Title: A Wealth of Unsaid Words
Author: R. Cooper
Release Date: December 1, 2011
Rating: ★★★★★ / 5 Stars
Genres: Contemorary Romance
Alex has always known his bipolar disorder made him too flawed for his boyhood hero, Everett. So when his feelings for Everett became overwhelming, he forced a separation that saddened them both but gave Alex the clarity he needed. Now a year has passed, and he and Everett are together again when Everett’s noisy, imperfect family reunites for Christmas, pulling Alex into their chaotic warmth the way they always have. Can Everett convince Alex that, in spite of his fears, starting a relationship would make for the perfect holiday?
I have a feeling that with every contemporary short I read by Cooper, the angst got bigger and bigger. I truly loved this one because it was so beautifully written and centered on healing. Told entirely from Alex’s point of view, it spans the short three days he spends with Everett’s family during Christmas time.
The family is chaotic and lovable as hell. Considering that they adopt anyone who needs rescuing, Alex is also a member of this large family. What no one in the family knows is that Alex had more than feelings of friendship for Everett.
Going into this story, I didn’t know many details (I tend to gloss over the blurbs because I don’t want to have anything revealed to me) but it’d be best to say that the book does talk about Alex’s bipolar disorder which has made him abuse alcohol and drugs in the past. There’s also talk of how his published poetry has opened him to the world slightly against his wishes. I found some moments very uncomfortable to read as the family’s friend discussed very private-sounding poetry that Alex published that was obviously about Everett.
What I did love the most about this is how the history between Alex and Everett is so subtle and every member of the family (whose names ESCAPE ME at the moment) has their own relationship with Alex. It also talks a big deal about how Alex realize his dependency on Everett and cut himself off. It takes him a year to find a better way of life which includes very positive talk about medication. I liked that bit considering I myself have often worried about whether taking meds would mess me up. It’s nice to read about medication helping a creative mind like Alex.
Anyway, I liked this short story and it is set around Christmas time so it’s perfect for anyone craving something with a chosen-family kind of dynamic that centers on healing.
Advertisements Share this:
