The Vast Fields Of Ordinary (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
I would give this book 3.5 stars if I could. I began reading this book with high expectations based on conversations I have had with others who have read it. There are many ideas and themes incorporated into this book that I liked, but I just wished for something a little more complex. I think if I read this book in middle school, I could have liked it more. I think this a book that can be relatable for many teens, and make them feel comforted, especially for those who are facing issues with the sexuality, romantic relationships, and their family lives. I like how this book shows how one can love someone who treats you poorly, but know when to move on to someone else so one can be in a healthier relationship. I like how it shows, too, how those feelings for an abuser don't entirely fade, and how important they are to someone's life. I also like how Burd subtly shows how society's messages about homosexuality affect relationships, and doesn't portray abusers as one-dimensional. Pablo clearly is ashamed of his sexuality, and although he cares for Dade, he is limited. He does not feel comfortable publicly dating Dade, so he keeps their relationship a secret, and dates Jessica to protect his image. He is the embodiment of hyper-masculinity - playing on the football team, going to parties, dating, etc, and due to the messages he receives from society and his peers he can't allow himself to come out without the fear of being ridiculed.But my favorite thing about this novel is that it gives teenagers hope. It perfectly captures how teenagers can feel stuck in life, and are ready to move onto to better things. It suggests that just remembering there is hope, that there is so much experiencing to do in life, can help someone during hardships, and I would like to believe that is true. I think through Dade's experiences we can see how he's grown into a happier person, and I think that's something important to remember: better things are coming, even if it's hard right now. A one-nighter this; I felt a little stunned, a tad vulnerable, and a wee bit emotionally wrung once the last page was turned. However, that could simply be because it was the first LGBT novel that I’ve ever read, so it pushed a whole series of brand new reader-emotion buttons. I chose to read it a second time very shortly after the first run, but this time was left disappointed. Perhaps it was because this story wasn’t one I read in one sitting because I just couldn’t draw myself from a captivating story, but more because it was a quick, simple read. No challenge, little shock factor. Dade is a likeable, if not fairly pathetic character. One who, when you think back to how you sometimes felt as a teenager approaching the adult world, quickly becomes extremely relatable to. Especially if you can empathise with him as a young gay man, his constantly conflicted emotions, rash decisions, and emotional overflow are a mixture all too familiar. The narrative is easy, simple, and reflects lazy conversation whilst not lacking in the little details. Dade’s thought processes are always open to you as you follow him through his Summer, the content and style of which help to draw you into the mindset of him as a budding adult. It’s evident throughout that Burd’s own personal experiences have been liberally woven into his story, which he is aware of, as his character is told similarly in one passage by a helping friend. While we experience use of drugs in a way that all but endorses them, the forced casualness of their use is yet another recollection of latter teenage years for many young adults today. It promotes yet another cringe inducing remembrance of our own attempts at being cool before we knew it didn’t matter. On the downside, we find ourselves unfulfilled on the originality front, and nothing that emerges unexpected wrenched a gasp from me. Dade’s account is simply a standard few months in the life of a young lad, glad to leave school, looking forward to college, and making new friends. A heartfelt all-in-one of a story, I would recommend the read to anyone who will potentially relate strongly with Dade’s circumstances, or wish for a little insight if they know that they can’t. Otherwise, you run the risk of shaking your head as you read on, just glad to surpass the latest young and stupid action or comment reeled off by our Dade.For more and upcoming reviews find me at lovelessliterature.blogspot.co.uk
What do You think about The Vast Fields Of Ordinary (2009)?
Love Love LOve this book!! very well written. I really hope Nick Burd does a follow up
—edz
Beautifulness in the every day, with an underlying creepiness.
—Toobz
I'm feeling a lot of weird feelings right now.
—Sydsstew
