REVIEW
“True feelings come later, like seeds that have been planted and tended to until they finally break through the soil.”
Reading this was such an experience — a reminder of how short stories can have the capacity to display a writer’s talent with just such few words.
The Boy at the Bottom of the Fountain follows the story of Shane. How he saw a photo of a boy his age at the bottom of the fountain and fell in-love with him. It is a beautiful coming of age story and chance encounter. Jay Bell did well in writing perspectives in this short book.
It was quite impressive how the author played with the characters’ interactions. The way each of them played a part in not just the consequences that have happened, but also how the narration unraveled the stories behind each of the moments these people experienced.
“Shane felt his heart working overtime to send blood rushing to his face. And other places too. Probably out of association, because he hadn’t always been idle when staring at that old photo.”
A heartwarming, nostalgic, and funny book, The Boy at the Bottom of the Fountain is a story that can bring you childhood memories. Of that feeling of butterflies in your stomach when you fall in love, the pain that brings, and how these events help you grow as a person as well.
This is a book I’d recommend someone who wants to read a cute queer romance that is both a little cringey and adorable.
