LGBTQA Group Books discussion

Chapters one and two

For those of you whose read better on a schedule, here's one I made up. But you really don't have to follow it if you don't want to.
Dec. 18: Finish chapters one and two
Dec. 21: 3-5
Dec. 26: 6-8
Dec. 30: 9-11
Dec. 31: 12

This book is hideous! It takes more than a fancy thesaurus to write a good book. I have read a lot of good books that were wordy, but being wordy alone doesn't make a book a good read. I usually dont mind using a dictionary to get through a story, but when you have to look up every other word, and in the end, the story is bland, it isn't satisfying. This book is pretentious and I am not enjoying it at all.

And oh, I am only on page 12!

Hmmmm... I can definitely see where Andre is coming from. The esoteric and "jargony" references and wordings are a bit distracting, but I simply glaze over the ones that don't strike me immediately. My first impression of the book was similar. Its slow pacing and chaotic narrative were slightly irritating. However, I'd say at or about page 10-12 the book hit a stride, calmed down considerably, and became much more clear. I really got into the book at this point, and the second chapter went much faster than the first.

I definitely agree that the beginning of the book was not handled well, at all. I had to fight to get through it, mostly.

Yes... I feel the same way. Maybe I haven't hit my stride, but will still get through it. Before now, I started and restarted the book about 10 times, not being able to focus my attentions on the story, but instead blankly reading words. First impression.

David that is exactly my situation, took almost a week to get past page 4. However, I can say that after my angry (not really) rant last night, the book did seem to immediately get better. I just didn't have enough in me to finish even that chapter. Tonight I will finish chapter 1 and hopefully two.

Side Note: My friends non-GLBT book club is reading AND THE BAND PLAYED ON: PEOPLE, POLITICS AND THE AID EPIDEMIC - they are loving it. They read one book at the end of each scholastic trimester- I am really glad that choose that one.

I agreee, partially. The language is quite flowery. But my impression is that this is done to highlight his Gemini (2-faced) nature -- academic vs. lustful hedonist.

At the same time, passages like this (p. 7) are really indirect and dorky:

"Today was one of those April days, still and overcast, that felt pregnant with some immense idea, and suggested, as I roamed across from one perspective to another, that this was merely a doldrums, and would last only until something else was ready to happen."

I got the sense that the Author was trying just that, mix a "intellectualism" with hedonism.

I should start off saying that I am not actually into erotica, but I can enjoy a book as long as it is not just literary porn. For example, I read "Wild Animals I knew" and at the end, felt like I read the script of a porn video, and came away with nothing. The book "Closer" on the other hand, erotic, violent, and often times obscene, but the story was good enough that when the book ended I felt like my time was well spent and I came away with having experienced a good tale.

This book, obviously, failed for me in the beginning. If I wasn't so cheap (I MUST read every book I buy - no matter how painful) and devoted to the idea of this book club, I probably would have abandoned this book from page 6. The only part of the book in chapter one that meant anything at all was the story about Aurthur living at Williams home and the story of Lord Nantwhich dying and being revived by William. As far as the erotica, my assumption is we just aren't there yet. Other than a few lustful descriptions of protruding bulges and arousing descriptions of sexy bodies, the book isn't really, as of chapter two, what I would consider erotic or hedonistic.

Chapter two, however, just a much better read. Nothing thus far has stood out as a literary masterpiece; nothing I came across was so quotable that I felt the urge to text message some of my more literary savvy friends, but the book is taking a turn that I hope it continues to turn too. I am excited with anticipation and hope that this book might be a good read after all. :)

Like many of the others in this group I have found this book somewhat laborious at times. It is definitely not a "quick read". In some sections I am wondering when I will just put the book down and say "just forget it" and then all of a sudden I will find myself interested in the story. It is going to be a struggle to complete the book timely since I am starting to move into my new house this weekend and will not have as much time to devote to the reading. Like Andre I feel that I must read every book I start and also want to see the book club succeed. I have learned, however, from other local book groups I participate that I am not always going to like every book but can learn something from each book and what the other members of the group have to share. Everyone have a great weekend.

I'm finally getting into it. It's good that I know most of the English locutions, slang and otherwise!

I finished the first chapter. So far not a favorite. Several things stood out. William is rich and lost. His new guy Arthur seems like a play toy. He describes a 50 year old as decrepit. (What?? I'm 51 lol) People are judged by their appearance. Maybe that's youth, I'm trying to remember. There's a fascination with underground life, from the first several paragraphs about men working in tunnels to the location of the swimming pool in the basement of the Corry. I'm interested when he says, "(it's)...the last summer of its kind there was ever to be." On to Chapter 2.

I remember what it was like as a young man in the late '70's and early 80's (a few years back) and going to baths sometimes. I think the author captured the mood right. Back in my 20's I thought men in their 50's (or older) were ancient. Youth and appearance ruled. I wonder if Will thinks he'll end up like Lord Nantwich in later years. James seems like the only person that Will respects.

I agree with everyone that the beginning was chaotic and difficult to remain interested in. But I really enjoyed chapter two--both the writing style and the direction of the story. Ted, I think your observation about the academic vs. the lustful hedonist is very important and an interesting competition to pay attention to. I've just finished chapter two, and I find myself invested in William's thoughts and life. so while it was a little slow getting there, if the book continues to steer clear of the difficulties in chapter one, I think I/we have a lot to look forward to. As for the language, I don't understand every word, but I see absolutely no problem.

Oh, and I also want to say I'm happy that a couple of you mentioned wanting this little group to succeed. That's encouraging :)