This chapter is an important one.
Readers of Hi, I’m Lance knew about the events of
Jakob’s 17th year. If someone is just starting with this story, then there is a
lot to unpack in this chapter.
Click here to read Ascension: Jakob’s Ladder [Chap.
2] “17.”
Jakob’s story is not necessarily isolated. Coming out to
one’s family is always an unknown. Some people feel safe enough, but I have
personal friends who have had no connection with their family once they were
honest.
Two things impact me with this chapter (as the author). The
first is that his father refuses to even listen. Jakob is never really heard
out. He is just given the ultimatum. I can’t imagine how scary that would be.
Unfortunately, there are real instances just like this out in our own world.
The second thing I find harsh is the contrast between
Anson’s “coming out” experience and Jakob’s. The cold rejection is horrifying
enough, but to know — and to have witnessed — a better reaction was possible,
that’s tragic on all levels for a teenager.
Ascension: Jakob’s Ladder begins as a story of
survival (which makes it much darker than the previous three stories). But I
want each story to stand on its own and have its own direction.
I implore my readers to stick with it during the darker
times. As the title indicates, there is light at the end of the tunnel. “It
gets better” is often a motto within the community. Jakob’s story is proof.
I really like the first chapter.
ReplyDeleteI was not a very big fan of the flashbacks in the previous books: I felt they too much interrupted the narrative flow which was moving forward in real time.
But in the therapy format, everything is a “flashback”, a retrospective telling of a story outside of on-going time, and the interposition of Jakob’s un-verbalized thoughts — seeing him assemble his thoughts & feelings before they are spoken — adds a lot of depth & richness to his characterization.
Ready for more! And it is fun seeing you working with new techniques!
L.
Have started reading Acension, I fell so sorry for Jakob. No father should ever treat their child like that, no matter what age. It was nothing but criminal!! I am so glad he had to go somewhere he could be safe. Thank goodness he finally met Lance. We all need to have a beautiful man like Lance in our lives. Can’t wait for the next chapter!! Thank you so much, hugs.
ReplyDelete- B.
It is tough knowing what is ahead of Jakob, but I love this character. Thanks for letting us see all of what made him the way he is ... even though I know it will be hard to read.
ReplyDeleteI have read chapters 1 and 2 of Jakob’s story. I admit that this particular book is intense for me because I read the first two books with these characters. Secondly, the results of my coming out to my family, if I had done so at his age, might have very well been the same. The reality is that I still have not come out and just exercise caution around them with my partner.
ReplyDeleteJakob has had some very hard blows from life. It is easier to read because I know the ending.
-M.