I’m glad I put some distance between finishing Milo and starting Gideon- it gave me the chance to get past my distaste for Gideon that I developed while (I feel like I should say whilst) listening to his brother’s book, and I was able to appreciate him so much more.
My cousin told me once I listened to Gideon I’d understand why he was the way he was in Milo’s book and I definitely did, although he still took a little warming up to. But once I got deeper into the story and truly got to know Gideon and see things from his point of view, it really did make a world of difference in my perception of him. On the outside it may look like he’s got things together, but deep down there’s a vulnerability to him that was nice to see.
I liked that Eli was able to see through Gideon, past the walls he put up, to the real man who just needed someone to love him. I enjoyed their story, even their separation, which I usually hate but was necessary for them. I liked how Eli didn’t take any crap from Gideon and in fact gave as good as he got. I liked that Eli helped soften Gideon just a bit. Eli is a wonderful character and just the type of person Gideon needed in his life.
I admit there was a point towards the end that I was ready to call this one a DNF, because I really thought Gideon was going to fall back into his old ways. But I gave him the benefit of the doubt, because of how much he had changed and grew, and he didn’t let me down!
I’m come to realize that I need an epilogue. I never used to, but now I feel like the book is unfinished if there isn’t one. And I have to say Lily Morton has done a great job with the epilogues in this series, they’ve all been wonderful!
What’s there to say about Joel Leslie that hasn’t been said before? Another awesome performance, as usual!