Archerr

I haven't written about the books I've been reading in a long time but I just finished reading "The Sixth Form" by Tom Dolby. I read his first book, The Trouble Boy, and loved it so I knew I'd be interested in reading his second book. I was not disappointed. The book is about two prep school boys in their senior year. One is straight and one is gay. The straight boy gets caught up with one of the teachers at the school and the gay boy goes through the realization he's gay and deals with his family. I thought it was a very well written book. I read for 30 minutes each night before going to bed and I found myself not wanting to put the book down. I wanted to keep finding out what happened next to Todd, Ethan, and Hannah. If you follow the types of books I read, you will enjoy this one.



Next up is "A Wolf At The Table" by Augusten Burroughs. I've read every book Augusten has written and have loved every one of them. I really enjoyed Running With Scissors and Dry. This one is another memoir but it happens before the other two. It's about his father. Here's what the publisher says:

"Millions of listeners have been flat-out astonished, profoundly moved, and massively entertained by the writing of Augusten Burroughs. Now, with A Wolf At The Table—his first full-length memoir in five years—Augusten returns to his literary roots as one of the most famous memoirists of our time, yet he makes a quantum leap forward into untapped emotional terrain: the radical pendulum swing between love and hate, the unspeakably terrifying relationship between father and son. A Wolf At The Table is the story of Augusten's relationship with his father, John Robison, Sr., a man only briefly touched upon in Running With Scissors. Told with shocking honesty and penetrating insight, A Wolf At The Table is more than the companion volume to Running with Scissors—it's a story of stunning psychological cruelty and the redemptive power of hope."


I'm looking forward to getting into book. I'm sure I'll enjoy it.

I just finished reading America's Boy by Wade Rouse. It didn't take me as long to finish this book as it did the last. I think the reason is because I could relate to this guy so much in the book. What I thought was going to be a very funny memoir turned out to be a very serious look at family relationships, death of a sibling, being fat, and dealing with coming to terms with your sexuality.

Of course I'm a bit overweight so I could relate to the being fat part, and I could relate to the dealing with teasing in middle school from the bullies, but I couldn't relate to the death of a sibling. It was interesting how he weaved the stories of his childhood around the dysfunctional family issues with his brother's death. The book was very interesting and I did enjoy following his life and learning about his coming out and losing the weight and having things turn out just fine in the end. Check it out, it's a decent read. You'll enjoy it.



The next book on the nightstand is Tush by Jaffe Cohen. I first heard about this book on the podcast Remarkably Mark. I love his show and when I heard the author talking about his book on the show, I just had to check it out.

Here's what the publisher has to say:

"After his zodiac chart is read by a great psychic, Joel Eisenberg studies astrology and becomes the most famous media queen in the field. The author of a best-selling book and a nationally syndicated radio show regular, Joel manages to parlay his intuitive skills, gift for gab, and unbridled shamelessness by getting all the cute guys home for a reading and convincing them to expose their rear ends for a dose of 'chakra balancing.'

But now it's 1997. There are no more phone calls and Joel is publicly humiliated on his radio show. Believing that he should travel north to meet the soul mate who's been predicted for him, Joel goes to Cape Cod. Looking for a man who "paints houses," Joel moves into the home of Dennis Fairchild, a successful artist with a stupendous rear end. What Joel doesn't realize is that his real soul mate is probably Bill Doyle, the 'house painter' living in Dennis's backyard, fixing up the artist's home, drinking heavily, and still commun-icating with his deceased lover.

A comic tale of karmic redemption, Tush shows that when we're foolishly pursuing the wrong goals, the universe wisely knows how to make us suffer for our stupidity."

Sounds like it will be a fun book and I'm looking forward to checking it out. Of course I'll talk about it once I've finished reading it.

It's been awhile since I've written about the books I've been reading. I finally finished "Possible Side Effects" by Augusten Burroughs last week and thought it was time for an update. I've read all his books and enjoy his style of writing. I really enjoyed "Running with Scissors" and "Dry." Both were amazing memoirs that were fun to follow. The movie version of Running With Scissors is coming out this fall and I can't wait to see it.

Burroughs last two books, "Magical Thinking" and "Possible Side Effects" are both collections of essays about his life at different points. While I do enjoy all the stories, I prefer his book length stories like "Running With Scissors" and "Dry." I hope that he will be coming out with a book length story in the near future.






The next book I've decided to read it "America's Boy" by Wade Rouse. I selected this book because I saw it mentioned on Towleroad awhile ago but I can't remember when it was. It was also a selection in my Gay Book of the Month club.

Here's what the publishers say:

The tacky environs of the Missouri Ozarks in the 1970s set in relief a budding gay sensibility in this funny, affecting, overripe memoir. Wearing his mother's bikini and pearls to a mock beauty pageant at age five, winning office in his high school's Future Homemakers club, feigning romantic interest in a string of female beards, Rouse was hopelessly out of step with the redneck masculinity urged on him by taunting classmates and despairing relatives. Fortunately, he had a charmingly offbeat family, led by two warmhearted grandmothers, who accepted him as he was (without asking too many questions) and left him with a trove of glowing memories. The plight of a queer soul fighting for life in rural America is familiar literary terrain, and Rouse renders it as a duel between flamboyant camp and white-trash kitsch. He amplifies his inner turmoil with a weepy confessional tone, obsessing about his compulsive overeating, body issues, hair issues and gross bathroom issues, and sobbing endlessly over emotional travails. In the end, the narrative lapses into a clichéd coming-out melodrama. But when Rouse looks away from the mirror to the people around him, the book comes alive with tender portraits of kitsch and kin.

Sounds like a book I'll enjoy. Of course I'll write something about it when I finish it.

Next up is He's The One by Timothy James Beck. This is a new author for me. I haven't read anything by him before. I think this is the second book he wrote. I don't have the first book but I already have the third book so if I like this one I may have to get his first book. Of course I checked out what the publisher had to say about the book:

From Timothy James Beck, the acclaimed author of It Had To Be You, comes his second delightfully witty, thoroughly heartfelt novel as he introduces a Midwestern jock-slash-computer geek who comes to the big city in search of love, career, friendship, and a chance to find out if...He's The One.

Something's gotta give for Adam Wilson. The hunky, sweet Midwestern entrepreneur might have a dream job, but his love life is anything but picture-perfect. The guys he dates usually turn out to have criminal records, bankruptcy histories, personality disorders, or wives. And for the first time in his life, Adam is ready to look for Mr. Right instead of Mr. Right-Out-the-Door. But where to look is more the question. It's not like bucolic, sleepy Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is exactly crawling with adorable, uncloseted gay men. Taking a job in New York City is awfully tempting, and when a computer company makes Adam an offer he can't refuse, he packs his flannel shirts and heads east in a hurry.

Like lots of driven, career-focused people before him (Think Marlo; think Mary Richards; rethink the flannel shirts...) Adam tackles the big city with farm-fresh enthusiasm, but the most breathtaking attraction of all is Jeremy, the blond, brown-eyed beauty Adam catches sight of in a Chelsea coffee shop. In addition to a buff bod and a to-die-for face, Jeremy's got a few other attributes like a heart, a soul, and a conscience. Trouble is, he may also have an annoying boyfriend bent on turning the sexy TV actor into the yoga-practicing equivalent of Mother Teresa with better shoes. Now that Adam's sure he's met the love of his life, how can he get Jeremy to fall in love with him? Catching Jeremy is going to take more than Adam's sweet-natured country enthusiasm.

Wry, and touching, He's The One asks the age-old question - Can a decent, well-adjusted gay man from small-town America find sex, love, and happiness in the big city? - and answers with a resounding, "Only if he knows where to look."

Last night I finally finished reading Trust Fund Boys by famous author Rob Byrnes . I can't remember when I started reading it but I know it's been a long time. I only read for a few minutes before bed each night. In any case, I enjoyed the book. It was a fun story about a guy trying to climb the social ladder without letting anyone know about his past or the pack of lies he told to get there. It was humorous at times and you wanted to cheer for his successes and curse him when he made stupid mistakes. It was an enjoyable read. I would recommend it to anyone interest in a light, fun story. He also wrote The Night We Met which was another fun read. I wonder if he's working on anything new. I like reading books by the same author.




Next up is The Order of the Poison Oak by Brent Hartinger. This book is the sequel to Geogarphy Club . I read that book awhile ago and really enjoyed it. This one sounds like it will be just as enjoyable. This one is set in a summer camp with many of the same characters from the last book. Here's what the publisher says:

Geography Club's Russel Middlebrook is back, and he and his friends are off to work as counselors at a summer camp. Brent Hartinger's third novel is the story of Indian legends, skinny-dipping in moonlit coves, and passionate summer romance. It's also the story of Russel's latest club, the Order of the Poison Oak, a secret society dedicated to helping its members see life's hidden beauty and accept its sometimes painful sting.

Last night I finally finished Shameless by Paul Burston. I've been reading this book since January 5th. I'm not a slow reader, I just don't have time to sit down and read big chunks of a book at a time. I usually only read about 20-30 pages a night before bed. This book held my interest consistently. I didn't go long periods without reading it.

The story was interesting enough. Basically you follow the life of 3 people, with a few other people sprinkled in from time to time. Two gay guys, and a straight women. Martin, who I consider the main character, is a likable guy. I think I got into following his life more then the others. I guess it takes place over about a year's time. Not sure though, it wasn't really clear. In any case, we follow Martin, John and Caroline through boyfriends, family, parties, and basic life. Martin was more interesting because you got more into his feelings, downfalls, and experiences more then the others. It was a decent read. However, one thing I have to point out is that drugs play a major role in this book. All three characters get into all kinds of drugs...cocaine, K, ecstasy, crystal meth...WAY too many drugs. I could not relate to the drugs at all. I've never done any drugs and just couldn't picture myself in their shoes. I read over all the drug use and related more to Martin's boy troubles. I felt sorry for him often in the book. I kept wanting him to find the right guy and stop doing drugs at the bars to find that guy. Oh, and the whole story takes place in London. A few of the British pop culture references were lost on me but there were also just as many American pop culture references. I enjoyed the book. I don't know that I'd rank it high on my recommendation list but simply because it had the gay characters and struggles with boyfriends, I would recommend it.

Next up: Trust Fund Boys by Famous author Rob Byrnes. I don't know him personally but I've followed his blog for about a year now. I discovered his blog before reading his first book The Night We Met. After following his blog for awhile I decided to read it. I enjoyed it and soon after ordered Trust Fund Boys. It's been sitting on my night stand for awhile. When I finished Shameless last night, I looked at the stack of books on my night stand and decided it was time to start Trust Fund Boys. I'm sure I'll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed his first book. Of course I'll write something about it when I finish it.

First of all, thanks for the comments on the last post. I will NOT be posting naked pictures of myself on my blog. I don't want to scare you away! And believe me, right now, they are scary!

Secondly, today was my friend Ken's birthday. Happy Birthday, Ken!

I just finished reading Magical Thinking by Augusten Burroughs. I have read all his books so far. I knew I would enjoy this one as well. And I did. It's a series of true stories from his life. I laughed and cried at several of the stories. I found them both thought provoking and humorous. I really like the cleaning lady story. I love the way he writes. He writes like he's sitting down having coffee while telling you a story face to face. He is the kind of guy that I'd like to be friends with. He wrote one story about people contacting him after they've read his books and talk to him as if they've known him all their lives. Well, after reading his books, you actually feel like you might have known him for a very long time. I know that's how I feel. I feel like I could sit down with him and have a great conversation and not have any awkward silent moments. Also, the way he talks about his partner you just know he is totally in love and plans on being with him the rest of his life. I like that about him because of course I want the same thing. I completely enjoyed this book and could relate to so many of the stories. If you haven't discovered the joy of his books, you should really look check them out. I know you'd enjoy them.

Next up is Shameless by Paul Burston. I haven't read anything by this author. I don't even know if he's written anything else. But it was recommended to me by someone (I can't remember who) and thought I'd give it a try.

From the publisher:

Martin is kind, decent, easy on the eyes...and look where that's got him. His boyfriend of four years has run off with a male prostitute, and his friends John and Caroline both have enough excess baggage to fill a Louis Vuitton window display. What's a nice gay man to do? With no one to turn to, Martin decides to relive the wild youth he never had and - at the ripe old age of thirty-two - jumps headfirst into hedonism. But the nights of drugs, hard bodies, and even harder music are about to take their toll. Martin, John, and Caroline will find that as fun as being absolutely shamelss is (and girl, can it be fun!), it also has a price - one that they ultimately may not want to pay.

Sounds like something I might enjoy. We'll see. And of course I'll have a review of the book when I finish reading it.

I've had this book sitting on my night stand for 2 months. I've been reading it slowly, just a few pages a night. Last night I finally sat down and finished it. It's not that I wasn't enjoying it. I've just had other things to do besides making time to enjoy a book. I'm glad I finished it because it's actually a pretty good book. The main character who tells the story is very similar to me. He's a teacher. He pains after the love of his life. And he deals with his friends problems more then his own until a time comes when they come through for him. You follow the story of a bunch of friends who make a deal to find love before the end of the year. Throughout the year you read about their dates and all the things that go on in their lives. The ending is a little predictable and comes on a little fast. It actually tightens things up just right though. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys gay romantic comedy type stories. It's not the read of your life but I think you'd enjoy it. I'll be checking out a few of his other books.


Next up is Magical Thinking by Augusten Burroughs. I've read his 3 previous books and loved them all. I've been waiting for this one to come out for awhile. I got it while in the middle of reading the last book but decided to finish that one before jumping into this one. I've tried reading multiple books at the same time but it just doesn't work for me. I'm really looking forward to this book because when I was reading Dry and Running With Scissors I was dating Shawn. He and I were reading the books at the same time and had some great discussions about the books. Reading this one will bring back some nice memories even if we aren't together or even speaking anymore. Anyway, I really like the way Burroughs rights and completely enjoy his stories. I know I'll enjoy this book as well and wait with anticipation for his next.

From the publisher:

A contest of wills with a deranged cleaning lady. The execution of a rodent carried out with military precision and utter horror. Telemarketing revenge. A different kind of "roof work." Dating an undertaker who drives a mini-van. This is the fabric of Augusten Burroughs's life: a collection of true stories that are universal in their appeal yet unabashedly intimate, stories that shine a flashlight into both dark and hilarious places.

Last night I finished reading So Hard To Say by Alex Sanchez. As with his other books, I enjoyed this one as well. It's about a middle school boy who realizes he's gay. At the same time he meets a girl and she assumes they are together. She doesn't take it well. Each chapter of the book is told by one of the two main characters. You read their feelings and opinions. I enjoyed that part. You are able to see two sides of an issue and how each felt about it. The only thing I didn't care for was the amount of spanish used in the book. The author would often say things in spanish and not always tell you want it means in english. That was a bit frustrating when I couldn't figure it out from the rest of the paragraph. I would recommend this book as a quick read. Especially if you experienced realizing you were gay in middle school. You can relate to the character's feelings. I also think this would be a good book for middle school kids or even young high school kids. It deals with some bullying issues and name calling and how they deal with it. It's also written to their level I believe.

Next up is The Deal by Timothy Lambert and Becky Cochrane. I've already heard some good things about this book and it's been recommended by a fellow blogger (Joela) as well. He's got several sites and has recommended several books for me to read. I'm looking forward to getting into the story.

From the Barnes and Noble site:

New Year's Eve, 1999. Millennium celebrations light up the sky from Sydney to Seattle. But in the Houston living room of Aaron Fisher, the fireworks have fizzled! A gathering with his closest friends has devolved into a depressing deconstruction of the sad state of all of their love lives. Fed up with the moaning, Aaron comes up with The Deal: They all have until next New Year's Eve to find true love or stop whining about it.

The ensuing 12 months will answer many questions: Will Patrick, Aaron's straight roommate be able to ride the waves as his girlfriend, Vivian, decides whether she is Betty Crocker or Betty Friedan? Having embraced her lesbianism (and turned her back on her trust fund,) will Miranda stop sucking the life out of every romance? Will Alexander stop dabbling with men's hearts the way he dabbles in music and his parents' bank account? And will Aaron keep his end of the deal when the truth is he's happy with a life of bar buddies, gym buddies and bed buddies?

It's a year of surprises for all of them, as they take on unfaithful husbands, vindictive rumormongers, well-intentioned stalkers, pixie drummers who write bad poetry and marauding palmetto bugs. But most of all, they will discover much about themselves through the surprising, touching and hilarious revelations produced by a year of exploring the nature of love.

Of course I'll write up a review with I'm finished with it. I already know I'll have a positive review. It really sounds like something I'll enjoy reading. I plan on starting it tonight when I go to bed. I always read a good 30 minutes before actually falling asleep. That's the best time for me to get lost in a book. I think lots of people do that as well.

Last night I finished reading Belmondo Style by Adam Berlin. I really enjoyed this book. It was a story of a pickpocket father and his gay son and their very close relationship. The story takes place in New York City. The story is told through the eyes of a 16 year old boy. It tells of the father's restless search for women and pockets to pick. The son is a runner at school who realizes he's gay. The story takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions, crime, being on the run, sex, and love. There is one very disturbing violent scene that I didn't enjoy but it was crucial to the story. Usually I don't like the ending of the books I read but I have to say the ending of this book was pleasant. It tied up the loose ends and brought the story to a close. I would recommend this book. It's not necessarily a gay book but because of the story line of the son realizing he's gay and his first experience with love, it fits into my genre of gay novels. I think you'll enjoy this book.



Next up is So Hard To Say by Alex Sanchez. I've read two books by this author so I'm sure I'll enjoy this one. He writes mostly high school experiences with being gay and in love.

From Barnes and Noble.com:

Thirteen-year-old Xio, a Mexican American girl, and Frederick, who has just moved to California from Wisconsin, quickly become close friends, but when Xio starts thinking of Frederick as her boyfriend, he must confront his feelings of confusion and face the fear that he might be gay.

Most of the gay novels I read are full of white, middle class gay men so this might be a change. Of course I'll write about it once I finish it...which shouldn't be long. Shancez's books tend to be easy reads and I think they are written with the high school teenager in mind.

On another book note, Magical Thinking by Augusten Burroughs was released today. I ordered it through my book club. I have been waiting a long time for his next book. I totally fell in love with him as an author when I read Running With Scissors and Dry last summer. Since that time I've been waiting for his next book. If this book is anything like his other two, I will fall in love again. Of course, another reason his books mean a lot to me is because HE and I were reading them at the same time last summer and had great conversations about the books. We both enjoyed them and admire Burroughs as an author. Reading this book will bring back memories but good memories. I wonder if HE knows about the release of Burroughs new book and if he will be reading it.

I have had this book, The Salt Point by Paul Russell, sitting on my night stand since July 15th. I started reading it and got about 100 pages into the book and then put it down. I went on vacation and took the book with me but did not read it. Every night before going to sleep I'd see that book sitting there waiting for me to finish it. The past week I read a few pages each night determined to finish this book. I finally did last night.

"From the award-winning author of The Coming Storm comes the brilliantly conceived and precisely rendered novel The Salt Point, which explores the lives of four people-Anatole, Leigh, Chris, and Lydia-and their intermingled and unwinding desires. Set in a Poughkeepsie mall, the Main Street to a new generation, the novel follows these characters as they achieve their oddly triumphant lives redolent with loss and hope, humor and sadness, union and alienation. As promises are diminished and futures are abandoned, all four are hurtled toward that place in which everything is transmuted-the salt point."

I had such a hard time getting into this story. It kept jumping from character to character. The story wasn't all that complicated and was a good story but the way it was put together just bothered me. I couldn't keep up with where we were in the story with all the jumping. Once I started reading it again, I was able to keep up and follow the lives of these people. I did like how it took place in the '80s. The author noted songs from the '80s and styles from the '80s that I could relate to. I won't give the ending but I will say that I didn't like it. I understand why he ended it the way he did, I just didn't like it.

I've read other books by Paul Russell and still have one more on my stack to read but this one won't be one that I'd recommend to others. I'd say pick up War Against The Animals. It's much better.

Next up is Belmondo Style by Adam Berlin.

From the publisher:

"Jared Chiziver is a single father and professional pickpocket, devotee of Jean-Paul Belmondo and foreign films, and a suave ladies' man. His son, Ben, is sixteen, a bookish semi-introvert, a star on his school's track team, college bound, and gay. Their unusual but quiet and affectionate life in New York City's Greenwich Village is ripped asunder by two singular events. First, Jared finally meets "the one," Anna, a photographer of criminals and death scenes - a woman he finds endlessly engaging. Second, in response to a brutal attack upon his son, Jared breaks his own cardinal rule and commits the big crime, the one that draws the unflinching attention of the police. The only response possible to these events is to leave New York one step ahead of the authorities and embark upon a journey of both escape and discovery that will irrevocably change their lives."

This doesn't sound like the books I'm used to reading but it's got a gay character and that's the main point to all the books I read. It sounds too mystery, crime, suspence like for my tastes but I'm going to give it a try and see if I like it. I won't take as long to read this one as I did the last one I'm sure. I'm going to make myself read more often now. And of course I'll write about it when I'm done reading it.

This afternoon I finished reading Father's Day by Philip Galanes. This is his first novel. Very well done for his first. The book was about a guy who goes through a year in his life after his father committed suicide. Throughout the story he goes back in time and tells stories of his childhood and young adulthood. These stories are told in the middle of current day stories about his mother, his dealing with his father's death, his dating experiences, and his addiction to sex chat phone lines. The anecdotes of the sex chat line are scary at times and remind me of when I was a slut and used to hook up a lot. However, the sex club experiences he talks about are alarming. It was a good book and it held my interest from beginning to end. I look forward to his next novel should there be one.



Next up is The Salt Point by Paul Russell. Earlier this year I read War Against The Animals by the same author and enjoyed it. The Barnes and Noble book review has this to say about The Salt Point:

"From the award-winning author of The Coming Storm comes the brilliantly conceived and precisely rendered novel The Salt Point, which explores the lives of four people-Anatole, Leigh, Chris, and Lydia-and their intermingled and unwinding desires. Set in a Poughkeepsie mall, the Main Street to a new generation, the novel follows these characters as they achieve their oddly triumphant lives redolent with loss and hope, humor and sadness, union and alienation. As promises are diminished and futures are abandoned, all four are hurtled toward that place in which everything is transmuted-the salt point."

Not much to go on with that review. I'll read it anyway and of course give my opinion when I'm finished. I love being off in the summer. It allows me more time to read, which I love doing. Especially when I find books interesting enough to read. I've still got quite a stack on my night stand shelf to read. I'm sure by the end of the summer I will have read another 3 or 4 books. Reading takes you away from the world around you. I find myself living vicariously through these stories. If you aren't a reader, pick up a book and become one.

Last night I finished reading Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris. It was a quick read and overall I enjoyed the book. It's a series of essays written about his family and parts of his life. The first few stories really had me rolling. Several in the middle were just okay and not that humorous. Towards the end there were a few that made me smile or chuckle. There were some tender moments as well. Overall a decent read. I wouldn't compare it to some of his other books though.








Next up is Father's Day by Phillip Galanes. This is a debut novel for this writer so if I like it I guess I'll have future books to enjoy. Barnes and Noble reviews the book as follows:

Matthew Vaber racks up an obscenely large phone bill by compulsively dialing for dates on the "Pump Line," a gay phone-sex service with which he's become increasingly disenchanted. Unfortunately for Matthew, this activity fails to free him from coming to terms with his overbearing mother and the dysfunctional family dynamic that resulted in his father's recent suicide.

What brings this potentially maudlin plot to vivid life is Matthew himself -- antic, urbane, crafty, and as dedicated to perversely undermining his own happiness as he is to needling his mother about the past. As he sets out to make sense of his father's death, Matthew is forced to relive his childhood, and with his mother's reluctant assistance, his search for truth helps Matthew appreciate his father in a whole new way. And somehow, in the midst of the emotional whirlwind his hunt kicks up, Matthew begins to break down the psychological wall that has kept him from intimacy and tethered him to the Pump Line. Newly awakened to the possibility of real connections and commitments in his own life, he is finally prepared to step, albeit gingerly, into what looks like true love. Both laugh-out-loud funny and wise, Father's Day is a fiction debut that once begun, is impossible to put down.

Sounds like a decent review. I may just enjoy this one. Hell, if it has some gay characters in it, I'll enjoy it. I love my gay love stories.

I had a really relaxing day. I walked 4 miles on the treadmill while reading The Night We Met by famous author Rob Byrnes. I spent the evening laying on the couch finishing the book. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very funny at times, some would say suspenseful at times, and seriously romantic at times. All through the story I kept hoping that Andrew Westlake would make the right choices and stop complicating his life further by being connected to Frank. The story is full of good friends, the mafia, author adventures, and love. I won't ruin it by telling you the ending but I will say it will be one you'll enjoy. I always enjoy a gay love story. If you haven't read it yet, it will make for some enjoyable summer reading.




Next up is Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris. I've heard and read a lot about this book and I'm ready to find out about it myself. David Sedaris was on David Letterman last night. It was a pretty funny interview and David Sedaris read from this book. It was quite funny. I'm looking forward to reading it. I've read one of his other books so I know I'll enjoy this one.

Yesterday Shawn called to wish me a Happy Birthday. That was very sweet of him. We had a nice conversation. I could talk to him forever if he'd let me. Man, I love that guy.

Even though it was my birthday, I spent the majority of the day doing laundry, cleaning my house, running the dishwasher, and stuff around the house. Typical Saturday or Sunday chores.

Last night my good friend David took me out to dinner for my birthday. We went to The Cheesecake Factory. The meal was more then filling. I had to bring half of it home and ate it this evening for dinner. There was some nice eye candy to look at while waiting for our food. Cute young guys. We were going to have dessert but we were just too stuffed. We had a great time. David also gave me a generous gift card to Pottery Barn. I plan on going there tomorrow to find something. There are some many nice things there. It might be hard to choose. Thanks David!

Today I tried sleeping late but Michael called. I didn't answer the phone because I was half asleep and didn't get it in time. He left a message. I called him back once I was up and moving around. Just chit chat.

This is the second day of my 4 day weekend. I took Tuesday off to go to the doctor. I have a physical scheduled. When I saw my doctor in March he made me schedule a physical around my birthday. I haven't had one since I was 35 so it's time I guess. Last weekend I went in and had a ton of blood drawn for all the tests they run for being 40. Once I have the appointment and find out just how healthy or unhealthy I am, I'll post it.

Friday evening I finished reading Trouble Boy. It was a good book. Especially if you like a book about a 20-something screenplay writer living in Manhatton trying to get his screenplay produced. Throw in more gay boys, lots of bar drinking, restaurants, night life, sex, and celebrities and you have a fast moving story. As usual, it doesn't end the way I like books to end. I like books to finiish up the story in a nice neat package. But this one, like man others, leaves you thinking there will be another book to find out what happened with the trial (there's a car accident and Toby is a witness) and if he ever got his screenplay produced. I'll wait for the next edtion. It's a quick read if you make the time to read it.





Now I'm reading The Night We Met by Rob Byrnes who, by the way, has his own blog that I read regularly. From reading the jacket cover, it sounds like a pretty good story. Of course I'll write something up when I finish it. I need to make more time for reading. Once school is out, I'll have more time to devote to my reading. Anyway, sounds like I'll enjoy the story. Rob Byrnes has a new book out called Trust Fund Boys. You can read about it on his site. I might end up getting it if I enjoy the first one. Check out Rob's blog sometime.

Tomorrow I'm off to help mom with more things around her condo. I'll talk her into taking me to lunch and maybe some shopping at Pottery Barn.

Only two more days off then it's back to work! But there's only 13 more school days and I'm off for the summer. I have signed up for two short classes this summer. That will keep me busy I'm sure.

I just finished reading "Ready To Catch Him Should He Fall" by Neil Bartlett. Without giving anything away, I'll just say that the book ended well. I was pleased with the ending. Many of the books I've read lately haven't ended the way I would have liked but this one did. I was skeptical about whether or not I would enjoy this book but I did actually enjoy it. I know it took me quite awhile to finish it but I tend to do that from time to time. I'll start a book, really get into, get distracted, set it on the night stand for awhile, and then get back to it and finish reading it. I do that too often I think. I will try not to do that with this book. Also, I've bought several books lately so I need to get reading and not put them down. I must have 10 books I've bought recently (some talked about here). Just today I ordered 3 more books from my gay book of the month club, ISO.



My next book is "The Trouble Boy" by Tom Dolby (he's cute!). It sounds like a decent book from the write up on Barnes and Noble:

"A Yale-educated gay freelance writer navigates the shark-infested waters of Manhattan hoping to score a screenplay deal and a loyal boyfriend in this hip and sexy if predictable debut novel. The son of an upper-crust clothing designer, young Toby Griffin is plagued with acne and depression, but gets lucky when he's hired to be a nightclub reviewer for a struggling Web site and quickly becomes a "nightlife contender," impressing new friends Jamie, Donovan, Brett, David and Alejandro. Though the social scene is all about hooking up, Toby does manage a dinner date or two, but most end disastrously, including one with an egotistical former Real World cast member and another with a sleazy Polo store clerk. When both the Web site and an exciting proposal to co-write a memoir by transsexual performer Lola Copacabana fizzle out, Toby begins work for hotshot producer Cameron Cole. A premiere party with lots of cocaine and booze sets the stage for a deadly Lizzie Grubman-style "accident" and a coverup that tests Toby's allegiance to his glitzy cohorts. As the media spotlight shines on Toby, he begins to lose interest in his tour of hot nightspots filled with cool Mr. Wrongs. Will our almost-charming hero ever find someone worthy? There are few surprises here, but Dolby's writing is smooth and his flashy scene-setting spot-on."

Of course I'll write about liking it or not when I finish reading it.

Weight 180
Miles Walked 6.37

Long day at work today. Not as many opportunities to walk extra miles today. Lots of sitting times. But 6.37 miles isn't too bad either. I always say if I can at least do 5 miles a day, I'm doing well.

Last night I finsihed reading Tim and Pete. It ended well. Tim and Pete ended up together after a really wild night together chasing after a friend who Pete met at AA. It was a pretty wild story in the end. I was very glad that the two guys ended up together and in love. I really enjoy a good gay love story. However, Tim and Pete was written in the early 1990's when AIDS was a huge issue and very political so there is lots of reference to the Reagan administration and how they denied attention to the problem. Besides the political stuff, I really enjoyed the story.

Tonight I'll begin reading Ready To Catch HIm Should He Fall by Neil Bartlett. I went to the Barnes and Noble web site and found this description of the book:

"A deeply romantic evocation of gay life, this stunning first novel by celebrated British gay writer Neil Bartlett gives a tender, erotic, brutally explicit portrayal of love between men. In a dark corner of the best bar in the city, two lovers fall into each other's arms. The bar has been called many names, but it is now known simply as The Bar. Its proprietor is the aging, still glamourous Madame. Its clientele is gay. The two who fall in love are Boy, a beautiful nineteen-year-old, and the handsome, forty-something "Older Man" referred to as "O" by the regulars of The Bar. This is the story of Boy's and O's courtship and marriage, of Madame's role in the affair, and of the man called "Father," who threatens to come between them. Searingly honest in its deception of gay culture and ritual, this gripping novel is at once a moving celebratiion of love and a stark picture of life for gay men today."

So it sounds like I'll enjoy this book as well. If I get into it like I did the other book, I'll walk more and finish it quickly. Then again, if I don't enjoy it, I'll put it down and pick up another book. I have several to read so it wouldn't be a problem finding another book to read.

Since there was nothing to write about last night and nothing of significance to watch on TV, I decided to finish the book I've been reading. I finished The Boys Of Swithins Hall last night. I wasn't as impressed with the book as I thought I might be. The story is about a house master of a boys school in England. Throughout the book he tells of his sexual experiences at the boys school and during his young life. He's barley older then the boys he is watching over. There are very descriptive sexual encounters between himself and the boys at the school. Basically this is a smut novel. There's no love story involved. I usually prefer love stories. This was a decent diversion from my usual choices. If you are looking for a decnet smut novel, here it is. If you are looking for a love story, skip this selection. One thing that annoyed me in the book is that it is obviously published in England. They don't use periods after Mr. or any of the titles used in the book. Not a big thing, just got on my nerves.

Tonight I will begin reading Tim and Pete. Here is a review of the book I found at Barnes and Noble.

"James Robert Baker's groundbreaking novel of simmering rage and justifiable violence is follows combative ex-lovers Tim and Pete as they are thrown together on a bizarre trek from Laguna Beach, Calif., to Los Angeles. But it is when they find themselves on the trail of an anarchist gang of queers that Baker's novel takes off with a roar. Sarcastic, satiric, violent, and exhilarating, Tim & Pete is a fantastically imagined, boldly realized vision of the cultural war that continues to rage in the hearts of the disenfranchised and in the streets of America."

I'm not sure it's the kind of book I'd enjoy but I'll give it a try. I don't often put down a book without reading at least half of it. Actually, I can't remember the last book I actually couldn't get through. We'll see about this one. Of course I'll write what I think about it after I read it.


On another note, there is debate and speculation on a few sites that suggest that Apple may be returning to their original Apple logo. Some sites say returning to the gay style logo my not be a good idea. I don't really have an opinion. I like both the old and the new. I don't have a preference.

Last night I finished reading "Dream Boy" by Jim Grimsley. The book started out interesting. Young love between to boys who live next door to each other. They discover each other and go through the steps to become intimate. The intimacy is one way though. Nathan, the younger of the two, has an alcoholic father who sexually abused him. Nathan spends the entire story avoiding his father and hiding from him. The disturbing part comes towards the end of the novel when Nathan and Roy, the older boy, go camping with some friends and are caught having sex, which is the first time that Roy reciprocates the intimacy. When they are caught they run. One of the friends catches up with Nathan and beats him and sexually abuses him. I was sad while reading the last several chapters of the book. I felt so sorry for Nathan and hoped that Roy would come through and be there for him. I won't tell you the end incase you decide to read the book. I'm not sure I would recommend the book or not. And I can't say I completely enjoyed the book.



I just started reading "The Boys Of Swithins Hall". The description on the back of the book says it's set in an English boys' boarding school and is the story of Tim Dunn's sexual awakening-in overdrive. Sound promising. Of course I'll tell you what I think when I'm finished reading it.