Trust the Focus

The Focus #1

By Megan Erickson

Author’s Website:  http://meganerickson.org

ISBN# 9780698194625

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una

Description:

With his college graduation gown expertly pitched into the trash, Justin Akron is ready for the road trip he planned with his best friend Landry— and ready for one last summer of escape from his mother’s controlling grip. Climbing into the Winnebago his father left him, they set out across America in search of the sites his father had captured through the lens of his Nikon.

As an aspiring photographer, Justin can think of no better way to honor his father’s memory than to scatter his ashes at the sites he held sacred. And there’s no one Justin would rather share the experience with more than Landry.

But Justin knows he can’t escape forever. Eventually he’ll have to return home and join his mother’s Senate campaign. Nor can he escape the truth of who he is, and the fact that he’s in love with his out-and-proud travel companion.

Admitting what he wants could hurt his mother’s conservative political career. But with every click of his shutter and every sprinkle of ash, Justin can’t resist Landry’s pull. And when the truth comes into focus, neither is prepared for the secrets the other is hiding

Review:

I started this book not knowing what I would feel about reading a love story between two homosexual males but Megan Erikson through skilled and poignant writing drew me into the story immediately. I couldn’t help but like the two characters of Justin and Landry, and, their love story showed me that love prevails no matter who is involved. The story is about growing up, being honest with yourself and trusting yourself to make the decisions that will allow you to become your own person.

Justin has been controlled by his mother. He has tried to fit into the straight world and become the person she wants him to be however he knows in his heart that this is not the life he wants. When his father dies and his world falls apart he knows that somehow he must come out and stand up to his mother . Before that he will venture out on a road trip for the summer to scatter his father’s ashes in the places he had visited. His best friend Landry whom he has secretly loved since high school comes along to blog the trip. How will he be this close to Landry and not act on the feelings he has for him? As Justin takes pictures at each site they visit, enjoying the creative side that photography brings out in him, he also begins to deal with the feelings he has toward Landry. When Justin finally comes out to Landry and the relationship develops, Justin finds that he is constantly lashing out at Landry and, soon realizes that he is angry at himself for his cowardice and inability to stand up not only for their relationship but also for his future. Justin never has been able to stand up to his mother and he knows “a gay son” is not going to help her political ambitions” Is his love for Landry strong enough to confront her? Then a crisis occurs and Justin sees his mother in another light. He truly must follow his father’s words and be honest to himself and trust the focus.

Landry has been gay for as long as he can remember. He had a rocky start however and was adopted by caring and accepting parents. Landry has been the subject of much ridicule however he has always had Justin as a true friend who accepted him as he was. Landry has loved Justin forever but has never followed up on his feelings as he felt Justin was straight. When Justin reveals his sexuality to him he feels betrayed as they have wasted so much time. He makes Justin see that they can’t live with “what ifs” if their relationship is to survive. Landry has a great understanding of Justin and can see that photography is what he needs to do. However the reader soon learns that Landry has secrets of his own that have left scars .Justin becomes very protective of him when he learns. With Justin blowing hot and cold at every turn Landry must be strong and make a decision that affects them both not knowing what the future will bring.

I love the way the author lets Landry’s strength come through as Justin battles with his homosexuality. Through his blogs and the story the reader laughs and cries at his insight. It truly is a story of personal discovery and the tender love story of two friends embarking on a lasting relationship. I could definitely see myself reading other books by Megan Erikson.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*