviewer.
May 5, 2017
Such a lovely story! I was expecting bad self-published erotica, judging by the cover, but it turned out to be a really sweet love story.
It made me think a lot about the experience of interracial romance in the 19th c.. At a number of points in the book I thought "Oh come on, no, that is totally a 20th century mindset" but then I thought about it and...people did have interracial relationships. Not everyone was a xenophobe. In fact, maybe even a lot of people weren't xenophobes. We hear a lot about the racial tensions of the 19th c., but probably most people didn't care that much. Just like now.
Anyway, darling book, I recommend it. Also, the sex scene was hot.
It made me think a lot about the experience of interracial romance in the 19th c.. At a number of points in the book I thought "Oh come on, no, that is totally a 20th century mindset" but then I thought about it and...people did have interracial relationships. Not everyone was a xenophobe. In fact, maybe even a lot of people weren't xenophobes. We hear a lot about the racial tensions of the 19th c., but probably most people didn't care that much. Just like now.
Anyway, darling book, I recommend it. Also, the sex scene was hot.
May 17, 2017
I love the content it deals with, and the unique relationship- I'm a big fan of history and being Chinese-Canadian myself, this was a really interesting topic to get into (even if the story takes place with American Chinese, close enough). One small nitpick is that I think the Chinese Pinyin in this is wrong. Even if it's Cantonese, I have never seen any speaker use words like Ngo, etc. But otherwise I liked this book because of the history it involved. Great theme
May 30, 2022
Low 3. No angst about the sinfulness and straight to nooky.
November 6, 2024
Much as I loved the premise and setting, the story and particularly Todd, the protagonist, took a while to grow on me. By the end I was very much in love with this, though.
January 20, 2013
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5+ KISSES!!
This is the first book I’ve read by Mr. Brennessel and it definitely won’t be my last! I’m always excited to read new authors to me, and when I’m lucky enough to experience an amazingly romantic and adventurous story like this one, you can bet I’ll be actively seeking out more stories written by this author.
The blurb does an excellent job at describing the story, so I won’t rehash it. Instead I thought I’d talk about why I loved this book so much and why it’s become one of my favorites that I’ve read this year.
First, the two main heroes in this story are both interesting, likeable men. They’ve both gone through their own tough times and heartaches, but are still determined to make a life for themselves. Todd is only nineteen when the story begins and he’s left the only home he’s ever known to find gold, and hopefully glory, so he and the mother and uncle he’s left behind will be better off. Coming from a poor family, Todd is a hard worker and has dreams that only young men sometimes do. He’s unprepared for the harsh and dangerous life he’s chosen. When he meets Lao Jian, there is an immediate kinship that blossoms between them, despite the prejudices that people have over other races who are not white. Many do not trust the Chinese, but Todd isn’t one of them. He knows in his heart that Lao Jian is a noble friend and good person. Plus, there is an emotional connection that forms between them that will not be denied and as they fall in love, they are hopefully they will be able to somehow be together. Both heroes are stronger than they often give themselves credit for and they also have a determination to have a better life, hopefully together, than the one they have had in the past.
I also appreciated how each character written into the book really seemed to bring something into the story itself. As the story progresses, there is a mixed array of characters that all seemed to breathe life into the story. As Todd and Lao Jian’s adventures continued, there were many people they met who I liked and some that I distrusted. I liked how the author really seemed to understand each of these characters as well as their necessity to the storyline. They all seemed to be very well-developed and none of them were caricatures of the cookie-cutter characters we sometimes read in romance novels.
Also, there is so much adventure and nail biting drama in this book! As I read Todd and Lao Jian’s story, I too felt swept up into their lives. It was easy to get wrapped up into these two characters while they experienced both joy and heartache. My heart ached at the prejudice that the Chinese people went through. I was both saddened and furious so see Lao Jain in particular go through the pain, and live in a fear of being hurt or killed because he was Chinese. I thought Mr. Brennessel did a great job showing these feelings of confusion and pain over somebody being from a different culture than was once at the time considered the ‘norm’. Mr. Brennessel’s ability to write such detailed descriptive scenes really brought me in the story as a reader. I could easily envision the sights and smells they went through as well as the thriving garden and trees that the men planted in the end.
To say that I loved this story is a little bit of an understatement. From the first sentence to the first word I was enthralled with these characters, and their story lived within me long after I finished reading the book. Although the book is told through Todd’s eyes, I felt like I was experiencing what other characters were going through too, because Todd was such a great narrator. In all honesty, there’s not anything negative I can say about this book. I truly loved the ending (yes it made me want to weep with happiness) and was sorry to see it come to an end.
Beautifully written with characters that live and breathe off of the written page, The Celestial is an epic adventure filled with romance, heartbreak, joy and of course hope. I loved every minute of this book and it’s earned a top spot on my keeper shelf where I know I’ll re-read it many times in the future. Highly Recommended!
5+ KISSES!!
This is the first book I’ve read by Mr. Brennessel and it definitely won’t be my last! I’m always excited to read new authors to me, and when I’m lucky enough to experience an amazingly romantic and adventurous story like this one, you can bet I’ll be actively seeking out more stories written by this author.
The blurb does an excellent job at describing the story, so I won’t rehash it. Instead I thought I’d talk about why I loved this book so much and why it’s become one of my favorites that I’ve read this year.
First, the two main heroes in this story are both interesting, likeable men. They’ve both gone through their own tough times and heartaches, but are still determined to make a life for themselves. Todd is only nineteen when the story begins and he’s left the only home he’s ever known to find gold, and hopefully glory, so he and the mother and uncle he’s left behind will be better off. Coming from a poor family, Todd is a hard worker and has dreams that only young men sometimes do. He’s unprepared for the harsh and dangerous life he’s chosen. When he meets Lao Jian, there is an immediate kinship that blossoms between them, despite the prejudices that people have over other races who are not white. Many do not trust the Chinese, but Todd isn’t one of them. He knows in his heart that Lao Jian is a noble friend and good person. Plus, there is an emotional connection that forms between them that will not be denied and as they fall in love, they are hopefully they will be able to somehow be together. Both heroes are stronger than they often give themselves credit for and they also have a determination to have a better life, hopefully together, than the one they have had in the past.
I also appreciated how each character written into the book really seemed to bring something into the story itself. As the story progresses, there is a mixed array of characters that all seemed to breathe life into the story. As Todd and Lao Jian’s adventures continued, there were many people they met who I liked and some that I distrusted. I liked how the author really seemed to understand each of these characters as well as their necessity to the storyline. They all seemed to be very well-developed and none of them were caricatures of the cookie-cutter characters we sometimes read in romance novels.
Also, there is so much adventure and nail biting drama in this book! As I read Todd and Lao Jian’s story, I too felt swept up into their lives. It was easy to get wrapped up into these two characters while they experienced both joy and heartache. My heart ached at the prejudice that the Chinese people went through. I was both saddened and furious so see Lao Jain in particular go through the pain, and live in a fear of being hurt or killed because he was Chinese. I thought Mr. Brennessel did a great job showing these feelings of confusion and pain over somebody being from a different culture than was once at the time considered the ‘norm’. Mr. Brennessel’s ability to write such detailed descriptive scenes really brought me in the story as a reader. I could easily envision the sights and smells they went through as well as the thriving garden and trees that the men planted in the end.
To say that I loved this story is a little bit of an understatement. From the first sentence to the first word I was enthralled with these characters, and their story lived within me long after I finished reading the book. Although the book is told through Todd’s eyes, I felt like I was experiencing what other characters were going through too, because Todd was such a great narrator. In all honesty, there’s not anything negative I can say about this book. I truly loved the ending (yes it made me want to weep with happiness) and was sorry to see it come to an end.
Beautifully written with characters that live and breathe off of the written page, The Celestial is an epic adventure filled with romance, heartbreak, joy and of course hope. I loved every minute of this book and it’s earned a top spot on my keeper shelf where I know I’ll re-read it many times in the future. Highly Recommended!
June 24, 2013
I really wanted to like this novel. It was well written and thought out. The historical pieces in the novel seemed legit and it showed that the author really did his research; however, this wasn't my thing.
The Celestials stars Todd Morgan. Now, Todd comes from a very humbled home. He's very small and people still call him kid even though he's an adult. Now, Todd wants to find gold in Nevada, but what he finds is the love of his life, a Chinese guy name Lao Jian.
I really liked Todd. He was very determined and outspoken. I loved the fact that he took matters into his own hand and decided to move to Nevada to find gold and a better life for his Ma and Uncle Ed. I also liked Lao Jian. He was sweet, but a part of me didn't connect with him. There was one character that peek my interest and that was Breandan. He seemed like the perfect guy to take the lead role in the novel, but sadly, he died.
I wanted to like the novel, but after Breandan's death, I lost interest in it. I liked Todd, but Lao Jian seemed un-relatable to me. What I did like about this novel was the historical parts. The way the Chinese were treated back then was horrible and sickening.
I recommend this novel to anyone who is into old western novels with a very unique young adult couple who would do anything to be together. You may like it. Give it a try.
The Celestials stars Todd Morgan. Now, Todd comes from a very humbled home. He's very small and people still call him kid even though he's an adult. Now, Todd wants to find gold in Nevada, but what he finds is the love of his life, a Chinese guy name Lao Jian.
I really liked Todd. He was very determined and outspoken. I loved the fact that he took matters into his own hand and decided to move to Nevada to find gold and a better life for his Ma and Uncle Ed. I also liked Lao Jian. He was sweet, but a part of me didn't connect with him. There was one character that peek my interest and that was Breandan. He seemed like the perfect guy to take the lead role in the novel, but sadly, he died.
I wanted to like the novel, but after Breandan's death, I lost interest in it. I liked Todd, but Lao Jian seemed un-relatable to me. What I did like about this novel was the historical parts. The way the Chinese were treated back then was horrible and sickening.
I recommend this novel to anyone who is into old western novels with a very unique young adult couple who would do anything to be together. You may like it. Give it a try.
December 11, 2014
I enjoyed learning about California in the Gold Rush years, the challenges and obstacles of the Chinese and how two men made a life together in such circumstances. I like that the book ended where it did. It was sweet.
There are times I wished Good Reads was around when I was younger. I would have had many more role models. There are two such role models for young people, gay or not, in this book. I think we make different decisions when we have good examples to follow, to emulate. It's good to know there are stories such as this available for readers.
There are times I wished Good Reads was around when I was younger. I would have had many more role models. There are two such role models for young people, gay or not, in this book. I think we make different decisions when we have good examples to follow, to emulate. It's good to know there are stories such as this available for readers.
March 5, 2013
4.5/5
July 29, 2014
I truly enjoyed this book and I loved how the author gave these two main characters a future together. This was a great book.
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