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The Island on the Edge of Normal
The first novel by Guy New York, The Island on the Edge of Normal, follows James from New York City to the coast of Maine where he struggles to forget his past by destroying his memories one page at a time. As he settles into his new life, he finds himself falling in love with Issa, the married women whose house he is sharing. When he learns that Issa and Paul have an open marriage he’s forced to make decisions he’s tried hard to avoid.
But the more comfortable he becomes, the more his past returns, until suddenly it arrives on the island in the form of Jane, the woman he’s been trying so hard to forget. Even as James learns about non-jealous husbands, handsome tourists, and growing up on the edge of normal, he’s still consumed by guilt, fear, and a deep-seated anger that he doesn’t fully understand and can’t let go.
A tale of love, lust, and redemption, The Island on the Edge of Normal pushes the boundaries of what it means to create, destroy, and forgive.
But the more comfortable he becomes, the more his past returns, until suddenly it arrives on the island in the form of Jane, the woman he’s been trying so hard to forget. Even as James learns about non-jealous husbands, handsome tourists, and growing up on the edge of normal, he’s still consumed by guilt, fear, and a deep-seated anger that he doesn’t fully understand and can’t let go.
A tale of love, lust, and redemption, The Island on the Edge of Normal pushes the boundaries of what it means to create, destroy, and forgive.
188 pages, Paperback
First published December 13, 2012
2 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Guy New York
114 books91 followersGuy New York is an author, designer, and degenerate who spends most his time either writing about sex or having it. Sometimes he does both at the same time, much to the chagrin of his partners.
He is the creator of the blog Quickies in New York, which has been featured in Playboy Espanol, Violet Blue's Tiny Nibbles, and Fleshbot, among many others.
With more than 70 titles to his name, including five full-length novels, twelve novellas, and numerous short stories, his books have been widely read and often burned.
He is the creator of the blog Quickies in New York, which has been featured in Playboy Espanol, Violet Blue's Tiny Nibbles, and Fleshbot, among many others.
With more than 70 titles to his name, including five full-length novels, twelve novellas, and numerous short stories, his books have been widely read and often burned.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 5, 2015
The story is very simple. You have a writer who can't write go on vacation to the middle of nowhere. The rest of the plot survives on wine, coffee and angst. It's not bad if you can relate to the relationships. I couldn't.
I couldn't feel the personalities, no matter how many times the characters went out of their way to tell me. It became such a flat note that I started losing track of dialogue, not knowing who was talking. Everyone is a romantic, and everyone wants the same thing. The only real conflict was in the flashbacks, and the outcome didn't really surprise me.
This story is good if you're looking for simple drama, where most of it occurs in James's head. He has two obstacles: love and writing. They are linked, and if you're not into relationships revolving around a guy who writes for a living, then you'll have a hard time getting into this.
Now that I griped, I can say at least the polyamory was handled well. The adult relationships were seamless and steamy, and I'm still a bit disappointed James and Paul didn't hook up but you can't have it all. On a non-sexual note, the addition of Paul's teenage son, Stephen, helped portray how multi-relationships don't ruin families, and I think Stephen was the coolest character of them all.
I couldn't feel the personalities, no matter how many times the characters went out of their way to tell me. It became such a flat note that I started losing track of dialogue, not knowing who was talking. Everyone is a romantic, and everyone wants the same thing. The only real conflict was in the flashbacks, and the outcome didn't really surprise me.
This story is good if you're looking for simple drama, where most of it occurs in James's head. He has two obstacles: love and writing. They are linked, and if you're not into relationships revolving around a guy who writes for a living, then you'll have a hard time getting into this.
Now that I griped, I can say at least the polyamory was handled well. The adult relationships were seamless and steamy, and I'm still a bit disappointed James and Paul didn't hook up but you can't have it all. On a non-sexual note, the addition of Paul's teenage son, Stephen, helped portray how multi-relationships don't ruin families, and I think Stephen was the coolest character of them all.
March 25, 2013
When blocked writer James decides he needs to get away for a while, clear his head, and get those creative juices flowing, he heads to an island. The island is recommended to him by a friend, whose uncle lives there with his son and wife, who are more than happy to let James live in their house for a few weeks.
Shortly after arriving, his hosts, Issa and Paul, tell James that they have an open marriage. Issa is going through a breakup with a girlfriend, and Paul has his own girlfriend off-island. Originally unnerved but open-minded, James quickly falls in love with the talented and passionate Issa, who returns his feelings.
James’s original goal is to get past his writer’s block, and that he does. Through an series of memories that are written down and then burned, we learn James’s story with his ex-girlfriend (aka, the reason for the block in the first place). The memories tell us how they met and fell in love, and what eventually tore them apart. While he’s letting go of his haunting past, one pile of ashes at a time, James is also struggling with his feelings for Issa, his friendships with Paul and Paul’s teenage son, Stephen, and his, well, new and exciting interest in a Frenchman who is visiting the island for just a few days longer.
Finally! A poly novel that doesn’t rely solely on the sex appeal. I have a few hang-ups with the romance genre...but I keep reading romance books. I like the idea of the genre, but so many of the books are just soul-crushing in their possessiveness and jealousy and immaturity and perfect-looking characters (gah, gross). I’m also not a fan of graphic sex scenes. I’m all for characters having sex, but I don’t need to see it happen.
Being poly, I have been looking for a romance-type novel that shows non-possessive polyamory that focuses on emotions other than lust, with realistic (in appearance and behavior) characters and relationships. Most* of the poly novels I’ve found up to this point have been erotica or close to erotica, with “the two sexiest men she ever saw” type characters. Insert a lot of eye-rolling. I got so frustrated about it, I wrote my own novel to match my criteria.
But now, now!, now, I have found a novel that is so close, it has restored my optimism. There are some sex scenes, but—coming from someone who doesn’t like graphic sex scenes—they were fantastically written and emotional and added to the novel and relationships rather than being gratuitous. As the characters fell in love, I wasn’t groaning wretchedly, I understood. The characters work well together. Their attraction to each other isn’t forced, it doesn’t come out of nowhere just to move the story along. Issa and Paul are an awesome couple, full of love and very open-hearted. James is a good guy who struggles with doubt and insecurity, with a few demons in his past.
I downloaded this novel when it was free for a day, but it’s worth the $6 on Kindle that it normally is. 5/5 GR stars, definitely check it out.
* At The Foot of the Throne is a novel that shows non-possessive polyamory that focuses on emotions other than lust with realistic (appearance and behavior) characters and relationships. It isn’t a romance-type novel, but it deserves mention here anyway.
Review originally posted on my blog.
Shortly after arriving, his hosts, Issa and Paul, tell James that they have an open marriage. Issa is going through a breakup with a girlfriend, and Paul has his own girlfriend off-island. Originally unnerved but open-minded, James quickly falls in love with the talented and passionate Issa, who returns his feelings.
James’s original goal is to get past his writer’s block, and that he does. Through an series of memories that are written down and then burned, we learn James’s story with his ex-girlfriend (aka, the reason for the block in the first place). The memories tell us how they met and fell in love, and what eventually tore them apart. While he’s letting go of his haunting past, one pile of ashes at a time, James is also struggling with his feelings for Issa, his friendships with Paul and Paul’s teenage son, Stephen, and his, well, new and exciting interest in a Frenchman who is visiting the island for just a few days longer.
Finally! A poly novel that doesn’t rely solely on the sex appeal. I have a few hang-ups with the romance genre...but I keep reading romance books. I like the idea of the genre, but so many of the books are just soul-crushing in their possessiveness and jealousy and immaturity and perfect-looking characters (gah, gross). I’m also not a fan of graphic sex scenes. I’m all for characters having sex, but I don’t need to see it happen.
Being poly, I have been looking for a romance-type novel that shows non-possessive polyamory that focuses on emotions other than lust, with realistic (in appearance and behavior) characters and relationships. Most* of the poly novels I’ve found up to this point have been erotica or close to erotica, with “the two sexiest men she ever saw” type characters. Insert a lot of eye-rolling. I got so frustrated about it, I wrote my own novel to match my criteria.
But now, now!, now, I have found a novel that is so close, it has restored my optimism. There are some sex scenes, but—coming from someone who doesn’t like graphic sex scenes—they were fantastically written and emotional and added to the novel and relationships rather than being gratuitous. As the characters fell in love, I wasn’t groaning wretchedly, I understood. The characters work well together. Their attraction to each other isn’t forced, it doesn’t come out of nowhere just to move the story along. Issa and Paul are an awesome couple, full of love and very open-hearted. James is a good guy who struggles with doubt and insecurity, with a few demons in his past.
I downloaded this novel when it was free for a day, but it’s worth the $6 on Kindle that it normally is. 5/5 GR stars, definitely check it out.
* At The Foot of the Throne is a novel that shows non-possessive polyamory that focuses on emotions other than lust with realistic (appearance and behavior) characters and relationships. It isn’t a romance-type novel, but it deserves mention here anyway.
Review originally posted on my blog.
March 19, 2013
I think The Island on the Edge of Normal is somewhat unique (so far) in that it is basically a poly romance novel. A novel about a writer writing could come off as masturbatory, but I think that's mostly avoided here, and that tendency is even explicitly acknowledged.
Interesting characters adeptly written, and plotting that kept me engaged until the end. While it obviously doesn't (and couldn't, and shouldn't) include characters representing all possible perspectives on poly relationships, I was impressed with the variety presented. I also appreciated the fact that while polyamory is central, it doesn't steal the show. These characters have other issues to deal with, which is as it should be.
I never got to the point where I felt I really knew the characters well, and maybe some of the ways they are quite different from me (drinking, smoking, etc.) exacerbated that, but overall I found it to be a very good book.
Interesting characters adeptly written, and plotting that kept me engaged until the end. While it obviously doesn't (and couldn't, and shouldn't) include characters representing all possible perspectives on poly relationships, I was impressed with the variety presented. I also appreciated the fact that while polyamory is central, it doesn't steal the show. These characters have other issues to deal with, which is as it should be.
I never got to the point where I felt I really knew the characters well, and maybe some of the ways they are quite different from me (drinking, smoking, etc.) exacerbated that, but overall I found it to be a very good book.
November 13, 2022
Beautiful
Beautiful story of healing, exploration of love, the unconventional nature of relationships, and friendship. I now feel the need to find myself at the seaside.
Beautiful story of healing, exploration of love, the unconventional nature of relationships, and friendship. I now feel the need to find myself at the seaside.
February 11, 2013
Here is a secret you may not know: Guy New York is a little bit famous. His very sexy blog has been atop the list of many "best sex bloggers" lists and all of that praise seems a bit psychic now given how truly wonderful "The Island on the Edge of Normal" is.
Sexy, forthright, inclusive, daring and very funny. Using erotic fiction Guy manages to make polyamory look a lot more fun and generous than "The Ethical Slut" ever did and this book should become required reading for anyone curious about opening up their relationship. And unlike a textbook, "Island on the Edge of Normal" will turn you on!
The only real downside to Guy's fantastic book is that often the dialogue feels a little pressed and contrived but it is clear that it written from a place of honesty and genuine desire and so the moment of clunk are forgivable.
I highly recommend giving this book a go and letting your typing fingers find it's way to Guy's other writing. You won't be disappointed.
The Ethical Slut. A Guide to Infinite Sexual Possibilities
Sexy, forthright, inclusive, daring and very funny. Using erotic fiction Guy manages to make polyamory look a lot more fun and generous than "The Ethical Slut" ever did and this book should become required reading for anyone curious about opening up their relationship. And unlike a textbook, "Island on the Edge of Normal" will turn you on!
The only real downside to Guy's fantastic book is that often the dialogue feels a little pressed and contrived but it is clear that it written from a place of honesty and genuine desire and so the moment of clunk are forgivable.
I highly recommend giving this book a go and letting your typing fingers find it's way to Guy's other writing. You won't be disappointed.
The Ethical Slut. A Guide to Infinite Sexual Possibilities
November 13, 2014
I picked this up because I'm in a poly relationship so I was intrigued.
But, because I already believe in poly, the first quarter of the book where that's the main mystery, kind of went past me. The first 35% of this book was dull for me because I didn't believe in the conflict.
I then took a bit of a break from this book, picked it up again, and read 35% to 100% in one sitting. Around that time the stakes get higher, the relationships become more genuine and real, and James, the MC, starts to expose an emotional vulnerability that clicked with me. I am really glad I finished this book.
It is an inspiring read for anyone who has to deal with people in their lives. I mean, there are some thematic elements to it about honesty and communication that I hope I keep with me in my romantic and platonic relationships.
But, because I already believe in poly, the first quarter of the book where that's the main mystery, kind of went past me. The first 35% of this book was dull for me because I didn't believe in the conflict.
I then took a bit of a break from this book, picked it up again, and read 35% to 100% in one sitting. Around that time the stakes get higher, the relationships become more genuine and real, and James, the MC, starts to expose an emotional vulnerability that clicked with me. I am really glad I finished this book.
It is an inspiring read for anyone who has to deal with people in their lives. I mean, there are some thematic elements to it about honesty and communication that I hope I keep with me in my romantic and platonic relationships.
February 20, 2013
The more I read this book, the harder it was to put it down. With each page I felt I had more in common with James and his inability to move on past failures and live in the present, hunted by demons very much alike every time I try to write something romantic.
Issa became a personal hero of mine, with many highlights containing her wise words throughout the book. Her vision of polyamory or an open relationship in this book is honest, real, and makes sense, so much though it cut me with clarity at times.
I tend to believe that Guy was inspired by his own experiences in the book, altered lightly to become this novel. It is a great read for anyone who likes romance and wants to know how honest, loving people really handle polyamory every day. This book feels me with hope.
Issa became a personal hero of mine, with many highlights containing her wise words throughout the book. Her vision of polyamory or an open relationship in this book is honest, real, and makes sense, so much though it cut me with clarity at times.
I tend to believe that Guy was inspired by his own experiences in the book, altered lightly to become this novel. It is a great read for anyone who likes romance and wants to know how honest, loving people really handle polyamory every day. This book feels me with hope.
March 13, 2013
I didnt realize what kind of book I was reading, I think i forgot to read the back of this one because it was a free the day i downloaded it. It was well written and entertaining, after i got over the inital surprise of the kind of book i was reading.
March 14, 2013
Very quick read about an author getting through his writers block with the help of an island, an open couple, and the ex he's been blocked by. A few erotic scenes that aren't gratuitous but develop from the tension that's built between the main characters.
April 24, 2013
This was a book I got for free on amazon. It started out very slow but about halfway thru it turned a corner for me. I wish it had been longer. By the time I really started enjoying it it ended.
June 9, 2014
An easy read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews