Bear, Otter, and the Kid

By: TJ Klune

Narrated by: Sean Crisden

Three years ago, Bear McKenna’s mother took off for parts unknown with her new boyfriend, leaving Bear to raise his six-year-old brother Tyson, aka the Kid. Somehow they’ve muddled through, but since he’s totally devoted to the Kid, Bear isn’t actually doing much living. With a few exceptions, he’s retreated from the world, and he’s mostly okay with that - until Otter comes home.

Otter is Bear’s best friend’s older brother, and as they’ve done for their whole lives, Bear and Otter crash and collide in ways neither expect. This time, though, there’s nowhere to run from the depth of emotion between them. Bear still believes his place is as the Kid’s guardian, but he can’t help thinking there could be something more for him in the world ... something or someone.

©2011 TJ Klune (P)2012 TJ Klune

Nothing But the Best!

I vaguely remember this title previously being given five-star reviews on some known review sites, but admit that such ratings never swayed me before. Truthfully, I bought this book entirely on merit of Sean Crisden being the narrator. He did not disappoint me! Neither did the novel itself. Admittedly, I'm a huge gay-for-you fan and as Sean Crisden is one of my top ten favorite audiobook narrators, I knew I would not regret this purchase.
Even at its angsty-est moments, this novel is a cut above the rest. Personally I found that the storyline reminded me quite a bit of the movie Shelter (2007) and as the previous reviewer mentions, there is an overdone ocean imagery that could have been reigned in. I'm also not the biggest fan of the main characters (incl. the supporting cast!) bursting into tears at any given emotional moment. But all this is forgiveable in light of a well-written, well-narrated story. And it is indeed a well-written novel! I never got bored, never had a moment when I was tempted to skip forward. The pace and the story arc was excellently done, balancing angst with humor very well. To his credit, Sean Crisden does what he does at his best, giving personality to the characters and diving into every scene with such enthusiasm and fearless animation that it was difficult to turn the audio off, and I never really wanted the book to end. With over 12 delicious hours to enjoy, I say forget listening to the sample. Just go ahead and buy this one!

Honey, I shrunk the Kid?....... Eh?

Who was your favorite character and why?

I would have to say that Bear is my favorite and least favorite character at the same time.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Sean Crisden?

As I am writing this after listening to both audio books I would have to say Charlie David.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Listen, no. I did want to read it all in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

The narrator turned the Kid and Anna into frigging Rick Moranis! Oh ick! I did see a lot of reviewers saying they really like this guy's narrating and I wouldn't discount him altogether, but I am hoping this Rick Moranis voice is not a common occurrence. I am so glad I read the book before listening to the audio. I liked the narrator of the second audio book MUCH better.

Perfect

If you want a book where everyone bans together to make the perfect family for a child and this small family faces struggles of then and now then this is perfect. The things this author has this little boy saying made me blush, laugh, and cry. I loved every minute of it. The narrator really made thus story with the way he kept every character's voice different. Oh and there are some interesting ways the Sean describes the sex scenes till all I could say was "Wow!" A must listen to book!

Great first step on an amazing journey

I loved this book and it makes a great introduction to a wonderful series.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting good gay fiction.

Gorgeous, emotional story!!

This was my first m/m romance, and I absolutely loved it! It was emotional, heartfelt, amusing, rich with a heartbreaking story and beautifully entwined characters.
But the thing that really made this special, was the narrator's voice. He perfectly matched Bear, the main character, and all the side characters perfectly.
I highly recommend this!