harry_lemon's Reviews (159)

1.5⭐
Well, I'm glad it was short, I'll say that...

This is the third of my Beat Generation authors (Burroughs, Kerouac, and Ginsberg), and this was by far the worst. This book gets at least 1 star for Burroughs's writing style, because I can see how he is a good writer. But, in regards to plot, characters, themes, this book falls significantly below acceptable. 

Of course, this work is EXTREMELY of its time, so if you choose to read this (good luck), take a lot of the book with a grain of salt. 

I'll admit there are some decent moments that deal with longing for connection from the queer perspective as well as fear and jealousy from homophobia. However, there are very few compliments I can give this work, sadly. I went in hoping for something truly seminal, but ended up vastly disappointed. 

4.5⭐
I think this book converted me into a romance-book-girly...

This was such a breath of fresh air. I loved Luc and Oliver. It was such a great story that had me feeling EVERYTHING. There were a couple moments that I thought did not need to be necessary, purely because it hurt my feelings haha. But, the overall premise and arc of the story, the characters and situations, were fantastic!

Honestly, I was a little nervous going into this because of a previous queer romance I had DNF'd, but this restored my faith that there are some books out that are absolutely worth my time. I can't wait to read the sequel and more from Alexis Hall. 

5⭐
Ah, yes, this indeed, did hurt. 🥲

I love Ocean Vuong's poetry and after reading his fiction, I'm forever a fan. This read less like a novel and more like extended prose/poetry. His ability to describe scenes is exceptionally unique, the way he writes transports you to moments that are so viscerally real, you begin to question if these are genuinely fictitious. 

As a gay Vietnamese-American, reading this resonated so much with me. I don't think I can accurately or thoroughly say how much this book meant to me. Yes, there is some dark themes and images woven throughout the story; but it serves to enhance what the writer is drawing attention to: namely, finding the beauty in the life we are given. 

Thank you, Ocean Vuong, for this wonderfully powerful story. 

4.25⭐
I can't believe I hadn't read this sooner!

Of course, this famous work is still talked about to this day, and now I know why! Masterful storytelling and exceptional writing, Armistead Maupin is a genius author that creates a cast of characters that feel like real individuals. 

Because I live near San Francisco, this work holds a lot more meaning because I recognize so many of these locations and neighborhoods; but I think this book makes it accessible to anyone and allows the reader to peak into the lives of these San Franciscans. 

An amazing work, I can't say enough about. I plan on reading more from the series, particularly the second and third works, but I'm not sure I can read all TEN of the works in the series...but I may change my mind. We shall see...

3.75⭐
An interesting diaristic look into one person's experience during the pandemic of 2020. 

Jason Haaf's Harsh Cravings was a good, fairly quick read that examines his thoughts and experiences during the COVID Pandemic of 2020. His day-to-day life is comingled with reflections of his past and contemplations on the future. It's highly relatable to many of readers who went through similar experiences of coping with such a pivotal moment in human history. 

I liked Haaf's style of writing, it truly felt as though I were reading someone's diary. My only qualm was that I do think there could have been a little bit of editing, as some sections seemed unnecessary. Yet, I will say that his documentary-style of writing was a breath of fresh air in my recent readings. Also, I'll say his ability to describe his sexual encounters was pretty damn well-done! 

This work was like a piece of modern art: this is not for the viewer to admire for its beauty, but rather what the viewer discovers about themselves with the book as the catalyst. Reading this, each person will have their own personal reaction to what Haaf has to say, it is then our responsibility to look at those reactions and understand why they are happening, and if there is anything we choose to do about them. 

2.5⭐
Wow, this was a bit of a letdown.

I've heard nothing but good things about Gore Vidal and his works, but this book had me very intrigued and hoping for something akin to Oscar Wilde levels of homosexual content. However, I was sadly mistaken when by the end of the book I was greatly disappointed in the plot course and the ending. 

I won't deny, Vidal's style of writing is very well-done; his descriptions of Jim's adventures are very intriguing, as well as his understandings of the then-current homosexual experience are quite interesting. However, where he loses me is the course of the plot and the motivations of the main character and where the story moved, or should I say, didn't move. Halfway through the book, I was confused where things were going to go and looking at how much was left, wondering when the plot was sort of going to begin. 

This book was quite controversial for its time, and I acknowledge there are some subjects that are touched on that could be seen as avant-garde for his time; yet, as a current reader, I did not particularly enjoy this book. I'll say this though: I am fascinated with how Vidal addresses the idea of fantasy against reality. Throughout the book, our main character has several ideas of the person he should be, yet they never seem to coincide with what the reality of his situation is. 

Overall, I'd say it was an okay, fairly quick read. I love that other people love this book, but I am happy to let this one go. 

4⭐
You know it's good when a book makes you want to laugh and cry. 

I came for the laughs, stayed for the insightful and thought-provoking insights of life. This book seemed like it was just going to be a "ha-ha, that's so funny" kind of book; little did I know that it was actually going to hit me in the chest and make me question so much of life. 

Zach Zimmerman's humor is great and poignant. I appreciate his anecdotes on love, mortality, religion, sexuality, and general human existence. There were a lot of times that had me laughing and guffawing, then the next minute, I'm on the brink of tears wanting to call my parents. 

Such an amazing read, highly recommend, very quick, and I can't wait to see if Zimmerman does another book soon.

4⭐
Oof, this book was a doozy!...I have some thoughts...

Firstly, major kudos for this being the author's first published work! As many of us know, it is not easy to get something out there into the world. I'm all the more honored to have a signed copy of this to make it all the more special. 

The story itself was a little hot and cold for me. Do NOT get me wrong: the overarching story was amazing! However, the pacing is a teensy bit off for me. I don't know if there was as much intrigue to keep me going. The breadcrumbs that I got basically culminated in a full on feast though and oh, did I eat it all up!

Minor bit of deduction just because I spotted a few typos and odd grammar choices. But, overall, this book was a great find and I honestly am already looking forward to rereading this in the future to see what clues I missed. Thank you David Eugene Perry!

4.75⭐
This is absolutely a must-read for any LGBTQ+ reader!!

I thought this story was incredible and Andrea Lawlor's writing had so many wonderful quotes and statements that hit me with poetry-vibes. I think that there's a lot that anyone in the Queer community can relate to with Paul, trying to understand our bodies and reckoning with what it means to be Queer in modern times, learning how to love in these unorthodox ways. 

My only teeny-tiny qualm with the book were certain plot points or passages. While I think the whole of the story flows wonderfully, there were moments when I was wanting things to happen in a new way or would have liked something different. (Also, maybe not all of the verbiage or ideas are very 2024, so just bear that in mind.) However, that does not mean the book was bad at all. Paul is a flawed individual that the reader can look at and relate with; we as individuals can learn so much from such a vastly intimate person. 

Overall, I loved this book and will recommend this to many other people, because I think that whoever you are, there is something to relate to in this work. 

 3⭐
Not bad, I'd say. 

I won't lie and say that the book wasn't interesting. I was extremely lost in the first few pages because I was so unsure of who these people were and their motivations; however, once the story got moving I think I had a better idea of what was happening. 

Overall, I think the book wasn't bad, but I heard that this was mostly a set up for the 3rd book (?), which I can see. It looks like this was mainly a way to connect the events of #1 and #3 together. So, we shall see how that all turns out...