Sweet coming of age story

This is my second book by the author and she has done a wonderful job with her coming of age story. I like Laura Lascarso's easy-going writing style, which fits well with the young people in this book. The story is told in the first person exclusively from Theo's point of view, which allows you to get to know him very well.
Theo and Chris are wonderful characters who struggle with everyday things like school and skating and have been best friends for years. But how do you handle it when you suddenly realize you have more feelings for your best friend?

The themes are super fitting for coming of age and were told in a realistic and believable way. It's about first love, about betrayal and disappointment and how to deal with it, and about complicated family relationships that don't get any easier when you find out you're gay.
None of the protagonists are perfect and that's a good thing. I felt well entertained, but sometimes in between it was a little slow going.
Chris and Theo were totally cute together and it was nice to listen to their relationship develop.

I didn't know Michael Mola before, but he did a really good job narrating "When everything is blue". I liked his pace of narration, it was well chosen and his choice of the different voices of the protagonists was absulutely well done. It fit perfectly with the respective personalities and I always knew who was speaking. Michael Mola portrayed the emotion believably and it was a pleasure to listen to him.
I requested a free copy of the audiobook and this is my honest opinion that I am volunteering

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Growing up, Friendship and More

This is a wonderful story about growing up, figuring out who you are, learning who you can trust (and that some awful people will betray that trust). Theo and Chris have been friends forever and Chris has always had Theo's back. Theo's father has unfortunately left Theo unsure of whether or not he can trust Chris with feelings he's sure Chris can't reciprocate. As he will learn, however, Chris has some things to learn about himself as well. Michael Mola is a new audio performer for me but one I will now look out for. This performance had warmth, vulnerability, heartbreak and love exactly as the story called for.

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Rough teen years

I usually don’t listen to nor read YA but I follow this author so I could not resist. I’m glad I decided to try it. This is such an emotional story. Teen years are never easy for most. Being “different” is that much harder. Peer pressure is hard and kids are hard on each other. Theo sure finds this out somewhat before Chris steps in to watch over him. They become BFF and until Theo recognizes he has “feelings” for Chris they mesh well together. These feelings cause Theo so much insecurities. He fears loosing his BFF since he believes Chris to be straight. Theo starts spending time with Dave. Dave teaches Theo plenty about being gay. The problem is Theo really feels little for Dave and is afraid he is causing problems between Chris and Theo. There is quite a few coming of age issues that happen, some made me laugh and some made me sad. This is a really good story about that period of development for teens. The narration by Michael Mola really brought these characters to life.

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Beautiful

Excellently narrated sweet and engaging coming of age story. Listened to this almost non stop.

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Awesome

This was such a great audiobook.
I loved the story from beginning to end.
This is definitely a must listen.

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When Everything is Blue

YA’s aren’t usually my go to listen/reads but I really liked this one. There was a great connection between the main characters that brought out good emotion. I enjoyed the story and the narration was pretty good. Overall a good listen.

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A Personal Journey

When Everything is Blue is a beautiful and poignant story about a teenagers journey through one of the more complex and pivotal moments in his life. I adored this story — it was well written and strongly crafted. Theo, the main character, was a vivid personality who’s growth throughout the book felt real and raw. Chris, his best friend, was magnetic, and the relationship the two of them had with each other was rich and fulfilling. Throughout this story there was angst, humor, love, a bit of drama and a lot of skateboarding.

Michael Mola narrated the audiobook, and he did a fantastic job. His performance was top notch and perfect. I loved how he brought all the characters to life and I was impressed by his range and skill.

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A teen romance…

Chris and Theo, neighbors and best friends. Totally different personalities. Theo started noticing Chris in a romantic way. They are young guys in high school and afraid of what others might think. Theo was outed in one of the most humiliating way but he is a strong boy. Now Chris, stands by his friend and that was awesome. So while Theo discovers a different world being out, Chris has a surprise for him. Its a sweet story.

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Some Good Comes From His Outing.

MM, YA, Contemporary, Romance. Lots of changes for 15/16 year olds, a lot of different things going on throughout the story but I felt like it was a bit mashed up and not as cohesive a story as it might have been. An interesting original story that I will listen to again soon to see if it grows on me more.

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Enjoyable Young Adult Book

I don’t read a lot of young adult fiction. My teenage years are not a time I want to remember. New adult? Sure. High School? Oh hell no. That being said, I’m always willing to try a new-to-me author and this audio fit the bill.

The book is enjoyable. It’s a coming-of-age romance about a young man who sees himself as less than, and a young man who seems cocky and sure about himself. Very opposite – in more ways that one. Chris is rich, well-loved by his divorced parents, has a car, and is popular. Theo’s mother works hard but they are barely scraping by. His father’s indifference to him is disgusting, but nothing new. Why do some divorced men often walk away from previous children in favor of the shiny and new? (Note, I said some – there are plenty of great divorced dads who adore their kids…) Theo is working hard to save for a car. A car his father could easily afford to buy him – if he even noticed his son.

Chris has always been there for Theo. Theo has developed feelings for Chris, but he keeps them well-hidden. He doesn’t want to ruin what they have. When Theo starts spending time with another boy, it’s clear Chris isn’t pleased. When that boy betrays Theo’s trust, Chris is livid. I felt so bad for Theo. Teenagers can be so cruel.

But Theo has a talent for skateboarding that Chris has nurtured. That isn’t all Chris has nurtured. When the time is right, all the pieces fall into place. That’s not to say things come easy – because as much as we might wish to live on a secluded island, we have sisters, parents, and other teenagers to deal with. So, not always smooth sailing. But this is a romance and Theo gets a happy ending. Does teenage love endure? I sure hope so.

I’ll mention Michael Mola. He did a good job narrating the story and I enjoyed his voice. I’ll definitely listen to another book narrated by him or another book written by Ms. Lascarco.

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