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Brandon Shire

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Listening To Dust Kindle Edition

by Brandon Shire (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.4 63 ratings

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Murder touched Stephen Dobbins when he was a young boy and left him living in a void of aching loneliness. A chance meeting with a young American chased away the fear that he would always be alone and brought him the prospect of a new existence.

Dustin Earl joined the military and escaped his small town Southern upbringing with the hope that he could give his mentally challenged brother a better life. But Dustin had never known real love, an honest hug, or a simple kiss. He considered his sexuality a weakness; a threat that had been used against those he cared about.

For eight months their relationship blossomed until Dustin suddenly returned home. He cherished Stephen, but felt his responsibilities to his brother outweighed his own chance at happiness.

Shattered, unable to function and unwilling to accept Dustin’s departure, Stephen flew three thousand miles to get Dustin back and rekindle what they had. But what he would learn when he got there… he could never have imagined.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Best in LGBTQ Fiction for 2012" -Indie Reviews"Leaves readers speechless, breathless" - Out in Jersey"Best Gay Contemporary Fiction" - Rainbow Awards 2012

From the Author

10% of the proceeds from this book are donated to LGBT Youth Charities. See BrandonShire.com for more details.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B007JB6ATS
Publisher ‏ : ‎ TPG Books (March 10, 2012)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 10, 2012
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 276 KB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 143 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #1,167,210 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #13,082 in Gay Fiction
- #59,680 in LGBTQ+ Books
- #300,035 in Romance (Kindle Store)

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4.4 63 ratings

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Brandon Shire

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Great stories should not depend on gender or sexual preference of a character, but instead upon the strength of the characters and the honesty and urgency of the story.

Brandon Shire proves he understands the complexity of writing LGBT fiction from two very different viewpoints - serious and smexy. His serious fiction is written for those who enjoy a book which explores life's darker elements in a more literary form, while the smexy fiction is for those who enjoy a graphically erotic romance.

Regardless of the differentiation above, Brandon writes for people who enjoy being challenged, and for those who strive to understand situations they don't typically encounter. He pens raw, emotional stories about characters which readers will either love or love to hate.

Life and love are pretty damned special, but neither is always perfect. Life can be painful, and real love hard to find. Brandon's fiction is an exploration of the (sometimes) arduous search for the happiness we all desire.

BRANDON SHIRE was chosen as a Top Read in 2011, Best in LGBTQ Fiction for 2011 & 2012, and garnered several Honorable Mentions and a Rainbow Award for Best Gay Contemporary Fiction.

Visit his website for more information. brandonshire.com

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4.4 out of 5

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Spifette

Shire knows what to do with the word type things, once again

Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2015

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~ ~ … all men had two faces; one you could see with your heart, the other you felt with your soul, and both would be captured within the contours of his hand. ~ ~

This story starts out in emotional overdrive. I felt like I was barely holding on, constantly switching my grip in attempts to keep up. Having read a number of Brandon Shire’s books, I shouldn’t have been surprised. Or rather, I should have been much better prepared. Though, I’m not sure that would have been possible. He splashes and methodically paints and sneakily drops emotion all over his pages.

This is told in relatively chronological order regarding the events, but flashbacks are utilized. After each one, I was taken right back to the present, the moment that was temporarily abandoned for the memory. That’s what this feels like, experiencing someone else’s memories.

There’s no way around it, Dustin and his brother Robbie came from a horribly messed up family. Unforgiving, uncaring, and therefore physically and emotionally hurtful in unrelenting waves, it left destruction in its wake. Life-changing and bent on suffocation of their hearts.

Shire has a way of expressing love, the idea of love, the it-likes-to-pop-up-in-unexpected-places nature of love, and then he works it between people who don’t always know how to handle it.

~ ~ Their single night together had been beneath the surface of life, an invisible thing that Stephen couldn’t put his finger on… ~ ~

… “beneath the surface of life…”

I almost don’t know how to process that, except that it’s true. Love can be impossible to define and express in some of the usual ways. That’s love and this is beautiful, naked writing. When a monkey wrench or ten then get tossed into the mix, love is even more complicated, messy and challenging.

~ ~ ”… all our romances seem to come from the dirt we bury ourselves in rather than the glitter we throw up for the show.” ~ ~

Unplanned, unexpected, deeper than we could even anticipate or envision. Shire is so good at examining and contemplating love. Asking the questions about what it does to us, what we do to ourselves when we’re in its grip, how it seems unwilling to give up on us no matter the situation and how desperate we may be to give up on it.

I feel both fragile and full. How is that possible? That’s what it is so it must be possible. It’s just so rare for words on a page to both portray and elicit such unmistakable emotions that feel inextricably linked.

~ ~ Like the two of us, one is empty without the other. ~ ~

Stephen’s Gran, Colette, is strong, perceptive, protective and direct. Dustin’s adoptive Gran, Miss Emily, is Colette’s mirror. These two comfort and yet highlight the heartbreak of their grandchildren.

This is a love story. It’s the part of a love story that doesn’t often get told, and certainly not like this, not so well.

~ ~ When you pulled me back and put our foreheads together I saw you naked, without all those fears, saw your heart swell with the reflection you witnessed in my eyes; and seeing that in your face made me understand your pain had been necessary, that it had been both river and raft. ~ ~

Every book of Brandon Shire’s that I’ve read has been fantastic and emotional and unrelenting. This is no exception. I love it. That’s all there is to it. He is one of the few writers by whom I cannot wait to yet again have my heart pummeled. His words zero in like beating heart seeking missiles and I’ve been slain.

This review originally appeared on Prism Book Alliance

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linzvsworld

I was literally choked up the whole time

Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2020

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God this is such a sad story, you just want all to be well but you know from the beginning its impossible. The more and more you find out about Dustin the more you can't help but try and hold back tears for someone who lived a childhood of hell. I recommend this all the way, Brandons books never fail.

The reason why it lost a star was because I did find myself skimming Stephen's history which isn't too many chapters but I wanted to learn more about Dustin so bad I couldn't wait haha with that being said I wish the book was longer so we got a deeper look at Robbie and Dustin's history. Also I can't get over the fact that Robbie is mentally challenged because of a lightening strike...a strike to the head from child abuse would've been more believable to me.

Anyway, it's a great read!

Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2014

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3.5 STARS

I know this is a well written story. I also know that it is an exercise in punishment. Every word I read either made me angry or sad. The lesson contained within I learned a very long time ago.

As difficult as this book is to read, it all comes back to the two things in life, hatred rips and destroys your very soul and love, as beautiful, magical and wonderful as it is, it hurts, it can be painful but it cannot be destroyed.

Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2012

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There aren't enough stars for a book like this.

This isn't my typical style of review because I just can't. I can't really read my kindle highlights to share those thoughts. My eyes are too full. I'll explain below, why I've just had to take a different approach here.

70%, 70% is where I cracked. Broken. Crushed and flayed wide open. Until the end and well beyond.

I could easily let go and curse out Brandon Shire. I could easily hate an author that can cause me so much pain. I suppose I'm a masochist though, and actually love that he can reach me like that.

When endless media incursion causes me to tune out and block out the noise, to become numb and uncaring, it's good to find that I can still be moved. To find that my humanity and passion are still alive. Brandon Shire has a way of awakening every sense, with imagery and emotion, vivid and tangible. In this book, you will be there, with the characters, smelling, feeling, wanting. Wanting so badly.

I'm not writing any sort of synopsis because I believe this book should be discovered entirely for yourself. I can't imagine two people finding the same things here. So I can't tell you what it's about, for you. To be sure, there are overarching themes, but the subtle layers of understanding will develop differently for everyone. This is a simple story with incredibly complex problems. Problems that are so big it's easier to look away. But don't look away. Read this book. Tell friends about it. Until our humanity is flawless read this book and books that keep reaching us.
____

Originally posted at Goodreads.

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Jan

Absolutely stunning and mesmerizing.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 7, 2019

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I am feeling small and miserable for not being able to write something coherent about this. I've tried.
I've been trying since yesterday, but I am giving up now.

Absolutely stunning and mesmerizing.

BKJ

A masterfully crafted story

Reviewed in Germany on November 15, 2012

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<<There is an appointed time for everything. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.>>

I'm at a loss for words.

142 pages.
Listening to Dust is a hauntingly beautiful and masterfully crafted story about a love that was not meant to be. Without a shadow of a doubt Brandon is an extremely gifted and inimitable storyteller. His flawed characters blossom through thoughtful dialogue, and he is always able to captivate the reader by drawing an emotionally-charged story full of depth. He is always so mercilessly straightforward, and there are no platitudes to be found. The excellent and highly enthralling narrative render his stories unforgettable. Amazing. Brandon doesn't sugar-coat anything here either. I don't intend to reveal any details though; let's just say that you should be prepared to deal with some shockingly disturbing events. In fact, this book will cut right through your heart.

Listening to Dust features three main protagonists. Stephen is a ghost-writer, born in England and raised in France by his grandmother Colette because his parents were murdered under mysterious political circumstances. Stephen always blamed himself because he thought that his homosexuality caused their death. He feels weary and hurt and is living a relatively lonely life until he meets Dustin. They meet in London when Dustin just quit the military service. Dustin is drunk and he wants Stephen to take him to his apartment. In the morning, though, Dustin is leaving in anger, shouting vile things about feeling abused and molested after they had spent their first night together.

But then Dustin comes back and they start a halting and tenuous relationship. Dustin is a very sensitive man. He has always been denied love by his parents. His father is a short-tempered alcoholic and his mother a drug addict. Dustin doesn't know how it feels to be hugged and kissed, to be cherished and loved.

<<So he let Dustin cry for a moment while they stared at one another; let the night kiss Dustin's tears and pull the scabs on the cuts deep in his heart.>>

Even though Dustin makes it clear that he will return to his hometown for family reasons, Stephen is determined to live the moment. Stephen is experiencing the best eight months of his life, however, when Dustin is leaving to go back to his little brother Robbie, he is running from London and goes back to France to take refuge from his emotions that are eating him up.

And last but not least there is Robbie. Brandon did an outstanding job at portraying Robbie's endearing character. He is mentally handicapped after having endured what the town's people called an "accident". You will be shocked and appalled when you find out what caused his handicap, though. Due to his handicap Robbie's thoughts and actions are childlike, and yet he speaks words of wisdom and his open-mindedness, simplicity and striking perception to see things are incredibly adorable and render his character unforgettable.

When Stephen travels to the States to rescue Dustin from his self-imposed fetters that held him in this small town, he is unprepared for what he will discover there…

Stephen's love letters that are complementing this story are beautifully written and have such a poetic feel to it that was simply marvelous. His letters will surround you like a warm blanket that will convey much needed comfort, its prose lightly caressing your soul, and you will embark on a journey to experience Stephen's boundless love for Dustin.

<<There was more in Dustin's eyes than the mist of spirits; more than the texture of desire. This was need and want and hurt and longing. It was the gentlest part of an unspoken embrace; the heat of a lost touch; the echo of a depth of yearning that Stephen had never encountered before, not even within himself, and despite the fact that he thought he knew loneliness quite well.>>

Even though Dustin never voiced the ILY's, Stephen will realize eventually that Dustin loved him fiercely. There's that still love, and I cried when I read that. As a matter of fact, there are so many different signs of affection and love. You don't have to voice an oath of undying love--just feel it in your heart.

<<Looking back at Dustin, at his stillness, it was easy for Stephen to forget how hard Dustin appeared on the outside; how solid his emotional armor looked when you stood off at a distance; and how easy it was to get lost inside his hidden tragedy and not see what was beyond it.>>

If you don't mind to read a tragic yet masterfully crafted story that doesn't provide a HEA, then I highly recommend you to give this book a try. One thing's for sure, though, there will be tears--keep your tissues at the ready.

I'd like to conclude my review by saying that I'm grateful that Listening to Dust is such a short read. You know there is only so much pain my heart can take. Having said that, I think it is a sign of true class when an author is able to make me bear such ugliness by anchoring me and ultimately guiding me to the heart of the matter that nothing is ever perfect, not even love. I'm in awe. Kudos, Brandon.

<<Finally, I know that when the air has settled and all the past particles of anger and shame have disappeared, we will still have that one moment. It will still bring us together.>>

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Mischka

Gefühle, für die es keine Worte gibt

Reviewed in Germany on January 2, 2014

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Der zweite Roman von Brandon Shire ist ein Juwel an Erzählkunst. Mit einer unendlichen emotionalen Tiefe und Authentizität vermittelt der Autor Einblicke in die Verletzungen und Narben, die traumatische Erfahrungen, eine homophobe Gesellschaft, ein von Lieblosigkeit gekennzeichnetes Elternverhalten und Gewalt in der Familie hinterlassen. Und dennoch zeichnet er auch die zarten Spuren, die durch die Liebe entstehen, sei es zum eigenen Bruder oder zu dem einen geliebten Menschen, dessen Berührungen zu einem durchgedrungen sind. Der von Sehnsucht, Verlust und unendlicher Trauer geprägte Grundton der Geschichte ist dadurch mit einem zarten Unterton versehen, der dem Leser gerade soviel Halt gibt, dass er selbst ohne Schaden durch die Handlung kommt.
Sprachlich ungemein dicht und eindringlich gestaltet, entlässt der Roman einen in absoluter Sprachlosigkeit und in einer Gefühlslage, die nur schwer zu ertragen ist.

Wer sich von einem Text bis in die tiefsten Regionen des eigenen Herzens berühren lassen will und bereit ist, diese Berührung auszuhalten, auch wenn sie einen fast zerreißt, sollte sich dieses Buch nicht entgehen lassen!

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Daweale

Well written

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 29, 2013

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This is the second book I have read by this author. It's very well written and packs a big emotional punch. Easy to engage with the characters. Highly recommended.

Amazon Customer

Another beautiful story

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 18, 2012

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Moving, gripping, emotional, very real, another beautiful story... Listening To Dust Brandon Shire's writing is brutally honest, no sugar-coated fluffy romance stories, but true to life, angst-filled & poignant, grippingly beautiful & disturbingly real.....

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