Rating: 
Summary: A Great Soul Begins!!!!
Review: Christopher Rice's debut novel is a real page turner. It's the story of four young friends; Stephen, Greg, Meredith, and Brandon growing up in New Orleans, and how their lives are pulled in different directions as they grow up, enter high school, and drift apart. What an imagination this author has as there is everything in this book, including murder, suicide, and an unexpected ending. I thought the character of Stephen was well written and one that many young gay men can sympathize with because he is treated as an outcast by his friends in a school that viciously mocks him and makes his life miserable. Chris has written a book that makes you care about the characters, wonder what's going to happen to them next, and draws you right to the ending, non-stop, wishing and hoping there was more to learn and read about these people. In other words, you don't want the story to end, or to say goodbye to these people you have come to know. A wonderful debut novel. I certainly look forward to more from this new author over the coming years.
Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: Rice's first few chapters are like a bumpy four-wheel drive across our youth. They are rough, and sometimes incoherent. I later realized that they were written with the same staccato-like images that my own pre-high school memory holds. As I struggled to grasp for meaning and understanding of these first words, my soul was re-animating by the confusion and naiveté of those times.In the remaining chapters, a crispness strikes his language that leaves behind innocence and mercy. Rice whipped me through a range of emotions as broad as the issues he addressed. The end of every chapter slapped me against the back of my chair. It is impossible to read this book without a visit into your own past. Every character floated up old memories of the bullies I faced or the flawed individuals I loved. It was a rewarding experience and I think this book is a must read for anyone. I can't wait for his next book, but I am not sure I will every be ready for it.
Rating: 
Summary: A Great Book...you'll keep turning the pages...
Review: I really loved this book. I give it an A- (or 4 stars) only because it's his first novel & there is always room for improvement. I loved a few of his lines like why people love the ocean: because it's the farthest you can go. Or the line about how people overlook the opportunity in dealing with death & tragedy via denial,etc. He touched on some key issues...I think Christopher Rice is good & I look forward to his next book. I'd love to meet him in person!
Rating:
Summary: A fabulous debut
Review: Christopher Rice has clearly benefitted from his mother's literary influences, yet he has produced a work all his own. Who couldn't be touched by the scenes b/2 Stephen and Jeff, b/2 Stephen and his mother, of the final revelation at the end of the book? May many more efforts come from the pen of Christopher Rice!
Rating: 
Summary: A Great Start
Review: I guess with a novelist mother and a poet father, Chritopher rice was destined to try his hands in publishing. His debut novel is actually very impressive. At the center of the story is Steven, a young man growing up gay in New Orleans. The book adeptly traces his life from young grade school boy to young college man. I was very impressed with how Rice combined six (or was it more) sub stories in this novel and then masterfully tied together all the elements. It made me realize how interconnected every one actually is. But it is this element that I loved that I actually disliked as well. There was too much going on, and it isn't until (in my opinion) half way through the book that things start to kick in and get going. Too much set up, not enough meat...(gee, sounds like some of the men I have dated). All the key players were involved with Steven in one form or another, friends - family - school buds - neighbors what have you. Rice was brilliant at the end at pulling it all together, and I wont reveal the ending (disturbing as it was) because I do consider it a must read and would hate to spoil it. Pick up the book and judge for yourself....
Rating:
Summary: A Brilliant First Work
Review: I am old enough to remember Stonewall, yet I appreciate the energy and awareness that this next generation of gay men has to offer. Christopher Rice has captured the essence of both, blending the struggle for gay identity with the perspective of our current, often dark and intolerant society. I eagerly await his next work!
Rating:
Summary: Great combination of Fiction and Gay Literature.
Review: DEFINITELY READ this novel if you are into gay literature and fiction, this is a wonderful combination! For those readers who say this book is only on the market due to Anne Rice, I pity you all for your jealous of a young boys success. If you did not enjoy the novel for the correct reasons you would be attacking the authors writing style alone, not his family life. In conclusion: Awesome book Chris! You go girl!! d:->
Rating:
Summary: Nice first showing
Review: While the story meandered and was hard to follow at times, I thought the primary characters were well developed. It is filled with well thought out drama as well as action. It moves at a good pace and has a nice "twist in the end". Keep writing!
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't Let Go
Review: Normally I read books to please my mom, since she loves to. When I bought this book and took it home, I was stuck. I was torn between not wanting to read all of it in under a week and trying to finish it. I enjoyed it way too much for my standards, which are sort of high. I hope to see many more books like it, and not just since I partially identified with the main character (Stephen). To finish this, one word - GREAT!!
Rating:
Summary: Incredible!!! I Seriously could not put it down!
Review: If this is an example of Christopher's first book, then I cannot wait to read more and more of his work. Literally from the first page, I could not put the book down! I read it in a matter of 2-3 day's (the fastest I have read a book in a long time). I seem to be able to relate to Steven very well. Christopher Rice made me get excited when Steven got excited, feel like crying when he had bad things happen to him, and feel surprised when he was surprised. I will say, this book jumped from story to story quite often, once you get used to it, it worked very well. The Author does his best to let us know what is happening simultaniously, as well as moving into the future or past. For those that say the book was poorly put together, I would say to read it again! I know I will be recommending this book to everyone I can find! Christopher! Let us know when to expect your next book! I am dying to read it! Congratulations on an awesome first book!
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