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Hornito : My Lie Life

Hornito : My Lie Life

List Price: $13.00
Your Price: $12.22
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Much more than a witty diversion!
Review: Mike Albo has talent to burn. This adroitly written diary/memoir/fantasia of the past and current struggles of a young man to establish a meaningful relationship in a world that is centered on transience is at once humorous (even hilarious) and soulful (even sad). Albo cleverly writes as though this were an autobiogrphical confession, so much so that it is difficult not to buy in to every bizarre recall and projection. How much of this is fantasy, how much reportage? To this reader there is no discerning that line. Much of main character Mike's recounting of his childhood sexual fantasies and acting out sound like terrific stand-up comedian material, but since they are so carefully woven into the fabric of his young adult escapades as the novel speeds along, they gain credence, and in making all of this story credible, Albo forces us to examine the sociology of the last quarter of the 20th Century. There is a lot of stern observation about our status as social beings. And I think this is the test of a really fine humorist: Make 'em laugh like crazy until they go home and, in solitude, think and even cry a bit. A solid Bravo for Hornito!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Much more than a witty diversion!
Review: Mike Albo has talent to burn. This adroitly written diary/memoir/fantasia of the past and current struggles of a young man to establish a meaningful relationship in a world that is centered on transience is at once humorous (even hilarious) and soulful (even sad). Albo cleverly writes as though this were an autobiogrphical confession, so much so that it is difficult not to buy in to every bizarre recall and projection. How much of this is fantasy, how much reportage? To this reader there is no discerning that line. Much of main character Mike's recounting of his childhood sexual fantasies and acting out sound like terrific stand-up comedian material, but since they are so carefully woven into the fabric of his young adult escapades as the novel speeds along, they gain credence, and in making all of this story credible, Albo forces us to examine the sociology of the last quarter of the 20th Century. There is a lot of stern observation about our status as social beings. And I think this is the test of a really fine humorist: Make 'em laugh like crazy until they go home and, in solitude, think and even cry a bit. A solid Bravo for Hornito!

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: over the top novel about growing up gay
Review: Mike Albo's "Hornito" tries to be clever, and a good novel about a perspective that is not often talked about. Mike, the narrator, talks about his various loves, while telling us how bad "crabs" are, and the dreadful treatment of it. We see glimpses of his childhood and high school years, and we cringe. He tells of his job, which sucks. Frankly, it tries to be comic, but it is quite dull.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Buy vodka head to CVS hunker in the corner and READ ALBO
Review: One of the best books I've read in a long time -- much better than Me Talk Pretty -- but Albo writes in an entirely different style. While Sedaris recounts humourous events, Albo recognizes the humor in what being single, gay, and in NY really is about. I'm giving this to everyone I date from now on -- with the words "If this ain't you move along!" Albo, whether he thinks so or not, has it all figured out. My only complaint is I read it in one night and there's nothing left -- where's book two?

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Read it now...
Review: There are few authors who've made me laugh aloud and then cry on the next page, but Mike Albo has just entered into that circle. I'm trying to find ways to describe the writing but just can't seem to find comparisons. The flavor of the language makes me think of Nabokov, and then the pure joy of writing reminds me of Tom Robbins. So I guess I'll leave there. Nabokov/Robbins. now I can't think of a better combo.

Congrats to Mike Albo. He touched my heart. I appreciate that.

There's so much more to why I love this book and why I think you should read it, but the words are all flooding up at the same time, so I'll finish with:

Buy it. Buy it now.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Youth is best left to the young
Review: When we're young, we all think that the experiences we're experiencing and the feelings we're feeling have never been experienced or felt before. Of course, we're wrong. But that hasn't stopped this young author from adding to the extensive catalog of young-gay-man-from-the-burbs novels.

Apparently, other readers hereabouts think that the author is as clever as he obviously thinks he is. Wish I could agree, but I can't.

Perhaps if you're 25, this book is a blast. Somewhat beyond that age, I found it immediately overfamiliar and wearying, and far too (would-be) clever for its own good.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: An interesting, occasionally hilarious read
Review: While it certainly isn't the great American novel, Hornito provides an interesting way for gay male readers to pass the time. I'm a huge fan of David Sedaris, but only occasionally did Hornito draw me in like Sedaris does. A few hearty belly laughs, a handful of smiles...


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