Camping in the Backyard : Going Forward

Rating:
Summary: Good book, but missed being a Great book in my opinion......
Review: Camping in the Backyard: Going Forward, is the long awaited sequel to the original Camping in the Backyard: Home on Leave. As was true in the first book, this book picks up nearly a year after the original left off with Michael and Jonathon still madly in love, and fixing up a large house in the northeast.

One thing, like with the first book, the reader will encounter, is the very prim and proper dialogue between the characters. It seems HIGHLY formal. But one must remember, this was during the late 50's and early 60's, before the hippy generation, when people tried to elevate their stature by speaking very specifically, and distinctly. In addition, Jonathon Taylor comes from HIGH Class with Lots of Money, and Michael is from upper middle class, and stepping up. This dialogue is perfectly normal for the time in history.

During this book, the couple gets wrapped up in Opera, Murder, Mystery and story lines of drug dealers etc. I think, for the most part, the author, Anthony Zatti does a wonderful job in telling the story in this book. Again, for the most part, the murder storyline was very good, and kept the suspense of the story and book going very well. However, I was disappointed the murder and subsequent investigation ended as abruptly as it did about half way through the book. It was like it no longer mattered to the author, and suddenly, in 2 or 3 pages, the investigation, etc, was over and not really mentioned again. I really believe the author missed an incredible chance to make this book unforgettable by dropping the suspense WAY too early and making the final half of the book sort of boring and full of fluff.

I have read a great deal of 'gay' themed books, and would have loved to see the suspense carried much farther, and longer in this book.

However, even with the poor way of finishing off the murder and investigation, the 'love' story part of the book, and the interaction between Michael and Jonathon was still very good.

I am glad I read the book as I am able to put a period to my curiosity on how these two made out in their future.

Rating:
Summary: A sequal that is better than the first!
Review: Thanks Anthony for writing such a wonderful novel. I truly love Michael and Jonathan. I can't wait for the third novel.

Rating:
Summary: GREAT STORY! GREAT CHARACTERS!
Review: This is a very well written story about the adventures of Michael and his lover, Jonathan. The met in Navy boot camp and have had an erotic adventure since. You fall in love with the both of them and with their families, as well. What nice guys to spend time with and in such nice places. Their families and acquaintances are warm and welcoming. This is nice book to give as a Christmas gift.