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Almost Like Being in Love
A high school jock and nerd fall in love senior year, only to part after an amazing summer of discovery to attend their respective colleges. They keep in touch at first, but then slowly drift apart.
Flash forward twenty years.
Travis and Craig both have great lives, careers, and loves. But something is missing .... Travis is the first to figure it out. He's still in love with Craig, and come what may, he's going after the boy who captured his heart, even if it means forsaking his job, making a fool of himself, and entering the great unknown.
Told in narrative, letters, checklists, and more, this is the must-read novel for anyone who's wondered what ever happened to that first great love.
Flash forward twenty years.
Travis and Craig both have great lives, careers, and loves. But something is missing .... Travis is the first to figure it out. He's still in love with Craig, and come what may, he's going after the boy who captured his heart, even if it means forsaking his job, making a fool of himself, and entering the great unknown.
Told in narrative, letters, checklists, and more, this is the must-read novel for anyone who's wondered what ever happened to that first great love.
354 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2004
203 people are currently reading
8864 people want to read
About the author
Steve Kluger
12 books339 followersSteve Kluger is an author and playwright, born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1952, who grew up with only two heroes: Tom Seaver and Ethel Merman. Few were able to grasp the concept. A veteran of "Casablanca" and a graduate of "The Graduate," he has written extensively on subjects as far ranging as World War II, rock and roll, and the Titanic, and as close to the heart as baseball and the Boston Red Sox (which frequently have nothing to do with one another). Doubtless due to the fact that he's a card-carrying Baby Boomer whose entire existence was shaped by the lyrics to "Abbey Road," "Workingman's Dead," and "Annie Get Your Gun" (his first spoken words, in fact, were actually stolen from "The Pajama Game"), he's also forged a somewhat singular path as a civil rights advocate, campaigning for a "Save Fenway Park" initiative (which qualifies as a civil right if you're a Red Sox fan), counseling gay teenagers, and--on behalf of Japanese American internment redress--lobbying the Department of the Interior to restore the baseball diamond at he Manzanar National Historic Site. Meanwhile, he donates half of his spare time to organizations such as Lambda Legal Defense, the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN), and Models of Pride, and gives the rest of it to his nieces and nephews--the nine kids who own his heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 628 reviews
March 17, 2013
March 16, 2013
Doing a quick re-read...just wanted (needed) some Travis bits to make me smile...
***************************
4.5 stars
“Being Travis was a full-time job, yet that never kept him from teaching me how to be Craig.”
This book is about first love, true love, forever love…
Damn this book.
Charming, witty, funny, original…and almost 100% quotable. This book made me laugh and cry and hope and hurt and hope and smile. Travis (me, if I was a 38 yr-old gay man) and Craig (my soulmate if I was a 38 yr-old gay man) were perfection.
The book gets slow a bit towards the middle, and there were times, despite its charm, that I felt stuck and wanted the story to move-along a bit. Also, because ALL of the characters are so BIG in personality, I felt overwhelmed and irritable at times. BUT…it was all well worth it.
The author has you guessing about who ends up where and with whom in the end…is it a HEA? Is it an unconventional HEA? Is it an “I love you enough to let you go” HEA? Is it a threesome HEA? Is it, is it, is it…???
I’ll only say this…it is.
Read
December 29, 2012I didn't know that funny can be boring. DNF. I will refrain from rating this book.
No offense, Rowan…bye!
There are enough good reviews on GR that you can check out. Let's just say that Almost Like Being in Love is not my cuppa at all. In fact, the writing did not suit me and even though there are some laugh-out-loud moments, most of the time I felt bored out of my mind. Also, this book is weird to read. There are plenty of e-mails, memos, journal entries, notes etc. and it felt like I was constantly hopping back and forth. Furthermore, I'm not a fan of baseball annotations. Almost Like Being in Love reads like a comedy movie and that's a no-go for me as well.
I'm the odd one out there, so don't mind me and give it a try. Maybe you'll love it.
Well, I gotta move on to the next one…
No offense, Rowan…bye!
There are enough good reviews on GR that you can check out. Let's just say that Almost Like Being in Love is not my cuppa at all. In fact, the writing did not suit me and even though there are some laugh-out-loud moments, most of the time I felt bored out of my mind. Also, this book is weird to read. There are plenty of e-mails, memos, journal entries, notes etc. and it felt like I was constantly hopping back and forth. Furthermore, I'm not a fan of baseball annotations. Almost Like Being in Love reads like a comedy movie and that's a no-go for me as well.
I'm the odd one out there, so don't mind me and give it a try. Maybe you'll love it.
Well, I gotta move on to the next one…
December 22, 2014
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
“All the music of life seems to be
Like a bell that is ringing for me
And from the way that I feel
When the bell starts to peel
I would swear I was falling, I could swear I was falling
- It's almost like being in love”
from Brigadoon (Gene Kelly = *swooooooooon*)
This book. This little book that I didn’t even remember putting on my to-read list until Heather K posted that there was a massive price drop and I decided to bump it to the top of the stack. This book made me feel . . .
ALL of the feels. I may have literally barfed a rainbow at some point from all of the happy.
This is the love story of Craig and Travis over the course of 20 years . . .
“If I could write the ending ahead of time, Travis and Craig would live happily ever after. But somehow I think it’s going to be a little more complicated than that.”
It’s the tale of how the two met their senior year in high school and how their relationship went from friendship . . .
“Neither of them seemed to be in much of a hurry to break the mood, and if you didn’t know any better, you’d swear they were falling in love. There was a song about that once.”
to love . . .
“Travis was the love of my life. It happened when we were in high school, it ended when college separated us, and I can still taste our first kiss in the rain.”
It’s about the summer they spent together before heading off to college . . .
“It was only for eight weeks and I guess I should have seen the handwriting on the wall – but when you’re 18, you always think it’s going to last forever. It doesn’t.”
It’s about comparing all other relationships to that one . . .
“You’re the only one. No matter what happens, you’re the only one.”
And it’s about seeing if first love can really be forever love . . .
“Romance isn’t just about roses or killing dragons or sailing a kayak around the world. It’s also about chocolate chip cookies and sharing The Grateful Dead and James Taylor with me in the middle of the night, and believing me when I say that you could be bigger than both of them put together, and not making fun of me for straightening out my French fries or pointing my shoelaces in the same direction, and letting me pout when I don’t get my own way, and pretending that if I play “Flower Drum Song” one more time you won’t throw me and the record out of the window.”
But oh my goodness it is so much MORE than the little synopsis tells you. Almost Like Being In Love had everything:
1. A romance that was heavy on the storyline and light on the sexy-time (there’s a time and a place, and this wasn’t the time or place for me);
2. Real love that developed over time – you know, like in real life – NOT instalove;
3. An ensemble cast (this isn’t just Craig and Travis' love story – it’s also the love story of TWO OTHER RELATIONSHIPS in the supporting cast of characters) filled with EXCELLENT best friends;
4. A ROAD TRIP. God I love road trips;
5. Humor. This book has it;
6. Baseball references. I actually didn’t even pay attention to who the author was when I started reading until these started popping up and reminded me of a little book I read awhile ago (My Most Excellent Year). Turns out they are by the same dude . . . and I’m not sure why, but I love his love for baseball;
7. Epistolary format. It either works or it doesn’t and Kluger makes it work; and
8. Show tune references. Call it clichéd, but once again this book manages to do it right.
As Ethel Merman once said: “Who could ask for anything more?”
There aren’t enough words for me to describe how much I loved this story. I don’t hand out 5 Stars easily, and Steve Kluger has now earned TWO of them from me. I’m pretty sure I need to read everything else he’s ever written. If you want to smile until your face hurts, you should read this . . . and if there is a brain out there in all of La-La Land, someone is already trying to negotiate for the movie rights.
“All the music of life seems to be
Like a bell that is ringing for me
And from the way that I feel
When the bell starts to peel
I would swear I was falling, I could swear I was falling
- It's almost like being in love”
from Brigadoon (Gene Kelly = *swooooooooon*)
This book. This little book that I didn’t even remember putting on my to-read list until Heather K posted that there was a massive price drop and I decided to bump it to the top of the stack. This book made me feel . . .
ALL of the feels. I may have literally barfed a rainbow at some point from all of the happy.
This is the love story of Craig and Travis over the course of 20 years . . .
“If I could write the ending ahead of time, Travis and Craig would live happily ever after. But somehow I think it’s going to be a little more complicated than that.”
It’s the tale of how the two met their senior year in high school and how their relationship went from friendship . . .
“Neither of them seemed to be in much of a hurry to break the mood, and if you didn’t know any better, you’d swear they were falling in love. There was a song about that once.”
to love . . .
“Travis was the love of my life. It happened when we were in high school, it ended when college separated us, and I can still taste our first kiss in the rain.”
It’s about the summer they spent together before heading off to college . . .
“It was only for eight weeks and I guess I should have seen the handwriting on the wall – but when you’re 18, you always think it’s going to last forever. It doesn’t.”
It’s about comparing all other relationships to that one . . .
“You’re the only one. No matter what happens, you’re the only one.”
And it’s about seeing if first love can really be forever love . . .
“Romance isn’t just about roses or killing dragons or sailing a kayak around the world. It’s also about chocolate chip cookies and sharing The Grateful Dead and James Taylor with me in the middle of the night, and believing me when I say that you could be bigger than both of them put together, and not making fun of me for straightening out my French fries or pointing my shoelaces in the same direction, and letting me pout when I don’t get my own way, and pretending that if I play “Flower Drum Song” one more time you won’t throw me and the record out of the window.”
But oh my goodness it is so much MORE than the little synopsis tells you. Almost Like Being In Love had everything:
1. A romance that was heavy on the storyline and light on the sexy-time (there’s a time and a place, and this wasn’t the time or place for me);
2. Real love that developed over time – you know, like in real life – NOT instalove;
3. An ensemble cast (this isn’t just Craig and Travis' love story – it’s also the love story of TWO OTHER RELATIONSHIPS in the supporting cast of characters) filled with EXCELLENT best friends;
4. A ROAD TRIP. God I love road trips;
5. Humor. This book has it;
6. Baseball references. I actually didn’t even pay attention to who the author was when I started reading until these started popping up and reminded me of a little book I read awhile ago (My Most Excellent Year). Turns out they are by the same dude . . . and I’m not sure why, but I love his love for baseball;
7. Epistolary format. It either works or it doesn’t and Kluger makes it work; and
8. Show tune references. Call it clichéd, but once again this book manages to do it right.
As Ethel Merman once said: “Who could ask for anything more?”
There aren’t enough words for me to describe how much I loved this story. I don’t hand out 5 Stars easily, and Steve Kluger has now earned TWO of them from me. I’m pretty sure I need to read everything else he’s ever written. If you want to smile until your face hurts, you should read this . . . and if there is a brain out there in all of La-La Land, someone is already trying to negotiate for the movie rights.
September 25, 2019
rep: gay mcs
This review is also posted at Reads Rainbow.
If you’re gay yourself, then you know there’s only one thing better and more comforting than reading a book about gay people your age (or younger) overcoming all the obstacles & getting a happy ending. And that’s reading about older gays doing exactly that. Almost Like Being in Love is a gift for a simple reason: it gives us both.
Half the fun with this book is its format. The story of Travis and Craig (Craig and Travis) is told through emails, lists, post-it notes, journal entries, court transcripts… It creates this cool atmosphere of only getting to know everyone through snapshots, like you’re spying on them through a window every now and then. But at the same time somehow makes everything more realistic and more intimate; you can feel the desperation in a character when it bleeds even into exam questions for a class he teaches.
And what a story it is!! Travis and Craig properly met - and fell in love - their senior year of high school, a few months before graduation. The boarding school they went to wasn’t far from New York City and that’s where they spent a summer together before going off to colleges. At literally opposite ends of the country. And subsequently losing touch.
Now fast forward twenty years and let Travis hear their song. Moonlight did a similar thing, with Kevin hearing a song at the diner & calling Black. So clearly wanting to reconnect with the love of your life because of a melody is gay culture.
Only Travis is a touch more dramatic than Black and his odyssey through America is truly Something™. You just can’t imagine the things he will get himself into… It’s that dramatism that makes the story hilarious but also? Incredibly relatable? I mean, lesbians move in together before dessert on the first date… Who of us has ever heard of chill.
So yes, the characters are very believable, which comes from Almost Like Being in Love being an ownvoices book. But they are all also just genuinely well written, with little quirks and prominent character traits, and life goals that are everything but clear. Kluger created amazing characters that you cannot help but want to become friends with.
Don’t let the title confuse you. It is, first and foremost, a love story. A love story that spans decades and almost brings a new meaning to romance. A love story that allows the characters to grow us people, make mistakes and make amends, that lets them fight for what they want. It takes the characters home the longest possible way & leaves the reader with such an incredible feeling of hope, of being invincible. To be honest, no review can do it justice.
Do you know Two Men in Love by The Irrepressibles? And that moment in particular where the lyrics are just “It’s who I am: I’m in love” on what seems like an endless loop? This book feels exactly like that.
This review is also posted at Reads Rainbow.
If you’re gay yourself, then you know there’s only one thing better and more comforting than reading a book about gay people your age (or younger) overcoming all the obstacles & getting a happy ending. And that’s reading about older gays doing exactly that. Almost Like Being in Love is a gift for a simple reason: it gives us both.
Half the fun with this book is its format. The story of Travis and Craig (Craig and Travis) is told through emails, lists, post-it notes, journal entries, court transcripts… It creates this cool atmosphere of only getting to know everyone through snapshots, like you’re spying on them through a window every now and then. But at the same time somehow makes everything more realistic and more intimate; you can feel the desperation in a character when it bleeds even into exam questions for a class he teaches.
And what a story it is!! Travis and Craig properly met - and fell in love - their senior year of high school, a few months before graduation. The boarding school they went to wasn’t far from New York City and that’s where they spent a summer together before going off to colleges. At literally opposite ends of the country. And subsequently losing touch.
Now fast forward twenty years and let Travis hear their song. Moonlight did a similar thing, with Kevin hearing a song at the diner & calling Black. So clearly wanting to reconnect with the love of your life because of a melody is gay culture.
Only Travis is a touch more dramatic than Black and his odyssey through America is truly Something™. You just can’t imagine the things he will get himself into… It’s that dramatism that makes the story hilarious but also? Incredibly relatable? I mean, lesbians move in together before dessert on the first date… Who of us has ever heard of chill.
So yes, the characters are very believable, which comes from Almost Like Being in Love being an ownvoices book. But they are all also just genuinely well written, with little quirks and prominent character traits, and life goals that are everything but clear. Kluger created amazing characters that you cannot help but want to become friends with.
Don’t let the title confuse you. It is, first and foremost, a love story. A love story that spans decades and almost brings a new meaning to romance. A love story that allows the characters to grow us people, make mistakes and make amends, that lets them fight for what they want. It takes the characters home the longest possible way & leaves the reader with such an incredible feeling of hope, of being invincible. To be honest, no review can do it justice.
Do you know Two Men in Love by The Irrepressibles? And that moment in particular where the lyrics are just “It’s who I am: I’m in love” on what seems like an endless loop? This book feels exactly like that.
August 28, 2016
Awww, this was the sweetest, cutest romantic MM book EVER! How can you not fall in love with Travis and Craig?! From high school sweethearts to grown up men. They were amazing!
I couldn't help loving Travis a little bit more. He's so sincere, so loyal, so sweet.... A darling.
" Okay, maybe he doesn’t need a history professor showing up from the Twilight Zone, and maybe he won’t even like me any more. But he still has my heart—and if he’s not using it, I want it back. Otherwise I’m going to go on loving him for the rest of my life. And there’s not a damned thing either one of us can do about it. "
I enjoyed every single part of his journey to find real love again. I lived every episode through him.
" But even after twenty years, saying goodbye to Craig was the worst moment of my life. "
But what happens when your first love has already another love? What happens when you find that the man you love has a good human being loving and taking care of him?
Do you take your chance and try to be happy, ignoring everything or do you leave that true love undisturbed , living happy and in harmony and head back to your meaningless life?
I don't like the books where there's no villain or bad guys. Who to blame? Why should everyone love everyone? How can I continue reading if there's someone who's gonna get his heart broken? The author did a great job, I won't spoil anything, I liked the ending, not the one I was expecting though. I would have liked a "greater Finale", but at the end, I didn't really know how I wanted the ending to be. I didn't want someone to get hurt.
Still, this is a " make feel good" book. I recommend it to everyone! You won't be disappointed.
I couldn't help loving Travis a little bit more. He's so sincere, so loyal, so sweet.... A darling.
" Okay, maybe he doesn’t need a history professor showing up from the Twilight Zone, and maybe he won’t even like me any more. But he still has my heart—and if he’s not using it, I want it back. Otherwise I’m going to go on loving him for the rest of my life. And there’s not a damned thing either one of us can do about it. "
I enjoyed every single part of his journey to find real love again. I lived every episode through him.
" But even after twenty years, saying goodbye to Craig was the worst moment of my life. "
But what happens when your first love has already another love? What happens when you find that the man you love has a good human being loving and taking care of him?
Do you take your chance and try to be happy, ignoring everything or do you leave that true love undisturbed , living happy and in harmony and head back to your meaningless life?
I don't like the books where there's no villain or bad guys. Who to blame? Why should everyone love everyone? How can I continue reading if there's someone who's gonna get his heart broken? The author did a great job, I won't spoil anything, I liked the ending, not the one I was expecting though. I would have liked a "greater Finale", but at the end, I didn't really know how I wanted the ending to be. I didn't want someone to get hurt.
Still, this is a " make feel good" book. I recommend it to everyone! You won't be disappointed.
May 25, 2020
What happens when we go to college?" I asked him nervously. "Is that the end of us?"
He glanced up from my chest and frowned as only Travis could frown.
"Do you love me?"
"Down to my toes."
"Then shut up."
I've been saying on here for a while that I wanted something with epistolary elements. I can't explain it,it just sounds good right now. I started this, and I was a bit confused through the first chapter by the format. Once I figured it out (e-reader formatting, I'm guessing) I didn't put this book down. I didn't stop laughing, I didn't stop crying. And I also held my breath a HELL of a lot. This is one of those reviews when I probably don't have the words. The run in the morning dew on an August morning feeling, the smell of your glove in softball, the joy and sorrows of those first loves and missed connections.
"We make families of our own," Travis whispered in my arms on the last night we spent together. "It starts with you and me and then it spreads. And whatever happens, there'll always be a part of me that's part of you. No matter what."
I always struggle emotionally with the missed connection type of stories. I think it's easy to see a million pieces of your past in them and sometimes that just hurts so good. What happens when you meet the your first love in your senior year of high school, go off to college across the country (like, 2988.2 miles away), and start living your lives. What happens when you've never really said good bye and suddenly after 20 years of being a lawyer and an American history professor, you realize someone's got a piece of you and you're feeling a bit unresolved. And what if, after all that time, you've had between 1 and 12 other love stories.
My whole life I've tried to remember the things he taught me. Not just about Ethel Merman and the Japanese American internment, but about finding the truth in everything you touch. Being Travis was a full-time job, yet that never kept him from teaching me how to be Craig.
Emails, journal entries, court cases, memos, written tests--I loved the way this story unfolded. And while the romance elements were swoony and lovely and heart bursting, there's no bitterness, there's barely sadness--It's joyful, Kluger gives us an additional cast and their relationships to adore. Take Gordon, travis's best friend since rooming in high school. He's a gem and a cheerleader to Travis's singularity, even starting in the late 70s in school:
TRAVIS: I never said I like boys!
GORDO: Ever beat off to Penthouse?
TRAVIS: No.
GORDO: Ever collect baseball cards?
TRAVIS: No.
GORDO: How old is Barbra Streisand?
TRAVIS: 36. Three weeks ago.
GORDO: What do you need? A fucking blueprint?
Of course, Travis- the big-hearted, courageous, genius whirlwind, Travis, falls for a jock. And frankly, Craig is equally lovely.
"I just can't figure this out," I said, kissing him yet again.
"It's easy," he replied, kissing back. "You love me."
"Oh, right."
I was bowled over by how authentic and warm these characters felt. There were times I didn't even know what I was rooting for (ok, ok, I usually did) Somehow, even Travis's students were lovely and we only saw test answers from them. The dynamic between him and Gordon. AJ, Clayton, and Charleen. All wonderful. Noah-a 9 year old spitfire.
I was afraid this would happen. When T falls in love, he does it with the whole world at once. Compared to him, Jane Austen was romantically challenged.
It's a romance. It's a love story. It's a story about love. Also, loved it..down to my toes.
He glanced up from my chest and frowned as only Travis could frown.
"Do you love me?"
"Down to my toes."
"Then shut up."
I've been saying on here for a while that I wanted something with epistolary elements. I can't explain it,it just sounds good right now. I started this, and I was a bit confused through the first chapter by the format. Once I figured it out (e-reader formatting, I'm guessing) I didn't put this book down. I didn't stop laughing, I didn't stop crying. And I also held my breath a HELL of a lot. This is one of those reviews when I probably don't have the words. The run in the morning dew on an August morning feeling, the smell of your glove in softball, the joy and sorrows of those first loves and missed connections.
"We make families of our own," Travis whispered in my arms on the last night we spent together. "It starts with you and me and then it spreads. And whatever happens, there'll always be a part of me that's part of you. No matter what."
I always struggle emotionally with the missed connection type of stories. I think it's easy to see a million pieces of your past in them and sometimes that just hurts so good. What happens when you meet the your first love in your senior year of high school, go off to college across the country (like, 2988.2 miles away), and start living your lives. What happens when you've never really said good bye and suddenly after 20 years of being a lawyer and an American history professor, you realize someone's got a piece of you and you're feeling a bit unresolved. And what if, after all that time, you've had between 1 and 12 other love stories.
My whole life I've tried to remember the things he taught me. Not just about Ethel Merman and the Japanese American internment, but about finding the truth in everything you touch. Being Travis was a full-time job, yet that never kept him from teaching me how to be Craig.
Emails, journal entries, court cases, memos, written tests--I loved the way this story unfolded. And while the romance elements were swoony and lovely and heart bursting, there's no bitterness, there's barely sadness--It's joyful, Kluger gives us an additional cast and their relationships to adore. Take Gordon, travis's best friend since rooming in high school. He's a gem and a cheerleader to Travis's singularity, even starting in the late 70s in school:
TRAVIS: I never said I like boys!
GORDO: Ever beat off to Penthouse?
TRAVIS: No.
GORDO: Ever collect baseball cards?
TRAVIS: No.
GORDO: How old is Barbra Streisand?
TRAVIS: 36. Three weeks ago.
GORDO: What do you need? A fucking blueprint?
Of course, Travis- the big-hearted, courageous, genius whirlwind, Travis, falls for a jock. And frankly, Craig is equally lovely.
"I just can't figure this out," I said, kissing him yet again.
"It's easy," he replied, kissing back. "You love me."
"Oh, right."
I was bowled over by how authentic and warm these characters felt. There were times I didn't even know what I was rooting for (ok, ok, I usually did) Somehow, even Travis's students were lovely and we only saw test answers from them. The dynamic between him and Gordon. AJ, Clayton, and Charleen. All wonderful. Noah-a 9 year old spitfire.
I was afraid this would happen. When T falls in love, he does it with the whole world at once. Compared to him, Jane Austen was romantically challenged.
It's a romance. It's a love story. It's a story about love. Also, loved it..down to my toes.
January 17, 2013
This is one of those times I can't do a proper review. Mostly because there are so many things I want to say about this book, I don't know where to begin.
So I'll just say that I loved it. It made me smile, laugh out loud even. It made my heart ache and jump and swell in my chest. It made me love and root for the main characters, and it also introduced me to a set of remarkable side characters. Travis, I admit I liked you a teeny tiny more than Craig, and your best friend Gordo was fun, but Craig—the lucky bastard—had Charleen and Jody and Noah and Clayton.
A question that remained unanswered: if Travis and Craig were so much in love, why did they stop writing to each other? And if it was inevitable, why did it happen so soon after they separated? It was clear that they both thought the other had stopped writing first, and I would have liked to see that detail explained. Not that it bothered me all that much, admittedly.
Another thing that could have been elaborated upon was Travis's sudden decision to search for Craig. How was he so sure Craig was the one? Why now? It could have easily been a "desperate times call for desperate measures," a "hail Mary" solution. Not that the romantic in me wasn't cheering him on throughout the book, mind you.
Despite its flaws, which were few and minor, Almost Like Being in Love was a wonderful reading experience, which I'm grateful to my GR friend Susan for.
So I'll just say that I loved it. It made me smile, laugh out loud even. It made my heart ache and jump and swell in my chest. It made me love and root for the main characters, and it also introduced me to a set of remarkable side characters. Travis, I admit I liked you a teeny tiny more than Craig, and your best friend Gordo was fun, but Craig—the lucky bastard—had Charleen and Jody and Noah and Clayton.
A question that remained unanswered: if Travis and Craig were so much in love, why did they stop writing to each other? And if it was inevitable, why did it happen so soon after they separated? It was clear that they both thought the other had stopped writing first, and I would have liked to see that detail explained. Not that it bothered me all that much, admittedly.
Another thing that could have been elaborated upon was Travis's sudden decision to search for Craig. How was he so sure Craig was the one? Why now? It could have easily been a "desperate times call for desperate measures," a "hail Mary" solution. Not that the romantic in me wasn't cheering him on throughout the book, mind you.
Despite its flaws, which were few and minor, Almost Like Being in Love was a wonderful reading experience, which I'm grateful to my GR friend Susan for.
December 16, 2015
Cool book. The format's kind of a pain in the ass, but well worth it.
April 14, 2010
This is one of those classic great books that makes the blog review rounds almost every year as more and more readers discover its greatness. I’ve had the paperback on my shelf for a lamentably long time and finally picked it up to highlight for those few readers who haven’t indulged in the fabulousness that makes up this book. Almost Like Being in Love is a tour de force of wit, charm, and cultural references. A large cast of incredible characters immediately delights and entertains even if the plot doesn’t necessarily go anywhere and the characters are all over the top. It doesn’t matter and in fact, makes the book that much better. If you haven’t read this story – do so now. Right now.
Almost is a true love story that follows Travis and Craig over the course of twenty years but is told in a unique style. Instead of a straight narrative, the story is told in emails, letters, memos, legal pages, newspaper articles, checklists, to do lists, diary entries, homework assignments, and notices between all the characters. The main romantic connection starts with Travis and Craig as young students in boarding school that bond and fall in love quickly as only teenagers can do. On opposite coasts for college, the two drift apart and the story picks up as twenty years have past. Both men have left an indeliable mark on each other but their lives have gone on. Craig has turned into a politically active lawyer with a long time companion, Clayton, while Travis is living with his long time roommate and best friend Gordo while struggling to find love. When Travis decides he must get Craig back, his journey of hilarious comedy and touching romance is not to be missed.
There is so much going on in the story, yet the focus is always on the interpersonal connections. Nothing is confusing or overwhelming and the quick pace lends to a book you finish with satisfying delight, yet wish it never had to end. The snappy retorts are unique with an air that feels fresh and totally different than anything else. The unique style of writing immediately draws you into the quirky and charming voice of the author. That same voice permeates all the characters so each one is snarky, witty, clever, funny, and entertaining. They are all this way to an extent with no evil forces but instead a large and varying cast of entertaining and amusing men, women, and children. I thought this would get tiring after a while, all this humor and wit, but the deft handling and crisp writing keep the story moving incredibly fast. The quick changes of style from memo to diary to checklist and so on allow the story and characters to keep up their antics without causing the reader to fatigue on all the endless clever dialogue. Instead, strap in and enjoy the laugh out loud hilarious moments alongside the poignant, touching scenes.
Travis is an absolute delight as an obsessive compulsive history teacher that fell into the job while following a cute ass. Craig’s lasting influence is seen constantly with Travis’ obsession with baseball – just one of the man’s many, many obsessions – yet Travis is completely and wonderfully charming. Despite his insane and unbelievable action, he has a quirky magic that makes you wish Travis is real. His unique brand of helping others without realizing it gives every character a happy, fitting ending. Craig is a perfect counterpoint with his political activism, which he gains from his early association with Travis, and plethora of lost causes. His memos to his law partner Charleen are filled with hilarious cultural references while giving in your face honest opinions. Even his relationship with Clayton is touching and steamy, leaving you wondering how everything will turn out.
If anyone stole the show, young Noah perhaps did. His hilarious and adorable communications with his lawyer Craig are great touches to an already outstanding cast. If anyone was destined to become president at a young age, my vote is on Noah. Yet Travis’ roommate Gordo is also thoroughly entertaining as he finds love long distance with an innocent bystander who becomes embroiled in Travis’ manic and crazy journey to find the love of this life. When Gordo’s father comments several times that these people can’t be real, after all they’d be institutionalized by now, you can’t help but agree and totally enjoy their antics anyway.
Alongside all the humor, wit, and clever innuendo inserted in very obvious ways, the story is at heart a romance and a love letter to first love. The fabulous storytelling and great writing keep you engaged and absorbed from the beginning to the end but also reminiscent of young lovers and their hopes for forever. No doubt some won’t appreciate its brilliance, but I’d be hard pressed to imagine who they could be. If you haven’t read Almost Like Being in Love, you should definitely make it your next book to read. You won’t be disappointed. I’m off to buy Kluger’s entire backlist so stay tuned for more reviews of his work.
Almost is a true love story that follows Travis and Craig over the course of twenty years but is told in a unique style. Instead of a straight narrative, the story is told in emails, letters, memos, legal pages, newspaper articles, checklists, to do lists, diary entries, homework assignments, and notices between all the characters. The main romantic connection starts with Travis and Craig as young students in boarding school that bond and fall in love quickly as only teenagers can do. On opposite coasts for college, the two drift apart and the story picks up as twenty years have past. Both men have left an indeliable mark on each other but their lives have gone on. Craig has turned into a politically active lawyer with a long time companion, Clayton, while Travis is living with his long time roommate and best friend Gordo while struggling to find love. When Travis decides he must get Craig back, his journey of hilarious comedy and touching romance is not to be missed.
There is so much going on in the story, yet the focus is always on the interpersonal connections. Nothing is confusing or overwhelming and the quick pace lends to a book you finish with satisfying delight, yet wish it never had to end. The snappy retorts are unique with an air that feels fresh and totally different than anything else. The unique style of writing immediately draws you into the quirky and charming voice of the author. That same voice permeates all the characters so each one is snarky, witty, clever, funny, and entertaining. They are all this way to an extent with no evil forces but instead a large and varying cast of entertaining and amusing men, women, and children. I thought this would get tiring after a while, all this humor and wit, but the deft handling and crisp writing keep the story moving incredibly fast. The quick changes of style from memo to diary to checklist and so on allow the story and characters to keep up their antics without causing the reader to fatigue on all the endless clever dialogue. Instead, strap in and enjoy the laugh out loud hilarious moments alongside the poignant, touching scenes.
Travis is an absolute delight as an obsessive compulsive history teacher that fell into the job while following a cute ass. Craig’s lasting influence is seen constantly with Travis’ obsession with baseball – just one of the man’s many, many obsessions – yet Travis is completely and wonderfully charming. Despite his insane and unbelievable action, he has a quirky magic that makes you wish Travis is real. His unique brand of helping others without realizing it gives every character a happy, fitting ending. Craig is a perfect counterpoint with his political activism, which he gains from his early association with Travis, and plethora of lost causes. His memos to his law partner Charleen are filled with hilarious cultural references while giving in your face honest opinions. Even his relationship with Clayton is touching and steamy, leaving you wondering how everything will turn out.
If anyone stole the show, young Noah perhaps did. His hilarious and adorable communications with his lawyer Craig are great touches to an already outstanding cast. If anyone was destined to become president at a young age, my vote is on Noah. Yet Travis’ roommate Gordo is also thoroughly entertaining as he finds love long distance with an innocent bystander who becomes embroiled in Travis’ manic and crazy journey to find the love of this life. When Gordo’s father comments several times that these people can’t be real, after all they’d be institutionalized by now, you can’t help but agree and totally enjoy their antics anyway.
Alongside all the humor, wit, and clever innuendo inserted in very obvious ways, the story is at heart a romance and a love letter to first love. The fabulous storytelling and great writing keep you engaged and absorbed from the beginning to the end but also reminiscent of young lovers and their hopes for forever. No doubt some won’t appreciate its brilliance, but I’d be hard pressed to imagine who they could be. If you haven’t read Almost Like Being in Love, you should definitely make it your next book to read. You won’t be disappointed. I’m off to buy Kluger’s entire backlist so stay tuned for more reviews of his work.
March 3, 2016
WOW WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWWWW
IM DYING AND FANGIRLING AND JUST OMG WOW
This book is the literal embodiment of a sparkling rainbow of love and joy. It is so flipping romantic and beautiful and thoughtful and special I just can't... Q _Q
I was squealing for a majority of the second half of the book and freaking everyone out around me. Someone asked if I was orgasming.
So using rational and coherent thoughts, here is the basic plot premise: Two adorable, quirky dudes named Craig and Travis fall in love in high school in the 70's and then unfortunately have to split apart to go to separate colleges. They write to each other for a while and think about each other all the time and are totally in love. Both think though that the other has stopped responding to the other's letters (not really sure what happened here really, this plot would have been much easier but less romantic if there were cell phones involved). So twenty years pass and they're now 38 and moved on with their lives because they have to and also they figured the other probably has. But they still super love each other to infinity. Travis is a lovable history professor who is admired by his students for his honesty and humor and openness and Craig has his own law firm with his female friend and is a respected civil rights lawyer and defender of all things just and good. One day Travis realizes that he's tired of waiting and trying to be with all these other guys so he searches to find Craig in a hilarious journey cross country and eventually finds Craig. BUT Craig is in a long-term relationship with a guy for 12 years. Soooo that complicates things. But not in a bad way, it's actually so touching and incredible. There's no cheating in this book btw, so don't get that impression.
After the first section that is told in 3rd person letters, the chapters are told in first person letters and lists and narration from both Craig and Travis's points of view. Both characters are so alive and vibrant that this book felt so much longer and more impactful than it would seem from just looking at it. The author manages to create such a beautiful world that really takes your breath away.
Also the story is just so fucking adorable. For real. Everyone is basically gay, and the people that aren't are just super dope and accepting and perfect and I love them. There's no petty drama where people just hate other people. Characters aren't just discarded of in order to make the plot easier. There's no slut-shaming, no people-hating, no stupid stereotypes (for the most part), and no unnecessary stupid drama to extend the story more than was needed. And it's so freaking funny I swear I just can't with this book it's so great.
BOTTOM LINE THIS BOOK IS AWESOME AND I WANT YOU TO READ IT.
SERIOUSLY.
GO DO IT.
This will be you afterwards.
January 16, 2013
A quick note before you read my sappy-ass review: do yourself a favor, and read this as an actual book, and not as an e-book. I’ve heard the e-book is not formatted correctly, and trust me… you want the correctly formatted version!
Anyway…
I want to give this book a million stars, I loved it so much. I literally hugged this book when I finished it… and how ridiculous is that?!
Is it possible to feel completely shattered and completely blissfully happy all at the same time? Because that’s what I feel right now.
If I really got started (heaven help you all), I could probably gush and squee about this book for words upon sentences upon paragraphs upon pages, but… really, everyone should just experience it for themselves.
It’s beautiful, it’s playful, it’s poetic, it’s wistful, it’s tender, it’s freaking HILARIOUS, it’s sad, it’s sweet, it’s bittersweet, it’s clever, it’s creative, it’s nostalgic, it’s gut-wrenching, it’s late bloomers and mistakes and crazy risks and lost friends and found friends and successful careers and road trips and baseball trivia and Broadway numbers and dreams and family and civil rights and first loves and last loves.
It’s life.
A messy, tragic, happy life.
I fell completely in love with everyone in this book, and I’m lucky I got to spend some time with them. I wish it could have been more – it really just wasn’t enough... which is about my only criticism.
Favorite lines:
*Special thanks to my review soul mate, Susan - you know why. ;-) xoxoxoxo
Anyway…
I want to give this book a million stars, I loved it so much. I literally hugged this book when I finished it… and how ridiculous is that?!
Is it possible to feel completely shattered and completely blissfully happy all at the same time? Because that’s what I feel right now.
If I really got started (heaven help you all), I could probably gush and squee about this book for words upon sentences upon paragraphs upon pages, but… really, everyone should just experience it for themselves.
It’s beautiful, it’s playful, it’s poetic, it’s wistful, it’s tender, it’s freaking HILARIOUS, it’s sad, it’s sweet, it’s bittersweet, it’s clever, it’s creative, it’s nostalgic, it’s gut-wrenching, it’s late bloomers and mistakes and crazy risks and lost friends and found friends and successful careers and road trips and baseball trivia and Broadway numbers and dreams and family and civil rights and first loves and last loves.
It’s life.
A messy, tragic, happy life.
I fell completely in love with everyone in this book, and I’m lucky I got to spend some time with them. I wish it could have been more – it really just wasn’t enough... which is about my only criticism.
Favorite lines:
*Special thanks to my review soul mate, Susan - you know why. ;-) xoxoxoxo
September 11, 2021
If there was ever a book that deserved more than 5 stars this is it. Not only was it one of the sweetest love stories ever but so funny I was laughing out loud through out the whole book. I could rave about this book so much but I could never do it justice. If you haven't read it yet then your missing out. It is so worth the time and money.
ETA For a funny book it still surprises me how much I cry. I still love this book as much as the first time I read it. Travis is so sweet and funny. Craig is sweet and steady. The rest of the cast are lovable and amusing. The ending is perfect but I still remember how scared I was the first time reading, and even knowing the ending I still had a knotted stomach and a few tears. This really is a perfect romance <3
ETA For a funny book it still surprises me how much I cry. I still love this book as much as the first time I read it. Travis is so sweet and funny. Craig is sweet and steady. The rest of the cast are lovable and amusing. The ending is perfect but I still remember how scared I was the first time reading, and even knowing the ending I still had a knotted stomach and a few tears. This really is a perfect romance <3
January 27, 2012
Five stars? Duh.
dnf
February 5, 2013I really, really tried to love this book. I wanted to love this book. But somehow it just slid by me without any engagement. I didn't find the characters believable, although they were likeable. After three weeks I gave up and skipped to the end to find out what happens. I feel bad for not enjoying it :(
August 4, 2019
I haven't had such mixed feeling about the book for a long, long time. I loved and hated it all at once. I couldn’t stop reading it and nearly not finished it at the same time. I loved what I usually hate and was frustrated anyway.
Things I usually hate but which I liked here:
- Letters/ lists/ text messages/ diary entries form – all those new forms that are supposed to make the book more modern and distinguish, but usually don’t; here it worked amazing and I totally loved it
- First person narration (sort of) – I generally prefer the third person narration, but I liked the characters here, being in their heads didn’t bother me at all
- Changing Travis/Craig narration – not my favourite thing in books, usually I end up with either hating both characters or not knowing any of them; again, here I liked them both and there are enough developed to me
- YA – probably my least favourite genre; here it is only slightly introduced in the first (long) chapter, but it’s undoubtedly the best part of the whole story
- Humour – I rarely find my books funny, more often those funny parts are the ones that annoy me, but not here, it is this brilliant type of humour that I really enjoy
And still, I didn’t love the whole book like I thought I would after reading the first chapter.
The thing is you can easily divide this story into two parts: the first chapter (40-50 pages) and the rest of it. The first chapter is one of the best things I read in mm romances. Two, very different teenaged boys finding each other. It is absolutely cute and sweet (in a good way, not like sugary syrup sweet). If the whole book ended there, I would give it five starts and called it one of the best books I’ve read recently.
But everything goes to hell with the other part. Well, not everything, the writing is still excellent. If only it wasn’t and I could easily put this book down, instead of keep on reading through my frustration. That all left me with even more confusion.
I’m terribly disappointed with the choices the author made.
This is one of the best written and the most frustrating story I have read in a long time. The characters are outstanding (ones that you will remember for sure), the first chapter is marvellous. The whole idea is great. If you can overcome some parts of the plot, you will love this book. So I recommend it anyway.
I had no idea what rate to give to this book. I hesitated between 5 and 3. Which only captures my mixed feelings. Initially, I decided to give 3. Because I do not agree with some author's choices and I wanted the story to look different. But when I started collecting my thoughts to write this review, I realized that it is a delightfully written book. Granting it 3 stars would be unfair. I raised my rating to 4. Even now I'm not sure if it's right. It's possible that after a while, I change my rating again.
Things I usually hate but which I liked here:
- Letters/ lists/ text messages/ diary entries form – all those new forms that are supposed to make the book more modern and distinguish, but usually don’t; here it worked amazing and I totally loved it
- First person narration (sort of) – I generally prefer the third person narration, but I liked the characters here, being in their heads didn’t bother me at all
- Changing Travis/Craig narration – not my favourite thing in books, usually I end up with either hating both characters or not knowing any of them; again, here I liked them both and there are enough developed to me
- YA – probably my least favourite genre; here it is only slightly introduced in the first (long) chapter, but it’s undoubtedly the best part of the whole story
- Humour – I rarely find my books funny, more often those funny parts are the ones that annoy me, but not here, it is this brilliant type of humour that I really enjoy
And still, I didn’t love the whole book like I thought I would after reading the first chapter.
The thing is you can easily divide this story into two parts: the first chapter (40-50 pages) and the rest of it. The first chapter is one of the best things I read in mm romances. Two, very different teenaged boys finding each other. It is absolutely cute and sweet (in a good way, not like sugary syrup sweet). If the whole book ended there, I would give it five starts and called it one of the best books I’ve read recently.
But everything goes to hell with the other part. Well, not everything, the writing is still excellent. If only it wasn’t and I could easily put this book down, instead of keep on reading through my frustration. That all left me with even more confusion.
I’m terribly disappointed with the choices the author made.
This is one of the best written and the most frustrating story I have read in a long time. The characters are outstanding (ones that you will remember for sure), the first chapter is marvellous. The whole idea is great. If you can overcome some parts of the plot, you will love this book. So I recommend it anyway.
I had no idea what rate to give to this book. I hesitated between 5 and 3. Which only captures my mixed feelings. Initially, I decided to give 3. Because I do not agree with some author's choices and I wanted the story to look different. But when I started collecting my thoughts to write this review, I realized that it is a delightfully written book. Granting it 3 stars would be unfair. I raised my rating to 4. Even now I'm not sure if it's right. It's possible that after a while, I change my rating again.
July 19, 2007
If you like hilarious gay stories, then this one is just the book you were looking for. It's not written in the usual "book-ish" style, it's like looking into someone's life through their Post-It notes, emails, journal entries etc. It's new and totally refreshing but it takes some time to get used to.
And I haven never encountered two characters that would simply fit like Craig McKenna and Travis Puckett. Travis is the guy who counts his pop-corn and lines up the peas and asparagus on his plate and wants to write a book about "Alexander Hamilton and the Designated Hitter" (with the intent to prove that American baseball league was founded on the same set of rules that are outlined in The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton)... and who is hopelessly in love with one Craig McKenna. Or he had been in High School when he spent the most wonderful summer with him. But then, they went to college and chose separate ways... But now, twenty years later, Travis decides that Craig was THE ONE and nothing can stop a determined Puckett. Though there is a little problem... Craig has a boyfriend with whom he has lived for the last 12 years... A really really nice boyfriend.
Travis simply grows on you. Like a mold. He is so great that even the football players at the University look forward to his American History classes and he has this really big heart and everybody whom he meets obviously falls in love and has the happily ever after... He is the guy that would drive you completely crazy until you couldn't but kiss him senseless. A wonderful book!
And what does Craig think of the incredible Travis? "I was right. He knows everything. Like metaphors and nuclear reactors and Luke Skywalker's middle name and the ingredients of Cheerios. All in the same sentence!" or "According to Travis, I'm not allowed to eat lettuce or grapes (exploited migrant workers on the West Coast), canned salmon (lousy living conditions for Filipino packers in Alaska), or those little peas that look like green BBs (forced labor in central California - in 1930!). So far, no problem. I mean, he hasn't come down on Junior Mints yet, so I'm okay."
Yeah, that's Travis and Craig for you :)
And I haven never encountered two characters that would simply fit like Craig McKenna and Travis Puckett. Travis is the guy who counts his pop-corn and lines up the peas and asparagus on his plate and wants to write a book about "Alexander Hamilton and the Designated Hitter" (with the intent to prove that American baseball league was founded on the same set of rules that are outlined in The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton)... and who is hopelessly in love with one Craig McKenna. Or he had been in High School when he spent the most wonderful summer with him. But then, they went to college and chose separate ways... But now, twenty years later, Travis decides that Craig was THE ONE and nothing can stop a determined Puckett. Though there is a little problem... Craig has a boyfriend with whom he has lived for the last 12 years... A really really nice boyfriend.
Travis simply grows on you. Like a mold. He is so great that even the football players at the University look forward to his American History classes and he has this really big heart and everybody whom he meets obviously falls in love and has the happily ever after... He is the guy that would drive you completely crazy until you couldn't but kiss him senseless. A wonderful book!
And what does Craig think of the incredible Travis? "I was right. He knows everything. Like metaphors and nuclear reactors and Luke Skywalker's middle name and the ingredients of Cheerios. All in the same sentence!" or "According to Travis, I'm not allowed to eat lettuce or grapes (exploited migrant workers on the West Coast), canned salmon (lousy living conditions for Filipino packers in Alaska), or those little peas that look like green BBs (forced labor in central California - in 1930!). So far, no problem. I mean, he hasn't come down on Junior Mints yet, so I'm okay."
Yeah, that's Travis and Craig for you :)
October 22, 2011
What can I say, brilliant, engaging and funny. It made my day, loved it.
dnf
February 21, 2021DNF @ 32%.
Two things:
1) I've never read an epistolary-style story before, and I've avoided this one for years because it uses that style. Despite high recommendations by friends who love this book, I couldn't think of anything more boring than a story written in the form of newspaper articles, emails, school papers and essays, and journal entries, etc. Now, I have read a story that was written as diary entries, which I loved, but this thing was a whole other beast. There was no natural flow because of all the jumping around from one narrative type to another, and everyone wrote with the exact same voice, so I don't even get the point of all this effort going into these varying types of communications when everyone sounds the same. Even the Dean curses in a "professional" email to a subordinate. Uh-huh.
The first 41 pages were a chore and took me two days. I couldn't tell Travis and Craig's narratives apart. And the idea they were writing about their blooming young love for their English class - in a boarding school in 1978 - was beyond ridiculous. Then the story jumps 20 years, and the MCs haven't seen each other since leaving for college. At least I knew whose head I was in, since it started alternating from chapter to chapter, so there's that. The next 26 pages were still a chore though. I don't like Travis all that much. He's rather thick-headed and kind of a stalker type. But despite that it was (mostly) just Travis's POV, I still had trouble sinking into the story. The next 22 pages were a little better with Craig's chapter, since there was a nice big chunk of narrative that was allowed to run naturally that explained how Craig and Clayton met, but then the next chapter was Travis again, and my mind started wandering again.
Also, what students in the history of ever have written personal notes to their teachers in their essays? Is the rest of the class having to be subjected to Travis's idiotic topics just so he can hold the jocks' attention? Because jocks are all so dumb, ya know? If baseball's not included somehow, they're just not going to understand. *rolls eyes* And one of the questions Travis includes in a test was for advice on his budding relationship, because professional distance apparently means nothing to him. Is this guy for real? I think the author was going for cutesy but it was all so unrealistic that it pulled me even more out of the story than I already was.
2) Since Travis and Craig were the first MCs to get together, they were obviously going to somehow end up together. Problem there is, other than not really liking Travis, they were together for three months in high school twenty years ago. We only got to see about a month of that time. I don't care if they get back together or not. I don't care that Travis is so immature he's still hung up on his high school sweetheart. I do care that Clayton is an awesome, sweet guy but apparently a twenty-year relationship isn't going to be enough to hold a light against that three-month fling.
So I'm quitting while I'm ahead. This isn't going to be worth my effort to finish.
Two things:
1) I've never read an epistolary-style story before, and I've avoided this one for years because it uses that style. Despite high recommendations by friends who love this book, I couldn't think of anything more boring than a story written in the form of newspaper articles, emails, school papers and essays, and journal entries, etc. Now, I have read a story that was written as diary entries, which I loved, but this thing was a whole other beast. There was no natural flow because of all the jumping around from one narrative type to another, and everyone wrote with the exact same voice, so I don't even get the point of all this effort going into these varying types of communications when everyone sounds the same. Even the Dean curses in a "professional" email to a subordinate. Uh-huh.
The first 41 pages were a chore and took me two days. I couldn't tell Travis and Craig's narratives apart. And the idea they were writing about their blooming young love for their English class - in a boarding school in 1978 - was beyond ridiculous. Then the story jumps 20 years, and the MCs haven't seen each other since leaving for college. At least I knew whose head I was in, since it started alternating from chapter to chapter, so there's that. The next 26 pages were still a chore though. I don't like Travis all that much. He's rather thick-headed and kind of a stalker type. But despite that it was (mostly) just Travis's POV, I still had trouble sinking into the story. The next 22 pages were a little better with Craig's chapter, since there was a nice big chunk of narrative that was allowed to run naturally that explained how Craig and Clayton met, but then the next chapter was Travis again, and my mind started wandering again.
Also, what students in the history of ever have written personal notes to their teachers in their essays? Is the rest of the class having to be subjected to Travis's idiotic topics just so he can hold the jocks' attention? Because jocks are all so dumb, ya know? If baseball's not included somehow, they're just not going to understand. *rolls eyes* And one of the questions Travis includes in a test was for advice on his budding relationship, because professional distance apparently means nothing to him. Is this guy for real? I think the author was going for cutesy but it was all so unrealistic that it pulled me even more out of the story than I already was.
2) Since Travis and Craig were the first MCs to get together, they were obviously going to somehow end up together. Problem there is, other than not really liking Travis, they were together for three months in high school twenty years ago. We only got to see about a month of that time. I don't care if they get back together or not. I don't care that Travis is so immature he's still hung up on his high school sweetheart. I do care that Clayton is an awesome, sweet guy but apparently a twenty-year relationship isn't going to be enough to hold a light against that three-month fling.
So I'm quitting while I'm ahead. This isn't going to be worth my effort to finish.
Want to read
December 17, 2014HUGE price drop to $1.99 at Amazon US! 12/17/14
March 24, 2021
WOW! What a fantastic book.
Review to come.
Review to come.
November 8, 2011
5+ stars for me.
I'm in shell shock right now. I just finished this book and I jumped on GRs to immediately spill to my friends. Some of my friends on GR (to remain nameless) like to recommend angsty books even though they know I will put them on my read-rage shelf. I thought for sure that this book was going to destroy me. I LOVED this book. This book is going straight to my favorites shelf - do not pass go - do not collect $200.
Travis and Craig were first loves from HS. It is the typical jock meets nerd story but there's no HS level angst of the jock hiding his homosexuality from his other jocky friends. Travis and Craig's friendship is amazing and their romance is the perfect story of first loves. Travis and Craig unfortunately go to separate colleges and slowly drift apart. Begin angst.......now. 20 years and 27 boyfriends later, Travis realizes that he's always loved Craig and he sets out to reclaim his lost love. Cue my increased heart rate and stress levels.
This story is told through a series of narratives, emails, letters, exam results, depositions, and more. It was an extremely humorous and creative way to tell the story but I definitely found my self skimming rapidly through the depositions - I just had to skip, skip, skip to get to Craig and Travis because I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happened.
I was tremendously stressed throughout this book. In the description, it says that they both have jobs, loves, and new lives. The whole love part freaked me out the entire time. How do you win back your love from 20 years ago when he is already in a relationship? One that has lasted over a decade? I prepared myself for the worst case scenario - tissues in hand.
I won't tell you if the story ended the way I wanted it to end, but I WILL say that my friends were right. I was in cold-sweats the entire time and I cursed my friends' existences. This is a MUST read book with highs, lows, and loop-de-loops. Seriously - I know you have a credit card. Buy this book.
I'm in shell shock right now. I just finished this book and I jumped on GRs to immediately spill to my friends. Some of my friends on GR (to remain nameless) like to recommend angsty books even though they know I will put them on my read-rage shelf. I thought for sure that this book was going to destroy me. I LOVED this book. This book is going straight to my favorites shelf - do not pass go - do not collect $200.
Travis and Craig were first loves from HS. It is the typical jock meets nerd story but there's no HS level angst of the jock hiding his homosexuality from his other jocky friends. Travis and Craig's friendship is amazing and their romance is the perfect story of first loves. Travis and Craig unfortunately go to separate colleges and slowly drift apart. Begin angst.......now. 20 years and 27 boyfriends later, Travis realizes that he's always loved Craig and he sets out to reclaim his lost love. Cue my increased heart rate and stress levels.
This story is told through a series of narratives, emails, letters, exam results, depositions, and more. It was an extremely humorous and creative way to tell the story but I definitely found my self skimming rapidly through the depositions - I just had to skip, skip, skip to get to Craig and Travis because I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happened.
I was tremendously stressed throughout this book. In the description, it says that they both have jobs, loves, and new lives. The whole love part freaked me out the entire time. How do you win back your love from 20 years ago when he is already in a relationship? One that has lasted over a decade? I prepared myself for the worst case scenario - tissues in hand.
I won't tell you if the story ended the way I wanted it to end, but I WILL say that my friends were right. I was in cold-sweats the entire time and I cursed my friends' existences. This is a MUST read book with highs, lows, and loop-de-loops. Seriously - I know you have a credit card. Buy this book.
February 18, 2013
The story is, from a romantic point of view, very conventional: two boys fall in love, college (for some reason) takes them apart, and after almost 20 years one of them - the former nerd and now history professor Travis - realizes that the other one - the former jock and now civil rights lawyer Craig - was the only love of his life.
It would be a perfect romantic movie, with a bit of road trip, goofy moments and some drama. What's different, even if not original, is that the story is told through journal entries, email, letters, school papers, etc. We get the point-of-views of the protagonists, their own words, but we also see them through the eyes of their friends and all the people they meet.
I must confess that at a certain point I almost thought I wouldn't finish it. The story was charming, but it wasn't really gripping, or the many voices were distracting me, I don't know, but I think it was Gordo, Travis' best friend, who drew me in.
The story was almost too perfect. I must admit that I wasn't sure the author would write the romantic thing, but he was able to wrap up all the individual stories in a nice way, so that nobody really got hurt. It's both the strength and the weakness of this book. It's funny, but sometimes almost too funny. It's so clean that I think I liked it (even if a lot) more on an intellectual level than on an emotional one.
I see myself re-reading it though.
It would be a perfect romantic movie, with a bit of road trip, goofy moments and some drama. What's different, even if not original, is that the story is told through journal entries, email, letters, school papers, etc. We get the point-of-views of the protagonists, their own words, but we also see them through the eyes of their friends and all the people they meet.
I must confess that at a certain point I almost thought I wouldn't finish it. The story was charming, but it wasn't really gripping, or the many voices were distracting me, I don't know, but I think it was Gordo, Travis' best friend, who drew me in.
The story was almost too perfect. I must admit that I wasn't sure the author would write the romantic thing, but he was able to wrap up all the individual stories in a nice way, so that nobody really got hurt. It's both the strength and the weakness of this book. It's funny, but sometimes almost too funny. It's so clean that I think I liked it (even if a lot) more on an intellectual level than on an emotional one.
I see myself re-reading it though.
May 3, 2013
Likes and Dislikes:
1. I loved the beginning when they were young, friends, and realizing they were falling in love. It was sweet and I was caught up with them instantly.
2. Characters: I liked both the MC's. Travis is quirky and adorable. He loves musicals and has a touch of OCD. Craig is the high school jock who grows up with the "fight for what you believe" attitude. Gordo - I loved him!!!! He is the perfect best friend. He's funny and has a sharp wit. I think the secondary characters really made this. Charleen, Clayton, Jody, Noah, and Gordo's dad. They propelled the story and got me back on track.
3. I thought the format of the book was original.
4. At times this got extremely boring. Once they were adults it went downhill. There was also too much baseball for my liking.
5. Boston is my backyard so it's always fun when names are dropped that I recognize.
6. I really liked Travis' history exam questions. Hilarious! Everything picked up once Travis decided to go after Craig. Road trips make me happy. The author did a great job at building up the big reunion moment.
7. Soap Opera Moment -
8. Disappointing ending. I had to do a double take at this one. I'm happy with the outcome but it was extremely anti-climatic.
January 4, 2015
Gosh, this book was exhausting, exhilarating, alienating, endearing, saccharin, arresting, amazing, campy, craftfully written and just...a lot.
Wow.
Wow.
January 27, 2012
LA reminded me how much I love the word epistolary, yet do not recall ever getting to use it in a sentence. So here it goes;)
The first time I thought to read this book, I was able to find it at the library. I was so excited! I mean how many books with gay themes do you find at your library? So I hunkered down and got to page two. What the hell is this? News articles? Less than 500 word stories? What? I do not get it? Yes those are all the things that went through my head and I put it down and went to go find a sweaty sex story. Go figure, I can be shallow. What this really means is that I have be in the mood for a story written in epistolary format (see English teacher I did learn something in all those years of school. Maybe next I will conquer the comma or ending sentences in preposition, but I digress.)
So this book has become all the rage again at GR and I thought I would give it another go for a challenge. I ate it like a hungry bear. It is smart, fast paced and had just the right bite that works for me. I cannot emphasize how smart the writing is. It is quick, so quick and packs a punch. You cannot help fall in love with Travis and his crazy quest. You cannot help fall in love with Craig and his anarchist ways. Then on top of it, both of them are surrounded by some of the best secondary characters I have read.
I am glad I own this as I will read it again.
With all of the above, this book is not for everyone. There is a ton of baseball references and comparisons (Travis and his students had me rolling on the floor) that will not make everyone laugh like they did for me. This story is also like a speeding train. That does not always work. And to finish up, it is in epistolary form (look at me go!) and not everyone feels home with this format. HOWEVER, I highly recommend this story and everyone should give it a go. Give Travis and Craig a chance to share their story with you.
The first time I thought to read this book, I was able to find it at the library. I was so excited! I mean how many books with gay themes do you find at your library? So I hunkered down and got to page two. What the hell is this? News articles? Less than 500 word stories? What? I do not get it? Yes those are all the things that went through my head and I put it down and went to go find a sweaty sex story. Go figure, I can be shallow. What this really means is that I have be in the mood for a story written in epistolary format (see English teacher I did learn something in all those years of school. Maybe next I will conquer the comma or ending sentences in preposition, but I digress.)
So this book has become all the rage again at GR and I thought I would give it another go for a challenge. I ate it like a hungry bear. It is smart, fast paced and had just the right bite that works for me. I cannot emphasize how smart the writing is. It is quick, so quick and packs a punch. You cannot help fall in love with Travis and his crazy quest. You cannot help fall in love with Craig and his anarchist ways. Then on top of it, both of them are surrounded by some of the best secondary characters I have read.
I am glad I own this as I will read it again.
With all of the above, this book is not for everyone. There is a ton of baseball references and comparisons (Travis and his students had me rolling on the floor) that will not make everyone laugh like they did for me. This story is also like a speeding train. That does not always work. And to finish up, it is in epistolary form (look at me go!) and not everyone feels home with this format. HOWEVER, I highly recommend this story and everyone should give it a go. Give Travis and Craig a chance to share their story with you.
November 18, 2017
Soulmate treasure hunt.
Once you truly give your heart away, you never get it back. Hop on to this hilarious journey of two separated souls destined to be together. Tag along and see if it’s possible to slip into the empty space lingering after 2 decades apart.
Young love. First love. True love.
Seniors Travis and Craig fall into each other’s arms (literally) and give their hearts away without hesitation. They have ‘perfect’ love and look forward to their happily-ever-after future together. Unfortunately, life gets in the way and they veer off their path. Years pass, still both yearn for another as they continue their detached lives. Twenty years later, they find themselves eye to eye again. A set of broad shoulders attached to a prospective finance stands in their way. Will broken hearts heal, or shatter all over again?
A collection of emails, notes, and messages; the format of the story was challenging for me to follow. I was overloaded with who’s who? What’s happening? Huh?
However, mid-way through I caught on and the second half I didn’t stumble as frequently. The sports references were another hiccup for me. Often, I had no clue who they were talking about. This drove me bonkers. Once I let go of my frustration of their fan remarks, I enjoyed it so much more.
Regardless of these interferences, I simply adored the story.
Brilliant writing, amazing characters, it was pure fun. Snort out loud laughter is a guarantee. I grieved the ending, and would be willing to beg for more. It’s not often the secondary characters shine so brightly. Yet, I felt a solid attachment to each and every person in Travis and Craig’s lives.
You won’t want to miss this, promise. It is a must read!!
*4.5 delightfully quirky & lovable stars*
Once you truly give your heart away, you never get it back. Hop on to this hilarious journey of two separated souls destined to be together. Tag along and see if it’s possible to slip into the empty space lingering after 2 decades apart.
Young love. First love. True love.
Seniors Travis and Craig fall into each other’s arms (literally) and give their hearts away without hesitation. They have ‘perfect’ love and look forward to their happily-ever-after future together. Unfortunately, life gets in the way and they veer off their path. Years pass, still both yearn for another as they continue their detached lives. Twenty years later, they find themselves eye to eye again. A set of broad shoulders attached to a prospective finance stands in their way. Will broken hearts heal, or shatter all over again?
A collection of emails, notes, and messages; the format of the story was challenging for me to follow. I was overloaded with who’s who? What’s happening? Huh?
However, mid-way through I caught on and the second half I didn’t stumble as frequently. The sports references were another hiccup for me. Often, I had no clue who they were talking about. This drove me bonkers. Once I let go of my frustration of their fan remarks, I enjoyed it so much more.
Regardless of these interferences, I simply adored the story.
Brilliant writing, amazing characters, it was pure fun. Snort out loud laughter is a guarantee. I grieved the ending, and would be willing to beg for more. It’s not often the secondary characters shine so brightly. Yet, I felt a solid attachment to each and every person in Travis and Craig’s lives.
You won’t want to miss this, promise. It is a must read!!
*4.5 delightfully quirky & lovable stars*
September 5, 2018
Le doy 3 porque me parece bastante creativo y eso pero buff, no he conseguido conectar para nada.
October 16, 2016
At first I was taken aback by the way in which the author told this story through a series of letters, memos, blog posts, emails, journal entries, etc. This is truly a love story based on the first love of Craig McKenna and Travis Puckett. Craig is a jock while Travis is a fan of musicals. They spend a brief period of time together until college pulls them apart.
Twenty years later Travis decides to look Craig up and begins the trek from California to New York in in search of him. Meanwhile, Craig has moved on and but has never quite gotten over Travis. We see into each of their separate lives and the relationships they have formed. We also get remained of the time they spent together some 20 years ago. One thing is clear, they never forgot about each other.
Travis and Craig are all well-developed and very likeable. The supporting characters are as much of the story line as Craig and Travis. Their respective best friends are a hoot. Once I got used the method in which the story was told I really enjoyed it. For the most part I found myself laughing with the characters and wishing the best for them.
Twenty years later Travis decides to look Craig up and begins the trek from California to New York in in search of him. Meanwhile, Craig has moved on and but has never quite gotten over Travis. We see into each of their separate lives and the relationships they have formed. We also get remained of the time they spent together some 20 years ago. One thing is clear, they never forgot about each other.
Travis and Craig are all well-developed and very likeable. The supporting characters are as much of the story line as Craig and Travis. Their respective best friends are a hoot. Once I got used the method in which the story was told I really enjoyed it. For the most part I found myself laughing with the characters and wishing the best for them.
January 16, 2013
I looooooove this book. Kluger took every cliche you can think of, threw them in a blender, and turned it into something new and fresh and hilarious. The humor was non-stop, and I was smiling throughout the entire book (with the exception of the two times I cried).
Reasons you should read this book:
1.) The story is told through emails, letters, and journals and it made for a fun and different reading experience. (get it in paperback)
2.) Every character is hilarious. (even the women, can you believe that?)
3.) Almost every line can be stolen and dropped in casual conversation to make you seem funnier than you are.
4.) It has a HAPPY ENDING! And what kind of grouch doesn't like those?
5.) Because this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_9ERv...
I am one huge grinning idiot and I want everyone else to feel it too!
Reasons you should read this book:
1.) The story is told through emails, letters, and journals and it made for a fun and different reading experience. (get it in paperback)
2.) Every character is hilarious. (even the women, can you believe that?)
3.) Almost every line can be stolen and dropped in casual conversation to make you seem funnier than you are.
4.) It has a HAPPY ENDING! And what kind of grouch doesn't like those?
5.) Because this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_9ERv...
I am one huge grinning idiot and I want everyone else to feel it too!
June 10, 2013
This book actually outsmarted me. You win, book. You're smarter than I am. I have grade 6 French under my belt, and this book might as well have been written in French for the amount of it I could understand. There was just so much! The writing was awesome, but I think it's just about my tiny little comprehensive level or something, because most of the time I didn't understand what was happening.
The main characters romance was adorable! I will say that. Also I didn't give a shit about Gordo and A.J., so I retained little to none of the information on them.
I don't always expect HEA with books, and usually I prefer not to have them, but in this scenario I was kind of sad that there wasn't one.
The main characters romance was adorable! I will say that. Also I didn't give a shit about Gordo and A.J., so I retained little to none of the information on them.
I don't always expect HEA with books, and usually I prefer not to have them, but in this scenario I was kind of sad that there wasn't one.
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