Rating: 
Summary: A great read
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It is a masterful evocation of New York in the 1980's. The main character is witty and acerbic, yet very sad. The way he evolves as a result of the unconventional relationship at the heart of the book is masterfully written. Rather than give away the plot, I would just urge you to read the book.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: I simply LOVED this book! It is so beautifully written and so smart that I can't wait for Burnett's next novel!!!
Rating:
Summary: "Christopher"
Review: I think I must have read different novel to some of the other reviewers. Certainly my reaction when I finished it was different. I was almost doing cartwheels after reading this and that feeling was still there the second time I read it. This book is a joy !Today's fiction offers such a lean diet; there's nothing naughty, indulgent or rich. It's not toothsome. Not here, this novel is a banquet, full of flavour, which is what I liked so much. I am done with angsty, whiny, eviscerated characters, who limp from page to page of just about every other novel that drops of the presses these days. BK could almost be an endangered species: eccentric, wilful, disingenuous, corrupting, and so mischievious. He is the Queen Mother of the Eastside; plotting harder than a poor man's Macchiaveli, eyes twinkling like Captain Hook, heady with the vapours of a Schoolgirl's crush and a heart pumping with the gusto of a barrel organ. The two main characters, BK and the eponymous Christopher are "outcasts from life's feast", which is what I felt made them so memorable. They don't know that much about life: BK wafts a smug charm or so he thinks that never, ever, entrances anyone, whilst Christopher is as equally deluded in his idealism. Neither stays that way, though. Each changes as the year changes with them. I thought the move from ignorance to enlightenment was quite skilfully done. As the year progresses,a few more scales drop off and a little more self realsiation shines in on them. Especially so in the case of Christopher where he is observed through BK's rose coloured and cracked specatcles. There are some great comic ironies in there Christopher is a wonderful, beautifully written, comedy of manners; and just like all great ones provides a little extra in top notch characters, cracking dialogue and enviable imagery. BK Troop is a stand-out character.
Rating: 
Summary: A COMPLEX LOOK AT THE NATURE OF LONGING AND LOVE
Review: I too read "Christopher" because of the favorable Los Angeles Times review and was not disappointed. The author's simplicity of style, combined with a slow burning, intriguing narrative ensured that the read was utterly compelling. It was one of those rare novels that demanded staying up until three in the morning to finish. I actually came onto Amazon to order a copy of "Christopher" for a friend's birthday gift and was totally amazed at some of the rather vicious customer reviews! One comment which particularly gnarled me was that the book was, "really a very cynical book". Which book did this reader read? The book I read was an extremely touching story about the need for and capacity to love, within even the most cynical of characters.
Rating: 
Summary: A Disaster
Review: I was deeply disappointed by this novel, given the excellent reviews printed here by novices and professionals alike. The copy I purchased was, thankfully, on the clearance table at our local independent bookstore, so I can't complain too loudly about the money I have wasted. What most disturbs me is how hopeful I was during the first 50 pages or so that this would be a real find, an exceptional work amidst all the drivel that the "gay fiction" genre has to offer. Sadly, the rest of the book did not live up to its initial offerings. Christopher is a somewhat convaluted, disorganized read, with very little true character development and hardly a throughline to call its own. I was frankly dismayed that such a poorly structured work wasn't better edited, which would have gone a long way toward saving what was good about the story (particularly the narrative voice which is hilarious) and weeded out so much of the bad writing. Don't be distracted by the other reviews here, this one is to be passed over.
Rating:
Summary: A Disaster
Review: I was deeply disappointed by this novel, given the excellent reviews printed here by novices and professionals alike. The copy I purchased was, thankfully, on the clearance table at our local independent bookstore, so I can't complain too loudly about the money I have wasted. What most disturbs me is how hopeful I was during the first 50 pages or so that this would be a real find, an exceptional work amidst all the drivel that the "gay fiction" genre has to offer. Sadly, the rest of the book did not live up to its initial offerings. Christopher is a somewhat convaluted, disorganized read, with very little true character development and hardly a throughline to call its own. I was frankly dismayed that such a poorly structured work wasn't better edited, which would have gone a long way toward saving what was good about the story (particularly the narrative voice which is hilarious) and weeded out so much of the bad writing. Don't be distracted by the other reviews here, this one is to be passed over.
Rating:
Summary: A Fine Work and Impressive debut
Review: I was pleasantly surprised by "Christopher". It is a funny, clever and sensitive story. Mr Burnett uses his talent for humour to spin a tale that is amusing, yet also really touching. His writing style is economical but very precise. I could almost smell the apartment and the restaurant. The characters are interesting,complex and compelling."Christoper" is a fine work and an impressive debut novel. I look forward to reading more from Allison Burnett.
Rating:
Summary: Great discovery!
Review: I was so delighted to discover Allison Burnett's "Christopher". I had just been complaining about the dearth of sharp, light reads when I found this book, which is both of those things, and a lot more. It is literate, smart, funny, observant, and knowing. The world it creates -- of the West Village in 1984-- is vivid and unforgettable. I love the seen-it-all narrator, B.K. Troop, and his obsession with a naive, idealistic neighbor. The entire story doesn't strike a false note. It was one of those books that I portioned out over a few nights, because I easily could have devoured it in one sitting, and been back to my old complaints about the dearth of good summer reads. I passed this book by several times in book stores before buying it because of its dull beige cover -- a really bad choice, if you ask me. Also, I was surprised that there wasn't more critical praise printed in its first pages, until I discovered that this was never published as a hardback, so the critical praise will be reserved for the next printing. I hope it doesn't take that long for this book to catch on, since it has all the potential that books like Jennifer Weiner's "Good in Bed" do, although this is MUCH better written. If you are looking for a light, fun summer read, this is it!
Rating:
Summary: Shine a light on my soul
Review: I'm ashamed to say that I can identify with the seducer in this story. Frustrated homosexuals will find this book to be both poignant as well as a spotlight on their soul. This book was a revelation to me and it forced me to come to terms with many issues that I have been dealing with. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll love this book.
Rating:
Summary: WONDERFUL FIRST EFFORT
Review: I've found myself extremely surprised and impressed with Mr. Allison Burnett's first novel, Christopher. I bought the book on a whim (I liked the image of the stubbed out cigarette on the cover) and now I'm extremely happy I did. The character of BK Troop was a fascinating study in cynicism that had me laughing out loud. Having lived in New York during the period the book takes place in, Mr. Burnett totally captures the nuances of an era. I found the story to be exceptionally entertaining and fresh. I would recommend this delightful work of fiction for anyone.
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