S Legend

An Important Breathtaking Read

Revisado: 12-21-21

This story is absolutely chilling—in the most amazing way. Even though it’s fiction, it reads as a real account of the events prior to the AIDS pandemic and leading up to, an era, which has always haunted my heart even though I was a newborn at the beginning of it. The author experienced that time and so we read a unique telling of the unfolding of events, filling in the missing pieces of history by way of the humans it affected. You are there. You love them. You break with them.

To transport back to this era and get a genuine grasp of the AIDS pandemic, it’s important to have some idea of the socio-political climate at this time in history before delving into the health crisis aspect and Robert does this exceedingly well.

Joey is our MC. He introduces us to many other characters with rich stories that anchor within you as you hear their struggles. At the same time is Joey’s love story. First, he needs to figure out what it means to him to love men despite the environment of the time that seemed to say something contrary to what he felt.

Plus, the writing style. This is one of the most extraordinary writing styles I’ve read. We’re not just viewing the world form Joey’s lens; we experience his unabridged thoughts and emotions as he does. We share his exploration through the murky waters of sexuality, gender, and love. The confusion. The unfairness. The turmoil. But also, the exhilaration of finding bliss, living authentically, and seizing the life you want.

Together, Joey and Henry inspire the people in their lives and Henry inspires Joey. Henry is an exquisite character that is so pivotal I feel that if I talk too much about him, I will spoil the story for you. Instead, I will just say that he’s my favorite and I know everyone will love him too. He’s wise and funny and just so good that his aura lifts you (the reader) as much as he does Joey through the book.

There were two places in particular where I cried hard, like, ugly crying. And I was baking chocolate chip cookies at the time (I was listening to the audiobook) so I stood in my kitchen bawling in my oven mitts—thanks for that, Mr. Karl!

It’s the most beautiful story with a take-your-breath-away set up for the second book: Clubbed 2.

I read this book twice. Once in the paperback form (I knew I was going to want a hardcopy of this one and I was right) and then I listened to the audiobook. I enjoyed both times through but listening to Curtis Michael tell me the story in his smooth voice is hard to beat so I’m gonna have to recommend that option. That man is an unbelievable talent, and those talents are a gorgeous pairing to this incredible tale. He brought the characters to life in a new way, giving each a distinct voice with crystal-clear melody.

The book is so important, and I hope everyone will read it. I am grateful that Robert took the time to write this story and that he’s going to share more with us. This is something you want on your shelf or in your audiobook library (or if you’re me, both!)

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