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Gulliver Takes Five
In his wild and addictive follow-up to Gulliver Takes Manhattan, novelist Justin Luke Zirilli revisits a single epic night in the life of Gulliver Leverenz; this time through the eyes of six of Gully’s closest companions. There’s Marty, Gully’s ex-boyfriend, who gets a shot at a breakthrough role that could propel him straight to Broadway; hotheaded Brayden, who copes with a breakup by carving a path of blistering revenge across the city; bickering exes Servando and Rowan, for whom a subway breakdown ignites a powder keg of drama and discovery; Gully’s former best friend Todd, whose job as a gay nightlife promoter is turning out to be anything but glamorous; and go-go boy Chase, finally facing some hard truths about his life—and trying to cope with his harsh reality. Enrapturing, adventurous, and chaotic, Gulliver Takes Five gives readers an exclusive all-access pass to Gay New York for one rough, sexy—and unforgettable—night on the town.
395 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2012
8 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Justin Luke Zirilli
13 books52 followersJustin Luke is author of Gulliver Takes Manhattan and its sequel, Gulliver Takes Five.
His newest novella, "Gianni," is now available exclusively on the Kindle.
He has also penned "Time and Time Again," based on the TV Series "The Vampire Diaries. It is also available exclusively on the Kindle as a part of their Kindle Worlds program.
He is also the Co-Director and Head Promoter of the New York-Based gay nightlife events company, BoiParty.com. Together with his partner, Alan Picus, they throw weekly dance parties around New York City.
Justin is also a social media consultant and addict. He has helped countless companies and individuals take advantage of Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and Podcasts to get out into the world, and grab attention by the throat.
He is also the creator of Gorgeous, Gay and Twenty-Something, a private international Facebook group now comprised of over 7,700 members.
When not being a nerd and/or writing, Justin spends his time in Hell’s Kitchen, usually playing Playstation and watching 30 Rock with his boyfriend, Joe.
His newest novella, "Gianni," is now available exclusively on the Kindle.
He has also penned "Time and Time Again," based on the TV Series "The Vampire Diaries. It is also available exclusively on the Kindle as a part of their Kindle Worlds program.
He is also the Co-Director and Head Promoter of the New York-Based gay nightlife events company, BoiParty.com. Together with his partner, Alan Picus, they throw weekly dance parties around New York City.
Justin is also a social media consultant and addict. He has helped countless companies and individuals take advantage of Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and Podcasts to get out into the world, and grab attention by the throat.
He is also the creator of Gorgeous, Gay and Twenty-Something, a private international Facebook group now comprised of over 7,700 members.
When not being a nerd and/or writing, Justin spends his time in Hell’s Kitchen, usually playing Playstation and watching 30 Rock with his boyfriend, Joe.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 22, 2016
3,3 stars.
AudibleA sequel to Gulliver Takes Manhattan that sheds light on the events that found place shortly BEFORE THAT fateful night in the life of Gulliver. (You have to read the first book to know what I mean.) Gulliver Takes Five actually helps to understand what went around at this time, we have 5 separates stories told from the point of view of the supportive characters. I enjoyed the story of Marty and Brayden, but not so much of the other three characters. Yes, unfortunately of Todd's one neither, even if I was looking forward to reading it, it is set as the last story in the book. Even if the main reason I picked up this sequel was a hope to get the answers on my questions about Todd's those situation, about his thoughts and motives at those night, but I didn't get them. :(
If you enjoyed the first book, you should read this one probably too, but you can also skip it, it won't make much difference. The writing though was very good, but I can't hide my disappointment because of Todd.
December 24, 2013
Interesting book. Fun way to follow up on these boys. It left me wanting to know more about these guys. Specifically Todd and gully/chase.
May 2, 2013
I picked this up on Audible.com without realizing that it was the second book in the series. The beginning was very difficult. I do not like to waste time on books with characters that I fail to empathize nor tolerate. The first character story was half the book and had one of those characters. I almost didn't make it though that first story line.
The book has no HEA. It is just a saga of a day in the life of Twenty-Something New York gays. I am still unsure why I bought it. I have no interest in the New York gay clubbing, party, sexing life style of the young, beautiful and stupid. Maybe I was curious. I did get an earful that pretty much confirmed that I am not comfortable with that lifestyle. I guess I have never able to shake my Midwest up bringing.
The novel presents different stories of the same evening intermixed with view points of the various characters. It may have helped to have heard the first novel but I can't tell since this one seemed to stand alone well. I found myself curious about some of the characters but fell for only a couple: Todd and Christian. Now I find myself wanting to know more. Perhaps a little about some of the characters (not the destructive ones); but definitely about Todd. I see the author has a whole suite of this series. I would like to read more of the series to learn more about what happens to Todd trusting that he gets his HAE but that is probably part of the discovery process. I think if learn more about Christian it will only frustrate me more.
I see that the book has received many very high reviews. Since it a departure from my comfort zone I can't say it is one of the best books I have read but I sure learned a lot about New York Twenty-Somethings. Bottom line: I will pursue more of the series if nothing more to satisfy my curiosity. The author sure knew how to whet my appetite.
The book has no HEA. It is just a saga of a day in the life of Twenty-Something New York gays. I am still unsure why I bought it. I have no interest in the New York gay clubbing, party, sexing life style of the young, beautiful and stupid. Maybe I was curious. I did get an earful that pretty much confirmed that I am not comfortable with that lifestyle. I guess I have never able to shake my Midwest up bringing.
The novel presents different stories of the same evening intermixed with view points of the various characters. It may have helped to have heard the first novel but I can't tell since this one seemed to stand alone well. I found myself curious about some of the characters but fell for only a couple: Todd and Christian. Now I find myself wanting to know more. Perhaps a little about some of the characters (not the destructive ones); but definitely about Todd. I see the author has a whole suite of this series. I would like to read more of the series to learn more about what happens to Todd trusting that he gets his HAE but that is probably part of the discovery process. I think if learn more about Christian it will only frustrate me more.
I see that the book has received many very high reviews. Since it a departure from my comfort zone I can't say it is one of the best books I have read but I sure learned a lot about New York Twenty-Somethings. Bottom line: I will pursue more of the series if nothing more to satisfy my curiosity. The author sure knew how to whet my appetite.
June 11, 2013
Actually, I rate this 3.5 stars.
This sequel is interesting, but not as involving as Gulliver Takes Manhattan. It tells the tale of what happens to "the crew" the night Gulliver gives up porn and vanishes a second (or is it a third?) time.
All the stories are told in first person, which is quite a feat, but I don't think the "voices" are different enough to be wholly successful. The chapter devoted to Rowan and Servy is a case in point: also told in first person, the two characters are differentiated only by the use of italics. Todd's story is the most effective, even though I saw the reveal coming a mile off.
However, I still enjoyed it. A fun read. But I'm waiting for more about Gulliver. :)
This sequel is interesting, but not as involving as Gulliver Takes Manhattan. It tells the tale of what happens to "the crew" the night Gulliver gives up porn and vanishes a second (or is it a third?) time.
All the stories are told in first person, which is quite a feat, but I don't think the "voices" are different enough to be wholly successful. The chapter devoted to Rowan and Servy is a case in point: also told in first person, the two characters are differentiated only by the use of italics. Todd's story is the most effective, even though I saw the reveal coming a mile off.
However, I still enjoyed it. A fun read. But I'm waiting for more about Gulliver. :)
August 3, 2017
Everyone has a story
The question is does it get told. I LOVE both books. Life has a way of showing only then shiny bright side. Not the underbelly that is scarred and imperfect. Often we strive and are jealous of others we perceive have it all. And in that we fail to see the longing for our life. It's amazing we always want what we don't have and those we mimic want what we have. Irony at its best. Gulliver refuses to be beaten, and all three characters want three simplicity of love and to be loved. Justin, has shown us life is messy and if it is not messy you are not living.
The question is does it get told. I LOVE both books. Life has a way of showing only then shiny bright side. Not the underbelly that is scarred and imperfect. Often we strive and are jealous of others we perceive have it all. And in that we fail to see the longing for our life. It's amazing we always want what we don't have and those we mimic want what we have. Irony at its best. Gulliver refuses to be beaten, and all three characters want three simplicity of love and to be loved. Justin, has shown us life is messy and if it is not messy you are not living.
May 8, 2021
This was a fun follow up and it filled in some of the missing pieces from the original.
July 23, 2013
I was so fascinated by Gulliver Takes Manhattan that I did not understand the need to take a five.. as in to take a break from the main character. I wanted more of Gully. Granted, I enjoyed Justin Luke Zirilli's style of writing.. witty, fast, engaging etc.. but I wanted more Gully. I bought this ebook months ago and did not settle down soon enough to start reading. That was the mistake. I did not remember exactly what went on in the first book. But then again, it was not really difficult for me to follow the story.. and I was impressed. Again.
I was hooked on Brayden although I had to admit that he was scary. Marty's story was good as well and I was surprised that I wanted to know more of Chase, although there was this one incident he almost sounded like a Brayden. A bit of turn-off but I guess that could happen given that he was seriously lacked of sleep.
I did not care much for Rowen and on-off boyfriend. Todd was the mysterious one but he turned out to be a commoner. His storyline was too. I was expecting more.
But hey.. it was money well-spent. I enjoyed this book much. Sigh.. Now, I have to wait for the third serving.. Please don't make us wait too long...
I was hooked on Brayden although I had to admit that he was scary. Marty's story was good as well and I was surprised that I wanted to know more of Chase, although there was this one incident he almost sounded like a Brayden. A bit of turn-off but I guess that could happen given that he was seriously lacked of sleep.
I did not care much for Rowen and on-off boyfriend. Todd was the mysterious one but he turned out to be a commoner. His storyline was too. I was expecting more.
But hey.. it was money well-spent. I enjoyed this book much. Sigh.. Now, I have to wait for the third serving.. Please don't make us wait too long...
June 9, 2016
I liked this book way more than Gulliver Takes Manhattan. I hated Brayden as a character, but knowing I only had to stay with him for a limited time helped. This book really blows up Gulliver's flaws. We end with Todd's story. He wonders what would've happened if Gulliver had stayed in California. Well, Todd's life would be much easier and better. The final piece of bad news would never have happened if it wasn't for the drama that Gulliver brings to Todd's life. The author changes writing styles with the change in narrators and I felt that worked well. Finally, this did help explain some of the character's motivation and choices. It developed them more fully. As far as I could tell, Marty, while not a great guy, probably wasn't guilty. So, all of the drama from the first novel was driven by insecurities in Brayden and Gulliver.
May 10, 2013
I read Gulliver Takes Manhattan last year and loved it. This is essentially the story of five of the supporting characters and a 48 hour period, with a few flashbacks thrown in. I have to admit when we started with Brayden's story, I was apprehensive that I would enjoy it. Brayden's story was rough and aggressive and my least favorite of the 5. Todd's story tore my heart out. Overall, I loved it. Zirilli is a talented author, but know that he's pretty in your face. Nothing's sweet or cute about his books. I listened to this book on Audiobook, and the narrator was excellent.
October 29, 2015
I did not need to to take a break from Gulliver but apparently he needed to take five from me reading him. You tried to hide from me Gulliver but I found you anyway sweetie. If you loved Gulliver Takes Manhattan, you'll love this sequel or just if you want to see Gulliver naked on webcam this will do it for you.
September 18, 2014
I was a big fan of Gulliver's Travels so it was great to become reacquainted with the characters. I would have liked to have seen more Gulliver but I enjoyed the backstory of the other guys and what they all were doing on a night that plays a big part of the first book. I'm crossing my fingers I'll get to read more about Gulliver and the guys sometime soon.
August 31, 2014
I read Gulliver Takes Manhattan several years ago & really enjoyed it. Here is a collection of stories, all masterfully interwoven, that coincide with one nights events in the first book. It's fun to go back and re-meet some of my favorite (& some characters I hated) in this sexy & fun book. It's amusing to see just how small the world is of these folks.
June 8, 2015
Would be interesting to see the author take his readers back to Gulliver's life. In Take Five, he has, and Zirilli has given his readers a glimpse into Gulliver's friends party lifestyle. Where is Gulliver after his break? Where is the author after his break?
March 27, 2013
LOVELY. just plain LOVELY and entertaining.
July 22, 2014
Great follow-up to 'Gulliver Takes Manhattan', exploring the backstories of Gulliver's co-characters, all leading up to the final night in the first novel.
May 20, 2015
Omg!! Todd's story broke my heart!! He's the glue that holds them together!!! I want to read more about Todd Chase & Gulliver. I hope there's another book soon.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews