Outside in

Rating:
Summary: Thorogood does it again!
Review: After reading 'Outcast', I was extremely excited about reading Stuart Thorogood's sequel to 'Outcast', which is 'Outside In'. I was not disappointed. The author does a fantastic job at describing the feelings and experiences of all the characters in the book. In fact, there were some difficult parts during which the two main characters, Mark and Andrew are having problems, and I kept putting myself in their place wondering how I would react under the same circumstances.

In this novel, we experience the continuation of Mark and Andrew's relationship after they move to London. Andrew takes on a new and exciting job, however, Mark is not very motivated in finding anything. Andrew is not upset about this at all, however, Mark finds he has a great deal of spare time on his hands and ... well you will need to read the book to find out the details.

I am very impressed with the Author. 'Outcast' was written when he was 19 years old, and 'Outside In' was written not long there after. Brilliant writing for someone so young.

I highly recommending you read this book but be sure to read 'Outcast' first... the second book, as a standalone, does not give the full background for you to understand the characters.

'Cheers' to Stuart Thorogood!! Hopefully there is sequel #3 in the future!

Mike Heine ('winterstone')

Rating:
Summary: Thorogood does it again!
Review: After reading `Outcast', I was extremely excited about reading Stuart Thorogood's sequel to `Outcast', which is `Outside In'. I was not disappointed. The author does a fantastic job at describing the feelings and experiences of all the characters in the book. In fact, there were some difficult parts during which the two main characters, Mark and Andrew are having problems, and I kept putting myself in their place wondering how I would react under the same circumstances.

In this novel, we experience the continuation of Mark and Andrew's relationship after they move to London. Andrew takes on a new and exciting job, however, Mark is not very motivated in finding anything. Andrew is not upset about this at all, however, Mark finds he has a great deal of spare time on his hands and ... well you will need to read the book to find out the details.

I am very impressed with the Author. `Outcast' was written when he was 19 years old, and `Outside In' was written not long there after. Brilliant writing for someone so young.

I highly recommending you read this book but be sure to read `Outcast' first... the second book, as a standalone, does not give the full background for you to understand the characters.

`Cheers' to Stuart Thorogood!! Hopefully there is sequel #3 in the future!

Mike Heine (`winterstone')

Rating:
Summary: No ordinary gay novel
Review: I liked the first novel a lot and couldn't wait for the sequel. It's a real page-turner and it also raises questions about the gay scene that are very valid. Go and order it now!

Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your time
Review: I received this yesterday and have already finished it. I bought this book purely because I had enjoyed Outcast, Thorogood's first novel, so much. It is not necessary to have read it to understand Outside In but it helps give an insight into some of the characters you will meet here.

Outside In follows Mark and boyfriend Andrew to London where Mark thinks he will find paradise away from small minded people. London tests their relationship and provides a briliant backdrop for what is essentially a romance.

A lot of this story is told from Andrew's point of view which I like. It gives us a chance to learn a bit more about his history and get to know him. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found that I was hooked from page one.

While this book is no fairytale I liked the way emotions were written both the lovey dovey stuff and anger. Both characters but Mark in particular are very introspective which is very effective at involving the reader from the start.

Stuart Thorogood is definitely no one hit wonder. Now its a matter of being patitent and waiting for the next one. I was genuinely upset to be finished it.

Rating:
Summary: Loved it!
Review: In this novel Stuart Thorogood has created that rare thing: a sequel that is better that its predecessor. I loved the first novel, 'Outcast', so naturally couldn't wait to get my hands on this, the second book. And it doesn't disappoint. Thorogood's prose has definitely improved from his original novel, but still retains that excellent, raw quality that made 'Outcast' such a modern classic. What I liked most about this book, was that it didn't focus so much on the coming out issues that 'Outcast' dealt with. 'Outside In' is funny, moving, touching, sexy and so TRUE that it's sometimes difficult to get across in words exactly how close to life on the gay scene this really comes. Definitely recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Even better than Outcast !
Review: The sequel, Outside in, is better than Outcast, which at times seemed rushed. Outside in is more soulful and sincere. It is a beautiful love story of two people who truly love each other. By alternating between Mark's and Andrew's narration, the story shines, often overwelming in its openness. After so much soul searching, it is just great to have Mark and Andrew together in the end. I have to admit to my weakness. I actually peeped at the last page when things began to go sour for the two lovers. Stuart, thank you for another beautiful book. Please don't let us wait too long for your 3rd novel.

Rating:
Summary: Even better than Outcast !
Review: The sequel, Outside in, is better than Outcast, which at times seemed rushed. Outside in is more soulful and sincere. It is a beautiful love story of two people who truly love each other. By alternating between Mark's and Andrew's narration, the story shines, often overwelming in its openness. After so much soul searching, it is just great to have Mark and Andrew together in the end. I have to admit to my weakness. I actually peeped at the last page when things began to go sour for the two lovers. Stuart, thank you for another beautiful book. Please don't let us wait too long for your 3rd novel.

Rating:
Summary: Sorry, I have to agree with the Washington reader
Review: This is a great book! If you liked Outcast, you must read the sequel. And, if you haven't read Outcast, although this book can equally be read alone, I would advise you to order them both! Like the first book, this tells a simple but great story. However, whereas in the first book I felt more affected by the story - here I felt more involved with the characters. This only goes to show that the writer is getting better and analysing human emotions and reactions more. For someone so young he has a very insightful outlook on life.

There are also some great parallels here (and arguments) concerning all relationships and life, for everyone to relate to. Whatever your gender I think you'll find this book accessable and an enjoyable as well as emotional read. Highly recommended - if you are gay or have gay friends, or are just curious... or possibly if you just want to be a part of the human race. It took a while for delivery but it was worth the wait...

Rating:
Summary: No ordinary gay novel
Review: Thorogood's fantastic follow-up to his first book "Outcast" continues the story of Mark and Andrew, two young British men in love and living in a small English town. Moving to London, with its vibrant gay scene, seems like a dream come true for them both, but soon the temptations of drugs and gorgeous men cause Mark to succumb. Mark tries to hide his errors, but ultimately Andrew finds out. How can their relationship survive this betrayal of trust? With a compelling and kinetic style, Thorogood tells this modern gay romance tale in an intelligent and realistic fashion. Certain to appeal to fans of the "Queer As Folk" series, as well as those readers of gay romance novels, "Outside In" delivers a superb modern story of relationship angst that speaks to all gay men. I can hardly wait until the next book!