Rating: 
Summary: Weaker Third Outing For The Sive Clan.
Review: The third and perhaps final chapter that started with "The Front Runner" is a well meaning but average book. Patricia Nell Warren seems to move as effortlessly into the skin of a thirteen year old boy as she did a thirty and then forty year old man. But that's what was also the disappointment to me. Taking the perspective of John Williams, Billy Sive's son, the book felt like an advanced young adult book that subtly conveyed messages of acceptance and tolerance.The strength of the novel is on the chracters we already know like Harlan, and Chino. But this isn't their story, and they're merely supporting characters in John's coming of age drama. Over all I enjoyed the book, it just didn't captivate me like the "Front Runner' originally did, and people expecting that kind of story will be disappointed.
Rating: 
Summary: A very good continuation to a wonderful story
Review: This is part 3, in the series created more than 20 years ago by Patricia Nell Warren. The first two books, 'The Front Runner', and 'Harlan's Race'. Unlike the first two books, this book is not written from the view of Harlan Brown. It is written from the view of William Heden, Billy Sive's Boy that is now 12 years old. This book follows Billy for several years through his life as he learns about himself, struggles with the truth about his mom and 'dad', and learning about all the 'family' that is all around him. This is a very realistic story of feelings that a young boy experiences when trying to figure out if he is Gay, Straight, or Bi-Sexual. This is also a very good story of how the people around you can support you no matter what 'excuse-me' things you may do in your life. You will definately enjoy this book. It will keep you on your toes trying to figure out what the Author is going to toss out next.
Rating:
Summary: A very good continuation to a wonderful story
Review: This is part 3, in the series created more than 20 years ago by Patricia Nell Warren. The first two books, 'The Front Runner', and 'Harlan's Race'. Unlike the first two books, this book is not written from the view of Harlan Brown. It is written from the view of William Heden, Billy Sive's Boy that is now 12 years old. This book follows Billy for several years through his life as he learns about himself, struggles with the truth about his mom and 'dad', and learning about all the 'family' that is all around him. This is a very realistic story of feelings that a young boy experiences when trying to figure out if he is Gay, Straight, or Bi-Sexual. This is also a very good story of how the people around you can support you no matter what 'excuse-me' things you may do in your life. You will definately enjoy this book. It will keep you on your toes trying to figure out what the Author is going to toss out next.
Rating:
Summary: New Directions
Review: When I first read "The Front Runner" years ago, I couldn't have predicted were the story would go. Rereading it after reading "Billy's Boy," I can see how far the characters, and we, have come. Billy's story couldn't have been told back then. It takes us into the thoughts, worries, and doubts of a remarkable young man and the remarkable adults who nuture him. We get to see, close up, the effects of stifling religious proscription and the terrible cost it has on those with such a narrow faith. We also get to see how fully secure, responsible people bind themselves together to stand up for their rights. What started out as a simple love story has blossomed into a clear look at created families and the superiority they have, in some cases, to their biological progenitors. I hope the story continues. But, if it doesn't, I hope that Patricia Nell Warren publishes an account of how she wrote "Billy's Boy." It would be especially interesting to find out how her work and advocacy with gay and lesbian youth helped her create the wonderful story she told.
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