I liked the book more than I expected, even though the beginning gave me whiplash with Noah's nervous thoughts going all over the place.

The first half of the book read like a rom-com as Noah navigates his first relationship as an out gay man.

It's all light and fluffy until it wasn't.

The second half of the book tackles with more serious issues, and the tone goes heavy and dramatic as Noah struggles with bigotry and hate from some of their peers and some of the parents.

After reading the conclusion, I keep wondering, that if I was in Noah's shoes, how I wish I could turn back time

just so that I would have kept quiet and be satisfied with Parker being my best friend for 50 odd years than being my boyfriend just for one.

Like Noah, I would keep blaming myself: if I hadn't told him I liked him;  if I didn't keep suggesting that I'd be happier if we could make our relationship public, basically forcing Parker to come out; if I just answered that last phone  call; etc.

. A lot of "should have"'s and "would have done"s, cannot erase the Mark on My Soul.

I gave this a 4.75

It was such a wonderful story. Honestly, it was so sweet and then the heartbreak. I knew it wasn’t going to be happily ever after about half way. 

I was sad when they broke up but I was utterly devastated with Parker died. I knew his parents were going to hurt him worse than anything. 

I cried while Noah reading Parker’s letter and his finale visit to his grave. 

I hope to learn that Noah is okay. I know he will never forget Parker but still. I felt that it just ended and I wish for more closure a bit. 


But that’s life, I guess. I am still going to read the second book but thank you for making me ugly cry.