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Goodbye Paradise summary
Brief summary
Goodbye Paradise by Sarina Bowen is a captivating romance novel that follows the journey of two young people, Caleb and Josh, as they escape their oppressive religious community and discover love and freedom in the outside world.
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Goodbye Paradise
Summary of key ideas
The Struggle of Acceptance and Self-Discovery
In Goodbye Paradise by Sarina Bowen, the story revolves around two main characters, Josh and Caleb, who grow up in a religious cult. They are taught that their feelings are wrong and that the only way to be accepted is to conform to the cult's strict rules.
Josh and Caleb are best friends and share a special bond, but their feelings for each other go beyond friendship. They are aware that their love is forbidden in the cult, and they fear the consequences of being discovered. As they grow older, they begin to question the teachings of the cult and struggle to accept their feelings for each other.
The Escape and the Journey to Self-Acceptance
When the truth about their relationship is revealed, Josh and Caleb are banished from the only world they've ever known. They are forced to leave everything behind, including their families, and start a new life in the outside world. The transition is difficult, and they face many challenges as they try to adapt to the unfamiliar surroundings.
As they embark on their journey, they also start to explore their own identities and come to terms with their sexuality. They learn to accept themselves for who they are and begin to understand that their love is not wrong. Their escape from the cult becomes a metaphor for their journey toward self-acceptance and freedom.
The Tension of Forbidden Love
Once outside the cult, Josh and Caleb find themselves in a world that is both exciting and terrifying. They experience new things, like technology and different forms of entertainment, and they also meet new people who help them in their transition. However, their love is still considered taboo in the outside world, and they have to navigate the challenges of being in a same-sex relationship.
Despite the societal pressure and their own internal struggles, Josh and Caleb's love for each other only grows stronger. They support each other through their difficult times and celebrate their newfound freedom together. Their relationship becomes a symbol of resilience and the power of love in the face of adversity.
The Conclusion and the Promise of a New Beginning
In the end, Josh and Caleb manage to overcome their past and look forward to a bright future. They come to terms with their traumatic experiences in the cult and find solace in each other's company. They also build a new community of friends who accept them for who they are.
While their journey is far from easy, Josh and Caleb's story is ultimately one of hope and resilience. They prove that love knows no boundaries and that it is possible to find happiness, even after enduring extreme hardship. Goodbye Paradise is a poignant tale of self-discovery, acceptance, and the transformative power of love.
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What is Goodbye Paradise about?
Goodbye Paradise by Sarina Bowen follows the story of two young men, Caleb and Joshua, who grow up in a strict religious community. When their forbidden love is discovered, they are banished to a remote farm. As they struggle to survive in a world they know nothing about, they also discover the true meaning of love and freedom. This heartwarming and emotional novel explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the power of love.
Goodbye Paradise Review
Goodbye Paradise (2017) tells a tender story of two young men who grow up in a strict religious community and fall in love as they escape to discover a world beyond their upbringing. Here's why this book is captivating:
- Explores themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery, resonating with anyone who values emotional depth in storytelling.
- Offers a refreshing perspective on LGBTQ+ relationships, challenging societal norms and prejudices with grace and authenticity.
- With its heartfelt character development and poignant, immersive narrative, it ensures a gripping and emotionally enriching reading experience.
Who should read Goodbye Paradise?
Readers who enjoy LGBTQ+ romance novels
Those looking for a story of self-discovery and finding one's true identity
People interested in exploring the complexities of love and societal expectations
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Book summaries like Goodbye Paradise
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Goodbye Paradise FAQs
What is the main message of Goodbye Paradise?
The main message of Goodbye Paradise is about self-discovery and embracing love against all odds.
How long does it take to read Goodbye Paradise?
Reading Goodbye Paradise will take a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a short sitting.
Is Goodbye Paradise a good book? Is it worth reading?
Goodbye Paradise is a heartwarming story of love and finding oneself. Definitely a book worth reading.
Who is the author of Goodbye Paradise?
The author of Goodbye Paradise is Sarina Bowen.
What to read after Goodbye Paradise?
If you're wondering what to read next after Goodbye Paradise, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
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- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher