What if love could save your life? It’s impossible to believe, especially after everything he’s been through.
Which is why when love tries to steal Pierce’s heart, he knocks it down with a punch.
There’s no hope for a homeless guy…
Is there?
Not even in the sweet and troubled eyes of Rafe, the attractive latino who has demons of his own.
But fate won’t take the hint.
Can love truly save both their lives? Caution: Contains adult language, hurt/comfort themes, sexual tension, stubborn brutes and swoon-worthy romance.
Author's Note: This book was previously published as The Guy with the Suitcase by Chris Ethan. This version contains mild edits but no significant changes to the story.
Please read trigger warnings in the front of this book.
RGR received a free advanced review copy for the purpose of an honest review.
I have to admit that I have been sitting here for a long time, changing my review back and forth, unsure exactly how to put my thoughts into words. I finished reading the book last night and I had very different reactions to it.
First, let me talk about something that is beyond dispute for me. The cover image and the chapter design were brilliant. The cover looks really cool and made me interested in reading this story.
The title made me curious. It’s a bit mysterious and as a reader wanting to find out more about a book is always a good sign.
However, the story itself had aspects I absolutely loved and that touched me emotionally and parts that just didn’t click for me.
The story is told from two perspectives, two guys who ended up on the street and are trying to survive. From the beginning it becomes obvious that the author has no interest in romanticising homelessness in any way. Readers will experience many different ways in which the guys are humiliated, attacked, discriminated against and generally treated unfairly.
We see people using their power and authority to personally benefit from those who rely on them. We see families throwing away the children they were supposed to love unconditionally. We see people who physically or sexually attack or humiliate those they deem as worth less than themselves. We see terrible discrimination and hardships like weathering the icy and potentially deadly weather and having to let go of personal convictions like veganism and vegetarianism in order to survive. In the end, when everything else is stripped away, Survival is the one important thing.
However, we also see the people who do good and help where they can. The people who stop to give money, food or just to show that they are not closing their eyes and SEE the people on the streets and do as much as they can. We see people help who we might not have expected to help, and places that seem unwelcoming at first turn into unexpected sanctuaries. We see people put their jobs on the line to help, even if in small ways and people who change their minds and decide to do good. I really loved that while the story did not shy away from the bad that can and does happen to homeless people every day, it also shows the good in the world.
Personally, I think the most powerful aspect of the book was the way I realized as reader that I was not completely free of prejudices either. I have often thought about that I own much more than I need (even being on a student budget) and that I would always be able to find a job somewhere, even if things turned bad for me.
I think it was good that one of the main characters used to be an average college student not long ago and how fast and easy he lost any foundation for the life he was used to. Still, even if I would personally be able to bounce back, reading this book made me realize how privileged my life has been. My parents made sure I received good education and enabled me to get an International Baccalaureate and I live in a country with free access to university education. I have the financial and emotional support of my family and a strong support network of friends, even after coming out and my boyfriend is always behind my back. I’m a white guy, born into a comfortable middle-class in a democratic country with strong social values and though I’m gay, I can easily ‘pass’ as straight if wanted or needed, but I have received a lot of support from the LGBT+ community. It is always possible to lose everything, but without my doing, by mere chance, I have a much stronger safety net than many others.
I try to never look down on others and to instead have a positive impact on others if I can. However, reading this book made me realized that many avenues that would be available to me right now if my luck turned aren’t available to others. Especially those, who would need it the most.
Reading about Rafe selling his body to get enough money for his medication to stay alive, unable to come up with the money even though he feels like every time he does it steals something from his soul and how he is not able to get medicaid, because he is so poor that he does not even have the home address or the income to get medicaid, made me very sad. How can we refuse to help those, who need it the most, just because they are not in a position to even meet the minimum criteria?
Reading about Pierce cleaning himself up, even creating a resumé in an internet café and not even getting the chance to get an interview or leave a copy of his resumé, because people first want him to get his act together… thereby taking the chance away from him to do just that, made me very thoughtful. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we actually tried to take care of each other and took more chances on people. So many people are willing to learn and work hard and never get a chance, because they were never born into privilege or lost it in some way.
There is also a lot of hope in this story and it makes me want to be more socially aware and more helpful to those in need. The stories of both of these guys are very emotional and powerful and very well-written. The guys were relatable, likable and I wanted the best for them and cared about their fate.
However, I did not really feel their chemistry. Given that the romance is a big aspect of this story that was very unfortunate. This may be very subjective, but the relationship didn’t completely click with me and while I loved all the other aspects of the book that took a lot away for me.
There is a secondary character Pierce befriends in the book and their connection felt much more powerful to me. It might just be because I didn’t understand the attraction and draw between Rafe and Pierce, even though I loved each of them as characters. I really, really wanted to get them.
Still, I really enjoyed the story and think many other readers will, too. Perhaps you will even love their relationship. They are awesome guys in any case, who went through a lot and deserve happiness.Their story made me thoughtful and I hope it will have a similar effect on others, so we never forget to keep our eyes and hearts.
Pierce and Rafe two homeless guys. Living on the streets of New York City is hard, almost not livable. There are a few ways to survive...... Their first encounter is not the best one. One stealing the others possession. The journey they go through is hard, painful. It put knots in my stomach and sometimes I really wanted to cry.
Pierce is strong with a big heart. Rafe is a small delicate guy and ill. They are both lovable and are very endearing personalities. Both have their own reasons living on the streets. And both have their own way to generate money. They are drawn to each other. Pierce want to take care of Rafe. Somehow Pierce finds a solution to hold Rafe from the street. Finding a part time job at a restaurant with a good owner is a opportunity to eat everyday. After losing it again he puts Rafe above himself, he wants to disappear. Now and then a little light at the horizon and then there is darkness again.
The streets are violent and Pierce almost lost his life and his precious suitcase to some robbers. The suitcase plays a big part in Pierce's life and holds a big secret.
A heartbreaking story, it did make me nauseous, my heart squeezed but overall it was a story about finding love and opportunities in life. And last but not least it has a HEA (thank you lord ;-)
A comment: Sometimes the flow was gone and I mist some connection. It did get better further in the book, the story become more solid. The story ask your concentration. Things were happening without knowing the cause yet.
In my country everyone can depend on healthcare (again thank you lord !)
"Non si era reso conto di quanto fosse importante una casa fin quando ne aveva avuta una. Ora non poteva fare altro che sperare di non morire durante la notte, dormendo sulle panchine, in metropolitana o sull’asfalto."
Pierce è un giovane senzatetto che vaga senza meta tra le trafficate vie di New York. È stato cacciato di casa dai genitori dopo aver rivelato di essere omosessuale. Con sé porta solamente una misteriosa valigia, unico retaggio del nonno da cui era stato tanto amato e capito.
Rafael è un prostituto sieropositivo con una storia simile a quella di Pierce: cacciato dai genitori, si è trovato costretto a vendere il proprio corpo per cercare di acquistare le costosissime medicine che gli servono per sopravvivere in un'America senza cuore in cui, se sei un Homeless senza copertura sanitaria, rischi di morire come un cane ai margini di un vicolo coperto di spazzatura.
Pierce e Rafael si incontrano quasi per caso e, anche se il primo approccio non è dei migliori, cominciano a prendersi cura l'uno dell'altro.
Riuscirà Rafael a procacciarsi il prezioso farmaco prima che sia troppo tardi? Avrà successo Pierce nel disperato tentativo di dare una svolta alla propria vita?
Gran parte delle risposte stanno proprio nella valigia che quest'ultimo porta sempre con sé e a cui è legato indissolubilmente come fosse un'estensione del proprio corpo, tanto da essere disposto a rischiare la vita pur di non separarsene. E soprattutto, la valigia contiene un segreto. Un segreto in grado di cambiare per sempre le esistenze di entrambi.
"Il ragazzo con la valigia" è un romanzo tanto improbabile quanto realistico e intrigante: due senzatetto omosessuali trovano l'amore tra le spietate strade di New York.
Chris Ethan è in grado di portarci a vagabondare tra viottoli malfamati, ostelli sudici e quartieri pericolosi con la stessa obbiettività e concretezza di un film: l'obiettivo è sempre nitido e perfettamente a fuoco, riusciamo a scorgere ogni minimo particolare, nessun dettaglio è lasciato al caso tanto che possiamo figurarci i due protagonisti, indelebilmente segnati dal loro bagaglio e dalle esperienze,come se li avessimo costantemente davanti agli occhi in un flusso continuo di traversie e infortuni. Infine, una perfetta alchimia di elementi contrastanti riesce a congiungere, senza minare la credibilità dell'opera, uno svolgimento ostinato e doloroso, che non guarda in faccia nessuno, con un lieto fine da favola.
I'm torn about this book and waffled a bit on how to rate it. On one hand, this story has a very real portrayal of being homeless. It's ugly, scary, and frustrating. The characters are solid, real people with all the personality pluses and (normal) negatives we don't usually see - even in the characters that are low on the cast list. I love the genuine and refreshing honesty of the writing, though it's a bit brutal at times. It is believable and, for those who have "been there", it could trigger an emotional "punch in the gut".
On the other hand, I don't see the romantic connection between the characters. It sounds really stupid considering the blurb explains the story, but: I was totally caught off guard (shocked) by their realizations of love. I didn't see any romance between the characters before they each discovered they were in love. Their bond was not built through acts of kindness, compassion, and respect. Instead, those things sprang from their decision that they were in love; "love" being an obsessive looking for and thinking of, and in Pierce's case, a guilty conscious.
Worse, I don't really like either of the main characters. I feel for them and the crappy plight they've been forced into. I want them to both succeed and be well. But, I don't *like* them which made it hard for me to reach the end of the book. After Peirce's "easy out" discover near the end of the book, I just skimmed the rest of the story to see if ended predictably ...
In the end, it's the author's ability to capture and express the people, places, and situation that brought the rating up to 3 stars. I really enjoy his ability to tell a story, but in this case, not the story itself.
(Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
Questa storia si è rivelata davvero una lettura interessante, che è riuscita a catturarmi, a coinvolgermi, a farmi arrabbiare, preoccupare e commuovere in più parti. Rafe e Pierce, i nostri protagonisti, sono due giovani appena ventenni che sono costretti a vivere per la strada, a fare i conti con la povertà, la fame, il freddo, la malattia e i pericoli. La loro unica ‘colpa’ – se così si può chiamare – è quella di essere gay, e quindi rinnegati dalle loro famiglie omofobe e violente. La storia ci racconta la vita dei senzatetto di una grande città, quella di New York, e lo fa con un taglio disincantato. Ma, anche in mezzo alle brutture e al cinismo, ci regala speranza. La speranza di un amore che nasce e lotta contro tutto, la speranza che fiorisce in un gesto gentile, nella generosità degli sconosciuti, in piccoli fatti positivi che colorano il grigiore dell’indifferenza. Ho amato i personaggi di Sonia e Mario, ma soprattutto Vance, perché arricchiscono la storia con la loro presenza e sono un aiuto prezioso. Questa non è una storia leggera e di puro relax, ma merita perché si toccano con mano i vari sentimenti: c’è dolore, amore, passione, cattiveria, generosità, gratitudine e molto altro. Il finale sa un po’ di favola, ma è la giusta ricompensa per i nostri giovani eroi. L’autore ha creato un testo pregevole e la resa italiana, davvero curata, valorizza il suo lavoro. Se cercate un buon libro, questo merita decisamente di essere letto e ve lo consiglio.
2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: The Guy With The Suitcase by Chris Ethan I must admit, this was a very heartfelt and emotional story. The caring these two extremely flawed characters show toward each other is quite endearing. The story ran smoothly and gave us a view of what can happen and does happen to young men and women in this world when the parents or stepparents are not accepting. At first, I wasn't sure where the story was going, but I'm sure glad it went as it did. Loved the MCs and the attention they paid to each other. Very satisfying end. I really enjoyed their journey together.
Una storia che nonostante i temi trattati riesce ad essere dolcissima e commovente, con un'atmosfera fiabesca e un messaggio chiaro e importante, un messaggio di amore, speranza e denuncia nei confronti di una società che troppo spesso chiude gli occhi di fronte alla sofferenza altrui e maltratta persone che hanno l'unica colpa di non avere un tetto sopra la propria testa. I due protagonisti con il loro background doloroso ti entrano nell'anima e nel cuore. Impossibile non affezionarsi a Pierce, con la sua lingua lunga, un giovane alla ricerca di un posto nel mondo dopo essere stato brutalmente cacciato dai genitori, scandalizzati dalla sua omosessualità e a Rafe che per proteggere la sua mamma è scappato di casa, da un padre violento e omofobo che lo maltrattava e non contento sfogava le proprie frustrazioni sulla moglie , un ragazzo solo e malato che è stato costretto a vendere se stesso e la sua dignità per sopravvivere. I due ragazzi si ritrovano a fare i senzatetto cercando di sopravvivere al loro triste destino. Ed è proprio il destino che li fa incontrare/scontrare, un incontro che cambierà per sempre le loro vite. Ben presto tra i due nascerà una dolce e tenera amicizia che con il tempo e le difficoltà si trasformerà in un rapporto d'amore autentico, un amore che salverà entrambi e li porterà alla felicità, a un futuro luminoso e inaspettato. Una storia meravigliosa, ricca di positività e speranza, che mi sento di consigliare a chi è alla ricerca di dolcezza e romanticismo, al classico happy ending che scalda il cuore ma che non si accontenta solo di questo cercando anche una storia profonda con un grande significato e dei temi importanti. Se è questo che cercate non rimarrete delusi se invece volete qualcosa di più...erotico beh... girate al largo, purtroppo o per fortuna di erotico c'è ben poco anche se vi posso assicurare che la dolcezza e i sentimenti tra i due innamorati riescono a tenere incollato il lettore senza fargli sentire la mancanza di momento più hot e piccanti. Una storia meravigliosa che a mio avviso merita senza dubbio 5 stelline e spero con il cuore di poter leggere in futuro altro sulla dolce coppietta o perché no, sul grande boss Vance, un uomo all'apparenza un po' rude ma di buon cuore che nel libro non ha esitato ad aiutare Pierce e Rafe dando loro non solo la possibilità di lavorare ma anche una spalla su cui piangere, un vero amico di cui mi piacerebbe un sacco approfondire meglio la storia prima e dopo l'incontro con i due senzatetto
This book is not for the faint of heart. Pierce and Rafe are put through far more than their fair share of shit before they get to their happy ending. In fact, so many obstacles are thrown in their way it is a minor miracle they survive it all, never mind find their way to happiness.
When these two young men first encounter each other it is anything but a good start. I think it is safe to say that after that first ‘meeting’ it’s a minor miracle they end up as friends at all. That first meeting is also a good indicator of what the first few months they spend together will be like; tough, hostile and often hopeless with initially far more downs than ups. But neither man is willing to just give up. While the hopelessness of their situation as homeless youths threatens to bring them down more than once, they persevere. Especially Pierce refuses to let the system win.
As the reader you are aware, almost from the start, that these two guys are not only attracted to each other but also meant to be together. Pierce and Rafe take longer to come to that realisation though; mostly because the two of them are just not point of skimming over passages just to get to the part where they do talk again. Not so in this book. For these two men it made sense not to talk to each other about their feelings considering how it was being honest with their families which landed them on the streets in the first place.
I loved the message I found in this story; perseverance pays. It may take a while but continuing to fight does lead to results for Pierce and Rafe. I liked these two young men together, fighting the system and beating it. And I loved that amid all the ugliness, cruelty and indifference they encounter, they also met good souls, friends and charity.
The ending was somewhat fairytale-like and I’m not sure the story needed it, since these characters were always going to make it. But, I’d come to care about Rafe and Pierce enough to not begrudge them their miracle.
Overall this was a touching, at times heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting story. It portrayed human kindness and perseverance with as much care for detail as it did the horrors of living on the street, getting the balance exactly right for this reader. I’m looking forward to seeing what this author will offer us next.
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Pierce was thrown out of his home after he tells his parents he's gay. He is homeless and has been living on the streets of New York. Rafe, also homeless ran away from home. But Rafe is sick. He needs medical help, but you can't get that help when you are homeless. These young men have a run in, and later meet up again. Eventually they decide that maybe two can work better than one at trying to get off the streets.
This wasn't an easy story to read at times. It broke my heart. The author did a good job at pointing out some of the sad truths about homelessness. Not just in the LGBT Community, but homelessness in general. Once you're homeless, it's hard to get off the streets. You can't get a job or any kind of assistance, medical or otherwise if you don't have a permanent address. You're stuck in a catch twenty-two situation. You need the address for the job and assistance, and the job and assistance to get the address. It's a never ending, vicious cycle, that without the help of good and decent people, most probably never overcome. I thought this part of the story was well told and realistic. I loved that the author didn't make things easy for Rafe and Pierce. They had to fight tooth and nail for everything they got.
The author held me captivated and turning the pages. I couldn't put this book down. I really liked Pierce and Rafe as a couple, I just wish there had been more. I felt the ending was a bit rushed, and even though I loved the ending, I was left wanting to see more of them as a couple. I wanted to see more of how the story unfolded between the last chapter and the epilogue. I think another chapter or two would have made the book more satisfying. This book had angst, heartbreak, sweetness, hope, and most of all love.
All in all this was a really enjoyable story. I'm looking forward to seeing what's next in the series. Definitely recommended!
Ho letto questo romanzo in pieno clima natalizio e ciò, unito ad una scrittura scorrevole, mi ha fatto apprezzare questa bella favola piena di speranza. Rafe e Pierce vivono per strada, entrambi cacciati di casa per essere gay. Si arrangiano in maniera diversa per sopravvivere: Pierce mantiene il suo orgoglio e le sue convinzioni, Rafe è costretto a vendersi per poter comprare i medicinali di cui ha bisogno per non morire. Il loro primo incontro non è dei più promettenti ma ne seguiranno altri che porteranno, pian piano, alla nascita di un forte sentimento tra i due che sarà anche la loro salvezza. Non voglio raccontarvi di più della trama per non rovinarvi la lettura ma voglio parlarvi di ciò che mi ha maggiormente colpita: il racconto della vita da homeless. Nella mia città è davvero difficile vedere dei senzatetto che dormono per strada perciò sono rimasta molto impressionata dalla quantità di homeless che ho incontrato durante i miei viaggi negli Stati Uniti. Pensare che queste persone non abbiano nulla e che debbano perfino rinunciare a mangiare per potersi comprare un cappotto o una notte in un dormitorio mi spezza il cuore, e mi fa male pensare che persone finite per strada per le ragioni più disparate abbiano difficilmente la possibilità di riscattarsi e di ricominciare una nuova vita. Questo libro ci propone la loro realtà senza addolcirla, ma ci da anche un bel messaggio di speranza. Voto: 7,5
✔ Letto! È stato difficile leggere i primi capitoli di questo libro. È stato davvero brutta come mamma di due ragazzi, vedere due ragazzi poco più che adolescenti, Pierce e Rafe vivere nella condizione di senzatetto per colpa dei loro genitori. Solo per la "colpa" di essere omosessuali. 😑😕 Ho già scritto anche altre volte per conto di libri come questo, che mi fa capire e uscire dal mio bozzolo felice e vedere la realtà. Il mondo è crudele ragazzi. Se siamo capaci di atti meschini e disumani in confronto degli esseri che sono stati 9 mesi dentro di noi, cosa non siamo capaci di fare nei confronti di un estraneo? Non riesco a capire queste madre... 😕 Ho sofferto per loro due, non vedevo altre alternative o un raggio di luce in quel buio in cui loro sono stati gettati come spazzatura. Questo erano Pierce e Rafe, due giovani ventenne, due anime di luce, due probabile futuri brillanti, tagliati fuori dal mondo perfetto dei loro genitori. Si arrangiavano come potevano per poter sopravvivere. Elemosina, prostituzione, dormire al freddo e con fame e esperando sempre in un domani migliore, in un cappotto per l'inverno o in poter racimolare soldi per la medicina che lo terebbe in vita ancora per un pò. Per poter sognare in qualcosa di bello.... un giorno. Per intanto vivevano per "le strade che erano state così gentili da offrirgli un rifugio, gli edifici che avevano nascosto ostilità e un atteggiamento di superiorità, le attività che lo avevano giudicato, le persone che avevano chiuso un occhio" o per indifferenza o per aiutarli come potevano. Insieme sono riusciti a trovare delle brave persone disposte ad offrirgli un'opportunità di poter cambiare le cose e ad amarsi un pò alla volta, ogni giorno di più. Un libro stupendo, dolce, sofferto e pieno di tenerezza per questi due ragazzi che non avevano niente di materiale, non più ormai. Ma erano fottutamente ricchi di umanità. Dove la speranza anche nei momenti più bui, ha sempre fatta la sua comparsa. Arrivando delle volte da dove meno ti aspetti e rimettendo le rotaie sul giusto binario. La valigia non era solo un ricordo dell'amato nonno, pieni di vita vissuta e felice, ma significava tutto quello che lui, non perdendo mai le speranze poteva fare, doveva solo avere fede nel prossimo, anche se il mondo ogni giorno ne dimostrava il contrario. Io no so perché ho aspettato tanto a leggerlo, ma sono felice adesso di averlo fatto. La traduzione è meravigliosa come è solito fare Phoenix Skylar e la ringrazio. Vorrei il secondo al più presto. Vi chiedo un favore... Leggetelo! Perché non siamo così merdosi come sembra. Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ e ho un senso di felicità in questo momento che mi riempi il cuore😍
*sigh* okay so this story really killed me. I now know what a block of cheese feels like after going through a grate. We have two homeless guys, Pierce & Rafe. Pierce is a huge hearted guy and protective of Rafe. Rafe is a small, ill, character. And you wonder kind of how he made it all this time without Pierce. This is a story with so much heart break, sorrow, and utter pain. It’s enemies to love thing that Pierce and Rafe have is momentary almost, when they are together you are wrapped in hope. But with every great thing that happens for them a bad, dark thing happens in its place. This book had me in tears, clutching my Kindle so that I didn’t throw it across the room. It’s not an easy read for your heart. I feel it’s necessary to tell you there is a HEA I have to tell you that because I don’t want you to not finish it thinking it’s hopeless for them. And it feels that may like a million times. You can do it! PERSEVERE! The only note I would give the author is to go back and make corrections to the errors throughout this story grammar and otherwise. I was able to move past it because the story is gripping but some shining wouldn’t hurt.
I really couldn't write the review immediately after finishing the story; it was one of those stories that needs a period of digestion - rarely will a story 'stay' with me for any great deal of time - this one has and I wonder why - the intimacy of the story-telling is probably the key.
2 intimate portrayals of street life, a relationship that is not all plain sailing and a very poignant back story that brings everything full circle - I really couldn't have wished for a better story [which I unashamedly chose based on the cover].
You'll get your HEA in spades but you'll be made to work for it.
4.5 stelline! “Il ragazzo con la valigia”, di Chris Ethan è un libro pregno di speranza e di voglia di vivere. Ammetto che la sinossi mi aveva spaventata un po’, ma i pareri entusiasti e la voglia di buttarmi in una storia nuova e originale mi hanno convinto del tutto. Pierce e Rafe sono due ragazzi che, seppur giovani, hanno avuto a che fare con violenza, dolore e omofobia. Tre condizioni emerse nell’ambiente che, al contrario, dovrebbe essere il proprio porto sicuro, il nido dove rifugiarsi nei momenti difficili: la famiglia. LEGGI LA RECENSIONE COMPLETA SU https://loveisallaround01gmail.wordpr...
What could have been a heartfelt tale of two young gay homeless men brought together by their travails is limited by the flat, almost juvenile writing style. After a 'series of unfortunate events' - muggings, abuse, hateful parents and abject poverty, the pair come together, get jobs in a restaurant and then become boyfriends. That's the fine part, despite the writing. But the titular suitcase becomes a posthumous Cinderella story where all problems are solved by its hidden contents. From harsh reality to surprise happy ending, it's just okay.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book and would have given that half four stars but the second half felt unrealistic including the medical parts and it was full of telling not showing which made feel even less connected to the MCs I would give that half two stars. Therefore overall I gave it three.
Un vero peccato per come la storia è stata raccontata, lo stile acerbino e a tratti meccanico. Penso che pure la traduzione non abbia aiutato, a volte le frasi non erano così chiare e dei termini sono stati usati proprio male male, fuori posto e certe cose un po' da brividi (verga no, please).
Ma.
La storia è davvero tanto carina. Di più la prima metà che la seconda, dove le cose prendono una piega 1) troppo veloce 2) poco curata.
Non so perché, ma mi piacciono le storie che parlano di ragazzi senza più niente, senza famiglia, senza un posto dove stare... Ragazzi senza speranza. Che devono ritrovarla e ritrovare loro stessi. E devo dire che il libro fa il suo lavoro sotto questo punto di vista. Ho letto con la curiosità di vedere fin dove sarebbero arrivati i protagonisti, quanto sarebbero caduti in basso prima di risalire e soprattutto con la curiosità di vedere la loro risalita. Che è stata molto bella e a tratti un po' botte di cülo improvvise, ma lo accettiamo, dai.
Ho trovato in Pierce un bel personaggio. Tosto, scazzato, ma buono e gentile e che si impegna con tutto se stesso. Non so perché però sul finale cambi radicalmente e diventa un altro. Avrebbe anche senso, ma non viene approfondito abbastanza da dire che sia coerente con il suo personaggio.
Rafa è frizzante e caloroso. Determinato e dolce. Anche per lui purtroppo c'è una tematica che viene lanciata lì e trattata con superficialità.
Quindi diciamo che, sì, ho trovato la storia tanto carina, ma molto superficiale in generale. Si parla di prostituzione, di HIV, di genitori violenti, di perdite, di persone. E credo che solo le ultime due siano state trattate come si deve, grazie ai personaggi che aiutano e circondano i protagonisti e grazie all'alone di sofferenza che si respira per tutto il libro.
C'è della realtà tra le righe, su questo non c'è dubbio. Altro motivo per cui comunque non riesco a dare un voto più basso.
E poi mi ha intrattenuta, si legge facilmente (frasi contorte a parte). Ci sono dei bei momenti, come la scoperta finale che riguarda la valigia. O come Pierce trova il suo primo lavoro...
Ecco, è pensando a questo, credo che la prima metà della storia si prenda il tempo che deve per essere raccontata. Adoravo tantissimo tutto. Quindi mi dispiace davvero che poi sia diventato un po' tutto... Sbiadito. Persino la storia d'amore. Loro sono belli, sì. Si crea un bel legame, ma non lo si sente nel profondo.
È comunque un libro che non mi sono pentita di aver letto, quindi va bene così.
Il ragazzo con la valigia è il primo capitolo della serie Once upon a time a guy scritta da Chris Ethan e pubblicato questo mese, che ha per protagonisti Pierce e Rafe. La vita non è stata facile con questi giovani ragazzi poco più che ventenni; dopo il coming out del primo e la fuga di casa del secondo, si ritrovano a vivere per strada tra alloggi di fortuna e ostelli, tra fame e indigenza, racimolando qualche soldo per vivere elemosinando o vendendo il proprio corpo. I giorni si susseguono, uno dopo l'altro, tra le strade e i quartieri di New York finché i due non si incontrano/scontrano.
Fin dalle prime pagine l'autore non manca di descrivere il netto contrasto tra le zone disagiate e benestanti della Grande Mela, soffermandosi sulle difficoltà dei senzatetto: la ricerca di un posto letto, la richiesta di favori sessuali in cambio di un tetto e un pasto caldo, le porcate (scusate ma non mi viene un termine migliore) da parte di alcune persone che non hanno rispetto per il prossimo.. eppure, ci sono anche scene di generosità - penso, ad esempio, a Sonia e Mario, proprietari di una pizzeria - che ridanno quel minimo di speranza. E' proprio un senso di speranza che attraversa le pagine del romanzo: sia Pierce che Rafe non demordono, non si lasciano abbattere e il "trovarsi" permette loro di divenire ancora di salvezza l'uno per l'altro.
L'amicizia che si trasforma pian piano in amore, capace di attraversare peripezie e momenti bui, e il lieto fine riescono a sollevare il lettore dopo parecchi pugni nello stomaco. Potete vedere Il ragazzo con la valigia come una favola moderna con cui l'autore è riuscito a mettere in luce e trattare tematiche delicate come l'omofobia, il rapporto genitori/figli, il pregiudizio, e molto altro ancora. Una bella lettura dallo stile fluido, reso possibile dal buon lavoro di traduttore ed editor per la versione italiana, capace di catturare ed emozionare il lettore e personaggi che difficilmente potranno essere dimenticati.
Arc provided courtesy of LesCourt Reviews are my voluntary and honest opinion.
I rewrote this review a few times, but in the end I decided it was important that we have more positive representation of homeless characters, and characters with HIV.
I didn't always care for Pierce's temper, and there was a lack of chemistry between Pierce and Rafe until almost the very end of the book, mostly because they kept having blow-up and misunderstandings.
But this is a pretty realistic portrayal of homelessness, and how incredibly difficult it is to get a job without references, a phone, or clean clothing. How hard it is to find a place to sleep when it's cold. How impossible it is to get medical treatment in the us when you have no way to provide identification.
Rafe is a young man with HIV, struggling to pay for his medications. It's troublesome that he's also a sex worker, as protection isn't mentioned, but I ignored it as an honest part of doing anything to survive on the street. What troubled me more, and had me waffling on my review is beyond telling Pierce he has HIV, they don't discuss safe sex, at all. They don't talk about condoms, or Prep medication or precautions for a healthy sex life between a positive and a negative man. The characters are initially seventeen and twenty, so I think it's even more important that safe sex be touched on for young adult readers who might be living with HIV or an HIV positive partner.
The writing style doesn't always flow smoothly, but it may be due to translation or early draft copy. But I didn't entirely want to give up here, because of the importance of representing communities like the homeless or HIV positive individual in a positive light. 3/5
3.5 stars. I had issues with this one. Rafe is a sick delicate MC. Pierce is more of a stronger MC. They are drawn to each other and they are also homeless. Pierce figures out that rafe is sick and does everything to get his medication for him. My issue with Rafe is that he does really get any better, or any worse. For what he has it can go either way. Pierce sacrifices a lot to help rafe out. I loved Vance and Marissa and the other gal. There were a couple of spots on the story that repeated itself. Initially when they went to the pizza place and pierce met sara and Marisa and then later on they meet them again. I did like issue they had to deal with as homeless gouys. Eventually they find their HEA.
This was a pretty good read and my first time reading this author. Pierce and Rafe two homeless youth living on the streets of New York City. This was a heartbreaking story these two when through a lot with Rafe being sick. When these two first meet it is not good when one tries to steal from the other. Pierce has a big heart and wants to help Rafe finds a part time job at a restaurant with an owner who allows them to eat everyday. Being homeless on the street is rough on anyone but I think its harder on the youth and especially with Rafe being sick is hard on anyone. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
The Guy With The Suitcase is a heartbreaking story about two guys who's trying to survive life. This is not an easy read for me, there's so much pain for Rafe and Pierce to finally get their happy ending. But it all worth the pain.
this book tried to break me..i had tears at times.. it was so heartbreaking and yet amazing.. it was sweet and horrible.. so many conflicting emotions happened and i really enjoyed it
This story will hit you in the feels, it really will. Rafe’s homelessness is compounded by contradictory familial relations and the most insidious disease known to mankind other than cancer. Pierce’s homelessness and his attachment to this suitcase are heartwrenching in their poignancy. Told from each man’s perspective depending on chapter, it’s a fascinating look into what makes people tick.
Rafe accepts that he needs help, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes in order to get the meds he needs. The government systems that are ostensibly set up to help people like Rafe allow those same people to fall through the cracks because they don’t have a permanent address and regular pay stubs. But how can they get those things if no one is willing to take a chance? He meets Pierce when he attempts to steal Pierce’s suitcase, figuring there must be something of worth in it if the man is homeless but keeps it with him. Said attempt fails, but he’s left with a few reminders of the now-furious man.
Pierce keeps his morals strong in the face of the destitution he faces daily. No drugs, no prostitution - no exceptions. The only thing he holds dear in this world is the suitcase his grandfather left him when he died and the contents within, years after he himself was ostracized by the family for coming out as gay. Pierce’s heart is all-encompassing, and though he has short-sightedness on occasion, that’s human nature.
Though their initial meeting is less than auspicious, the two find themselves crossing paths and grudging respect is earned for the other, which leads to a friendship.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Cat from Alpha Book Club
Rafe and Pierce both live on the streets, scraping together money from begging just enough to eat once a day. The two guys don't know each other, that is until Rafe tries to steal Pierces suitcase.
A suitcase, yes a simple little suitcase, but that case holds all he has in this world. He treasures his case as its was his grandad's. Rafe has even less and to make it worse his ill and needs meds.
These two loners are both fighting to survive in a world on the streets after their families kicked them out and abused them.
It is not a hearts and flowers romance, it's a tough life they live and they don't even like each other to begin with. They soon find support in each other and Pierce finds his spirit to fight for more - I loved his speech in the bar about 'go and sort your life out' - he took the words I was thinking in my head!
There are crude moments in this book and it makes you wonder about humanity.
It's not all doom and gloom there is humour and happiness and you will feel delight for the characthers when they experience the smallest home comforts
Pierce and Rafe find their way to a better life - they fought for it and found each other in that fight.
If only more homeless people in this world could be helped.
I have to say there were some spelling issues but I had an arc so hopefully 'linner' will read 'dinner' in your copy, I would say don't let it put you off as the story has depth.
I was skeptical about this story. I've read so many bad homeless guy(s) book, I thought Oh, no, not another one! But I was wrong. This is one was sweet, especially if you like fluff. All through it, it holds the air of fairy tale Chris loves so much, skimming over the most gruesome aspects of the life on the streets, or dating someone in Rafe's condition, but it does make you wish you can do something, anything, to help the homeless people in the world. To simply give them a chance. The story is relatively solid, some parts bordering on the unbelievable. What the story missed, in my opinion, was a connection between Pierce and Rafe. There was nothing to make me believe they were in love.
A moving, unputdownable story. " Because the Supreme Court had legalized gay marriage across the nation didn’t mean the brains, thoughts, morals, and workings of its people changed with it. " Although same-sex marriage is legalised across the US, gays and lesbians are still plagued by the bias and suffering attached to homosexuality. The experience of Rafe and Pierce is a proof. Both kicked out of their house for their sexuality and left to their own devices, Rafe and Pierce begin a nomadic life in Manhattan streets, subway stations. It is also a true reflection of the homeless in the US. With no access to shelters and free medical programmes, these poor people are doomed.
This book is not for the faint of heart! The subject matter is extremely heavy and so often I wondered if these two men would ever find happiness. Chris Ethan definitely portrays the hopelessness, danger and desolation of homelessness very realistically. Through it all, Pierce and Rafe were able to support and love each other through all of the grit, pain and sorrow of their situation.
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.