| Title | : | Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace! |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781786450555 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 125 |
| Publication | : | First published May 26, 2016 |
When Charlie was eight years old, his mum bought him a microscope for his birthday. Since then, he's known how he wants to spend his life. There have been trials, and challenges, but now - finally - the day is here for him to start college with his lifelong friend Anthony Pace.
Anthony is a red-haired force of nature. He writes poetry about their enemies and eagerly participates in all Charlie's science experiments without understanding a word. Every morning, he waits at the end of their street so they can get the bus together.
But things are changing.
Families are important, and complex. Charlie's mum hasn't been well, and his relationship with Anthony begins to shine like a different star in the sky.
Can everything come together in this explosion of physics and chemicals that Charlie calls life? Will Anthony Pace ever share his poems with the world, and can the Chihuahua, Princess Arabella, ever learn to stop licking?
****
WARNING: includes moderately explicit scenes of intimacy between consenting young adult males.
Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace! Reviews
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Wow... This book.... I can't think of any words, to be honest, what with all the snot in my nose and tear tracks on my face, but I want to write my review while I am feeling all raw, so... Here goes. And there might be spoilers. In fact, there are. So beware.
When I looked at the cover and the title, I thought this would be a fun book, written to take our mind off things so that the reader can relax and enjoy with maybe a glass of soda (I don't drink alcohol, so don't mind me and relish that glass of wine you had imagined for yourself), and I didn't have any sort of warning for the journey ahead because I haven't read many books by the author(s), just a handful. So I was in no way prepared for the gut-wrenching tears and heart-breaking feeling that was constantly there throughout the reading. Well, there were good times when I only laughed and didn't feel anything sinking in my tummy, and let me tell you, I grabbed at those moments like the bloody lifeline they were, because, man, the book gives you pain. Lots of pain. And I am a softie at heart. I squirm away from any kind of pain, I am not a crier. But this book made me cry fat, ugly tears. And I am fine with it! Because no one saw me and so I don't have to tell anyone why I was looking at my phone and crying! :P
It's been a while since I last read a book in which one character had autism or any other disorder. And since I haven't researched these topics yet, I had forgotten about all the things associated with it. Hence, I read this book with 'fresh' eyes and felt it even more deeply.
I'll confess something. (Don't laugh at me, okay? I am very sensitive.) I thought it was Anthony Pace that had a mental disorder, because, you know, he would keep his face hidden and, I don't know. The way Charlie told, I actually thought that Anthony was the one who was the special, different one. So imagine my surprise when I read that Charlie's mom (sic) took him to get a diagnosis. This light bulb went off over my head, and it then started laughing at me, saying, "Hahaha, you are so stupid! You didn't catch the signs?" And then it faded out of sight (or imagination/hallucination?) and I was left muttering to its...what do you call it? To the spot where it was seen a moment before.
But...yea... This book is priceless. The insight I got into how Charlie's mind worked - priceless. I loved Anthony and Charlie. I completely fell in love with their story. And I would reread it right now, too, except for the fact that I would have swollen eyes on a Sunday, when I could have to go anywhere or have to attend any guests (which there are going to be, I suddenly remember!). So I am going to be the grownup that I am supposed to be and leave it on my device for a later reread session, maybe when I am feeling a bit down and close to my emotions, which I keep on a shelf in my mind because they can be very bothersome.
An amazing book. Just....yea. And I am ending on this...whatever-it-is note. Too much morose-ness can act as a downer and all that. ;) -
~4.5~
A different planet
Of weirdos
Like us
This book reminds me of rain on a sunny day or the last bit of a really good dessert. It’s joy … dimmed. But not defeated.
When Anthony Pace refuses to share the red car, Charlie’s mum says, “You should tell him ‘shut your face, Anthony Pace’.” But Anthony Pace becomes a friend and learns to share.
Anthony is everything Charlie isn’t: artsy, laidback, the yin to Charlie’s yang. Charlie’s uncomfortable looking people in the eye. Charlie is brilliant, but he doesn’t like change; change makes him anxious.
The boys go off to university together, Charlie to study science, Anthony to study literature. Everyday Anthony waits for Charlie. All his life Anthony has waited for Charlie.
Charlie’s desire to keep his mum safe is heartbreaking. He tries so hard to keep it together, but he’s slowly being crushed by dust and bills. His beautiful, supportive mum is slipping into darkness. She burns the roast and she rages. And sometimes she doesn't know who Charlie is.
But even when Charlie shuts the door, Anthony refuses to leave. They make a leap then, from friendship to more.
Charlie and Anthony’s sexual exploration is at once tentative and frantic. Heated kisses lead to more adventurous touching, and Charlie just wants to see Anthony naked."Is that good?”
“Oh, God, yeah.” Anthony was arching his back, humping Charlie’s hand.
“I didn’t know people talked when they had sex. I didn’t realise.”
Anthony laughed. “Course we can talk, you prune. Just because my cock is in your hand doesn’t mean we’re different people.”
Claire Davis and Al Stewart write unique stories: unapologetically British, quirky, humorous, with a thread of sadness. Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace is a tale of discovery and loss. It’s a tale of family ties and love that binds.
The ending isn’t a pot of gold, but there’s poetry and laughter. And there’s a mermaid. And a fierce Chihuahua waiting for her diamond collar.Charlie stopped to get the words right. “How come you like me, though?" It was a big something he had to ask …
“Because you’re funny and kind, and don’t care that I wear perfume … You’re part of me Charlie … And you have curly hair and wrists and that look when I’m talking bullshit. You listen to my poems and the way you look at me—it makes me feel all special.”
And if that doesn't call for a cat cuddle pic, I don't know what does.
-
I absolutely adore this latest new adult novella by Al Stewart and Claire Davis.
It is sweet, funny and clever, with just the right mix of obstacles for the boys to overcome and cavity-inducing feels.
At around 19 years old, Charlie is an odd duck with a penchant for science, just starting university with his best friend, Anthony.
At 5 years old, Anthony was Charlie's first enemy, but quickly becomes his best (and only real) friend. He's also a poet with some... interesting wordsmithing skills.
The story not only covers the boys becoming a couple, but also the difficult issue of caring for older parents and the gut-wrenching choices that often must be made.
I really enjoyed how the story unfolds, with each step of their journey feeling fluid and necessary. Even though this is a new adult read, with younger MC's, there is no drama for drama's sake here.
I'm not normally the biggest fan of poetry, but there were two poems in the book that I found very moving.
"Shoelaces" is about feeling like an unwanted loser by your peers and is very eloquent in expressing how even something as simple as being picked for a game can make kids feel bad about themselves. Very sad, but true.
But my favorite is "I’m in love with Charlie Woods," showing just how interwoven Anthony's very existence is tied to all things Charlie. And has been for nearly his entire young life. Honestly, I found it to be sublime.
Also, if you're looking for swoon-worthy scenes, we get a few of those as well. Like when Charlie asks Anthony why Anthony likes him.“You showed me space with your telescope when I was six years old, remember? Once a boy shows you the stars, they’re a hard act to follow.”
I initially wanted to compare this book pre-read to Nash Summers' "Maps" series, but post-read don't feel that comparison to be very accurate. This book is less in-your-face humorous, but more introspective and thoughtful. (In my opinion, that is, as Maps isn't generally a 'deep, introspective feelings' kind of character.)
Plus, Al and Claire actually throw us a teeny bit of a ' sexy-times bone,' if you will. (I snorted at " ten inches." heh)
Overall, I'd rate this one around 4.25 stars and highly recommend the book for any fans of M/M NA or YA romance.
------------------------------------------------
My ARC copy of the story was provided by the authors in exchange for a fair, unbiased review. -
4.25 stars
-Cute.
-Sweet.
-A little Heartbreaking.
-Overall, it was a feel good read. -
4.5 Wonderful Stars
Heart achingly feel good, devastating in life’s unfairness - sweet funny sexy in all the right places, earnest in really the best ways possible.
Don’t shy away from this gem like I first did because this is YA. This won’t titillate but it will make you swoon.
In all its simple glory, this is a story about evolving from best friends to the bestest of lovers, an inevitable path for Charlie and Anthony, and really, the only one possible. They fit perfectly together at 5 years old, accepting of warts and all, and understanding each other only as a soulmate could. It’s that connection that is not necessarily tested but only further solidified.
Seriously affecting - I’m one happy reader. -
"Yesterday, it had seemed there was a choice to be made but today, there were no choices, only a destiny that was set long ago."
You guys...I just loved this book so much. I think it's my favorite from the authors, which speaks volumes, because I have love all their work.
This is a coming of age story. It's about friendship, family, love, and falling in love with your best friend. Or just realising that this tingling on your skin means you 've always been in love with him.“You showed me space with your telescope when I was six years old, remember?”[...]
“Once a boy shows you the stars, they’re a hard act to follow.”
Anthony Pace (aka local sex god or defender of lemon curd or upholder of standards e.t.c) is special. He writes poems, he is a red-haired, freckled force of nature and never gives up. He lives and breathes Charlie, even if Charlie doesn't see it. He gets Charlie.
Charlie Woods is special. He's somewhere in the autism spectrum. He's brilliant and about to become a scientist and defeat all the bacteries! He takes care of his mom who has dementia and he loves Anthony Pace.
It made me feel all kinds of feelings, this story. I smiled, I laughed, I cheered for Charlie and Anthony, and I teared up. And I ugly cried at 90%. Because reasons.
The story is told from Charlie's POV, but we sort of get Anthony's POV too, through his poems. Some poems are funny, some others are thoughtful. "I'm in love with Charlie Woods", is a punch to the gut.
Charlie's voice about the way he experiences his mother's disease floored me, and it was heartbreaking. Alice was a truly magnificent character.
The flashbacks are EVERYTHING! There is just the right amount of steam, and the whole story is deliciously British."...What does this world need?”
“Me. Me and Anthony. This world needs Charlie Woods and Anthony Pace.”
Yes, it does. This world, definitely needs more Charlies and more Anthonys.
Very highly recommended!
*Review cross-posted on
Gay Book Reviews.* -
4.5 stars, rounded up. This YA/NA story is one of the better coming of age romances written in the POV of a main character who is clearly somewhere on the Autism spectrum. Charlie loves science, and has always been a bit at a loss about people. School was always fraught with conflicts between his quirks and teacher expectations. But ever since he was young, he had two people in his life who were there for him, to encourage him and care about him. One was his elderly mum. The other his best friend, Anthony Pace.
Now his mum isn't well, and he's not sure how best to look after her. This was supposed to be the beginning of the rest of Charlie's life - the year he finally left high school, with its rigidity, rules and limits, and bullies, and went off every day to spread his wings at college with Anthony. But he's not able to relax into his days on campus, worrying about home.
His relationship with Anthony is changing too. They're still best friends. He still calms Anthony's anxiety and listens to his poetry. Anthony is still the guy who invites him over just to hang out, and who can touch him without making him want to get away. But there's a new layer, a new flavor, in being together, as adults. There are things they're not saying to each other, both deliberately and because they don't have words. The future's not what Charlie thought it might be, but he's trying to cope, one day at a time.
This story felt plausible, and respectful of people and relationships. There were moments of humor, moments of pain, moments of ordinary life, moments of grace. I wasn't enormously taken by the interwoven Anthony-poems, and I wanted a bit more detail at the end, more on-page time and emotion. But it fit the style of the story and narrator as it was presented. This amusing, poignant and human drama is well worth a read. Recommended for teens too, with the caveat of a little borderline on-page sex content. -
I knew within the first few pages I was reading something special. I went in not knowing what to expect. Claire Davis and Al Stewart are new to me authors. I've seen their books pop up on my GoodReads feed from time to time- was always curious but never took the plunge. Until this book. After a horrendous reading week, this book stood out like a beacon of light. Seriously. It was screaming:
"Read me! Read me!"
I couldn't refuse. The book gods were sending me a sign and who was I to ignore them. I'm so glad I listened. I was profoundly moved by the characters and their story. The writing was quirky but touching. Some moments made my heart ache- like put the iPad down take a deep breath before continuing to read kind of pain.
But it was so worth it.
My highlights:
-The plot and the writing style. Something about it just felt different and new. I read a lot of romance books, and I've been reading them for over 20 years and to feel as if I was experiencing something new was refreshing.
-The protagonists and supporting cast. Funny and loving. It's impossible not to care for them.
-The pace of the book. It flows quickly I felt like I was swimming against the tide because it was moving so effortlessly and I didn't want it to end.
-It had I'm grinning like a loon humor.
-The poetry. Just you wait, future readers, you're in for a treat.
-The romance there are some instances where my heart pitter-pattered.
I highly recommend this one. My reading experience felt like I was a part of something truly unique. It was beautiful. 5 Stars.
P.S. Claire Davis & Al Stewart,
I must now go through your backlist!
ARC kindly provided by Beaten Track Publishing to
Gay Book Reviews for an honest review.
-
Raise your hand if writing (mostly awful) poetry helped get you through your awkward teenage years...what's that? Just me? Surely there are one or two of you out there? Ok, then! No worries, I have no plans to turn this review into a poetry slam, or anything ;-)
Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace is exactly the kind of story I've come to expect from Claire Davis and Al Stewart. It's multifaceted, being a best friends to lovers story, but also about having to face the very difficult choices and challenges that come with caring for a parent with dementia. This story is about growing up and falling in love and family. It's gorgeous, inside and out.
Charlie Woods and Anthony Pace have been best friends since they were children, and we get flashback snapshots of them meeting, becoming enemies, and then friends and best friends. And all the while, Anthony writes poetry. Mostly awful, but there are a couple pieces that are actually pretty good and I could identify with. And so much of it is about Charlie. Anthony is shy and a bit awkward and as far as Anthony is concerned, Charlie hung the moon in the sky.
But what Charlie never realized was that Anthony felt more than friendship towards him. Anthony obviously knows Charlie better than Charlie knows himself and Anthony is a patient boy. Watching them go from best friends to boyfriends was one of the sweetest things I have read in a while, and I dare you to read this story and not smile.
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Review copy of Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace was generously provided by the authors, in exchange for an honest review. -
This book has what is quite possibly the most awesome title EVER. The cover? I want a freakin' poster. And the story? Not surprisingly, it packs a punch.
This one is up there with my favorites of the Davis/Stewart books. Maybe even my favorite. I adore Charlie, and how can you not love Anthony Pace! And Charlie's mom? I loved her for a whole lot of very personal reasons.
A beautiful and completely unique story of acceptance and love.
The highest of recommendations.
-
4.75 stars
Quirky & heartwarming friends to lovers romance
"Yesterday, it had seemed there was a choice to be made but today, there were no choices, only a destiny that was set long ago."
After five minutes or so of being enemies, Anthony and Charlie became friends at a young age and never stopped through all the years. They're kinda dorky and their friendship is completely quirky. Charlie's the scientist and Anthony's the poet, but they just go together so well.
"It's like we have a secret language no-one else gets. You're part of me, Charlie."
When this story begins they're starting college together. After years of bullying and being ignored at school, they're excited to start the next part of their life. But for Charlie it's not so easy because his mom's dementia is getting worse and he's the only one to take care of her. This was heartbreaking at times to read, but I really loved how it was woven into the story and how real it felt.
Mostly, though, this was about first love and Anthony and Charlie finally moving from best friends to more. Everything about how they slowly came together was so perfect. My heart especially tingled with all of the hand holding sweetness ...
"He looked a bit—then stopped—but after some wondering and uncertainty, they were somehow holding hands again.
“I think that stops my arms from hurting,” said Charlie."
Highly recommended!! -
You know what I wanted to do the whole time I read this book. Hug the shit out of Anthony and Charlie.
This really had a melancholy feel to it. My heart hurt for Anthony and Charlie.
But they had each other. Which was everything.
And in the end - love wins! -
Shut Your Face, Antony Pace is my absolute favourite story written by Claire Davis and Al Stewart, and I’ve read them all…not wait, that’s a lie I haven’t read
The Laws of Physics but every time I say I will Al tells me not. I have it downloaded though so it’s just a matter a time haha :D
I adore Charlie but it’s the red-haired force of nature and poetry that steals my heart, or maybe they share it. This story made me laugh and cry and laugh and then do the ugly cry. I love the way Alice is portrayed, the flashbacks and the current state she’s in, and how she captures the fragility of life.
This is love in many shapes and forms, science, and poetry.
And, as always, Mr. Homes made the perfect cover!
-
5++ OMG my heart just explode. I love Charlie and Anthony with their beautiful personalities.
Their story is outstanding. Such a honest story. It made me ugly cry.
It was full so full with feelings.
Charlie and Anthony knowing each other from when they were little boys.
The scientist and the poet fit so smoothly together as one.
They are a wonderful couple, friends at first sight (read second ;-)
Anthony understands Charlie through and through and is patient so patient.
He loves Charlie deeply.
Charlie has a beautiful mind but also a difficult, complicated life. Lately living with his mum is a hard one.
I don't want to go into details because this would give this great story away.
The poems between the chapters are so great. There are many lines in this book to highlight.
The whole story was strong, sweet, funny, heartbreaking, tragic, in a way innovating and overall valuable and it did made my heart swell.
And it is so a #mustread
This book from cover to cover is one of a kind <3 -
I expected a light, cute novella with this one, but instead I got a story that packed a big emotional punch and had a lot of depth. The two MCs are misfits who have been best friends since they were children. Their friendship, the natural progression into a relationship, and the way Anthony and his family had Charles' back even when he was hesitant to admit he needed anyone were beautiful.
I also loved Anthony's poems at the end of the chapter. They matured along with him- beginning with a bit of silly, Shell Silverstein style charm and grew into something more heartfelt and honest (that made me pretty weepy). I absolutely loved this- kudos to the the authors for being able to fit this much substance into so few pages. -
I was expecting quirky and I got it.
I was expecting sweet and I got it.
I was not expecting…the unexpected I got.
I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Claire Davis and Al Stewart before and good gracious am I pleased to have their acquaintance. Their unique blend of whimsical, charming and hearty took my breath away. The Britishisms made my heart warm. And again I realized how much I enjoy a perfectly executed young adult awakening. Charlie has known Anthony since…forever. They balance one another and as their future unravels, they discover they complete each other as well. I envision Charlie and Anthony as a circle until one day, their circle is pulled and twisted and becomes a never-ending double loop. They are beautiful and simple and…everlasting.
It’s time for Charlie and Anthony to go to college. Such an exciting and completely terrifying time in our lives. Charlie has extra challenges to face but they don’t seem so insurmountable when Anthony Pace is by his side. As long as they have each other they can conquer anything, right? Only time through the pages will tell.
What's to like: Charlie quickly stole my heart with his endearing quirks. We all have our fair share of habits and Charlie is no exception. I really enjoyed the lack of labels. Charlie is complicated and pure and just…Charlie. This in itself was very impressive. I compliment the authors on creating such a beautiful shining soul that didn’t require any boxes to check off. His life has always had turbulence but a red-haired beacon guides him steadily through the roughest parts. Together they are pure awesomeness.
What's to love: Strong bonds with a lengthy history blossom into a romantic burning need that is blissful to witness. An average bus ride becomes a pivotal moment in their lives. How could they not see? Or has it always been there just waiting for the spark to start the fire? It’s absolutely glorious when the flames take over! Another vibrant feature was the family. Charlie’s mum is an amazing lady who took life by the horns. She did her best to prepare her Charlie for the inevitable and love him hard in the process. She knew his world would crumble but focused on strengthening the foundation to withstand the tremors. Anthony’s lively family pulled through when family is needed the most and enhanced the story in the process. I truly adored each and every one of them.
Beware of: An emotional undercurrent will pull you beneath the sparkling waves. I knew something was coming but I didn’t anticipate the extent of the heartstrings tugging. It went from lighthearted to heavy in a snap but it was very much worth it. This gorgeous story has risen above dozens of others because of the BIG feels it’s packed with. If a certain disease associated with stolen memories and senility has touched your life, this may strike triggers for you.
This book is for: If friends to lovers and more precisely forever friends to lifelong lovers is your sweet spot this story is for you. Even if YA is not your typical thing, this one should bleep on your radar. Go on, check it out…I’ll be waiting with a smile and a hug.
Book UNfunk -
4 Stars
That was bloody beautiful! I was expecting some fluffy, friends to lovers M/M romance, but this turned out to be so much more than that.
Charlie and Anthony were extremely loveable characters. Their tentative shift from friends to lovers was expertly written. I simply adored them together; they fit like two pieces of a puzzle.
Not only was the writing quality superb, but the banter and the dialogue was also fantastic. It was all so deliciously British.
The side story surrounding the deteriorating health of Charlie's mum hit me right in the feels, too.
This is clearly another solid win from Davis and Stewart. <3 -
Muchísima sensibilidad en la escritura. He de confesar que he llorado. Tristeza y ternura a partes iguales me han invadido mientras leía.
-
I read this book. Twice. There are currently over 700 books on my tbr-list but as soon as I reached the end, I had to read it all over again. That alone should tell you how much I love this book.
There are bad books and there are good books. And then there are those little gems that sneak up on you out of nowhere.
Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace! is one of those gems and it blew me away, gripped my heart from the first page and didn't let go of it even after I turned the last page.
Charlie and Anthony couldn't be any more different and yet they fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. Their life-long friendship slowly morphs into a romantic relationship and the step seems so natural and inevitable that neither boy questions it.
"Yes. That's me. A for Anthony. You do C, for Charlie. You can go next to me because you're my best friend."
"What does this world need?"
"Me. Me and Anthony. This world needs Charlie Woods and Anthony Pace."
"Yesterday, it had seemed there was a choice to be made but today, there were no choices, only a destiny that was set long ago."
Charlie doesn't have it easy. He shows some signs of autism and is afraid of 'bacteries'. He doesn't like being touched by other people except for Anthony because "Anthony wasn't people".
Although he has a hard time coping with changes he takes on the biggest change of his life with courage and determination. He takes care of his ill mum who slowly drowns in darkness. Seeing his mother's degradation through his eyes broke my heart and made me cry. He is so brave and tries his best to keep everything going until it all becomes too much and all that is left are dust and bills.
But Anthony is there to make it all better and through him, Charlie realizes that it's okay to ask for help even though he was the one who looked after both of them for all of their lives. He's a red-haired, freckled, "natural force of nature" who knew early on that he only ever wanted Charlie Woods. He's everything Charlie needs when he needs it - the best friend with a shoulder to lean on, the patient assistant in scientific experiments, and the caring lover.
This book is so beautifully written, I highlighted and bookmarked almost fifty passages and pages. And Anthony's wonderful poems make this book even more gorgeous. The words flew off the pages and enveloped me in a "warm tomato soup feeling". I could say more about this excellent book but I'm afraid I would end up typing out the whole story. So I will end this review with a high recommendation to everyone who wants to read a poetic piece of art, giggle like a 3-year old, cry big, fat tears, and melt into a puddle of goo. -
This story is so cute, I’m gonna die!!!
It all started when Anthony Pace became Charlie Woods’ enemy for a bit with Anthony eventually finding his way into Charlie’s young heart and becoming his best friend! They’re both geeks – Anthony’s a poet whilst Charlie’s the scientist and they’re the inseparable duo against the world!
As they started their college journey, Charlie’s situation at home worsen with his mom’s progressing dementia. Taking care of his mom is a responsibility Charlie tasked himself to do all alone until the dam finally broke. With Anthony making Charlie realized that he didn’t have to do it all and that through thick and thin, they will always be together – Charlie finally figured that Anthony Pace is more than his best friend in the world.
Anthony and Charlie are both charming individually but together, they’re just the most precious ever! They’re like little babies or little kittens you’d want to protect and love forever! I so loved their quirkiness. It’s not often that I get to read a story with both MC sharing the same quirky disposition. They’re funny and fun together!
The issue involving Charlie’s mother was basically the focal point of the story and it was incredibly heartbreaking to read those scenes where Charlie would run out of money for lunch; where he had to sleep at the sofa guarding the door for when his mom try to escape – things that he’s very much willing to endure because of his love for his mom. It was just sad because they had such a good life! Sometimes, life really aint fair no?
The beautiful thing though is that as best friends, Anthony can easily see through Charlie and it’s lovely how much support he and his family are willing to extend to Charlie. Actually, he’s already a family so it’s a given that they will be there for Charlie no matter what and that’s just the best thing ever about the story. It’s just so full of positivity! And the romance is something that needs to happen for like forever and when it did – everything feels like it’s going to be okay for Charlie.
So seriously folks, this little book is such a bundle of joy to read and it didn’t even cost me more than a couple of dollars! Like, who writes something this good and priced it like it’s basically free? Well, that’s the writing duo of Claire Davis and Al Stewart for you! Goodness, gracious! Thank you!!! This book is just what you need if you’re feeling heavy inside and just want to feel good about something – say, why not read Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace! Highly recommended!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars -
“Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace!” is the story of Charlie Woods, a college student and a keeper of memories.
It is a story about the art of dealing with family and putting up with one royal chihuahua named Arabella.
It's also a story about the science of looking at the stars while holding hands and about the poetry of falling in love with a best friend.
“I LOST MY SHOE,
LOST MY HEART…”
From Anthony Pace's poem I’m in love with Charlie Woods -
Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace!
Claire Davis and Al Stewart
Published by Beaten Track, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-78645-055-5
Cover design by Noah Homes
Five stars
Charlie Woods and Anthony Pace have known each other since they were five. Charlie’s mop of hair is blond; Anthony’s is red. They are both odd ducks, these boys, but Charlie is on the autism spectrum, while Anthony is just…peculiar. This is the story of their first day at college; it is also the story of their long friendship and how the greatest crisis of Charlie’s life changes them both.
This lovely, touching, amusing book made me think of Mark Haddon’s “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time,” which I have both read and seen performed (brilliantly) on stage. What is important to note is that these two stories are set similarly, in the UK; and that that Charlie is clearly far more functional than Haddon’s teenaged protagonist. Charlie copes; having first been taught to cope by his Mum, Alice, and for the last thirteen years having been assisted in coping by his brilliant, quirky best friend Anthony. These two young men know each other. Anthony knows Charlie even better than Charlie knows Anthony. Charlie has many fears, one of which is that Anthony will decide one day that he doesn’t want to be his friend any more. Anthony, on the other hand, has his own ideas.
The only secondary players in this poignant little comic drama are Charlie’s Mum and Anthony’s family—his hippy parents, his medical student sister, her pre-school daughter Kylie and Kylie’s absurd Chihuahua Princess Arabella. The Pace family is messy and unconventional, and that seems to be a comfort to Charlie. It challenges everything Charlie needs to maintain order in his own life, and yet the Paces treat Charlie with such unstinting and unwavering love that he simply copes.
Well written, tightly narrated, filled with humanity. -
(Editor's Review)
There are no words that will do justice to how good this story is.
But I'm going to try.
Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace is a 'British' young/new adult romance about Charlie Woods and Anthony Pace - two young men who have been friends for most of their lives (red-car incidents aside). It's a novella - around the 29k mark - but my goodness, does it pack an emotional punch.
Funny, silly, sad, tragic, romantic, naïve, sweet, real...the narrative swoops and soars over and over again. I variously (and repeatedly) laughed, cried, took a moment to gather my thoughts - shook my head in wonder at how brilliant the writing is. It's stunning.
The characters are different. No, they're unique. A lot of authors endeavour to portray characters like Charlie and Anthony and get so bogged down in how those characters come across to other people, they don't adequately convey how the characters feel, live and experience the world. With Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace, the connection is beyond sympathy or empathy with the characters, it's insight. It's breathing the dust particles, feeling the sunlight, seeing the freckles and the boing-boing hair.
I love every story written by Claire Davis and Al Stewart, but this one is special. Read it; you'll see. -
Adorably sweet and quirky story. Kudos^^
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"Once a boy shows you the stars, they're a hard act to follow."
4.5 stars here on GR because still no 1/2 stars so we're giving it to the Chihuahua because she's cute.
Despite it's rather unusual title "Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace" is one of the most incredibly sweet and unusual books I have enjoyed in quite some time. And by enjoyed I mean had my heart melted into a puddle of 'I love these boys' goo. Charlie Woods and Anthony Pace are not your typical romantic MCs but they will win your heart with their quirky ways.
Charlie likes science and Anthony writes poetry. You'd think that this would make them so different, almost opposites. One finds his passion in the practicality of science while the other sees the world through the passion of words and yet they understand each other so perfectly."Yes, Miss. It makes me write poems and see stars right up in the sky where no-one lives but the atoms. Science is numbers and nature, and if you write it all down, it can turn into poems and art."
They've been friends throughout most of their lives. Yet in spite of all their years of friendship and how much they mean to each other Charlie has secrets that telling even Anthony seems to be more than he can bare. Secrets that he needs to keep in order to keep his mom at home with him. Charlie's mom doesn't remember things so well and sometimes she wanders and forgets things and seems to live in the past, but Charlie loves her and deep in his heart he knows that she loves him too. In spite of her forgetfulness and lapses in memory, she's his rock..."Well, you'd better go, then. That college needs you, don't forget that. Charlie Woods, this world needs you."
My heart melted as Charlie and Anthony discovered that what they had was more than friendship...it was love and that first tentative kiss was so incredibly sweet. I loved that Anthony was always there for Charlie and I loved, loved Anthony's family. Never a question or a doubt that they were there for Charlie every bit as much as Anthony was.
'Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace' is a story that will appeal to the geek and misfit that lives somewhere in all of us and I highly recommend it for anyone who just wants to remember that there is a place in this world for everyone or who has forgotten about that part of their soul, the part that never quite feels like it fits in or sees the world the same as everyone else because it's that part of us that helps to define us and remind us that we are all special and unique and the world needs more Charlie Woods and Anthony Paces.
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An ARC of this book was graciously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
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Amazing. Review previously soon at bmbr.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review
"Nasty things peas, taste like dog bile."
Sometimes you just know that you and a book are going to get along just fine. More than fine, even - and that was the case with this book and me. I knew from the first page that we were going to be buddies, the above line just cemented the deal. Peas are singularly the most disgusting vegetable there is, and don't even start me on the mushy variety. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck.
My love for this book was about more than just a shared agreement on the vileness of peas, though. It was the kind of read I enjoy so much I want to force everyone else to read it too. It made me laugh and cry. I felt full of love for Charlie and Anthony, and their families.
This is a friends to lovers story (yay!!), written with the unique style of Claire Davis and Al Stewart (I seriously do not know why I've not read more from this duo). I don['t know if it's the Brit in me that appreciates this style, because it feels pretty British to me, but it's a way of writing that utterly appeals. Cleverly written characters, who are fun and real and individual, in a story that is both humorous and sad.
I've highlighted several passages on my kindle - but I don't want to spoil the freshness of the story by writing them all here. My notes were, at times, quite simply "sigh" because the writing was so wonderful it required nothing else. This has gone onto my favourite reads of 2016 shelf and I would recommend anyone try it out. A really wonderful read. -
This was clearly a book of "feels" emotions in a whirlpool ! There were hilarious moments and sad scenes and all shared through the eyes of Charlie Woods who has a deep and profound love / obsession with Anthony Pace. Charlie has autistic tendencies and likes order, numbers and the logic of science, where as Anthony is a literary poet who likes words and stories. This book is heartwarming and the supporting families are awesome. They are important in the book, particularly Charlie's Mum and provided both Charlie & Anthony with the supportive framework in being best friends.
I wished this was longer - I was really enjoying the story and emotional build. Time with Charlie & Anthony is time well spent -
4.25 stars
What a wonderful book this turned out to be.
At first I was confused about Charlie. At some points he seemed so much younger than 18 but at other times he seemed so much older. Even the way he talked seemed… off somehow.
But then everything clicked when Charlie mentioned his mother learning him how to read emotions off people’s faces with the help of cards. Charlie was autistic! That’s why he had trouble looking people in the eye, and that’s why he needed everything to go a certain way.
But he also took care of his mom who suffered from dementia. And no one seemed to know this. He even kept it from his best friend, Anthony.
This is a beautiful story about two best friends and how they fell in love.
I just have to mention one thing and that is the hideous cover. I think it’s very sad that this beautiful book with such beautiful writing has such a weird and awful cover. -
RTC! <3
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I'm going to have problems putting my feelings into words on this one. That happens sometimes. Still, the key to moving on emotionally from some stories is to sort through your feelings and apparently, make strangers listen. So, please pardon the rambling.
This completely surpassed my expectations. I'm not even sure what I was expecting but it wasn't this. The story is perfect. It's like a treasure you want to touch and keep and, just maybe, show to other people. But they have to be worthy. Someone you know will appreciate it. Someone you know will understand why it is so special.
I love Charlie Woods! Clever and serious and willing to put his own dreams aside for his mom as he tries to hold everything together on his own.
God! And Anthony Pace! He's the perfect boy for Charlie. With his beautiful hair and his beautiful heart, his patience and his (sometimes crazy) wonderful poetry. And his perfect words.Once a boy shows you the stars, they’re a hard act to follow.
I know that this quote is on a half dozen reviews but I'm pretty sure I would fall in love with someone who said those words to me.
An absolute, perfect 5.
