We Still Live

Very impressed by this new-to-me author. This was not an easy book to read, but it was real and true. Bauer shows the lingering effects of a traumatic, violent event on a group of people with the focus on the alleged “hero” who stopped the shooter. But given that challenging backdrop, she portrays a moving romance between new teacher Isaac and “hero” John, as well as a great friendship between John and fellow teacher Tommy. The way the men interacted felt more genuine to me than a lot of M/M romance novels; it was affectionate but down to earth and full of humor too. Some of my favorite parts of the novel were scenes portraying Tommy and John trash talking each other about their respective college football teams with Isaac looking on in fond confusion.

There were a few things that didn't work for me. Isaac had a lot of his own baggage that didn't quite get the attention it deserved. And some of the Isaac melodrama seemed like it belonged in a different novel than one that took such a gritty view of how individuals and communities heal from what has become all-too-common sudden violence.

But those quibbles didn't detract much from my admiration for the author and engagement with the story, especially given her courage to give the book a realistic (still happy in that the MCs are together) ending in which love can ease but not erase the pain.

Brava Sara Dobie Bauer. I'll be checking out your backlist for sure.

ARC from Net Galley provided in exchange for honest review.