Gary Goldstein's Blog
February 21, 2025
PLEASE COME TO BOSTON Audiobook!
Listen up! The PLEASE COME TO BOSTON audiobook, wonderfully narrated by Dan Levy, is now avail from Audible. Excited to share this acclaimed 1975-set campus romance with audiobook fans. Grab your copy @ amzn.to/3QrvOxA, or at Audible or itunes. And thanks always for the support!
Here are some recent review quotes for the book, in case you've missed them:
"A beautiful take on college life and the gloriously interwoven trappings of sexual attraction and relationships. Don't miss it!" - Joe Piechota, the Bay Area Reporter
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Such a heartwarming read! This nostalgic novel of college days will have you feeling like you're in freshman year again, full of hope, nerves, and anticipation of the unknown."
- Leah Lawrence, Novels Alive
"Goldstein has a wry wit; a congenial, incisive, and delightfully approachable style. He skillfully captures those first stirrings of sexual attraction and makes them feel as earth-shattering as the early rise of Bruce Springsteen... It's a joy to read. [Goldstein] gives us something so simple, so beautiful, so heartbreaking, and yet so sublime."
- Glenn Gaylord, The Queer Review
"A novel that really took my breath away. I absolutely loved Gary Goldstein's tender and moving Please Come to Boston."
- Jenn Jordan, host of "Turn the Page," Syosset (NY) Public Library podcast.
Here are some recent review quotes for the book, in case you've missed them:
"A beautiful take on college life and the gloriously interwoven trappings of sexual attraction and relationships. Don't miss it!" - Joe Piechota, the Bay Area Reporter
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Such a heartwarming read! This nostalgic novel of college days will have you feeling like you're in freshman year again, full of hope, nerves, and anticipation of the unknown."
- Leah Lawrence, Novels Alive
"Goldstein has a wry wit; a congenial, incisive, and delightfully approachable style. He skillfully captures those first stirrings of sexual attraction and makes them feel as earth-shattering as the early rise of Bruce Springsteen... It's a joy to read. [Goldstein] gives us something so simple, so beautiful, so heartbreaking, and yet so sublime."
- Glenn Gaylord, The Queer Review
"A novel that really took my breath away. I absolutely loved Gary Goldstein's tender and moving Please Come to Boston."
- Jenn Jordan, host of "Turn the Page," Syosset (NY) Public Library podcast.
December 3, 2024
Great reviews still coming in on PLEASE COME TO BOSTON
It's been a fantastic near-three months launching PLEASE COME TO BOSTON and the hits keep coming! So honored to share this new rave review from the Bay Area Reporter, one of the oldest, most respected LGBTQ+ publications. Big thanks to reviewer Jim Piechota for his kind words. Check out his review below!
BAY AREA REPORTER
12/3/24
By Jim Piechota
'Please Come to Boston' by Gary Goldstein, $17.99 (Hadleigh House)
Television, film, and theater writer Gary Goldstein's new novel, his third, is a beautiful study in character development as it traces the lives and identities of two Boston University students Nicky and Joe who fall in love. The plot expands outward to include Lori, who ultimately falls for both Nicky and Joe, who, in turn, love her right back in the best polyamorous way possible things can flow in the 1970s.
While this bisexual intercourse is uplifting and provocative for its time, Goldstein acknowledges that setting is key as well. Modern technology, as we know it today, is blissfully absent from the narrative. Without the benefit of cell phones, texting, Alexa, Facebook, X, Instagram, driverless taxis, or AI-assisted internet searches, the story lends itself to numerous bracingly honest and earnest in-person conversations which will be refreshing for any type of reader, queer or otherwise.
Shot through with themes of self-exploration, sexuality, and the search for authenticity, Goldstein excels at tapping into the anxieties of gay life in the mid-1970s, the longing for acceptance, and the electric, if taboo, first stirrings of same-sex attraction. Goldstein has produced a well-written, character-driven, beautiful take on college life and the gloriously interwoven trappings of sexual attraction and relationships. Don't miss it!
BAY AREA REPORTER
12/3/24
By Jim Piechota
'Please Come to Boston' by Gary Goldstein, $17.99 (Hadleigh House)
Television, film, and theater writer Gary Goldstein's new novel, his third, is a beautiful study in character development as it traces the lives and identities of two Boston University students Nicky and Joe who fall in love. The plot expands outward to include Lori, who ultimately falls for both Nicky and Joe, who, in turn, love her right back in the best polyamorous way possible things can flow in the 1970s.
While this bisexual intercourse is uplifting and provocative for its time, Goldstein acknowledges that setting is key as well. Modern technology, as we know it today, is blissfully absent from the narrative. Without the benefit of cell phones, texting, Alexa, Facebook, X, Instagram, driverless taxis, or AI-assisted internet searches, the story lends itself to numerous bracingly honest and earnest in-person conversations which will be refreshing for any type of reader, queer or otherwise.
Shot through with themes of self-exploration, sexuality, and the search for authenticity, Goldstein excels at tapping into the anxieties of gay life in the mid-1970s, the longing for acceptance, and the electric, if taboo, first stirrings of same-sex attraction. Goldstein has produced a well-written, character-driven, beautiful take on college life and the gloriously interwoven trappings of sexual attraction and relationships. Don't miss it!
September 22, 2024
What a ride!
In a few days PLEASE COME TO BOSTON will have been out for two weeks and it's been a great launch time, between print, web, radio & TV interviews; so many excellent podcasts (with more to come) and gratifying reviews from book bloggers, readers, and journalists. The activities will continue full force for the next few weeks, so be on the lookout!
Meantime, I wanted to share this latest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review. It's from Lisa Albright who blogs for Books, Love & Understanding. It's everything I'd hoped readers would feel about the book--and more! Check it out!:
“I loved everything about this wonderful coming-of-age story. The descriptions of Boston and BU in 1975, the trepidation and curiosity of being away from home, the angst of figuring out how to fit in and be who you want to be, and the tumultuousness of sexuality in the 70's. I felt like I knew these characters and had lived some semblance of similarity in the friendships and feelings of solidarity and being alone at the same time at such a vulnerable age and the start of adulthood. This book will draw you in and wrap itself around your heart in the best way and leave you pondering life itself and how you found your way to where you are now."
Thank you!
Meantime, I wanted to share this latest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review. It's from Lisa Albright who blogs for Books, Love & Understanding. It's everything I'd hoped readers would feel about the book--and more! Check it out!:
“I loved everything about this wonderful coming-of-age story. The descriptions of Boston and BU in 1975, the trepidation and curiosity of being away from home, the angst of figuring out how to fit in and be who you want to be, and the tumultuousness of sexuality in the 70's. I felt like I knew these characters and had lived some semblance of similarity in the friendships and feelings of solidarity and being alone at the same time at such a vulnerable age and the start of adulthood. This book will draw you in and wrap itself around your heart in the best way and leave you pondering life itself and how you found your way to where you are now."
Thank you!
September 8, 2024
PLEASE COME TO BOSTON launch week events!
This is the big week! PLEASE COME TO BOSTON will be out Tues. 9/10, so please join us for our free launch events when and where you can!
9/10 4pm (PT)/7pm (ET) (Pre-debate!!): Virtual interview and Q&A hosted by Warwick's Books, La Jolla, CA. RSVP for Zoom link: bit.ly/4d9F0Qz
Zoom in on any device from anywhere!
9/15 2:30pm, in-person! Interview, Q&A, and book signing at Diesel Books, Brentwood, CA.
Seats limited, RSVP required: https://bit.ly/4f7jJsd
More to come, stay tuned! Thanks, always, for the support!
9/10 4pm (PT)/7pm (ET) (Pre-debate!!): Virtual interview and Q&A hosted by Warwick's Books, La Jolla, CA. RSVP for Zoom link: bit.ly/4d9F0Qz
Zoom in on any device from anywhere!
9/15 2:30pm, in-person! Interview, Q&A, and book signing at Diesel Books, Brentwood, CA.
Seats limited, RSVP required: https://bit.ly/4f7jJsd
More to come, stay tuned! Thanks, always, for the support!
September 6, 2024
More reviews for PLEASE COME TO BOSTON
Just four days away from release now and more great reviews are rolling in! Here are a few:
"A tale as relatable as it is engaging… A poignant and immersive read, this trip down memory lane is both delightful and thought-provoking.” – Terri Portelli, BooklyMatters.com
“Goldstein has a wry wit, a congenial, incisive, and delightfully approachable style... He skillfully captures those first stirrings of sexual attraction and makes them feel as earth-shattering as the early rise of Bruce Springsteen… It’s a joy to read. [Goldstein] gives us something so simple, so beautiful, so heartbreaking, and yet so sublime.”
– Glenn Gaylord, The Queer Review
“Such a heartwarming read! This nostalgic novel of college days will have you feeling like you’re in freshman year again, full of hope, nerves, and anticipation of the unknown.”
– Leah Lawrence, NovelsAlive.com
"A tale as relatable as it is engaging… A poignant and immersive read, this trip down memory lane is both delightful and thought-provoking.” – Terri Portelli, BooklyMatters.com
“Goldstein has a wry wit, a congenial, incisive, and delightfully approachable style... He skillfully captures those first stirrings of sexual attraction and makes them feel as earth-shattering as the early rise of Bruce Springsteen… It’s a joy to read. [Goldstein] gives us something so simple, so beautiful, so heartbreaking, and yet so sublime.”
– Glenn Gaylord, The Queer Review
“Such a heartwarming read! This nostalgic novel of college days will have you feeling like you’re in freshman year again, full of hope, nerves, and anticipation of the unknown.”
– Leah Lawrence, NovelsAlive.com
August 30, 2024
Reviews are coming in on PLEASE COME TO BOSTON
Hey all-- With 11 days left till publication, and with our publicity campaign in full swing, I wanted to share a first book blogger review which totally warms my heart. This is from Linda Z. of Linda's Book Obsessions. Many thanks!:
Wow! Gary Goldstein, the author of “Please Come to Boston” has written a memorable, captivating, heartfelt, and emotional novel. The Genres for this novel are Coming of Age Fiction, Gay Fiction, and Friends Fiction. This well-written and well-told story has different time settings. One is 1975, during college life in Boston, and the other is in present time in Boston. I love the author’s description of college life being a time for exploration and experimentation. The author vividly describes the scenery and the dramatic and colorful characters. Can you remember distinctive times and various activities when you went to college?
Nicky is an innocent and naive college student, who wants to fit in. His roommate is somewhat intimidating, and he forms friendships with some of the students that he first meets when he starts college. Nicky becomes friends with Lori and Joe, and the trio of friends begin their adventure. Nicky starts to question his interests, music and sexuality. The college life is full of activties, adventure, party times, and finding oneself. What starts as a friendship between Nicky, Lori and Joe becomes complex and complicated with consequences that last 50 years later.
I appreciate how the author describes the importance of friends, family, loyalty, communication, honesty, love and hope. This is a thought-provoking book showing how the differences in 50 years can be so different and yet the same. I highly recommend this amazing novel.
Wow! Gary Goldstein, the author of “Please Come to Boston” has written a memorable, captivating, heartfelt, and emotional novel. The Genres for this novel are Coming of Age Fiction, Gay Fiction, and Friends Fiction. This well-written and well-told story has different time settings. One is 1975, during college life in Boston, and the other is in present time in Boston. I love the author’s description of college life being a time for exploration and experimentation. The author vividly describes the scenery and the dramatic and colorful characters. Can you remember distinctive times and various activities when you went to college?
Nicky is an innocent and naive college student, who wants to fit in. His roommate is somewhat intimidating, and he forms friendships with some of the students that he first meets when he starts college. Nicky becomes friends with Lori and Joe, and the trio of friends begin their adventure. Nicky starts to question his interests, music and sexuality. The college life is full of activties, adventure, party times, and finding oneself. What starts as a friendship between Nicky, Lori and Joe becomes complex and complicated with consequences that last 50 years later.
I appreciate how the author describes the importance of friends, family, loyalty, communication, honesty, love and hope. This is a thought-provoking book showing how the differences in 50 years can be so different and yet the same. I highly recommend this amazing novel.
August 10, 2024
One month till PLEASE COME TO BOSTON
30 days and counting till the release of PLEASE COME TO BOSTON, avail Sept. 10 via all local and online booksellers. Pre-order NOW in paperback or Kindle @ amzn.to/4b2dL8L. The coming-of-age campus dramedy that'll take you back! #comingofagefiction @bostonu #booklaunch #newnovel #pleasecometobostonnovel #collegedays #lgbtqfiction #comingsoon #garygoldsteinla #onemonthaway #campusromance @hadleighhousepublishing
July 24, 2024
L.A. launch event set for PLEASE COME TO BOSTON!
Book signing and Q&A set for Sun. Sept. 15 3pm at Diesel: A Bookstore, 225 26th St., Brentwood, CA. I'll chat about my new novel PLEASE COME TO BOSTON--a coming-of-age romantic dramedy set at Boston University in 1975 and, in part, today--with fellow author Susan Walter on Diesel Books' open-air patio at the Brentwood Country Mart. RSVP @ https://bit.ly/4f7jJsd to let us know you'll be joining AND at www.dieselbookstore.com/please-come-b... if you'd like to reserve your seat with a book pre-purchase. Look forward to seeing you there and thanks, as always, for the support!
July 12, 2024
Getting closer!
We're less than two months away now from the Sept. 10 publishing date for PLEASE COME TO BOSTON and heavy into our marketing campaign. Lots of great things set for late August through September. See: www.garygoldsteinla.com/book-please-c... for updates!
Also honored to be receiving so many wonderful blurbs about the book from authors I admire, means a lot to me! Here are a few:
“If you’ve gone through young adulthood, if you’ve been curious about sex, if you’ve fallen in or out of love, or if you’ve ever tried to figure out who you are and what you want, then Gary Goldstein’s "Please Come to Boston" is the perfect book for you. Once you crack it open, you won’t be able to put this book down.”
- Jessica Anya Blau, author of "Mary Jane"
“Beautifully constructed, poignant, and heartfelt, "Please Come to Boston" is about first loves, first heartbreaks, and friendships that last a lifetime. Goldstein molds vivid and loving characters in Nicky, Joe, and Lori, people you want to spend time with and who resonate in your soul long after you finish this gorgeous novel.”
- Bart Baker, author of "Honeymoon with Harry" and "The Wedding Gift"
“Gary Goldstein takes us to school in this emotional, honest, and charming portrayal of complex college friends who are figuring out love and life. Please Come to Boston is one of those life-affirming books that I wish existed when I was entering adulthood. It's like a reunion with classmates you can't wait to see.”
- Sidney Karger, author of "Best Men" and "The Bump"
Stay tuned, much more to come!
Also honored to be receiving so many wonderful blurbs about the book from authors I admire, means a lot to me! Here are a few:
“If you’ve gone through young adulthood, if you’ve been curious about sex, if you’ve fallen in or out of love, or if you’ve ever tried to figure out who you are and what you want, then Gary Goldstein’s "Please Come to Boston" is the perfect book for you. Once you crack it open, you won’t be able to put this book down.”
- Jessica Anya Blau, author of "Mary Jane"
“Beautifully constructed, poignant, and heartfelt, "Please Come to Boston" is about first loves, first heartbreaks, and friendships that last a lifetime. Goldstein molds vivid and loving characters in Nicky, Joe, and Lori, people you want to spend time with and who resonate in your soul long after you finish this gorgeous novel.”
- Bart Baker, author of "Honeymoon with Harry" and "The Wedding Gift"
“Gary Goldstein takes us to school in this emotional, honest, and charming portrayal of complex college friends who are figuring out love and life. Please Come to Boston is one of those life-affirming books that I wish existed when I was entering adulthood. It's like a reunion with classmates you can't wait to see.”
- Sidney Karger, author of "Best Men" and "The Bump"
Stay tuned, much more to come!
June 6, 2024
The blurbs are arriving!
Well, it's that time in the publishing process, the author blurbs are coming in for PLEASE COME TO BOSTON and I had to share this awesome one I woke up to receive today from Jessica Anya Blau, author of one of my favorite recent coming-of-age novels, the terrific "Mary Jane": “PLEASE COME TO BOSTON perfectly, precisely captures the angst, thrills, fear, and elation we all feel as we plunge into adulthood and, ultimately, love. You won’t be able to put this book down.” Thank you, Jessica!
