Bear, Otter, and the Kid (1) (Bear, Otter, and the Kid Chronicles) Paperback – August 12, 2011

Where to begin. I'm really torn about this review. When I began the book, I thought I'd love it. The premise was different and I liked Bear's first person narrative. Soon, I realized that Bear is a person who bottles up his thoughts and emotions, keeping everything inside, even from his best friends. He is also in constant conflict with his inner self. But, so far so good. As the story develops, however, Bear's inner turmoil became too much for me.A major plot development occurs near the midpoint. And for me anyway, the book began to lose it's luster. Klune could have really used a good editor to pare down some of Bear's self-inflicted woes. In lengthy inner monologues, he repeats himself: not just one time, but again and again. Finally, I began skipping over paragraphs at a time, because I wanted to know what would happen next, not a rehash of things I already knew. That's just not something I do with a well-written book. I sometimes enjoy wordy authors, but only when they are telling me something new with those words.Anyway, I thought that character development was very good. This book has become a series, and I plan to read the second book. Maybe it will be written from a different character's perspective, one who can more easily make up his mind. Otter? The Kid?I don't give Bear, Otter, and the Kid a thumbs down, but I can't really recommend it either. I'm sorry I can't!

4 stars!This is a book I've been meaning to read for a LONG time.Bear, Otter and the Kid is the story of Derrick (Bear), a 21 year old man who is raising his younger brother on his own. Their mom left when he was 17, and it's been just him, his brother and his best friend for a long time. When Bear's best friends brother Otter comes home after a long time away, and Bear must face feelings he never expected.This is a book I've been meaning to read forever. I just couldn't get past the horrible cover (superficial and shallow of me, I know). But I honestly think this book would sell more with a better cover. GFY romance is my favorite kind, mostly because of ANGST and we all know I love my angst.I really enjoyed this story, Ty the little brother cracked me up. I know I would end up with a kid like him, but mine would probably be more of a bad kid. Otter was pure awesome, that man was a saint. My heart felt so much for that man. He and Bear just seemed perfect together, despite how frustrating Bear could be.One thing I have to get off my chest, the excessive use of the word "R******d" (word removed for amazon, but means special needs). I stopped counting after 6-7 mentions. For a book that preached not using the word "f**" (word removed for amazon, bad word meaning homosexual) because it was hurtful, it really shouldn't be using the other word so much. Maybe it's just me, but that really makes me mad...Anyways, I can't wait to read the other books in this series and have more of the kid, Otter and Bear in my life.“I’ll never understand why people just won’t let others be who they are. It’s not like it’s affecting them in any way.”

Why did I wait so long to read this??This book is a little bit of a punch to the gut, but in the best possible way. It is emotional and heartbreaking. You scream at the characters (Yes, you Bear), and cry and laugh and feel giddy and ride through the rollercoaster that is this story. The Kid is by far the best character. He is hilariously honest and endearing and grownup for a nine year old, but then he has moments of young vulnerability and sadness that make you break apart. The connection between Bear and his brother, the Kid is incredible. Every sweet moment between the two of them was perfect in this super angsty book.Then we have Otter. Otter is pretty much a saint when it comes to dealing with Bear. Don't get me wrong, I love Bear, but he is also frustrating af. I understand his character and why he does the things he does, but I also screamed at him a few times because I wanted him to just take down his walls with Otter. Otter complemented this story well and was a good force in Bear and the Kids life.And I cannot end this review without commenting on the writing. For me, Tj Klune writing is the epitome of how a story can be written to make you FEEL. I do not know how to explain it other than, the way he writes and composes a story makes me feel like I am staring into his characters souls and that his characters are a part of me. So basically, it makes the emotions the book invokes that much powerful but also it makes you love the story, no matter how sad, that much more.

I could not stop reading once I started this book, and stayed up till 2 am to finish the first book. Does that say enough?Bear, Otter, and the Kid is heartbreaking, real, and poetic. Bear’s story is raw and messy, but so beautiful. His love for his brother (‘the Kid’) and for Otter, his best friend’s older brother is fierce, and you’re rooting for them to find their happily ever after from the very start. It takes a while to get there, though.The theme of friendship and family runs deep, and it’s one of the things that made this book so emotional. Bear’s relationship with his friends is equally messy as the one with his brother, but man, you want things to work out. They’re all dysfunctional, to a degree, which makes them highly relatable.It’s Bear’s relationship with Otter that makes this book shine. The two of them have got to be one of the most epic couples I’ve ever encountered in fiction. I was swooning from the images I conjured up in my head.Part of what makes the book work is the voice. The book is told by Bear, in his unique, messy, poetic voice. You’re so close to him, you see, hear, and feel everything he does, and it’s one hell of a ride. The storytelling is so great, that you easily forgive the few spelling and grammar mistakes you encounter. It shows once again that story trumps everything else, including ‘writing rules’.

I took a while to pick up this book and read it. Firstly the Kid part put me off a bit but I had read a few others books by TJ Klune that were amazing so I thought, why not? I trust him. My God am I glad I did. I don’t think there is an author out there that can quite make you feel like TJ Klune does. His characters are so real and he takes the time for you to get to know them and before you realise you are part of this funny little world. I normally read fantasy books and love horrid beasts, vampires and magic but this book has none of that. These people felt real, the trials and obstacles felt real. The love, laughter and frustration was all real and I can’t remember enjoying a book more. It was completely opposite to what I normally read but I found it so refreshing. The dialog is amazing. Listening to Bears inner rambling was hilarious and to get a look into his mind was a gift. All the characters are so unique and you love them in deferent ways. Bear is my favourite book character ever. He is funny, kind, determined, stupid, loyal and totally devoted to Ty (the Kid). The Kid, well wow. I loved every second he was on the page. The relationship between these two is beautiful. The bond between brothers is so strong and fierce that their loyalty to each other brought tears to my eyes. Otter is a dream and I love him to bits.This book is about real relationships, bonds between chosen family. It shows that family is not blood, it’s who you chose to be in your life and these characters fight and bleed for those they call their own. It was so refreshing not getting caught up in flashy explosions and monsters and to just delve into this amazing world that stays with you long after you finish it. I can’t recommend this more.

Totally loved this book.I swear Ty has to be one of sweetest, funniest and downright cutest characters (not to mention extremely smart) ever in any book I've read. If only for him it's worth reading and that's not to say the other characters aren't good they really are but Ty (Kid) is just special (and maybe just a little precocious but in a good way). Might favourite description of him is as being a ' the worlds youngest vegetarian eco warrior'. Read it you'll see why.About the story well take a not quite 18 year old and a 6 year old (Brothers), a runaway mother absent father together with a best friend a girlfriend and the best friends brother and not forgetting the next door neighbour and you have one great book.Soon gonna enjoy the sequel

I kept putting this one on and off my TBR pile over the last couple of years and I finally decided to actually read it. I don't know what it was exactly that put me off, maybe the "kid"? The title? The book cover? Something wasn't calling to me. I just didn’t expect much from this, despite the good reviews - I felt maybe this was going to be one of those books that just wasn’t for me...But WOW, I'm so glad I picked this up. I read the entire first half in one sitting and I only stopped as it was really early hours of the morning and I had to get up for work. At this point I got a bit of a bad feeling that maybe the second half was going to lose me...and although it wasn’t quite as brilliant as I had found the first half, it was still a very satisfying unfolding of the story…The details say its 350 pages long but I got the feeling it was way longer than that, as it seems like I was reading forever…? I don’t know what the actual length of the book is as I saw a couple of people mention a lot more pages in their reviews.Some things I liked straight off:- This sucked me in as soon as I picked it up and was full of well developed relationships, emotions and humour- It was friends-to-lovers and GFY - so this already gets stars for combining both of my fave tropes in one!- The slightly unusual narrative in 1st person POV adds something to this - I’m not that keen on 1st person these days unless the narrator’s “voice” is particularly engaging...luckily for me, in this case I found that it was. It was great seeing everything from Bear’s POV, he was a great lead character, telling the story with humour and emotion - he tells the whole thing like he’s talking directly to you and then you hear his thoughts as they came to him, even talking to himself at times. There are times when it gets almost “stream of consciousness” with Bear’s thoughts, and we jump around a lot with timelines in the early parts especially, but I personally enjoyed it - it made it a bit different to the norm. I have no real problem with 1st person and time jumps when done well, but if you hate these things at the best of times, then maybe give the sample a go first, as this will give you a good idea of what the writing style is like.- It was a wonderful slow-building relationship between Bear and Otter - you really felt their back-story of being such close-knit friends first and then developing over time into something more - and Bear made a pretty realistically-paced transition to thinking of Otter as a love interest rather than close friend...but really the two are intertwined as he clearly loved him deeply, even as a friend. - Bear’s slow realisation and coming to terms with the fact that he loves/desires another man is done pretty well - it’s not just absolute denial, as its there at the fringes of his thoughts throughout the build-up and we get to see his thought process when he is coming to terms with who he is- It felt like there was this amazing bond between the childhood friends - Bear, Creed, Anna and Otter - and between them and Ty also. There was this kind of deep lasting friendship that you could just FEEL. So I enjoyed the setting out and development of these entangled friendships, as well as the more romantic relationship aspects - they felt real.Some things I didn’t like:- I gotta say that the title and the cover really put me off, but I think the main thing for me was that a “kid” was an integral part of the story...I have only read a small handful of books where children are written well, so this was a possible problem going in for me- The names of Bear and Otter also got on my nerves slightly - I’m not keen on animal names/nicknames...but I got past it!- There were a few areas that I thought were a bit repetitive - some of the scenes kind of got repeated numerous times and I didn’t really think they added anything - such as the bit about their mother leaving and the letter I think gets rehashed in various ways about 3-4 times and the metaphor of the earthquakes and the storm/sea, while good at times, got a little bit overdone in the second half- You do have to suspend reality slightly with some areas of this...but I kind of ignored those bits and went with it- Sometimes Ty (the Kid) did seem a bit oddly old for his age - this seemed to work quite well in the earlier parts of the book as it was done in that great way that kids have of saying/asking things so innocently and they really cut to the point... but it got a bit weird in the second half as he seemed to be saying a load of stuff that was definitely way more like a teenager - as a couple of reviewers mentioned, I actually enjoyed Ty’s character most when he was being a normal vulnerable little kid, like when they told him about his mum leaving and when he runs says he needed to get help as he’s only a little guy and can’t look after Bear on his own. But in the second half of the book there were just too many discussions that sounded more like they were with a teenager and it kind of creeped me out when they talked about sex and then I cringed when he gave out love advice like a mini-couples counsellor or something!- Although I liked Creed and Anna’s characters ok, I couldn’t help but feel they weren’t that well fleshed out. Their characters never had that much in the way of decent dialogue and Anna cried a lot...towards the middle of the book we didn’t see that much of them at all apart from a few key parts where they served to take the story in certain directions- Predictable - it really was very predictable, I think I could have guessed at pretty much all major events and how the story would unfold, so there were no great surprises...but thinking on it, I kind of didn’t mind too much, as it was all told in an engaging enough way to keep my interest- There was a lot of over the top drama and angst (some of it self-inflicted) in the last 20% or so, which was a bit annoying - don’t get me wrong, I like a bit of angst but it almost turned into an Amy Lane-esque angst-fest for a bit...but most of it just seemed like a contrived plot device and it felt a bit like cartoon villains, a big misunderstanding and one of our heroes trying to convince the other he doesn’t love him for the good of other people...but you do see all this coming a mile away anyway so its not that big a deal - and the angst doesn’t really last too long- Finally, related to said angst above, there is a quite obvious loose thread thats not wrapped up by the end. There is also what could be a cute epilogue but I felt it wasn’t long enough… I notice there are more to the series though so perhaps these issues are covered in the next books?Overall impression:It was pretty predictable in parts, some was a bit unbelievable and there were a few other niggles which bugged me, but overall I found this to be an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable read. My fave part is probably the way this makes you truly feel the realistic and deep friendships between these characters - it made me smile.

I’ve read and re-read this book so many times, even after reading it so many times, TJ’s writing still takes me through the full gambit of emotions. Otter, who doesn’t want an Otter of their own, swoon and Bear, my goodness I identify with Bear’s running conscious more than is comfortable! The kid leads a cast of brilliant supporting characters, to deliver a beautiful, heart warming love Story. Just perfect in my humble opinion

So there I was, reading this great novel on my Kindle, laughing along, crying along, thoroughly enjoying everything that is "Bear, Otter and the Kid," requiring paper towel from dispenser to dab my teary cheeks (I read in the kitchen). Left kindle cover open, but the reverberations from the counter that is a fridge, dislodged colander from shelf and said stainless steel colander crashed down to land smack in the middle of the Kindle screen!Downloaded the Kindle app to my mobile phone in order to continue reading as new Kindle takes two days to arrive.This is a fantastic book. A refreshing style of writing, different in that the reader is party to the Bear's thought process aswell as the reported action, very funny, very sad, very well devised.I'd seen this book previously in the recommendation list and although all the reviews were favourable, the actual synopsis just didn't make me want to buy and download. Plus, as BevS, another reviewer mentions, the cover (and they are important) just didn't sell this story to me. Gay men and their children? Another reason I didn't feel compelled to purchase.Thank you to my two favorite reviewers BevS and makkt, I was persuaded to download and try. (Never judge a book by it's cover). I can honestly say that this is one of my all time favorite novels in this genre. As we live near Stonehenge (its smaller than you think) I FB'd the author and invited him to visit and received a very sweet reply. I'm not a stalker TJ, I promise :oD

Admittedly, there are some serious issues with this work. Firstly, it is not original - following the storyline of the movie 'Shelter' very closely (arguably too closely for comfort). Secondly, the main character engages in protracted internal debates which can sometimes come across almost as unedited streams of consciousness that jump around in time and perspective. No doubt some readers will really struggle with this.However, despite that, I found this to be a complex and touching story of a young man trying to come to some understanding of himself while dealing with difficult external circumstances. For me, the writing style conveyed the messy internal struggle of the main character (Bear) rather well. Essentially, Bear doesn't have the words to convey his thoughts or emotions clearly, so the reader is given the full view of the "internal catastrophe" and comes to understand him through that. The remainder of the central characters are also well-developed and charming in their own ways - the 'kid' in particular is funny and as cute as can be. Although the pacing is at times a little slow, there is plenty of heart-wrenching drama to keep the story moving along and the reader waiting desperately to see what happens.Overall, if you like character-driven MM romances with a feel-good factor, this is certainly one of the better ones on offer. Recommended.

Just read again as catch up for book two and once again lost myself in BOATK. I adore this book and can honestly say that it rates high in my favourite books of all time and that's not just from this genre. Poor 'neurotic' Bear, who will play with all your emotions and who tells this story in the way only HE can with pathos, wit, snark and pure unadulterated love for the Kid,Otter and his BFF's. I loved his quirky style.Lovely Otter who is a rock and Bears soul mate.I defy anybody not to fall for him. I did!And last but certainly not least - The Kid, a little old man in a child's body who is wise beyond his years but still pulls at your heartstrings because however ' mature' he seems at times, underneath it all he is just a little kid who adores his big bro and wants to feel safe and loved - and his poems.... classic!Anybody who loves LGBTQ fiction should add this to their library. Fabulous novel. Book two here I come for my Bear, Otter, Kid and the gang fix! Keeper, keeper, keeper!!!

Enjoyed the book. The emotion does take a bit out of you but there is humour and romance too. Bear is right about one thing . I'm not sure anyone could put up with him, other than Otter. His tenancy to over think things would wear thing very quickly. It did bother mtme enough to stop me embarking on book two. I've already purchased three and four.

I came across this book already in September but in some reason product description didn't really sell this. However I'm glad I came back and read the sample. I was drawn into the story and the second I finished the sample I needed to know what happens.This is a very moving story and I can't remember when I was last time so excited about a book. This is a story about love and its different forms. It is not easy to know what is right and wrong love, but the question is finding the right one for you. It is also story about responsibility - not only that you are responsible of your nearest and dearest, but finding that you are also responsible to make something about your life and to do something good to yourself.I couldn't wait to carry on reading and wanted to know how it ends - and at the same time didn't want it to end. I really liked the way we got to know Bear better through his stormy thoughts... Mother's motives in latter part of the book should have been clearer, but as she was so nasty it was better I didn't need to hear more of her.Of course I fell in love with the boys - all of them. Warmly recommended!

The cover did not put me off. This is not junior fiction and The Kid has a pivotal role in the story. It made me laugh, it made me want to skip forward because l was worried about them. The style is unusual. Quite a bit of Bear doing Shakespeare as it were with the soliloquies. He does enjoy talking to himself, but you can skip bits and not miss anything important. I shall certainly be following their further adventures.

I have read these books in the wrong order, reading the last one first, however, this did not detract from my enjoyment. I read a review and find this is not an original work (apparently) - who cares, I read one appalling book that was a gay Dallas, this book is nowhere near appalling, its brilliant. I had no trouble with the style of writing, I really get Bear's internal debates and I completely get his devotion to Tyson and how hard it was for him to come to terms with his feelings for Otter. This was a great book and although I knew what happened it still had me in knots reading it. I of course will now red the next book.

Other reviewers have explained the simple but compelling story of two guys falling in love with the added difficulty of bringing up a child under a cloud of doubt regarding his missing mother.Not only is this novel a good readable length (350 pages) but the author has concentrated on characterisation and plot with the budding relationship around the two guys Otter and Bear taking a side-seat to the story of the kid and his older brother/guardian.It made me laugh it made me cry and it made me feel warm and more when the guys do eventually have sex.The follow up is Who We Are (also on Kindle) which is set six years later. This is a great follow up and helps answer "I wonder what happened next..."I just couldnt put this novel down. Excellent, hence 5 stars. Who We Are

I adore TJ's books and he has become my favourite author of this century. Bear, Otter and the Kid is beyond what I expected and I have already bought the rest of the series. TJ will make you laugh out loud till tears run down your face and then rip your heart out for good measure ( but he puts it back in don't worry ). From Tell Me It's Real to The Lightening Struck Heart and Wolfsong, he never fails to deliver one truly amazing read.

Totally agree with all the others comments, loved this book. I liked that it took me more than half a day to finish it and that every other page wasn't a sex scene (like in books from J Flynn or S Glenn...) Takes a bit to get accustomed to the way it's written but totally worth it. I also agree with some of the others about leaving the part of the plot regarding the mother a bit rushed or unfinished (?). However that it's cleared in the second book so no biggie. Loved the different personalities and the plot. It got me laughing and crying ... could not wait to buy the second one.

Cover as per usual leaves a lot to be desired, they're really naff some of them! As others have said, I did find it a little difficult at first to 'get' into the style of writing, but once I was in (and it didn't take long) I was well and truly hooked and um, let's just say that this book will DEFINITELY be a Keeper on the old Kindle, and I have already downloaded and am reading the follow-up. It may not be original, but who cares, it's a really lovely feel-good book! Otter is a just an amazing man!