Jared
This book encapsulates the essence of masculinity in the modern world. The author's wit and humor had me laughing at times, while his ability to strike a chord with deeply reflective content made me pause and introspect to the point where I had to put down the book at times. As a gay man, reading Brodeur's exploration of masculinity resonated strongly with me. He brought up familiar thoughts and scenes about navigating a world that often criticizes you for not being ‘masculine enough', while also dealing with the expectations of the gay community to uphold the same standards. The book delves deep into what it means to be healthy, strong, and attractive but also questions how these qualities are measured. It was refreshing to see Brodeur challenge the images of hypermasculinity projected by figures, and it made me question how these images have influenced my perceptions of attractiveness and strength. “Swole” is a thoughtful, funny, and reflective piece of writing that I would highly recommend. It's left me eager to read anything else Brodeur has to write, and has me fantasizing about having brunch or a workout session with him!
My favorite read of 2024, so far. The book follows the journey of Gordon, a young gay man, who, post-breakup, impulsively moves from Minnesota to New York City. Grattan expertly captures the pain of isolation and the desperate search for identity and belonging.
The story is a quest for answers to the troubles of youth, and its pace is brisk. Gordon quickly finds himself in the city's underbelly, working a lowly job and living in a bleak apartment. Yet, he finds solace in the company of a friendly barkeep and the company of strangers he meets under the cover of the night.
One of the book's most striking elements is its frankness. Grattan doesn't shy away from exploring the raw realities of Gordon's life. He seeks validation and purpose, which he eventually finds as a personal assistant to the sophisticated West Village couple, Philip and Nicola.
The author explores the themes of seeing and being seen, longing for attention and validation. Gordon's journey is a mix of cringe-worthy attempts to fit into a world he doesn't fully understand and heartbreaking moments of rejection and loss.
The end of the story sees Gordon maturing and coming into his own. The novel becomes an elegy for every young gay person rejected by their family. It is not just about surviving but about thriving in spite of adversity.
“In Tongues” is a compelling, well-paced, and tender novel. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a story that navigates the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-discovery amidst the harsh realities of life.
I will never understand how to give less than a complete stars - but this one gets 3.75. This is a well-executed speculative thriller. The book is set in Caesura, Texas, and the town itself is a social experiment where 48 convicted criminals live after having their memories of their crimes wiped out. The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, with a constant mystery surrounding the town and its inhabitants. The characters are morally gray yet relatable, each fighting for survival. While the pacing may not be as suspenseful as a typical thriller, the reveals, and multiple layers of conspiracy kept me engaged. Nothing is what it seems and I found myself grappling with rooting for morally corrupt people (they are, after all, criminals to begin with). This needs to be adapted to a mini-series, because as well as the characters are developed, it is confined to less than 400 pages and there is so much more that could have been covered.
This is a pretty remarkable piece of literature that cleverly straddles the line between satire and high literature. It presents an incisive, scathing portrayal of a world polarized by politics, where everyone is bound by their allegiances, and compromise seems like a distant, unattainable dream. Its depictions are so precise and insightful that some sections demand a second read to absorb their depth fully.
The novel confronts every major societal issue head-on - from gun control, addiction, and bankruptcy to the elusive American dream. Instead of offering easy answers, it presents various perspectives, forcing the reader to engage and think critically. This is a strength, not a weakness, as it encourages readers to reflect on complex issues rather than accepting spoon-fed solutions.
Alice Winn's “In Memoriam” isn't your typical war novel. Yes, there's the muck and misery of war, but there is also a tender and aching love story. I loved meeting Ellwood and Gaunt; their bond forms within the strict confines of early 20th-century homophobia. Their fragile world is torn apart by the war and there is a contrast between the tenderness of their love and constant threat of death.
It is a story of love and resilience. It reminded me of the human cost of war (a lesson all too applicable today) and how even amongst devastation, love persists. Absolutely loved this one.
An exceptional novel. When I first saw the cover I thought, “What classic is this? And ugh, it looks like homework.” Don't be deceived (unless you like homework?) It's a tightly-woven narrative that brilliantly encapsulates the entire life of its protagonist. The author's keen observation and the profound depiction of Stoner's life give readers a sense of deep familiarity and connection. One of the unique aspects of the novel is its setting. It serves as a fantastic campus novel, portraying the academic life with an eloquence that makes it feel real and personal. It's a wonder that such a compelling and insightful novel hasn't been adapted into a film yet.
Let me preface this by saying: if you're about to walk down the aisle, “Piglet” might not be the book for you. But if you're up for a hilarious and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of love and marriage, buckle up.
The protagonist, known as Piglet (thanks to a childhood nickname), is two weeks from her wedding when her world gets rocked. Her fiancé, Kit, confesses to a betrayal, throwing their meticulously planned happily ever after into question. What follows is a hilarious and cringe-worthy journey of self-discovery fueled by copious amounts of food (Hazell's descriptions are mouthwatering!).
Here's the thing: “Piglet” isn't sunshine and rainbows. It's messy and raw, and it forces you to confront uncomfortable truths about relationships. It reminds you that marriage isn't just about two people in love; it's about merging families, histories, and emotional baggage.
“Everything for You” by Chloe Liese is a delightful read that kept me hooked from start to finish. As someone on a romance novel streak featuring gay characters, this book stands out as a fun and engaging read. The charm of this novel lies in its well-drawn characters that you can't help but root for. I identified with both characters; their struggles and triumphs resonated with me personally. Liese's storytelling is effective and heartfelt, making this book a must-read for anyone who enjoys well-crafted romance novels.
This is a gem. I loved this book and thought it instantly a must-read for anyone in the gay community. Hutchinson's nuanced characters and thoughtful exploration of identity and self-discovery provide a meaningful and profoundly resonant narrative. The struggles, joys, and complexities of the protagonist's journey will resonate with many readers, offering a profound reflection on life, love, and the complexity of human emotions. A quick read that'll keep you reading day-after-day, page-after-page. Do not miss out.
In truth, I approached “Paris: The Memoir” with a certain degree of skepticism and pessimism. I had preconceived notions about the life of a celebrity, and I was unsure of what to expect from such a memoir. However, as I delved into the pages, I found myself stunned by the raw vulnerability and truthfulness that emerged from the text. The author stripped away the layers of her public persona, revealing a deeply human and relatable side. Through her honest and often painful revelations, I found a level of understanding I hadn't expected. While I may not have ended the book with an overwhelming sense of affection for her, I gained a profound respect and understanding of her journey. “Paris: The Memoir” is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the importance of sharing our stories, no matter how different they may seem on the surface.
Reading this book demands a struggle of conscience before opening its cover, given Highsmith's unsettling history of vehement antisemitism (it's public knowledge, this isn't an accusation. Google it). However, once past this hurdle, the book reveals itself as a work of austere yet profound observation. Highsmith's narration, though restricted, provides a deep dive into the taste and texture of life in Manhattan, a city beautifully captured in its many layers. She brings the city to life, from the thrill of discovering an overlooked Greek take-out restaurant to the feel of jogging through its empty, early-morning streets. It's a work that, despite the author's shortcomings, manages to encapsulate a place and a feeling with a rare intensity.
This is probably one of the best books I have ever read. I'm not one for reviews but I feel like this one deserves it. It is a sprawling, beautiful, engrossing novel that tells the story of one man's lifetime and all the trials and tribulations he goes through. My only disappointment is that it ended. I could have read another 700 pages.
For anyone who is a fan of the 1960s, poetry, Andy Warhol, and the history of Gay New York City. I wish John would have focused a bit more on his writing, reflections on his impact to the scene, as he spent a lot of time focused on the details of others. And although those other characters - Warhol, Rauschenberg, Burroughs - are fascinating, I was hoping to learn more about Giorno. Unless, is he just a sum of parts - a collection of experiences from this other ‘Demon Kings'? Nevertheless, a fascinating, scintillating read from a dying breed.
