What do you think?
Rate this book
Denial, Deceit, Discovery
Denial, Deceit, Discovery is the heart-rending story based on true events in the life of Jack Ellis; a young Catholic man deep in denial of his own homosexuality. It tells the story of how his own denial and the denial of his loved ones forced him to conform to the straight world, resulting in his marriage to his high school sweetheart. After years of cruising gay porn sites, chatting online with endless guys and intimate encounters with close friends, Jack was pulled into a life of deceit with a string of sexual partners.
The story explains the pain and suffering of those around him as his secrets unfold and honesty rises up. The torture endured as Jack struggles to piece together the complex story of his own sexuality is truly moving. Escaping the shame, Jack flees to Bangkok with his gay lover where a much greater world of deceit and discovery awaits them both.
The story explains the pain and suffering of those around him as his secrets unfold and honesty rises up. The torture endured as Jack struggles to piece together the complex story of his own sexuality is truly moving. Escaping the shame, Jack flees to Bangkok with his gay lover where a much greater world of deceit and discovery awaits them both.
- GenresM M RomanceBiographyLGBT
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2013
5 people are currently reading
986 people want to read
About the author
J. James
2 books26 followersOriginally from the UK, J James is currently living and working in Southeast Asia. He enjoys the tropical climate, and the relaxed pace, which has provided the opportunity to continue developing ideas for his writing.
Both his debut novel, 'Denial Deceit Discovery,' and his latest fictional novel, 'Happy Never After,' draw upon experiences in Asia - using the rich visuals from the region to add vivid descriptions and an alluring blendsof culture.
Both his debut novel, 'Denial Deceit Discovery,' and his latest fictional novel, 'Happy Never After,' draw upon experiences in Asia - using the rich visuals from the region to add vivid descriptions and an alluring blendsof culture.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 28, 2015
Review: Denial, Deceit, Discovery by J. James Published by: Inkslingers Publishing (31st May 2013)
ISBN: 9780957640306
Source: Author provided review copy
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
Denial, Deceit, Discovery is the heart-rending story based on true events in the life of Jack Ellis; a young Catholic man deep in denial of his own homosexuality. It tells the story of how his own denial and the denial of his loved ones forced him to conform to the straight world, resulting in his marriage to his high school sweetheart. After years of cruising gay porn sites, chatting online with endless guys and intimate encounters with close friends, Jack was pulled into a life of deceit with a string of sexual partners.
The story explains the pain and suffering of those around him as his secrets unfold and honesty rises up. The torture endured as Jack struggles to piece together the complex story of his own sexuality is truly moving. Escaping the shame, Jack flees to Bangkok with his gay lover where a much greater world of deceit and discovery awaits them both.
Review:
I really wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book, but I was really interested in discovering the author's story as some of my friends are gay and I thought perhaps reading Denial, Deceit, Discovery might give me some insight about their own journeys.
As I started reading, it became clear that the author was holding nothing back. It is a brutally honest account of the intense struggle with his thoughts, feelings, lifestyle and sexuality, and at times heartbreakingly sad. I struggled to stop reading and go to sleep, becoming completely absorbed in Jack's life.
There are some grammatical issues that give the book a rather unpolished feel, but this is my only criticism. The explicit scenes are well conveyed and surprisingly touching, and there are riches of humour to bring some light relief. This autobiographical account really opened my eyes and made me think. A fascinating read.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a digital copy in return for an honest review.
ISBN: 9780957640306
Source: Author provided review copy
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
Denial, Deceit, Discovery is the heart-rending story based on true events in the life of Jack Ellis; a young Catholic man deep in denial of his own homosexuality. It tells the story of how his own denial and the denial of his loved ones forced him to conform to the straight world, resulting in his marriage to his high school sweetheart. After years of cruising gay porn sites, chatting online with endless guys and intimate encounters with close friends, Jack was pulled into a life of deceit with a string of sexual partners.
The story explains the pain and suffering of those around him as his secrets unfold and honesty rises up. The torture endured as Jack struggles to piece together the complex story of his own sexuality is truly moving. Escaping the shame, Jack flees to Bangkok with his gay lover where a much greater world of deceit and discovery awaits them both.
Review:
I really wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book, but I was really interested in discovering the author's story as some of my friends are gay and I thought perhaps reading Denial, Deceit, Discovery might give me some insight about their own journeys.
As I started reading, it became clear that the author was holding nothing back. It is a brutally honest account of the intense struggle with his thoughts, feelings, lifestyle and sexuality, and at times heartbreakingly sad. I struggled to stop reading and go to sleep, becoming completely absorbed in Jack's life.
There are some grammatical issues that give the book a rather unpolished feel, but this is my only criticism. The explicit scenes are well conveyed and surprisingly touching, and there are riches of humour to bring some light relief. This autobiographical account really opened my eyes and made me think. A fascinating read.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a digital copy in return for an honest review.
October 19, 2015
Generally, I'm not a fan of books written in the memoir style but Denial, Deceit, Discovery is the exception to my rule.
You know those talks you have, when the TV is off, the lights are low and the couch is comfortable? When you stop talking about your job, the traffic, the next election and start sharing who you are and who you were...that's how this book reads, feels.
Jack Ellis had a real talent for not thinking about the things he didn't want to think about. A talent that kept him on the straight and narrow and hurt everyone in his life, especially himself.
J. James has given us a well-written, riveting story that speaks to many different truths. The truth I read is: Don't cut parts of yourself off to fit the frame; change the freaking frame :)
What does this book say to you?
You know those talks you have, when the TV is off, the lights are low and the couch is comfortable? When you stop talking about your job, the traffic, the next election and start sharing who you are and who you were...that's how this book reads, feels.
Jack Ellis had a real talent for not thinking about the things he didn't want to think about. A talent that kept him on the straight and narrow and hurt everyone in his life, especially himself.
J. James has given us a well-written, riveting story that speaks to many different truths. The truth I read is: Don't cut parts of yourself off to fit the frame; change the freaking frame :)
What does this book say to you?
August 6, 2016
Once I started I couldn’t stop, I was so intrigued to find out what would happen next. I must admit I was a little sceptical at the start with the ‘Gay, Straight or just confused; everyone will connect with this book on some level’. But for anyone who’s ever lived, you’ll certainly find some connection somewhere within these pages. This book is well written with good examples of inner conflict, honest thoughts and feelings. I totally recommend this book, you’ll laugh out loud, you’ll cry, and you’ll certainly cringe at some point.
February 26, 2015
This is an interesting book that's essentially autobiographical. Bizarrely, Amazon have it listen under 'erotica', and whilst there are some pretty explicit scenes of gay sex, the general jist is far from being erotic, and instead involves a lot of rather intense soul-searching. Where it fails is in the unevenness of the writing that badly needs attention to punctuation and grammar.
January 28, 2019
A really good book from start to finish. Anyone who is gay will tell you it isn't easy and this fact is portrayed extremely well. We seem to feel the highs and lows more acutely than those in the heterosexual world and there is humour and sadness in this book for sure. I laughed and shed a tear more than once I don't mind admitting.
October 9, 2017
Great Book
This is a great story of a gay man finding himself. It also really shows how cruel the world can be sometimes. The action was great and foreshadowing better.
This is a great story of a gay man finding himself. It also really shows how cruel the world can be sometimes. The action was great and foreshadowing better.
May 30, 2015
*copy purchased by reviewer*
This is the true story of one mans journey from denial to admittance and finally to acceptance and happiness.
Memoirs/biographies have always been one of my favorite sections in the book store. I don't really care for famous peoples stories, but I do love the interesting stories of the average, everyday "Joe", or.. Ummm, "Jack" as the case may be.
The author walks us though his life experiences, his first time seeing an erect Penis, his first orgasm, first physical experience with another boy. He leads us down the road of his run ins with the high school bullies. Attending college and later his career.
We see the first time he meets the woman who will later become his wife. Their first date. The engagement and marriage. The first time he meets the man who will forever change his life and help him have to courage to face who he truly is. He takes us through the denial (because it's definitely not just a river in Egypt), the bargaining, the deceit and finally the admission and the acceptance. It's a long and winding road with many bumps in it that Jack takes.
This story was intriguing and eloquently told. It was at times heartbreaking, yet it's highly interesting, entertaining, funny, at times hot as hell and very well written. It held me captivated, sitting on the edge of my seat to see where the next leg of his journey would lead him.
The author is a gifted storyteller and I hope to see more from him in the future. A highly recommended read!
This is the true story of one mans journey from denial to admittance and finally to acceptance and happiness.
Memoirs/biographies have always been one of my favorite sections in the book store. I don't really care for famous peoples stories, but I do love the interesting stories of the average, everyday "Joe", or.. Ummm, "Jack" as the case may be.
The author walks us though his life experiences, his first time seeing an erect Penis, his first orgasm, first physical experience with another boy. He leads us down the road of his run ins with the high school bullies. Attending college and later his career.
We see the first time he meets the woman who will later become his wife. Their first date. The engagement and marriage. The first time he meets the man who will forever change his life and help him have to courage to face who he truly is. He takes us through the denial (because it's definitely not just a river in Egypt), the bargaining, the deceit and finally the admission and the acceptance. It's a long and winding road with many bumps in it that Jack takes.
This story was intriguing and eloquently told. It was at times heartbreaking, yet it's highly interesting, entertaining, funny, at times hot as hell and very well written. It held me captivated, sitting on the edge of my seat to see where the next leg of his journey would lead him.
The author is a gifted storyteller and I hope to see more from him in the future. A highly recommended read!
July 31, 2014
This story was a riveting read, very quick to get through because it is hard to put down!
This is a story about a man coming to terms with himself and his new identity and what that means for the people he loves. It is heartfelt and true to the mark. The writing is raw, it is graphic and during the story you find yourself feeling a thousand different ways about the characters, especially Jack, the main character. Jack is at times selfish and at others incredibly selfless, he makes very smart choices and at other times you find yourself screaming at him for being so foolish. I think it is a credit to the writer when a book can evoke those emotions.
The writing isn't the most refined, but the story reads well and the style definitely suits the story in terms of it being a psudeo-biography.
I won this book in a Goodreads first reads giveaway and I am incredibly glad I did and was able to read this story. Gay, straight, confused or just an ally, this is a must read to help people understand what life is like for those who struggle to accept themselves.
This is a story about a man coming to terms with himself and his new identity and what that means for the people he loves. It is heartfelt and true to the mark. The writing is raw, it is graphic and during the story you find yourself feeling a thousand different ways about the characters, especially Jack, the main character. Jack is at times selfish and at others incredibly selfless, he makes very smart choices and at other times you find yourself screaming at him for being so foolish. I think it is a credit to the writer when a book can evoke those emotions.
The writing isn't the most refined, but the story reads well and the style definitely suits the story in terms of it being a psudeo-biography.
I won this book in a Goodreads first reads giveaway and I am incredibly glad I did and was able to read this story. Gay, straight, confused or just an ally, this is a must read to help people understand what life is like for those who struggle to accept themselves.
April 21, 2016
This book is so relevant to so many men around the world - I could not put it down from beginning to end!
I can certainly see some of myself in this book, I never married however had a few relationships with women in my younger years - especially in my late 20’s.
How the character copes with his situation is very much ‘the norm’ for many men when they realise that they may not be as straight as they thought. I have actually read the book twice now as I had missed some nuances the first time around - I enjoyed it just as much the second time and found myself deeper into the character. The way the author tells his story with no holes barred is incredibly honest and daring, however it makes sense to the story. I can only imagine that it would have been a very hard road revisiting some of those anecdotes and heart-aches to achieve the end result, which is this book. I highly commend the author for his bravery in letting it all out in this enthralling, life changing and at times entertaining ‘coming out story’."
I can certainly see some of myself in this book, I never married however had a few relationships with women in my younger years - especially in my late 20’s.
How the character copes with his situation is very much ‘the norm’ for many men when they realise that they may not be as straight as they thought. I have actually read the book twice now as I had missed some nuances the first time around - I enjoyed it just as much the second time and found myself deeper into the character. The way the author tells his story with no holes barred is incredibly honest and daring, however it makes sense to the story. I can only imagine that it would have been a very hard road revisiting some of those anecdotes and heart-aches to achieve the end result, which is this book. I highly commend the author for his bravery in letting it all out in this enthralling, life changing and at times entertaining ‘coming out story’."
November 27, 2015
This book is very much the story of many men who were born in the 40's and 50's when it was essential to be in the closet. It also resulted in many of these men ending up with many men ending up with a split personality where they could be married, have children and sometimes sex which was generally disappointing. Eventually, there was a discovery that ended with the gay men realizing the he was gay. This would later result in him telling his wife that he was gay and causing her confusion, pain and fear. Mostly the marriages didn't survive although friendships might evolve between the husband and wife.
However, mostly the marriages dissolved and both people were hurt mentally and self esteem was hurt as well.
This is about 2/3rd's of the story and the rest is what happens to bring the protagonist to be able to increase his self respect and find some happiness.
However, mostly the marriages dissolved and both people were hurt mentally and self esteem was hurt as well.
This is about 2/3rd's of the story and the rest is what happens to bring the protagonist to be able to increase his self respect and find some happiness.
July 2, 2013
I read this book for research on a forthcoming project I'm working on. The author writes a seamless story of his journey through the many phases of a struggling gay man in a prejudiced, judgmental world. I highly recommend this story for any individual who is fighting the same internal battle. I found that the world can sometimes be far harsher to the closeted gay than to the open and honest homosexual. This book should be required reading for any human being living in fear of coming out. The author does a fantastic job depicting his journey--a little sexually graphic at times so not for the young--but in the end I was left satisfied that inner peace and honesty prevailed. I did read that the author is marrying his true love this summer. Bravo!
July 24, 2015
It seems wrong to rate a book that is based on actual events. Who am I to judge someone else’s life and say whether I think this man’s story is good or bad?
That aside, I very much enjoyed this book. Jack gives us a close look into his experiences as an apparently straight man who over time realises and comes to terms with the fact that he is indeed gay. He talks about his life growing up, his close, catholic family and his wife and takes the reader with him as he moves through the stages of his acceptance and eventually ‘comes out’. I’m so glad the book ended on a high note though I was left, desperate to know what Jack is up to now.
P.S. Jack, why did you stay with Ryan so long?! He was an idiot and you deserved better.
That aside, I very much enjoyed this book. Jack gives us a close look into his experiences as an apparently straight man who over time realises and comes to terms with the fact that he is indeed gay. He talks about his life growing up, his close, catholic family and his wife and takes the reader with him as he moves through the stages of his acceptance and eventually ‘comes out’. I’m so glad the book ended on a high note though I was left, desperate to know what Jack is up to now.
P.S. Jack, why did you stay with Ryan so long?! He was an idiot and you deserved better.
June 25, 2014
A brilliant insightful book that crawls into the depths of one man's struggle with his homosexuality!
My eyebrows remained in my hairline for the majority of this book (in a good way) shocking and yet humbling at the same time.
It made me both angry and sad that society can still mould a person into believing that being gay is wrong. This book is able to grasp this in such a way that it is unlike any other book I have read, so personal and I honestly felt like I knew this young man and genuinely wanted to help him!
Give this a read, you will not be disappointed.
My eyebrows remained in my hairline for the majority of this book (in a good way) shocking and yet humbling at the same time.
It made me both angry and sad that society can still mould a person into believing that being gay is wrong. This book is able to grasp this in such a way that it is unlike any other book I have read, so personal and I honestly felt like I knew this young man and genuinely wanted to help him!
Give this a read, you will not be disappointed.
February 25, 2016
An amazing book, I really connected with the story on a personal level. There is something in this book that every one will enjoy; it has passion, pain, joy, heartache, mystery, drama and suspense. It's an amazing story that so many people will be able to relate to in some way or another. This is a book I would read more than once, and leaves you wanting more of the story and hoping for a sequel. For an authors first novel, the writing is perfect, the pace of the story is spot-on and the descriptions of the characters and places really allow you to visualise and live the story as you read.
September 8, 2013
Fantastic title, compelling story and meaningful message! James stares down the past, present and future of Jack Ellis with a shared commitment to unflinching honesty and emotional growth. As his first book, Denial, Deceit, Discovery is the rarest of all coming out stories - it transcends common boundaries of the genre, becoming wholly relatable and impactful to anyone who has ever uncovered, reconciled and disclosed a dramatic personal truth in adulthood.
October 9, 2014
Wow. What and incredible and emotional story. This is not normally my genre, but Wow. I love reading this. Every word of it had me longing for the next. It may start out with you thinking it's a story about one thing but really it is an insightful look into the human mind and soul. Please read this for the sake of improving your mind and your outlook on life.
P.S. Hey J. I would love more of this.
P.S. Hey J. I would love more of this.
January 14, 2015
I won this book in the First Reads Giveaway.
It took me a little while to get into this book, but soon found myself turning the pages. Very thought provoking. For anyone who is afraid to 'come out' in regards to their sexuality, this is a great book to read.
It took me a little while to get into this book, but soon found myself turning the pages. Very thought provoking. For anyone who is afraid to 'come out' in regards to their sexuality, this is a great book to read.
August 10, 2014
I really loved this book. The theme of denial was especially easy to relate to. Additionally, the style of writing was smooth and easy reading. Overall, it was a great book!
July 25, 2016
3.75
Didn't resonate with me as much as it did with some others. However, the story is one many gay men have lived and will recognize.
Didn't resonate with me as much as it did with some others. However, the story is one many gay men have lived and will recognize.
Want to read
June 16, 2018Raw..Revealing..REAL!
Outstanding book! I loved it. It was gritty, so inexplicably raw and most definitely true to life. J. James story/life's experiences were amazing. So heavy, honest and full of emotion. A page turner you won't be able to put down until completion. This book is so well written. Every circumstance and experience you can't help but feel because the author is very candid and descriptive and puts it ALL out there for the readers. What an amazing and powerful journey. Exceptional. This book is appropriately named in that it describes so accurately the intense phases one most often endure in the self discovery process of coming to terms and accepting being gay...for a man or a woman. You must experience this incredible story. It deserves more than 5 stars. Well done!! I hope this gifted author continues to write. I'll be waiting.
Outstanding book! I loved it. It was gritty, so inexplicably raw and most definitely true to life. J. James story/life's experiences were amazing. So heavy, honest and full of emotion. A page turner you won't be able to put down until completion. This book is so well written. Every circumstance and experience you can't help but feel because the author is very candid and descriptive and puts it ALL out there for the readers. What an amazing and powerful journey. Exceptional. This book is appropriately named in that it describes so accurately the intense phases one most often endure in the self discovery process of coming to terms and accepting being gay...for a man or a woman. You must experience this incredible story. It deserves more than 5 stars. Well done!! I hope this gifted author continues to write. I'll be waiting.
June 29, 2021
Nope, never been a fan of the genre before. I'm more into adventure, mystery, fantasy, and romantic. So, it took me a whole year to finish this book. Very slow at the beginning and page-flipping it became.
I have read only several semi-autobiographies, mostly talking about how the authors become rich, famous, and successful in their life - in attempt to inspire and impress the readers. This one also tell us a how-I-come-to-this-point story as well, but in the most delicate, sensitive and vulnerable side of life - inspiring and impressive, not with materialistic acheivements, but with lots of inner strenght. A beautiful guilt-driven confession piece of art - yeah, raw and touching indeed - laugh and cry a lot :)
I have read only several semi-autobiographies, mostly talking about how the authors become rich, famous, and successful in their life - in attempt to inspire and impress the readers. This one also tell us a how-I-come-to-this-point story as well, but in the most delicate, sensitive and vulnerable side of life - inspiring and impressive, not with materialistic acheivements, but with lots of inner strenght. A beautiful guilt-driven confession piece of art - yeah, raw and touching indeed - laugh and cry a lot :)
June 13, 2015
ThreeandHalfStars
First I have to say this is not erotica. Not at all. It might be a bit too vivid for some but as an avid erotica reader, I can tell you this isn't it. However, that being said, It felt like real life for me. The times sexual situations are encountered, they are normally quite brief and simply describe what the character himself was going through and why he was in that particular situation.
I felt like at time the pacing was off as some parts I could read fast enough and other times I found myself wanting to skip ahead.
As important to him as his family's approval (or disapproval) of his coming out, I also felt like the story could've been more focused between his wife and him (and the men in his life).Then again, I can absolutely say that I didn't like his wife at all. I felt like she was incredibly selfish even before she found out he was gay. Their relationship really felt like both of them just settled because they'd been together for so long and it just was the next step to take. (Look at the wedding). Then again, I don't think it was at all right for him to do as much for his wife as he did just because 'it was all his fault' because I feel like if she'd been a better wife or more attentive wife, she would've noticed something was going on with him long before she did.
I will say that for some gay men out there, they might find this resonates a lot more with them because of some of the trials he goes through. I felt sorry for him and his inability to see the people that would've supported him long before he finally found the courage to come out.Then again, the one friend (Nathan) that he thought he could count on being there for him wasn't and the friend he worried most about (Michael) was most supportive.
This was a great book that needed a good dose of editing. The lack of capitalization bothered me immensely. As there seemed to be no rhyme or reason to it as it would be 'Uncle sam' and 'aunt Jess'.. Ryan wasn't capitalized but Maria was. There was also quite a few grammar errors and a few spelling mistakes as well. However, the story had a decent flow so I tried to see past that all.
Also, and maybe this is a personal thing so I didn't deduct stars for this, but to say that there is no 'real' bisexuality bothered me. Along with stating that women should have babies because men can't. There were a few other blanket statements like that that really bothered me and I don't think I'd be the only one bothered by such things. However, since it is simply my opinion, I'll leave it at that.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Renee
First I have to say this is not erotica. Not at all. It might be a bit too vivid for some but as an avid erotica reader, I can tell you this isn't it. However, that being said, It felt like real life for me. The times sexual situations are encountered, they are normally quite brief and simply describe what the character himself was going through and why he was in that particular situation.
I felt like at time the pacing was off as some parts I could read fast enough and other times I found myself wanting to skip ahead.
As important to him as his family's approval (or disapproval) of his coming out, I also felt like the story could've been more focused between his wife and him (and the men in his life).Then again, I can absolutely say that I didn't like his wife at all. I felt like she was incredibly selfish even before she found out he was gay. Their relationship really felt like both of them just settled because they'd been together for so long and it just was the next step to take. (Look at the wedding). Then again, I don't think it was at all right for him to do as much for his wife as he did just because 'it was all his fault' because I feel like if she'd been a better wife or more attentive wife, she would've noticed something was going on with him long before she did.
I will say that for some gay men out there, they might find this resonates a lot more with them because of some of the trials he goes through. I felt sorry for him and his inability to see the people that would've supported him long before he finally found the courage to come out.Then again, the one friend (Nathan) that he thought he could count on being there for him wasn't and the friend he worried most about (Michael) was most supportive.
This was a great book that needed a good dose of editing. The lack of capitalization bothered me immensely. As there seemed to be no rhyme or reason to it as it would be 'Uncle sam' and 'aunt Jess'.. Ryan wasn't capitalized but Maria was. There was also quite a few grammar errors and a few spelling mistakes as well. However, the story had a decent flow so I tried to see past that all.
Also, and maybe this is a personal thing so I didn't deduct stars for this, but to say that there is no 'real' bisexuality bothered me. Along with stating that women should have babies because men can't. There were a few other blanket statements like that that really bothered me and I don't think I'd be the only one bothered by such things. However, since it is simply my opinion, I'll leave it at that.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Renee
June 13, 2015
ThreeandHalfStars
First I have to say this is not erotica. Not at all. It might be a bit too vivid for some but as an avid erotica reader, I can tell you this isn't it. However, that being said, It felt like real life for me. The times sexual situations are encountered, they are normally quite brief and simply describe what the character himself was going through and why he was in that particular situation.
I felt like at time the pacing was off as some parts I could read fast enough and other times I found myself wanting to skip ahead.
As important to him as his family's approval (or disapproval) of his coming out, I also felt like the story could've been more focused between his wife and him (and the men in his life).Then again, I can absolutely say that I didn't like his wife at all. I felt like she was incredibly selfish even before she found out he was gay. Their relationship really felt like both of them just settled because they'd been together for so long and it just was the next step to take. (Look at the wedding). Then again, I don't think it was at all right for him to do as much for his wife as he did just because 'it was all his fault' because I feel like if she'd been a better wife or more attentive wife, she would've noticed something was going on with him long before she did.
I will say that for some gay men out there, they might find this resonates a lot more with them because of some of the trials he goes through. I felt sorry for him and his inability to see the people that would've supported him long before he finally found the courage to come out.Then again, the one friend (Nathan) that he thought he could count on being there for him wasn't and the friend he worried most about (Michael) was most supportive.
This was a great book that needed a good dose of editing. The lack of capitalization bothered me immensely. As there seemed to be no rhyme or reason to it as it would be 'Uncle sam' and 'aunt Jess'.. Ryan wasn't capitalized but Maria was. There was also quite a few grammar errors and a few spelling mistakes as well. However, the story had a decent flow so I tried to see past that all.
Also, and maybe this is a personal thing so I didn't deduct stars for this, but to say that there is no 'real' bisexuality bothered me. Along with stating that women should have babies because men can't. There were a few other blanket statements like that that really bothered me and I don't think I'd be the only one bothered by such things. However, since it is simply my opinion, I'll leave it at that.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Renee
First I have to say this is not erotica. Not at all. It might be a bit too vivid for some but as an avid erotica reader, I can tell you this isn't it. However, that being said, It felt like real life for me. The times sexual situations are encountered, they are normally quite brief and simply describe what the character himself was going through and why he was in that particular situation.
I felt like at time the pacing was off as some parts I could read fast enough and other times I found myself wanting to skip ahead.
As important to him as his family's approval (or disapproval) of his coming out, I also felt like the story could've been more focused between his wife and him (and the men in his life).Then again, I can absolutely say that I didn't like his wife at all. I felt like she was incredibly selfish even before she found out he was gay. Their relationship really felt like both of them just settled because they'd been together for so long and it just was the next step to take. (Look at the wedding). Then again, I don't think it was at all right for him to do as much for his wife as he did just because 'it was all his fault' because I feel like if she'd been a better wife or more attentive wife, she would've noticed something was going on with him long before she did.
I will say that for some gay men out there, they might find this resonates a lot more with them because of some of the trials he goes through. I felt sorry for him and his inability to see the people that would've supported him long before he finally found the courage to come out.Then again, the one friend (Nathan) that he thought he could count on being there for him wasn't and the friend he worried most about (Michael) was most supportive.
This was a great book that needed a good dose of editing. The lack of capitalization bothered me immensely. As there seemed to be no rhyme or reason to it as it would be 'Uncle sam' and 'aunt Jess'.. Ryan wasn't capitalized but Maria was. There was also quite a few grammar errors and a few spelling mistakes as well. However, the story had a decent flow so I tried to see past that all.
Also, and maybe this is a personal thing so I didn't deduct stars for this, but to say that there is no 'real' bisexuality bothered me. Along with stating that women should have babies because men can't. There were a few other blanket statements like that that really bothered me and I don't think I'd be the only one bothered by such things. However, since it is simply my opinion, I'll leave it at that.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Renee
January 27, 2014
I was curious about this book so entered the goodreads giveaway. I have an acquaintance/friend who is gay who didn't "come out" until I had known him for several years. I would have never suspected since he had a real girl girlfriend for most of the early years. She was "in the know" about him.
I just wanted to get some incite about his life since we never discuss his "gayness". It's not important to me and he doesn't offer. We just enjoy each other's company the few times we meet for a meal each year to catch up.
I found this book intriguing. And it was very sad, too. I was really feeling for Jack and his situation. However, I also was very sad for Maria. She was truly a heroine in this situation.
I am hoping some of this book is exaggerated since if it is all true to life it is a wonder ANY gay guys can come out clean and not contract AIDS. Surely there are guys who are not this promiscuous.
It was interesting, even the sordid parts, and I would recommend it to gay people or anyone else who is just curious as to what goes on in some of their lives.
I just wanted to get some incite about his life since we never discuss his "gayness". It's not important to me and he doesn't offer. We just enjoy each other's company the few times we meet for a meal each year to catch up.
I found this book intriguing. And it was very sad, too. I was really feeling for Jack and his situation. However, I also was very sad for Maria. She was truly a heroine in this situation.
I am hoping some of this book is exaggerated since if it is all true to life it is a wonder ANY gay guys can come out clean and not contract AIDS. Surely there are guys who are not this promiscuous.
It was interesting, even the sordid parts, and I would recommend it to gay people or anyone else who is just curious as to what goes on in some of their lives.
September 5, 2017
i was the lucky winner of a copy of this novel through a goodreads win. it is a story based on true events surrounding the coming out of a gay man. it is very insightful and brutally honest and makes you really think about societal pressures to conform to 'normal'. it is divided into three parts, each with it's own challenges and has a very nice ending. syndi
September 18, 2014
A heartfelt story of one man's journey of Denial, Deceit and Discovery.
I laughed , I cried, a skillfully told story
A must read
I laughed , I cried, a skillfully told story
A must read
September 5, 2014
Link to my review of this book on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQK-lp...
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews