Rating: 
Summary: BRILLIANT first novel
Review: The other reviewers who gave five stars have summarized the many strengths, both literary and emotional, of this novel. I would only like to reinforce what others said about the clarity and authenticity of the narrative voice - the writing transported me back to my teenage years. To readers: BUY THIS BOOK! To Mr. Yates: MORE - SOON - PLEASE!
Rating:
Summary: Yates Rates as Best of '04
Review: This is a terrific book. The plot is not original -- gay guy slowly seduces another, they get exposed and tormented, etc., etc. But the quality of the writing is what separates this novel from all of the others. Bart Yates is a true talent who makes his characters not just likeable but loveable. Other reviews have focused on Noah, who is indeed unique, funny and irreverent. But I equally liked JD who I would happily have as a friend and more. The subplot about the house and the mysterious findings therein is eerily similar to Mark Roeder's "Keeper of Secrets" but Yates' writing is so far superior that this can be overlooked. Buy this book -- or buy two and give one to a friend -- in the hopes that there will be lots more to come from Bart Yates.
Rating:
Summary: Take This Journey
Review: This is an incredibly engaging novel. Some may find the subject matter difficult; I found it refreshingly honest. Much like Mark Kendrick's "Desert Sons," "Leave Myself Behind" is direct and realistic in exploring the highs and lows of young gay men coming to terms with their emotions and their sexuality while they're in the midst of surviving abuse within their dysfunctional families. Unlike "Running With Scissors," which seeks to shock and sarcastically amuse in its account of adolescent turmoil, "Leave Myself Behind" never loses focus on finding ways to survive, heal, and even flourish in spite of the odds (not that there isn't any sarcasm coming from Noah, the narrator -- but he's not consumed by irony). I highly recommend this book to lovers of gay literature, mystery (yes, there's a mystery happening in here, too), and all who know what it's like to find yourself as a teenager who has to become their own parent when the biological parents don't do the job.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Story
Review: This is one of those books I just had to keep reading. I couldn't put it down. The mystery of what is buried in the house plus the blossoming romance between Noah & J.D. made me want to keep going. Also, the writing is very, very funny even though it is a somber story. I found myself laughing out loud several times. The protagonist, Noah, is a lovable smart-ass dealing with a wacky mother, who is hiding a secret. There are many secrets in the book and their unfolding makes the book a page-turner. You won't be sorry you bought this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Entertaining gay coming-of-age/mystery
Review: This one was a very enjoyable read. I have only given it three stars because the one thing that bothered me is that the added mystery - while enjoyable -- made me feel as if the author some how set up and then chickened out on the more adult, difficult aspects of the story - as if he was afraid that we would stop reading and just dismiss it as another coming out tale. Regardless, there is a lot of good stuff here and it is much better than a lot of the gay novels floating around now.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely wonderful book!!
Review: What a great book. Excellent writer that really knows how to bring a character to life. This is probably one of the best books that I've read!! Bart Yates has found a reader for life!
Rating:
Summary: Incredible--stellar writing
Review: You might have read the other reviews "about" this book--the story of a 17-year-old gay man finding his way in the world. The story is extremely well constructed and the voice of the narrator is sheer perfection. I think this is better than Edmund White and even on a level of the breathtaking writing of Charles Frazier ("Cold Mountain"). The voice, the narrator of the novel, comes through crystal-clear.Case in point: the main character does not describe his looks until page 78. He doesn't reveal he's gay until several dozen pages in the book. The characters unfold so organically to the story that it all meshes beautifully. It's engrossing, involving, and poignant. Bart Yates is the type of writer whom I will follow--I will watch for his name and look for his books for years to come. His talent shines through and makes a premium novel.
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