And They Lived...

By: Steven Salvatore

Narrated by: Kirt Graves

Bloomsbury presents And They Lived . . . by Steven Salvatore, read by Kirt Graves.

From the author of Can’t Take That Away comes a sex-positive, fairytale-inspired YA novel that celebrates first love and self-acceptance, perfect for fans of What If It’s Us.

"My heart didn't stand a chance. I loved it from once upon a time all the way to its joyfully complex ever after." – New York Times bestselling author Becky Albertalli

"A jolt of lightning to my soul. The characters are so bright, the emotion is so vibrant, and the love is exquisitely electric." – Jason June, author of Jay's Gay Agenda

Chase Arthur is a budding animator and hopeless romantic obsessed with Disney films and finding his true love, but he’s plagued with the belief that he’s not enough for anyone: he’s recovering from an eating disorder and suffers from body dysmorphia fueled by his father, and can’t quite figure out his gender identity. When Chase starts his freshman year of college, he has to navigate being away from home and missing his sister, finding his squad, and contending with his ex-best friend Leila who is gunning for the same exclusive mentorship. If only he can pull together a short for the freshman animation showcase at the end of the semester.

Then Chase meets Jack Reid, a pragmatic poet who worships words and longs to experience life outside of his sheltered world. But Chase throws everything into question for Jack, who is still discovering his sexual identity, having grown up in close-knit conservative family. Jack internalized a lot of homophobia from his parents and childhood best friend, who unexpectedly visit campus, which threatens to destroy their relationship. Chase will have to learn to love—and be enough for—himself, while discovering what it means to truly live.©2022 Steven Salvatore (P)2022 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Intense

This is an intense read, be ready for some ups and down! The characters are flawed and perfect!

Wow what a story

Such a great listen - awesome story and the best narrator! Loved this book - it gave such a great example of how living with challenges and mental illness can be such a struggle when you throw gender identity into the mix.

A very good experience with great LGBTQ characters

This is a great find for this genre. I loved it to the end. I will be thinking about it for a long time.

And they lived; was like looking in the mirror of my heart and thoughts.

I thought this book would be a cute story. I was wrong. It was adorable. The characters resonated and felt like friends. Sometimes, they felt like me. It felt like a real story about how I have felt, loved, dreamed, lost, and coped with everything. And they lived, captured my mind and heart. Often I would sit in my truck at my destination and listen because I didn't want to stop. This story made me want to live.

Absolutely hated ( it broke me so incredibly bad)

I finished the book in one day , I enjoyed the light that was brought upon to body dysmorphia , and EDs . It reminded me of my self , and things I still struggle with. Reminding me, I too am waiting for my adventure.