Rating: 
Summary: The most compelling love story I have read in years.
Review: Having visited Provincetown many times over the years (though never often enough), I was immediately drawn into this tale. The places I have visited were brought to life by Bill Mann in a way that gripped my soul. I felt as though I tricked with Jeff and cried with Lloyd. I laughed, shuddered, and walked on the beach with these characters. Mr. Mann managed to allow me to see, feel and sense the depth of these people. I feel as though I have gotten to know them so well in these 342 pages. I was privileged to meet them. They are a triumph to the human spirit. I honestly miss them since I finished the book (some 6 hours ago). I wish for the next chapter to begin tomorrow. Thank you Bill Mann for a truly exceptional experience.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, Moving, and a little Scary
Review: I cannot remember the last time I read a "gay novel" that I was so taken with the parrallels to my own life. Growing up with Andrew Holleran and Felice Picano in the late 70s and early 80s, I've struggled to find anything since that actually told the story of what was happenening around me now. This is the time I'm living: partnered, settled, in love, anxious, confused, questioning, and yes, a hint of that mid-life crisis kind of thing. This novel really hit home and moved me deeply.
Rating:
Summary: A straight woman's perspective
Review: I found the book compelling, a real page-turner. It was a bit self-absorbed, even bitchy at times, but overall, I enjoyed the process of deep soul-searching that was chronicled. I wonder how much of this is autobiographical? I enjoyed the way Bill went back and forth in time, it gave the story a nice twist.
Rating: 
Summary: Less Than Expected
Review: I had a vast amount of hope for this book--in spite of it's first-novel status--but it turned out to be something of a dissapointment. It has its strenghths and weaknesses, which is typical for a first novel, but its weaknesses are unforgivable. My first bad sign was to find out that Mann is a journalist--journalists often seem to write the worst books. This book was filled with cliches (admittedly so, though; the narrator points out the cliches, which is even sadder.) In the beginning of the novel, I found the character to be appauling and completely unsympathetic; he portrays the a member of the sex-crazed populous that I try to failingly reassure myself is not taking over the majority of the gay male population. He and his boyfriend partake in the sickening but increasingly common "open" relationship and do nothing but tear each other apart with it. The narrator also holds some very closed minded belifs of youth--he is a major practitioner of agism--and attacks and tries ignorantly to completely bash monogamy. In the middle of the novel the character becomes a little more sympathetic when he falls in love with a boy about 10 years his junior; he, of course, patronizes him and refuses to give anything he says much credibility because of his lesser age (unfortunately, as a gay youth, I encounter this form of ignorance often.) He is emotionally abusive and cruel to this young man, and Mann portrays it far too sympathetically for the circumstances. It is also hard to fathom why this boy has stayed around through this and how the boy manages to fall in love with him. In spite of all of this, the middle portion of the novel manages to be worth reading for some of the "heart" it contains. The ending again fails miserably in one of the worst ways a book can fail... the other attempts to be profound; the problem comes when his attempt fails because he tries to be more profound that he is. So basically, Mann presents himself as a transparent B.S. Artist. Why, then, you ask, did I give this book a 3* rating? The characterization is strong, even if some of the characters are unlikeable. (I would date Eduardo in a heartbeat! In fact, I've been looking for someone like him for a long time.) And as I stated earlier, the middle of the book has a lot of heart (accounting for about 2/3 the book--not just a few pages in the very center.) Another final flaw to point out, however, is that the book is hopelessly autobiographical of the Author. It is hard to write semi-autobiographical fiction (the closer to the author's life, the harder) objectively enough to create a quality product. The earlier into the authors career such a book is written, the worse it is likely to be. So why do so many writers do particularly autobiographical first novels? Because they don't know what else to write. Perhaps he will write something better in the future. After reading this one, though, I am not very likely to read anything else he puts out to see if he's progressed.
Rating:
Summary: Great story
Review: I have read and reread this book several times.Having spent many
summers vacationing in Provincetown,I seemed to be transported
back to those lazy fun days when I read this novel.I actually picked this volume up in a bookstore on Commercial St in Ptown.
They had a newspaper review on the bulletin board inside the store.After reading it I knew I wanted this book.Im looking forward to reading his latest.If you have ever spent time in Boston and Ptown you should read this book.Ive also lent it to many friends who loved it as well.
Rating: 
Summary: Same old tired cliches - do not bother with this book
Review: I have read Mr. Mann's journalistic works since the early 90's and I hoped this book would be different. It is not. Mr. Mann continues to use every tired old gay cliche known. This is the type of book you hope no straight people will read because they will come away with such an unrealistic and cliche-ridden view of the gay world. There is nothing new, fresh or invigorating in this dreary book...
Rating:
Summary: You have to be crazy not to love this book
Review: I ordered this book and let it sit on my desk for 6 months before a friend saw it and starting gushing about how it was one of the "best books I've ever read." All I can say is "Damn". This book is phenomenal. Perfectly captures the intricacies of relationships between men. Dating women and dating men are just different beasts. The deals with the devil that we make to keep things going are haunting. Do we face the worst in us (lust / cheating) with honest and deal with it through trust and openness, and when we do, do we still lose. Breathtaking writing -- found myself consciously slowing down to revel in the subtle genius of the author. Makes me glad to live in a world where artists at the peaks can be shared with millions. Share this book with others if you love them. What a gift to give.
Rating:
Summary: Touching, truthful, and beautifully written
Review: I read this book after recently ending a 10-year relationship, and I thought it was absolutely true to reality and my feelings. It's the story of a gay couple's 7-year itch, the meaning of passion when sexual desire cools, life and love in the era of AIDS, and the effects of change on your life. I heartily recommend this book and am waiting anxiously for Mann's next.
Rating:
Summary: What a wonderful accomplishment!
Review: I reread this novel after having a break from it for a few years, in preparation for the sequel, Where the Boys Are. I wanted to be reminded of the fabulous characters and the wonderful depictions of Boston and Provincetown, that Mann brings so irreverently to life. This is a great story - and presents a lot of issues that, at the time, were extremely important to the generation of gay men that missed the hedonistic post-stonewall days, yet grew up with the specter of AIDS hanging over their heads. Jeff's insecurities over his relationship with Lloyd; his issues with his family and friends; his AIDS paranoia; his struggle to deal with open relationships, and his searches for anonymous sex are all issues that many gay men were facing, and I think to an extent, still face today. Mann's characterizations and his eye for dialogue are just spot on - he makes you believe that Jeff, Eduardo, Lloyd and Javitz are in the room with you, and the scenes of domestic drama between Lloyd and Jeff are played out beautifully and realistically. For about the first quarter of the book I was put off by the pretentiousness of the characters, but then I realized that this pretentiousness is exactly is what the author is trying to convey, and it didn't make me love the characters any less. The themes in The Men from the Boys are universal and notable for how gay men across different generations live and love. And it is absolutely gorgeously written - the way Mann uses the natural beautify of Provincetown to create atmosphere is astounding. The novel is also very exact in its depiction of the passions in gay relationships and friendships. Mann is a really talented and accomplished writer, and I'm really looking forward to picking up Where the Boys Are and rejoining the lives of Jeff and Lloyd. I also hope we see a lot more of William J. Mann's work. The Triangle Classics Edition is also notable for a really good introduction by the author, which gives a sense of perspective to the story, and offers helpful background to the initial writing of the novel. The Men From the Boys is an absolutely essential and a wonderful read! Michael
Rating:
Summary: The Best gay mens book ever written
Review: I was so deeply touched by this book it is very insperational and very real at the same time. this book is like a butiful painting from the moment u look at the ideas and impresions. it stays with you forever!!
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