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Human Condition
It's 1985. Reagan is president, The Cosby Show is the most popular show on television and the radio blares Shout incessantly. At the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mike Ross spills some acid on himself in a lab and is rescued by football star Joe Lassiter. What ensues is funny, touching, realistic and riveting reading.
Warning: there is a violent rape scene in this book (not between the main characters).
Warning: there is a violent rape scene in this book (not between the main characters).
245 pages, online fiction
First published January 1, 2002
3 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 13, 2012
The Good:
Beautiful love story. I'm a complete sucker for romances that take place over a long span of time. I always finish feeling like I've actually spent years with the characters, and it seems to leave a more profound impression on me than the instalove I see so often.
This may be the most realistic portrayal of a 'gay for you' themed story that I’ve come across. There weren’t buckets of angst or pages and pages of whining. Just two characters trying to figure out themselves, and each other. Mike and Joe felt very real to me, and their story felt believable. There were a few moments in this that squeezed my guts badly and I may have shed a tear or two.
The Bad:
This is written in first person, present narrative. It doesn't always bother me, but in this particular case it did. There were a few times that the MC even addressed me directly! The reader! I didn't like it. I want to feel voyeuristic, pretend I’m not here! Reading the prologue helped explain why it’s written that way, but I still never really got over it.
There are also a ton of typos. I’m not a grammar Nazi, and usually it wouldn’t bother me, but this was kind of ridiculous. I loved this book so much I want to proofread it myself. For free.
Overall:
Even with all the many things that bothered me, I would still put this on the re-read shelf. I <3 Mike and Joe. I want to scribble their names on my notepad and dedicate a love song to them. I would recommend this to any m/m fan, so long as you realize this is a free book, so don’t expect the pretty package. If you can see past the grammatical errors, and sometimes annoying narrative, you’ll find a pretty damn good story.
Beautiful love story. I'm a complete sucker for romances that take place over a long span of time. I always finish feeling like I've actually spent years with the characters, and it seems to leave a more profound impression on me than the instalove I see so often.
This may be the most realistic portrayal of a 'gay for you' themed story that I’ve come across. There weren’t buckets of angst or pages and pages of whining. Just two characters trying to figure out themselves, and each other. Mike and Joe felt very real to me, and their story felt believable. There were a few moments in this that squeezed my guts badly and I may have shed a tear or two.
The Bad:
This is written in first person, present narrative. It doesn't always bother me, but in this particular case it did. There were a few times that the MC even addressed me directly! The reader! I didn't like it. I want to feel voyeuristic, pretend I’m not here! Reading the prologue helped explain why it’s written that way, but I still never really got over it.
There are also a ton of typos. I’m not a grammar Nazi, and usually it wouldn’t bother me, but this was kind of ridiculous. I loved this book so much I want to proofread it myself. For free.
Overall:
Even with all the many things that bothered me, I would still put this on the re-read shelf. I <3 Mike and Joe. I want to scribble their names on my notepad and dedicate a love song to them. I would recommend this to any m/m fan, so long as you realize this is a free book, so don’t expect the pretty package. If you can see past the grammatical errors, and sometimes annoying narrative, you’ll find a pretty damn good story.
March 27, 2013
4 - 4.5 Stars
Story Content Warning : Some Torture, Rape
This free online story was a great read and a long one at that too. Sometimes this piece felt overly long, and I was hoping for more dialogue a lot of the time in order to show more interactions between the characters, (my eyes kept scanning down the screen looking for dialogue, as so much of this is just narration) but it was well written and well done overall. I think many of the reviews of this story, here on goodreads, are well done too, so rather than summarize the entire plot, I'll share my personal feelings about it.
This is a best friends to lovers story and can be considered "gay for you."
Although I did see some "abuse" tags for this piece, I wasn't really expecting to read about a rape, and if this is a sensitive subject to you, I would not suggest that you read this. The torture and rape scene in this is relatively short and not extremely, extremely graphic, but it is graphic and the character's recuperation process from the rape also takes up a large chunk of this story. If rape is not an overly sensitive subject for you, I would suggest that you not let that deter you from reading this, as there is much, much more to this story than rape.
Towards the end of the story:
All this being said, this was a good read and as long as it was, I liked that about this. The writing style was interesting with each chapter beginning in the present and then flashing back to the past (this may sound confusing, but it is not. Additionally, because it is set up this way, we know what will happen with the two MCs from the very beginning of this story.) But the vast majority of this story takes place in the 1980s when the two MCs are in college. This story was certainly better than many ebooks that I have paid for and it is always great to find some free online fiction that is well done!
I'd recommend this story if you like:
FREE Fiction!
best friends to lovers
GFY
College Age Characters
Sex Scenes
Angst
Drama
Long Stories
This definitely was not a "light" read at all and I would recommend it when you have time and are in the mood to read a long story that is dramatic as opposed to funny.
Story Content Warning : Some Torture, Rape
This free online story was a great read and a long one at that too. Sometimes this piece felt overly long, and I was hoping for more dialogue a lot of the time in order to show more interactions between the characters, (my eyes kept scanning down the screen looking for dialogue, as so much of this is just narration) but it was well written and well done overall. I think many of the reviews of this story, here on goodreads, are well done too, so rather than summarize the entire plot, I'll share my personal feelings about it.
This is a best friends to lovers story and can be considered "gay for you."
Although I did see some "abuse" tags for this piece, I wasn't really expecting to read about a rape, and if this is a sensitive subject to you, I would not suggest that you read this. The torture and rape scene in this is relatively short and not extremely, extremely graphic, but it is graphic and the character's recuperation process from the rape also takes up a large chunk of this story. If rape is not an overly sensitive subject for you, I would suggest that you not let that deter you from reading this, as there is much, much more to this story than rape.
Towards the end of the story:
All this being said, this was a good read and as long as it was, I liked that about this. The writing style was interesting with each chapter beginning in the present and then flashing back to the past (this may sound confusing, but it is not. Additionally, because it is set up this way, we know what will happen with the two MCs from the very beginning of this story.) But the vast majority of this story takes place in the 1980s when the two MCs are in college. This story was certainly better than many ebooks that I have paid for and it is always great to find some free online fiction that is well done!
I'd recommend this story if you like:
FREE Fiction!
best friends to lovers
GFY
College Age Characters
Sex Scenes
Angst
Drama
Long Stories
This definitely was not a "light" read at all and I would recommend it when you have time and are in the mood to read a long story that is dramatic as opposed to funny.
April 2, 2013
3.65
The first 70% of this was great. The establishment of the friendship is well done, the host of characters are interesting, and the tension between Mike and Joe and that which infuses the story, will they or won't they figure it out, is strong and compelling. I also liked the structure a lot. It's wonderful that even with a flash back narrative structure there remains a palpable sense of tension. So this lot was a pleasure to read, albeit with a couple huh? moments, but generally really good.
The last 30% fell off for me somewhat. I felt like I lost the handle on seeing and feeling Joe; as if in running, he ran off the page and out of my focus and clear chracterisation of him.
Then the last 20% with the first time sex didnt work for me either. It was a mix of clinical writing, a few dashes of purple prose, and a whole lot of vanilla-ness that left me sort of bored.
Oh yeah, and there is a considerable amount of grammatical errors; shan't interrupt comprehension but for the grammatically conscious, it's noticeable.
The first 70% of this was great. The establishment of the friendship is well done, the host of characters are interesting, and the tension between Mike and Joe and that which infuses the story, will they or won't they figure it out, is strong and compelling. I also liked the structure a lot. It's wonderful that even with a flash back narrative structure there remains a palpable sense of tension. So this lot was a pleasure to read, albeit with a couple huh? moments, but generally really good.
The last 30% fell off for me somewhat. I felt like I lost the handle on seeing and feeling Joe; as if in running, he ran off the page and out of my focus and clear chracterisation of him.
Then the last 20% with the first time sex didnt work for me either. It was a mix of clinical writing, a few dashes of purple prose, and a whole lot of vanilla-ness that left me sort of bored.
Oh yeah, and there is a considerable amount of grammatical errors; shan't interrupt comprehension but for the grammatically conscious, it's noticeable.
January 14, 2014
Better than average free online story of a man's recounting of how he and his partner finally got together. Each chapter starts with a moment in current time before going back to the past - between five and eight years earlier. Definitely worth a look, but be warned, it does contain a rape scene (by a relative stranger).
October 18, 2012
I found this book at least 5 or 6 years ago before I found the online booksellers and publishers. I was stunned that this author was not publishing it! The story is realistic, well written with characters that you like to love. The character development is so strong that despite reading this story at least 10 times, I find more in the characters' personality than the time before. Human Condition deserves to be expanded upon and SOLD. Ms. Finn is one of the most impressive writers I have read. A Human Condition is a jewel not yet discovered by MM readers across the board.
January 5, 2013
Bumpy start, but this little love story definitely grew on me. As an unedited free read it certainly has its faults - but the main characters really were quite endearing and despite the dramatic plot, a bit too much drama at times, one might add, Human Condition was definitely an engaging read that leaves you with a happy feeling in the end.
May 17, 2012
Human Condition is one of my all-time favorite books. It reads like a diary into four years of the lives of two college students: Mike Ross, who is a freshman at the University of Michigan studying pre-law and star football quarterback, Joe Lassiter, also a freshman in pre-med. They meet due to an unfortunate chemistry lab accident and become best friends and maybe more... Mike, who is gay, falls in love with Joe, who isn't, and the story catalogues their struggles through college, boyfriends, girlfriends, tragedy and whether Joe will ever discover how deeply Mike feels about him.
The reason I like this book is because it resonates with true emotions, not the usual trivialities of most male/male college romances. And it isn't just the main characters who have a story to tell- it's also their friends and family who shine brightly, all seeing the deep and abiding love Mike and Joe have for each other, even if neither is aware of it themselves.
The reason I like this book is because it resonates with true emotions, not the usual trivialities of most male/male college romances. And it isn't just the main characters who have a story to tell- it's also their friends and family who shine brightly, all seeing the deep and abiding love Mike and Joe have for each other, even if neither is aware of it themselves.
May 4, 2018
Oh How I remember this love story. It has everything for everyone; a great little plot, just enough sex to keep you turned on but also a spark of life in the characters so that to feel that you really know them. I wrote to the author not long after reading expressing my gratitude for such a great love story not over laden with sappiness and sex, but also hoped for a continuance of the story. Sadly it seems when she had planned in her correspondence with me didn't go as planned. Either way I still love this story, and recommend it to any and all members of our community - for should they feel a little disconnected from love or desire- 'Such is the perversity of the human condition. The drive to love, to connect, is so strong that any attraction, no matter how hopeless, fills us.'~Jayne Finn
July 29, 2011
I like this story a lot. It is a college coming-of-age story via flashbacks from an established relationship. The writing is good, and I liked the characters, including friends and family. The women characters were well done.
Warning - there is a nasty rape scene (not between the MC's). You'll see it coming and can just skip the chapter if needed.
I haven't found any trace of the author after about 2003, so I have created a file in case the rather obsolete website goes away. SInce it is free online, I think this is OK. Please PM me if you would like a copy (unless I hear otherwise from the author).
Warning - there is a nasty rape scene (not between the MC's). You'll see it coming and can just skip the chapter if needed.
I haven't found any trace of the author after about 2003, so I have created a file in case the rather obsolete website goes away. SInce it is free online, I think this is OK. Please PM me if you would like a copy (unless I hear otherwise from the author).
December 14, 2012
3.5 stars
There were some really excellent scenes in this freebie that made it worth reading IMO. Sometimes the time changes and space between scenes was a bit long, enough that I wondered what happened in that time period. Some scenes were o.k and occasionally I wondered why they called each other best friends but kept so much distance, but I generally enjoyed this story.
*NOTE: there is a threesome scene in this book.
*NOTE: There is a rape scene in this book.
There were some really excellent scenes in this freebie that made it worth reading IMO. Sometimes the time changes and space between scenes was a bit long, enough that I wondered what happened in that time period. Some scenes were o.k and occasionally I wondered why they called each other best friends but kept so much distance, but I generally enjoyed this story.
*NOTE: there is a threesome scene in this book.
*NOTE: There is a rape scene in this book.
September 26, 2012
Wow. This book was fantastic. I really enjoyed the way it was formatted, starting in the present and then flashing back 15 years to learn joe and Mike's story. I especially enjoyed it because it got me through done rough times, when I was tormented by the angst and tragedies in the book, to know that there us a blissfully happy ending. I think this author is immensely talented and I loved this book.
November 3, 2012
This book is one of my all time favourite M/M romances.
It was one of my first reads when I started reading M/M romance.
I discovered it at Lit on the Hall of Fame.
The character development was very well done and I loved the fact that we saw glimpses of the future which showed us that everything works out despite the present being in shambles.
Mike and Joe are such a great couple, seeing them get to get point was very rewarding read.
Just love this story!
:)
It was one of my first reads when I started reading M/M romance.
I discovered it at Lit on the Hall of Fame.
The character development was very well done and I loved the fact that we saw glimpses of the future which showed us that everything works out despite the present being in shambles.
Mike and Joe are such a great couple, seeing them get to get point was very rewarding read.
Just love this story!
:)
November 24, 2014
Free from author's website. Extremely well written love story between Mike, a gay student, and Joe, the All-American jock. Joe saves Mike when he severely burns himself with acid and it's the start of a friendship filled with ups and downs and unrequited love.
Set over four years of college, but told as a memory from Mike's POV in the future. Each chapter starts in the present as they ready themselves for the day and then it segways into the past.
Set over four years of college, but told as a memory from Mike's POV in the future. Each chapter starts in the present as they ready themselves for the day and then it segways into the past.
August 25, 2012
As I read the first chapter I remembered I read this story a long long time ago,when I devoured original fiction like air.I really liked it then and I still wanted to slap Joe...he was such a coward and I think Mike should have made him grovel more.I really liked how each chapter began with them in the future, it was nice to know there is a happy ending before you finish the story ^_^
January 29, 2012
This is just one the best stories I have read in the longest while. Jayne Finn gave us a wonderful story, great characters, a true romance. This just can't be the only story Jayne has written...no way.
September 4, 2011
3.75 (rounding to 4 stars). It's a sweet romantic story, with a bit of everything. You really get to know the characters and understand how they get to love each other.
March 2, 2012
3.5 because some bits are very nice
January 18, 2013
3.5 rounded up.
September 18, 2014
I enjoyed reading this story.
October 18, 2015
★★★★ = I may not read it again but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 13, 2014
I really liked this romance. It was a long, sweet love story.
August 14, 2016
2.5 stars
January 5, 2013
Review to come.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews