RUSH by NYRAE DAWN

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Reviewed by Jenny & Gitte

J&G: 4 Solid Stars

“You’re the only thing I’m sure about.”

Gitte: Rush is a well written coming of age story where two young men have to find their place in the world whilst facing the sad and unnecessary obstacle of their love affair. A love affair that stood the test of time; it was beautiful!

‘He’s hurt. He could have died. I know him. He needs me.’

Brandon and Alec’s story broke my heart. It was extremely emotional and tear inducing to follow them as they ‘came out’ and faced the world; faced the people with the truth, people who supposedly loved them and cared for them. Feeling like you have to explain, to justify, to excuse yourself for who you truly are. Heart-breaking and so bloody unfair. Now, that is what’s wrong, not your sexual orientation!

“I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m sorry…”

How much of yourself do you sacrifice out of love for another? The pressure and the fear of being labelled and ostracised by people you care about or by society as a whole is immense and my heart bleeds that this should even be an issue whether it be fiction or real life as is sadly the case. Love is love after all.

“Sometimes I wonder if people realize how lucky they are…It’s easy to take for granted that it’s not that simple for everyone.”

Whilst the tone was sombre throughout Brandon and Alec’s story, it was also inspirational and heart-warming. Our characters showed bravery, commitment, purity of love and incredible strength in the face of daunting adversity.

‘How can loving someone be wrong?’

I have to say Nyrae Dawn wrote a beautiful depiction of the judgement and emotional suffering involved in ‘coming out’ regarding sexual orientation. In an ideal world this should not be a necessity! This was the first book we’ve read by this Author and it did not disappoint did it, Jenny?!

Jenny:  Nyrae Dawn certainly brought us a beautifully moving account of two men, Alec and Brandon as they navigate their way through prejudice, friendship and love. No as a first read by this author, she didn’t disappoint at all.

Rush delivered a blend of emotion, romance, passion and depth of character in a story that showed the level of pretense two young men would go to to avoid alienation from a world where the love between two men sadly, isn’t always acceptable. Witnessing the struggles faced by both men was heartbreaking.

“It’s too fucking hard. I don’t want to be all these different versions of me.”

As Brandon attempts to live without Alec and as Alec attempts to form a life without Brandon, both realise there is no way even enforced distance can extinguish the deep longing they have for one another. As they veer their way through the agonising decision to come out, we are taken on a journey of self-discovery by both men as they seek acceptance from family and those around them for who they are and openly love the person their heart sought out.

“There’s never been anything I’ve wanted like I want you. I don’t’ want you to be another regret.”

Both Alec and Brandon deserved to explore, enjoy and nourish their love openly as they had shared a love that transcended from youth to adulthood despite every step being fraught with prejudice and fear of rejection.

“I’m sorry. Fuck, I hate this. Why can’t I play ball and have you too?”
“Who says you can’t?”

Nryae Dawn captured all the angst, hurt and hopes in this story and she handled it with feeling and tenderness. She brought me to tears in some scenes and whilst there was certainly some steam in this story, she never let the heat override the emotion and for that I was extremely grateful.

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