Review of Celestial Navigation

[Susan John Peter]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Celestial Navigation" by Jonathan R Lewis.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

The widespread stigma associated with homosexuality in society often compels young gay men to conceal their true identities. Many individuals hide their sexual orientation due to the fear of discrimination, rejection, and potential harm. Their mental and emotional well-being suffers as a result of this concealment, making it more challenging for them to live authentically and freely. This underscores the importance of supporting, understanding, and accepting LGBTQ+ individuals to foster a more inclusive and equal society. Jonathan R. Lewis's remarkable novel, The Novel of Celestial Navigation, revolves around the lives of two extraordinarily gifted young men who grapple with their sexuality and social acceptance.

In Jonathan R. Lewis's novel The Novel of Celestial Navigation, the poignant story centers around the unique friendship between Cal Kulik and Jake Davies. Despite their diverse backgrounds and histories, a chance encounter at the age of ten leads to a lasting connection. Both young men share a passion for playing the flute, navigating the challenges of adolescence, and confronting societal expectations regarding their friendship. As they navigate the complexities of high school life, their bond deepens, offering solace and understanding in a world that is not always accepting. The novel explores themes of friendship, identity, and the challenges faced by two individuals who find comfort and significance in each other's presence.

The stars ordained the relationship between Cal Kulik and Jake Davies. In each other's company, Cal and Jake found serenity. They frequently did almost everything together, so this wasn't unusual. But when they both realized they were gay, things became very complicated. These young men could potentially face social condemnation for their sexual orientation in the future. Things quickly became ugly when Jake was raped and Cal struggled to be true to himself or hide his identity to conform to society's expectations. Was Cal ever true to himself, or did Jake ever move past the trauma of the rape? Were they brave enough to come out as gay in public? Get the book to find out.

Cal and Jake emerge as my favorite characters in the narrative, with their vibrant love story serving as its central theme. Cal, a daring adventurer, and Jake, a shy musician, form a unique bond. Their mutual passion for music becomes a captivating element in their evolving relationship. Jake's authenticity shines through as he accepts his sexual identity, separates from an unhealthy attachment, and navigates societal stigma. On the other hand, Cal's journey teaches valuable lessons about the acceptance of fear in love and commitment, emphasizing the importance of facing fears with courage.

I have no dislikes for this book. I want to congratulate the editor on a job well done because the book is exceptionally edited. I would also like to express my gratitude to the author for bringing this amazing book to the world. I rate this book five out of five stars because of the numerous lessons I learned from it. I recommend it to LGBTQ community members and supporters.

******
Celestial Navigation
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Kirui Collins]

Homosexuality is a taboo in some of our societies. Thanks for the review.

[Veronica Hunter]

Jonathan R. Lewis's skillful storytelling in 'The Novel of Celestial Navigation' brings to life a heartfelt exploration of friendship and identity. The intricacies of Cal and Jake's relationship are beautifully depicted, making the challenges they face profoundly relatable. Lewis masterfully navigates themes of acceptance, creating a compelling narrative that resonates.