From the Universe to Me

ENTERTAINING!

Tobias Gavin is ready for his freshman year of college. He’s an enthusiastic and passionate eighteen year old and has plan for his continuing education at Ashelford University. He has his classes all listed, so he can succeed as history major with the goal of becoming a professor in the field. He accepts fully that he is a nerd, always had an anxiety for being early for everything, but he handles it all in stride. He’s exceptional and has gone above and beyond to make this big step in his life perfect. He has a great connection with his parents and has two good friends, and he doesn’t want to disappoint anyone.

The one thing he isn’t ready to face is his sexuality. He’s never had a girlfriend or boyfriend. He continues to talk himself into being straight but deep down inside he knows he isn’t, so he stays as closeted as possible. He’s fearful or telling anyone that he’s gay. He doesn’t want to hurt his parents or his fiends and he fears the consequences that would come.

With having his classes and future all planned out, he’s ready for his first meeting with his advisor, Dr. Helena Richards. As always, Tobias is very early for his meeting and while he waits he meets Gareth David. Gareth David is teaching assistant to Dr. Richards. When he strikes up a conversation with Tobias, he is overwhelmed and enthralled by Gareth. Tobias can’t stop thinking of Gareth and especially how normal Gareth made him feel. But Tobias thinks he will never see Gareth again on campus, until the first day of school. Gareth is now teaching his history class. Tobias is totally flustered and what does it mean when Gareth want’s to see him after class? Gareth has a proposition for Tobias, one he can’t refuse. It would benefit Tobias with his future.

Cydney Williams and Matt Stevens are Tobias’ best friends and they spend lots of time together and even have classes together. They want Tobias to go to a ‘welcome-back-to-school’ party, Tobias is reluctant about going but he joins them anyways. Tobias decides to just enjoy himself and it starts to work, until he bumps into Gareth. Tobias will find himself having to make difficult choices, not only about himself, but parents and friendships and what’s really important to him, no matter the consequences.

Scott E. Garrison creates a story built of his own personal experience. For me, “From the Universe to Me” was like reading someone’s personal diary. This is very much a coming of age story as Tobias struggles with so many issues. From first love to heartbreak and possibly loving again. It’s about being who you truly are and there are times when you just have to take that step and trust in parents and friends. In all his enthusiasm and excitement of a big step in his life, Tobias looses his way and has to realize all is not what it seems. It’s also about trusting and knowing who your friends really are and standing up for yourself. The one other thing the stood out for me was how dangerous this could have become for Tobias.

“From the Universe to Me” would also seem very beneficial for young adults, who still deal with their own sexuality issues and how to find help with all the questions that they need answered.

“From the Universe to Me” is a debut novel by Scott E. Garrison. I think, he has high potential in his writing and construction of his story. I commend, him for taking a chance and writing a novel of his own personal experiences. It is a story worth reading!