have to say, the story itself was touching as a whole. The fact that these lads were presented in their every day glory, goofing off, hanging out with characters not exactly fit for childhood friends, finagling adult beverages from those willing to buy them on their behalf, spreading their wings and testing their limits, really put everything into perspective when the hammer fell and the joyride came to an abrupt end.


The friendship shared between Tim and Dustin wasn't something they'd write songs about (okay, bad example, but you know what I mean) but it was special nonetheless. They were there for each other in their own ways, perhaps as much as two lads can really be, and so when that one faithful summer came about, you felt the blow as much as they. The dreams Dustin was having along the way...I admit, they were over my head and highly unusual. If this portion was something his friend shared in life, my only guess was that the "visitors" were trying to help deliver the message of the change in his immediate future, thus lessening the blow. (Think Grey's Anatomy with Heigl's character hallucinating about that fellow she was in love with.) Once things were revealed, the story felt heavier, but also complete...as if you were waiting for this the whole way through and now all the ups and downs, fights and "we're cool man" make ups, made sense. Like I said, I enjoyed it...now let's talk about it's musical accompaniment.



The music was enjoyable; easy on the ears with words to move you that were sung with the power of the heart. I was glad for the inclusion of the lyrics to fully appreciate what was being shared as well as the opportunity to download them for later listening enjoyment...BUT...as far as their tether to the story, I found it tentative at best. For me, I actually found them more distracting then anything else. It could be simply because I'm not an audiobook fan (though this isn't exactly that). It could be because I really like to purely explore the written word all by its lonesome. Whatever the case may be, it and I will have to part ways with an understanding that while the media mix is certainly unique, it may not work for all audiences.


Recommended read for older teens through adults due to some content and limited language.



**review copy received in exchange for my honest review,full post can be seen on my site** ( )