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Gay Youth Chronicles Complete Chronology #9
The Soccer Field Is Empty
Mark is a boy who wants what we all to love and be loved. His dreams are realized when he meets Taylor, the boy of his dreams. The boys struggle to keep their love hidden from a world that cannot understand, but ultimately, no secret is safe in a small Mid-western town. The Soccer Field Is Empty is a story of love, friendship, understanding, and an age-old prejudice that still has the power to kill. It is a story for young and old, gay and straight. It reminds us all that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect and that there is nothing greater than the power of love.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
23 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Mark A. Roeder
98 books209 followersMark A. Roeder grew up in southern Indiana - near a small town similar to those that appear in his novels.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 16, 2015
*VERY* highly recommended for YA lovers, but it'll rip your heart out.
This is the book that is the core of the 20+ books in the series, where it all really began.
March 23, 2013
SlashReaders: Over the years I have read most of though not all of Mark A. Roeder's books. Here's what I tell people who are looking at reading his works. If you don't mind reading a story that contains sap, head over heels love at first sight and more often than not angst about life, sexuality and family then read ahead. One of my biggest problems with Mark's work is the tendency towards 'love at first sight, head over heels' sorts of things but there is nothing wrong with that if you go into the book expecting it.
I have enjoyed getting to know the books in this series as they grow up and new characters come into the picture. Of all of the books, this one made me cry the most. While, I found 'The Soccer Field is Empty' to be a bit sappier than the others, I think it offsets some of the other things that happen between the pages. In the end I felt that, things happened too fast in this book. Everything fell apart too fast but I guess that's often the way things actually do happen.
Now, I'm not going to tell anyone what happened or how this book ended. I actually did not originally read, the Gay Youth Chronicles in order and so I knew how things were going to end. Which made the whole thing rather bittersweet. I guess what I have to say is, if you are looking for a happy ending with warm fuzzy feelings in it then don't read this. However, I really do think that this series is worth exploring if you want something fun to read. In the end I guess that I liked 'The Soccer Field is Empty' and the rest of the series because they don't shy away from real life issues and not everything ends in roses and kisses.
I have enjoyed getting to know the books in this series as they grow up and new characters come into the picture. Of all of the books, this one made me cry the most. While, I found 'The Soccer Field is Empty' to be a bit sappier than the others, I think it offsets some of the other things that happen between the pages. In the end I felt that, things happened too fast in this book. Everything fell apart too fast but I guess that's often the way things actually do happen.
Now, I'm not going to tell anyone what happened or how this book ended. I actually did not originally read, the Gay Youth Chronicles in order and so I knew how things were going to end. Which made the whole thing rather bittersweet. I guess what I have to say is, if you are looking for a happy ending with warm fuzzy feelings in it then don't read this. However, I really do think that this series is worth exploring if you want something fun to read. In the end I guess that I liked 'The Soccer Field is Empty' and the rest of the series because they don't shy away from real life issues and not everything ends in roses and kisses.
May 16, 2013
When I first came across this book, I was looking for something to help me write a young adult book that had the main characters as homosexuals. It was because I'm a writer myself and my main character had annonced to me that he, in return, was gay as well.
Shortly after getting the book I began to read the book and I was imediately drawn into Mark and Taylors world. I rejoiced when they fell in love and dated each other in secret. I also cried during the bad times and even feared for them in some scenes. To keep from spoiling the book for those who hadn't read the book yet, I won't go into any details of what happens in the book.
Having said that, I highly suggest that everyone reads the book. If you have a child who is gay, and talk to them after reading it. It will definately put you in a new perpsective for what is going on in the gay youth of today.
Shortly after getting the book I began to read the book and I was imediately drawn into Mark and Taylors world. I rejoiced when they fell in love and dated each other in secret. I also cried during the bad times and even feared for them in some scenes. To keep from spoiling the book for those who hadn't read the book yet, I won't go into any details of what happens in the book.
Having said that, I highly suggest that everyone reads the book. If you have a child who is gay, and talk to them after reading it. It will definately put you in a new perpsective for what is going on in the gay youth of today.
February 6, 2016
This was truly a DANGEROUS book. It sets you up with such sweet sweet love between two boys. So much so that you think that if the universe did ANYTHING right it was bringing Mark and Taylor together. I truly think they were parts from the same soul and when they found each other thanks to fate, they were finally complete. But life isn't perfect, oh HELL NO. Then we're subjected to injustice, tragedy, sadness, angst, and anger that tries to repeatedly rip out our hearts until finally our hearts are not only ripped out but STOMPED ON AND RUN OVER. Good book but holy cow do I need a bottle or two of wine and some chocolate now.
May 2, 2010
If you are looking for a real story that will pull on your heart strings check this one out.
March 13, 2013
I began this book with a strong sense of foreboding, but with due cause. Olivia had warned me about the book months before she had sent me A Better Place and, admittedly, I didn't want to read it. The thought of reading it scared the shit out of me, but I understand it's just another step in a journey and no journey is complete without all of the steps. I'm starting The Soccer Field is Empty on March 17th, 2011 and I hope to keep a reading journal about my thoughts on the book because I have a feeling this is going to change some small part of me, and I want to document that change.
As of right now at 8:50pm I'm at the beginning of Act I without having read a page of it. I read both the letter written by Nick at the beginning (and smiled at the Phantom reference, I didn't know Jordan was connected to Shelby farm, but I'm guessing that's another book for another time) and the prologue written by Mark (I just snickered because that's also the author's first name *shakes head*) after. If I hadn't already known what to expect, the first few lines of Romeo and Juliet might've tipped me off.
I'll admit to being terrified of starting Act I and am currently using the Destination Truth: Live from Ireland program as an excuse not to start on it, but I know boredom will begin to grow and I'll start reading. Banshees can only hold my attention for so long…
With my interest in banshees waning, I find myself four pages into Act I. I'm already intrigued by Mark's character. He's the picture of a person (male or female) with a huge secret, one that can't ever be found out, but it defines them in a strange why. He is, almost, who he is because of his secret. I like that he explained his disinterest in dating girls, but how he admitted to still finding them beautiful.
While reading through his part, I easily felt his overwhelming desire for Taylor, and the fear that invoked within him. He was original reason for attending the dance was to find himself a girlfriend (though doing so scared him more than maybe what he was feeling for Taylor), instead he's found himself a boyfriend (I know, I know, I'm jumping ahead, but come on…the couple's already well established).
I stopped at Taylor's part, leaving that for another time because I've got a developing headache (that I just took something for) and I really want to catch the last hour of Destination Truth. I'm predicting that Taylor will have noticed Mark in his part as well, but we'll see whenever I decide to read on.
As it turns out, I didn't start reading again until the next morning (March 18th) and even then I only read Taylor's part and the next of Mark's, finally taking a breather at page 24 (which is at the beginning of another one of Taylor's parts) because I needed some time to reflect on what I read.
Mark's last part really struck me, it stuck with me because I've felt that sense of being alone and isolated before even though I was surrounded by people. I've yearned for (still do, actually) someone to understand me just on that level because it feels like no one else gets it. I haven't found my person yet, but I can't imagine finding them and then being too afraid to confront that sense because of people's perceptions.
I also like how religion was touched on, even though I have a very toxic relationship with religion in general. I love how it was said that Christian's aren't being very Christian by speaking down on gays. Whatever happened to practice what you preach? Religion's views on homosexuality is probably one of the biggest reasons I don't even bother with church anymore, that and the fact that my old church had the nerve to attempt to 'cure' a gay boy in our congregation.
It was the single most disgusting thing I've ever seen and I was so shocked by what I was seeing and hearing that I couldn't react. I was just ashamed to admit that I belonged to the church. I was ashamed for the people praying that this boy be cured and actually thought they were in the right. But, saddest of all, I was ashamed for the boy because he actually thought being gay was a problem.
I think I'm going to continue reading, I don't really want to rush through this book as I've done with the others. But, sometimes, once I start I just can't stop. I just needed too to say my piece and reflect on what I've read.
Oh, look at that, Scene 2. Lol. If I had known that last night, I would've kept reading through the headache. I love how connected Mark and Taylor are. They barely know each other, but they're already so in tuned with each other. They obviously don't realize it, but their movements and actions reflect one another's. It's a beautiful thing.
Well, what do you know, I made it to the second act after dinner and, call me crazy, but I really enjoyed reading about Halloween City and the hay ride. I stopped reading just after their first kiss, which was adorable and had me sighing in relief while saying 'Finally!'
I want to say that I found the hay ride for Mark really awkward and horrible, but that wouldn't be true. For some reason I found it really amusing, though I did feel kind of bad because Mark had wanted his first sexual experience to be with Taylor. But sometimes you've got to do what you've got to do, at least, Taylor understood that and wasn't upset. If anything it seemed like he was just as amused as I was.
It's refreshing to see the boys have that sort of understanding between them. They're willing to do whatever it takes to hide their secret and be together, even if it means dating other girls to do it.
It feels like a safety net's being built, which is awful, because I know that it's going to be ripped out from under me and, what's worse, I can pick out the foreshadowing in the story. *shakes head* It makes me pouty and angsty when I run across innocent lines like, "I'd die for him."
*siiiigh* But, still, I shall press on. If only because I need the foundation to the rest of the series, and need answers to questions that Olivia can't or won't answer. Tonight I'll tackle Taylor's part after my family's bonfire to celebrate the biggest full moon in 18+ years.
I did some more reading after the bonfire (wasn't very impressed by the moon, by the way) and one of my questions were answered. Olivia told me some time ago, probably before I even read Second Star to the Right, that Taylor had fathered Jordan. I, of course, experienced quite a few days of wtf-ing over the information, even more when Olivia wouldn't tell me how that came to be.
She just cryptically said, "You'll have to read The Soccer Field is Empty." I understand why now; Taylor's attracted to Stephanie. Him sleeping with her and getting her pregnant isn't completely unbelievable anymore, I'm just left wondering how they reach that point. *siiigh* Guess I'll have to read on! By the way, finally broke 100 pages two days after I started the book when, normally, I'll easily read 100 pages in one sitting.
So here I am sitting and reading, listening to music and enjoying my Sunday afternoon before I have to get up and clean the kitchen *glares at the dirty dishes in the sink*. I've just read through the second date and stopped right after Stephanie 'accidently' spilled the glass of tea on Taylor…Taylor, who's rather aroused and can't figure out his feelings towards Stephanie.
I wonder what this spilled drink will lead to between them…
Ah! Whew! *heaves a sigh of relief* At least Taylor caught himself before he did something that he'd regret…more. For the last page, my only thought was, "Tay's covered in tea…isn't he sticky? Ugh! I hate being sticky. Brb, I need a shower." *shakes head* Sometimes I think I fail at life.
Stopping at Scene 4 since it's time to clean up that kitchen, but I'm actually looking forward to continuing after dinner. I'm on page 130 and I don't think I'll finish in three days like Olivia predicted, I'm not even sure if I'll manage a week like I predicted.
I managed to get to Act 3 before I called it quits last night. Honestly I couldn't force myself to continue when the title for the Act was The Beginning of the End. Oh well. At least I got fair warning that angsty times were up ahead. *pouts*
But I'll read on because I want to see if Mark will find out about Taylor sleeping with Stephanie, and if Taylor will ever find out about Stephanie being pregnant before he…you know. So now I'm setting myself up for disaster. I'll be very upset if this book ends up making me cry. Very upset. *siiiigh*
It's just…it's heartbreaking. Something so beautiful was ruined, tainted because people can't understand and they don't want to try to understand. I know that their parents' reactions are only a taste of what's to come. Now I'm to the point of not wanting to continue the book, but I will…
I've made it this far, so I have to make it to the end.
I ended up taking a week and a half break (at least I think it was that long, probably, give or take a day or two *shakes head*) before picking up the book again. I had a lot to do. Fanfiction, icon-ing, among other things…but, that's not the point, now is it? Lol. Finally found some time to read today (Sunday March 27th) and read through all the way to Act 4, but I'll talk about that reaction later.
I never really cared for Devon. He seemed like a major asshole since the very beginning, so him turning his back on Tay and Mark didn't surprise me. I have major love for Brandon and Jon, and the lengths they'll go to protect both Taylor and Mark.
And, since I've read A Better Place before The Soccer Field is Empty, I've been wondering about Ethan and Nathan, and their story/thoughts on what's going on with Taylor and Mark. It was touched on briefly in A Better Place, but I'm really curious now. I'll have to reread and ask Olivia if they're brought up in anymore books once she answers my IM.
The Coach…is, like, an uber asshole. Even bigger than Devon. It sickens me to think that there are really teachers like him out there somewhere that care more about their winning streaks than their own students. It's just…disgusting.
As I've mentioned above, I've made it to Act 4…and, I've got to say…I really don't want to go on now. Not with the title being The Last Days. *siiiigh* I'll, however, be finishing the book within the next few days so I can pass it along to a friend of mine. Until then I'll be forcing myself through this book and fighting back tears…
Did I say I'd finish the book in the next few days…I lied. That was more than a week ago. lol. I got busy. x.x;; However I'll be finishing it before Thursday April 7th since I'm expecting another book in The Gay Youth Chronicles. More later!
Made it to Aunt Anne's, and it's a nice place to be before the end of the novel. I would say that I hope they'd stay with her, but I already know how this story ends. I know they don't, but I hope I'll at least be told why they don't stay. I'll read more after dinner, maybe even finally finish the book off.
The End; the title of Act 5 runs repeatedly through my head like a broken record stuck on 'repeat'. It's the final stretch, the culmination of everything I've read thus far. I'm going to finish this book tonight (And probably reread The Perfect Boy again to make myself feel better – I've got major love for Ian. lol) and hopefully post this journal as well.
I'm afraid to continue reading, I know what's coming, but I need to finish if only to read the next book on the list – the one I'm getting on Thursday.
Somehow…I knew the movies with Brandon and Jon wouldn't turn out well, what's more…I had a bad feeling, a sense of dread after Mark woke up from that nightmare. It was foreshadowing. I just knew it. I think…Taylor's death was…no, no is even harder to take because they finally had a silver lining to their storm.
The first newspaper article was complete and utter shit, but of course, all too real life. People tend to forget their past sins when they push someone to extremes such as these. I was glad for the last article and will definitely be rec-ing this book out to some people I know.
I started this book with a great trepidation and my lasting impression is simply; Wow. I sincerely hope I live to see the day that gay Americans have the same rights as everyone else, because those this story is fiction, it's based in truth. I can't begin to fathom the numbers of teens committing suicide every day because they aren't accepted for who they are. It's ridiculous, and I'm glad that the teenagers in my life care enough to take a stand and say something against the abuse.
As of right now at 8:50pm I'm at the beginning of Act I without having read a page of it. I read both the letter written by Nick at the beginning (and smiled at the Phantom reference, I didn't know Jordan was connected to Shelby farm, but I'm guessing that's another book for another time) and the prologue written by Mark (I just snickered because that's also the author's first name *shakes head*) after. If I hadn't already known what to expect, the first few lines of Romeo and Juliet might've tipped me off.
I'll admit to being terrified of starting Act I and am currently using the Destination Truth: Live from Ireland program as an excuse not to start on it, but I know boredom will begin to grow and I'll start reading. Banshees can only hold my attention for so long…
With my interest in banshees waning, I find myself four pages into Act I. I'm already intrigued by Mark's character. He's the picture of a person (male or female) with a huge secret, one that can't ever be found out, but it defines them in a strange why. He is, almost, who he is because of his secret. I like that he explained his disinterest in dating girls, but how he admitted to still finding them beautiful.
While reading through his part, I easily felt his overwhelming desire for Taylor, and the fear that invoked within him. He was original reason for attending the dance was to find himself a girlfriend (though doing so scared him more than maybe what he was feeling for Taylor), instead he's found himself a boyfriend (I know, I know, I'm jumping ahead, but come on…the couple's already well established).
I stopped at Taylor's part, leaving that for another time because I've got a developing headache (that I just took something for) and I really want to catch the last hour of Destination Truth. I'm predicting that Taylor will have noticed Mark in his part as well, but we'll see whenever I decide to read on.
As it turns out, I didn't start reading again until the next morning (March 18th) and even then I only read Taylor's part and the next of Mark's, finally taking a breather at page 24 (which is at the beginning of another one of Taylor's parts) because I needed some time to reflect on what I read.
Mark's last part really struck me, it stuck with me because I've felt that sense of being alone and isolated before even though I was surrounded by people. I've yearned for (still do, actually) someone to understand me just on that level because it feels like no one else gets it. I haven't found my person yet, but I can't imagine finding them and then being too afraid to confront that sense because of people's perceptions.
I also like how religion was touched on, even though I have a very toxic relationship with religion in general. I love how it was said that Christian's aren't being very Christian by speaking down on gays. Whatever happened to practice what you preach? Religion's views on homosexuality is probably one of the biggest reasons I don't even bother with church anymore, that and the fact that my old church had the nerve to attempt to 'cure' a gay boy in our congregation.
It was the single most disgusting thing I've ever seen and I was so shocked by what I was seeing and hearing that I couldn't react. I was just ashamed to admit that I belonged to the church. I was ashamed for the people praying that this boy be cured and actually thought they were in the right. But, saddest of all, I was ashamed for the boy because he actually thought being gay was a problem.
I think I'm going to continue reading, I don't really want to rush through this book as I've done with the others. But, sometimes, once I start I just can't stop. I just needed too to say my piece and reflect on what I've read.
Oh, look at that, Scene 2. Lol. If I had known that last night, I would've kept reading through the headache. I love how connected Mark and Taylor are. They barely know each other, but they're already so in tuned with each other. They obviously don't realize it, but their movements and actions reflect one another's. It's a beautiful thing.
Well, what do you know, I made it to the second act after dinner and, call me crazy, but I really enjoyed reading about Halloween City and the hay ride. I stopped reading just after their first kiss, which was adorable and had me sighing in relief while saying 'Finally!'
I want to say that I found the hay ride for Mark really awkward and horrible, but that wouldn't be true. For some reason I found it really amusing, though I did feel kind of bad because Mark had wanted his first sexual experience to be with Taylor. But sometimes you've got to do what you've got to do, at least, Taylor understood that and wasn't upset. If anything it seemed like he was just as amused as I was.
It's refreshing to see the boys have that sort of understanding between them. They're willing to do whatever it takes to hide their secret and be together, even if it means dating other girls to do it.
It feels like a safety net's being built, which is awful, because I know that it's going to be ripped out from under me and, what's worse, I can pick out the foreshadowing in the story. *shakes head* It makes me pouty and angsty when I run across innocent lines like, "I'd die for him."
*siiiigh* But, still, I shall press on. If only because I need the foundation to the rest of the series, and need answers to questions that Olivia can't or won't answer. Tonight I'll tackle Taylor's part after my family's bonfire to celebrate the biggest full moon in 18+ years.
I did some more reading after the bonfire (wasn't very impressed by the moon, by the way) and one of my questions were answered. Olivia told me some time ago, probably before I even read Second Star to the Right, that Taylor had fathered Jordan. I, of course, experienced quite a few days of wtf-ing over the information, even more when Olivia wouldn't tell me how that came to be.
She just cryptically said, "You'll have to read The Soccer Field is Empty." I understand why now; Taylor's attracted to Stephanie. Him sleeping with her and getting her pregnant isn't completely unbelievable anymore, I'm just left wondering how they reach that point. *siiigh* Guess I'll have to read on! By the way, finally broke 100 pages two days after I started the book when, normally, I'll easily read 100 pages in one sitting.
So here I am sitting and reading, listening to music and enjoying my Sunday afternoon before I have to get up and clean the kitchen *glares at the dirty dishes in the sink*. I've just read through the second date and stopped right after Stephanie 'accidently' spilled the glass of tea on Taylor…Taylor, who's rather aroused and can't figure out his feelings towards Stephanie.
I wonder what this spilled drink will lead to between them…
Ah! Whew! *heaves a sigh of relief* At least Taylor caught himself before he did something that he'd regret…more. For the last page, my only thought was, "Tay's covered in tea…isn't he sticky? Ugh! I hate being sticky. Brb, I need a shower." *shakes head* Sometimes I think I fail at life.
Stopping at Scene 4 since it's time to clean up that kitchen, but I'm actually looking forward to continuing after dinner. I'm on page 130 and I don't think I'll finish in three days like Olivia predicted, I'm not even sure if I'll manage a week like I predicted.
I managed to get to Act 3 before I called it quits last night. Honestly I couldn't force myself to continue when the title for the Act was The Beginning of the End. Oh well. At least I got fair warning that angsty times were up ahead. *pouts*
But I'll read on because I want to see if Mark will find out about Taylor sleeping with Stephanie, and if Taylor will ever find out about Stephanie being pregnant before he…you know. So now I'm setting myself up for disaster. I'll be very upset if this book ends up making me cry. Very upset. *siiiigh*
It's just…it's heartbreaking. Something so beautiful was ruined, tainted because people can't understand and they don't want to try to understand. I know that their parents' reactions are only a taste of what's to come. Now I'm to the point of not wanting to continue the book, but I will…
I've made it this far, so I have to make it to the end.
I ended up taking a week and a half break (at least I think it was that long, probably, give or take a day or two *shakes head*) before picking up the book again. I had a lot to do. Fanfiction, icon-ing, among other things…but, that's not the point, now is it? Lol. Finally found some time to read today (Sunday March 27th) and read through all the way to Act 4, but I'll talk about that reaction later.
I never really cared for Devon. He seemed like a major asshole since the very beginning, so him turning his back on Tay and Mark didn't surprise me. I have major love for Brandon and Jon, and the lengths they'll go to protect both Taylor and Mark.
And, since I've read A Better Place before The Soccer Field is Empty, I've been wondering about Ethan and Nathan, and their story/thoughts on what's going on with Taylor and Mark. It was touched on briefly in A Better Place, but I'm really curious now. I'll have to reread and ask Olivia if they're brought up in anymore books once she answers my IM.
The Coach…is, like, an uber asshole. Even bigger than Devon. It sickens me to think that there are really teachers like him out there somewhere that care more about their winning streaks than their own students. It's just…disgusting.
As I've mentioned above, I've made it to Act 4…and, I've got to say…I really don't want to go on now. Not with the title being The Last Days. *siiiigh* I'll, however, be finishing the book within the next few days so I can pass it along to a friend of mine. Until then I'll be forcing myself through this book and fighting back tears…
Did I say I'd finish the book in the next few days…I lied. That was more than a week ago. lol. I got busy. x.x;; However I'll be finishing it before Thursday April 7th since I'm expecting another book in The Gay Youth Chronicles. More later!
Made it to Aunt Anne's, and it's a nice place to be before the end of the novel. I would say that I hope they'd stay with her, but I already know how this story ends. I know they don't, but I hope I'll at least be told why they don't stay. I'll read more after dinner, maybe even finally finish the book off.
The End; the title of Act 5 runs repeatedly through my head like a broken record stuck on 'repeat'. It's the final stretch, the culmination of everything I've read thus far. I'm going to finish this book tonight (And probably reread The Perfect Boy again to make myself feel better – I've got major love for Ian. lol) and hopefully post this journal as well.
I'm afraid to continue reading, I know what's coming, but I need to finish if only to read the next book on the list – the one I'm getting on Thursday.
Somehow…I knew the movies with Brandon and Jon wouldn't turn out well, what's more…I had a bad feeling, a sense of dread after Mark woke up from that nightmare. It was foreshadowing. I just knew it. I think…Taylor's death was…no, no is even harder to take because they finally had a silver lining to their storm.
The first newspaper article was complete and utter shit, but of course, all too real life. People tend to forget their past sins when they push someone to extremes such as these. I was glad for the last article and will definitely be rec-ing this book out to some people I know.
I started this book with a great trepidation and my lasting impression is simply; Wow. I sincerely hope I live to see the day that gay Americans have the same rights as everyone else, because those this story is fiction, it's based in truth. I can't begin to fathom the numbers of teens committing suicide every day because they aren't accepted for who they are. It's ridiculous, and I'm glad that the teenagers in my life care enough to take a stand and say something against the abuse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2020
3.75 ✨
💔💔💔
💔💔💔
March 16, 2012
This book was written years ago when life for a gay male was far more difficult than it is today. I was fascinated to see just how much life in Verona Indiana was similiar to life in New England. Mark and Taylor are two stunning jocks who are deeply and immediately in love with each other. However, they live in an environment where gay love is disparaged. Not just by other teens, but by parents as well. So, the book has much of the tragedy and pain of the other lovers from Verona.
This book is a rewrite of another of Roeder's books and perhaps as a result it has a tendency to be repetitive. However, it is definitely a good book for parents or friends of a gay teen to read.
This book is a rewrite of another of Roeder's books and perhaps as a result it has a tendency to be repetitive. However, it is definitely a good book for parents or friends of a gay teen to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2014
Very good book!
July 20, 2022
Final Note: 3/5☀️
- Story/Plot: 3/5🔍
- Writing: 3/5📝
- Steam: 3/5❤️🔥
Not my favor tonight. Maybe I would have found it better another day, but I found it rather depressing. Too much anguish and drama and twists. I understand how important it is to write about how being gay was difficult (and could always be), but I also love and prefer to read about how people can be great, about how meeting the right person could make you grow as a human being, and be more positive about women actions and reactions in general (is Aunt Ann the only positive woman ?)
- Story/Plot: 3/5🔍
- Writing: 3/5📝
- Steam: 3/5❤️🔥
Not my favor tonight. Maybe I would have found it better another day, but I found it rather depressing. Too much anguish and drama and twists. I understand how important it is to write about how being gay was difficult (and could always be), but I also love and prefer to read about how people can be great, about how meeting the right person could make you grow as a human being, and be more positive about women actions and reactions in general (is Aunt Ann the only positive woman ?)
June 5, 2018
So far listened and read the first page at the same time.
December 24, 2020
Re-read this again after several years. The story still has some great, sweet moments, but it does seem noticeably more repetitive than when I read it before.
January 19, 2011
This book left me breathless. When I finished the last chapter I just stared in the cover and tears were falling from my eyes. The last book that left this kind of effect on me was Forbidden (Tabitha Suzuma). This book is only the third one I´ve read about gay teenagers and the first two were sweet romantic stories with happy endings (American Love Songs and Desert Sons). This one was recommended by my gay friend, whom (I must write that!!!) I love very much. I´m a straight girl and the fact, that he´s gay, never bothered me. When I told him about the first two books I´ve read and we talked about them, he said "Well cutie, you have to read The Soccer Field Is Empty and maybe you´ll change your mind about how cool it is to be gay." We laughed of course at his remark, but I started reading the next day. And oh boy, he was so right!
This is a story about Mark and Tay who fall in love the first moment they see each other. They don´t want anything else but love each other. Their love is endless, pure, true. They are the happiest boys in the world until their secret is not a secret anymore. The society doesn´t approve their lifestyle. Both of their parents are doing everything to brake them apart. Almost all friends become enemys. Teachers ignore them. Their life is Hell on Earth with a couple of great moments now and then. Everyone in the school want to beat them up, spit on them, call them names. They are being bullied and harassed all the time and nobody does anything about it. Their closest friends help them but they can´t stand alone against the whole world. The only light in the dark is their true love.
I don´t want to reveal too much about the story. You just have to read it and if it doesn´t reach your heart, then I think something is wrong with you. I didn´t expect the ending, especially because toward the end I was filled with hope. I cried so hard when I finnished reading it. It´s just not fair! I was so angry that I wanted to travel to this Midwestern town in US and blow it to pieces, even though I´m from Europe. Maybe I took the book a little to personal, because one of my best friends is gay, but still... So what if he´s gay? I didn´t have a chance to choose I was born straight, did I? Who the hell has a right to judge about something so personal? If I just think that something like that would happen to my friend... Anyway, this book will break your heart and (if you´re smart) you´ll understand what love truely is about.
This is a story about Mark and Tay who fall in love the first moment they see each other. They don´t want anything else but love each other. Their love is endless, pure, true. They are the happiest boys in the world until their secret is not a secret anymore. The society doesn´t approve their lifestyle. Both of their parents are doing everything to brake them apart. Almost all friends become enemys. Teachers ignore them. Their life is Hell on Earth with a couple of great moments now and then. Everyone in the school want to beat them up, spit on them, call them names. They are being bullied and harassed all the time and nobody does anything about it. Their closest friends help them but they can´t stand alone against the whole world. The only light in the dark is their true love.
I don´t want to reveal too much about the story. You just have to read it and if it doesn´t reach your heart, then I think something is wrong with you. I didn´t expect the ending, especially because toward the end I was filled with hope. I cried so hard when I finnished reading it. It´s just not fair! I was so angry that I wanted to travel to this Midwestern town in US and blow it to pieces, even though I´m from Europe. Maybe I took the book a little to personal, because one of my best friends is gay, but still... So what if he´s gay? I didn´t have a chance to choose I was born straight, did I? Who the hell has a right to judge about something so personal? If I just think that something like that would happen to my friend... Anyway, this book will break your heart and (if you´re smart) you´ll understand what love truely is about.
April 18, 2021
This was my first book to read by Mark Roeder and I haven't stopped reading him since. This book has a sweet romance than is tuned on it's ear by bullying and prejudice. From parents who don't understand or care to classmates who give them a hard time, Mark and Taylor go through one ordeal after another up to the tragic ending.
July 28, 2011
I agree with what the others have said. The book was good but not great - incredibly melodramatic, cheesy, and depressing honestly. I'm 26 and very out so this didn't touch me as much as it did some of the teens I work with, who are much younger and adore this book best among Roeder's work.
February 12, 2018
Heavy emotional content as a result of intolerance and bullying in high school. This is the first in a series of books by a favorite author that follows the lives of several generations of gay boys and men growing up in and around Verona, Indiana.
Read
September 14, 2016I couldn't bare reading on knowing how it all ended. if only I knew about the series. I wouldn't have read Someone is watching first. heck I wouldn't have read that either after this. I think it's for the best I leave it hanging.
July 10, 2015
This had everything that the previous book "Ancient Predujice" didn't. All the emotion... the added to events... everything! I think adding Taylor's POV was the best part of all.
February 5, 2011
The author repeats phrases a lot and I mean a lot it does get annoying but the story still is worth the read he always delivers.
Want to read
January 2, 2011The expansed version of Ancient Prejudice, Break to New Mutiny.
May 17, 2011
I cried...if i cry reading a book that speaks VOLUMES about the author...loved it
March 29, 2012
Real tear jerker keep tissues close, loved it
May 27, 2024
This is sort of a re-assembled combination of two other novels into this one. I couldn't get into it. I would rather have just read the other two novels.
January 16, 2010
This is my favorite book ever.
September 16, 2011
made me cry
hell-no
August 3, 2016Longer version of a previously read story.
gave-up-on
January 26, 2019Too much angst. Kept putting it down until I deleted after 50%
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews