I’ve listened to the book again. And, honestly? My last review was terrible and entirely unfair.
So I’m reviewing it again!
Way back then, I didn’t really understand what R Cooper was trying to accomplish with the book. I viewed the whole thing as a mess of miscommunication. Miscommunication that created unnecessary angst and conflict. Which is something that tends to frustrate me to no end – part of how I’m autistic.
Listening to it again over the past few days, I realize that it isn’t miscommunication at all. I still think that sitting down and just talking to Tim could’ve worked.
However, the approach Nathaniel takes is totally valid. What I took as miscommunication was really Nathaniel giving Tim the time and space he needed to make up his own mind. To learn how to be a werewolf who listened to his instincts. To learn what those instincts are.
At the start of the book, there’s no way that Tim would’ve believed it. It would’ve made him run.
So yeah, it’s sweet and gentle the way Nathaniel approaches it.
I think it goes just a little too far. Once Tim told Nathaniel he loved him is when I’d have had the whole conversation. Then again, Tim had one foot out of the door the entire time. With the way the book was, things with his uncle needed resolution before anything else could happen.
The book isn’t frustrating. Or not as much.
I will also say this: even before giving it a careful re-listen, I found myself returning to chapter 15 (all parts). The entire thing is so cathartic and beautifully written. The chapter makes the journey to it worth it.
(I also just noticed I’m writing this review exactly four years – to the day – after my last.)