Christmas Kitsch

I originally read this book back in 2013 when it was first released through a different publisher and I loved every single minute of it. My second read of it (and yes, I am equally horrified that it has taken me five years to accomplish that) was no less amazing and full of all things good. ‘Christmas Kitsch’ just makes me remember all the wonderful things about the holiday season, not to mention life, that can happen in a world filled with the people you choose as your family. This is definitely one of my most favorite holiday books and as I said about the original read holds true for this reread - I loved everything about it.

"Now see, I know I'm not that bright. I mean, give me time, and some hints, and an example, and directions carved in rock, and I can power through almost anything." I fell in love with Rusty right there. Only this author can give me everything I need to know and understand about a character in two sentences. It came as no surprise when Rusty didn't do very well on the SATs but, never fear, his dad pulls some strings to get him into Berkeley anyway, because his dad has a plan for Rusty's future, regardless of whether it is realistic. Thank God for Oliver's dad who gives him a job in construction that summer and Rusty excels at that work. Rusty knows it should have been Oliver going to Berkeley instead of junior college. Oliver is the smart one and Rusty still isn't sure how they ended up friends when he met Oliver at the beginning of senior year. As far as Rusty can tell, he and his football friends are all just jock clones in their small, wealthy, conservative Stepford Wives community, and then here comes Oliver having transferred in and he is small and light brown and gay.

Rusty may not be the brightest bulb in the box, but what he lacks in IQ (and, personally, I don't think he really does) he more than makes up for in sweetness and loyalty. " 'I'm sorry,' I said, turning to Oliver. 'I'm sorry I was too stupid to know they were being mean. You've been a real good friend to me. I wouldn't have let anyone be mean.'" It's remarkable how he turned out this way since his parents were pretentious and horrid people. The thing is, though, I don't think Rusty is stupid. He's very naive and gentle and wholesome, I guess is the word I'm looking for. It takes him longer to work his way through things, but he's not stupid. When Oliver kisses him the night before he leaves for college, it is so sweet and kind of, but not really, throws Rusty for a loop. I mean, he really hasn't dated girls, he certainly isn't into the whole "I'm a football player so I've got to score with everyone", and he's had some thoughts about Oliver already, but more in a half-formed manner. Personally, I think any guy who can be so self-aware can't be stupid. Just sayin'.

When Rusty comes home for Thanksgiving break, his mom catches him and Oliver kissing. She gives him the ultimatum and of course, he chooses Oliver, junior college, and working construction over his parents, their money, his car, and Berkeley. "I'm sorry you couldn't love me," I said simply. 'I'm really sorry you couldn't love Oliver. He saved my life when I was gone, but you probably don't give a shit about that either, so I'll see you around." Rusty is so incredibly lucky to have Oliver and his dad because he has a place to stay until he finds his own space and he has a job and people who care about him. Oliver's family—his dad, his aunt, his uncles, and his cousins—save Rusty from falling apart. They give him the same unlimited, unconditional love they gave to Oliver and Rusty soaks that up like a plant in the desert.

I've never met someone who never, ever asks anything for himself but would lie down and die for the ones he loves, until I met Rusty. It's not even that he doesn't ask for anything, he absolutely never expects to be treated decently and compassionately and I was so grateful to Oliver for showing Rusty his own value and how much he deserves to be loved. Watching these two young men together brought tears to my eyes many times as they navigated the rough, and sometimes unfriendly, world of adulthood. This is probably the most beautiful Christmas story I have ever read and it will get reread often. The love in this book, between Oliver and Rusty, is happy and healthy and whole. Just what we all need in our lives. Thank you, Amy, for another beautiful story of family and love.

NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews

Rusty is from a wealthy family and he knows he is a dumb jock. His family wants him to go to Berkely but he knows he could never make it there. His father of course insists and pulls strings, making it hard for him there as well. He is a bit slow on the uptake not realizing how his best friend in high school feels about him. Around Thanksgiving, he finally got it and was so glad to see Oliver he got caught up n a kiss and was busted by his mom finding him from rags to riches. But what he learns is that there is more to life than what money can buy and the best families you don't have to be born into.

This is a very sweet, story about two young men finding each other, becoming friends first and solidifying their relationship. Rusty wants to be able to offer Oliver more than an air mattress on the floor in a cold apartment and Oliver wants to teach Rusty home is where they are.

I loved this story. I loved how they relationship built but what I liked the most was where so many people hopped in in Rusty's time of need. Not only with material things but support.