Rating: 
Summary: A cheap soap opera, yet somehow deeply moving
Review: The Men from the Boys is a poorly written book. Very little happens, there is an enormous amount of repetition, the characters' choices seem utterly implausible, and, overall, the characters seem grossly unselfaware. Besides that, the book is humorless, without any trace of irony. Still, I found myself crying every couple of pages. Even though the novel as a whole is weak, scene after scene is deeply affecting. That makes for a very provocative read.
Rating:
Summary: A disappointment after the first novel
Review: There's no doubt about William J. Mann, he's an extremely competent and very entertaining writer. His ear for dialogue and character is spot on, and his ability to tell a character driven story is really very good. Mann is probably one of the best gay writers around at the moment. However, I was a little disappointed in Where the Boys Are, particularly after reading the wonderful The Men from the Boys. A part of the problem is that I just didn't buy the fact that an intelligent well-rounded guy like Jeff would automatically throw himself into the vacuous circuit party scene at his age, and after everything that he went through in the previous novel; his actions where just fundamentally unrealistic to me. I also didn't buy Lloyd's seduction by Eva - she was a great character, but I just didn't think a woman would do some of the things she did to Lloyd and Jeff; as a psychologist, I really think Lloyd would have seen her coming and not got involved. The introduction in this novel of Henry - Jeff's best friend on the scene is a wise choice though, and it is his character, that proves to be the most tender and humanistic of all of them.The mystery of Andrew, I kind of guessed towards the end of the story - but I still thought it was a clever way of intertwining this with the soap opera stories of the major characters. Mann seems to have the circuit scene pretty well covered, although I do think there are many gay men who enjoy going to parties occasionally, but don't make it a "life style" of sex and drugs as Mann suggests in this book. There are some important issues about gay life raised - AIDS, loneliness, lack of communication, dangers of drugs etc., but I think the issues tend to be somewhat stifled by Mann's concentration on the circuit party scene. Where the Boys Are was a bit of a disappointment after reading the previous novel, as The Men from the Boys seemed to deal with much more serious issues. Where the Boys Are just exhausted me towards the end and I was glad it was over; I don't think I could have handled it if this book had been any longer. On the positive side though, the book really made we want to visit Boston and Provincetown sometime. Michael
Rating: 
Summary: Relatable, Intelligent, Affirming, and Compelling
Review: These are just a few of the many words I could use to describe this excellent sequel to Mann's THE MEN FROM THE BOYS. It covers the complexities of urban gay life in a way that blasts through stereotypes by creating multi-dimentional characters who leap from the page with genuine humanity. Even more impressive is the "page turner" nature of the narrative. I couldn't put it down and have recommended it to all my friends.
Rating:
Summary: Keeps Getting Better and Better!!
Review: This book had me from the first few pages! The dialog is the most important part to this entire book. Where most seem choppy and scripted, or an overused amount of slang vocabulary is used, Mr. Mann has written it to where it actually felt real! Like you are actually there and listening to their conversations. The way he goes from person to person and gives you the insight of what each is thinking on the same subject is mind blowing!
Some reviewers have stated that this is a mindless read! BS! If you pick up a book with this title and expect War&Peace, then yes, you may be a little dissapointed! But come ON! The most important thing about this book is that it is REAL!! It shows how ALL OF US can be arrogant, selfish, drama queens and VULNERABLE NO MATTER WHAT PROFESSION WE HOLD OR WHAT WE LOOK LIKE!!
There were parts of each character that we all can identify with, that is what makes you want to keep reading this book!
Yes there are some predictable parts, but not so much where you want to throw the book across the room and get upset that you wasted good money!
Eva was a little much, but again she helped to better define my outlook on Lloyd.
I read this book before The Men From The Boys, and found this book to be better than the first. Where the first was dark, and brooding with some very disturbing parts, this one developed it's characters with more ease. Again the DIALOG IS THE KEY!
After reading this book twice, taking it to my library to get it covered and putting it in my collection with a signed Anne Rice, I have suggested this book to friends who have ALL LOVED IT!
This is one of the BEST!!!
Rating: 
Summary: A completely adequate read
Review: This book is adequately entertaining overall, but there were many things about it that caused me to give it only 2 stars. It's incredibly predictable with few surprises, and the same thing happens to every character; EVERY character in the book A) has sex with a stranger, acquaintance, or friend, and B) breaks down and cries at least twice. One wonders if the author thought to himself, "Hmmm, who hasn't Jeff slept with yet?" in order to keep this overlong book going. And the constant mentions of Javitz from the first book are very heavy-handed, with characters who have never even met Javitz constantly asking Jeff and Lloyd to "tell me more about Javitz." Happy endings galore for the three main characters, of course. And the mystery surrounding Jeff's new boy toy was so obvious virtually right from the get go that I found myself wondering if I was really that smart or was the author that sadly predictable? Despite my negativity, it was an adequate read, but I've read much better.
Rating:
Summary: WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?
Review: This is exactly what the doctor ordered for a summer read. I couldn't have enjoyed it more - in fact, I liked this one better than the first! Isn't it great when you get so incredibly caught up in a book that you're thinking of it even when you're not actually reading? Exactly what happened for me. This is going to be my gift book for some time to come. I sincerely hope there is another installment. I want to stay in touch with all the guys in the book. Read it - you'll love it!
Rating:
Summary: FIVE STARS ARE NOT ENOUGH !!!!!
Review: This is one terrific well thought out book. It has been a long time since a work of fiction has touched me so deeply. Once again, William J. Mann takes his reader into the world of Jeff and Lloyd. A few years have passed since the death of their dear friend Javitz, and things have radically changed for our two 'soul mates', least of which are the people with which they share there daily lives. Where the first book, THE MEN FROM THE BOYS had a more somber desperate feel that spoke to the gay reality of its time, this new installment springs from a reality that could not have been imagined a few short years ago. This whole social upheaval is reinforced by the completely different style in which this book is written, a very interesting style indeed. Here we find a community no longer living in fear of the plague, (although the attitude is akin to ostriches burying their heads in the sand) where a whole new generation of gay men live and love without even having known someone lost to AIDS. This is the world of the cocktail and circuit parties. Young gay men treat the devastating epidemic as if it never happened. Through the pages of this intensely gratifying read, Mann addresses a multitude of issues concerning gay men and their culture. From the circuit scene to new age 'sacred-sex seminars' respect is shown to all the many faces of our community, and contempt shown for all who preach exclusivity. However the bottom line here is the relationships between the characters, all of whom struggle in their search for respect and love. I was particularly moved by the frightening yet heartbreaking story of Anthony, a young mystery man, met at a New Years party. Here is a tale that speaks volumes about repressed emotions, and the constantly changing attitudes of the gay community. Mann has his finger squarely on the pulse of our times, seamlessly balancing characters and situations from three different generations, and keeping it all, stunningly believable. I am incredibly impressed!!!
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Gay Fictions of the Year!
Review: This is the first William J. Mann's book and I loved it! I started reading it on my flight to Asia and I just could not leave the book aside for a second. When I landed in Hong Kong, I felt refreshed because of this wonderfully written book, who was with me during the 14-hr flight. This is a book for everyone because you will be able to relate to the characters in the novel. The desire to be recongized and to be connected with someone else in this lonely world. Many times people do not realize what they want for life and they may opt for violence, drug, alcohol, or smoke as a way to express their loneliness and anger about their present situation. Other people hop from bars to bars and wish the special someone would be there. This beautifully written book is a must-read for anyone coming of age. BRAVO!
Rating:
Summary: Like a Great String Quartet
Review: This multi-faceted tale is a diamond of a novel, whose characters' interwoven lives affect each other in both subtle and unsettling ways, and mesh like a fine string quartet that is both moving and stimulating. It's surely one of the best gay novels of the past 20 years.
Rating: 
Summary: Intriguing Reading
Review: This sequal to THE MEN FROM THE BOYS, is nicely written, and keeps one's attention. It captures some of the essence of the Circuit Crowd, but the ending is just too contrived. Otherwise, this is a good read.
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