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Klub Kids #1
Klub Kids
In one fall/winter season in the clubs of NYC, a lost soul parties with friends while looking for gay love. "Do you think that punk's dick hair is blue too?" Packed with humor, candor and sex, Klub Kids takes readers on a ride as they join Johnny Williams and his friends on their clubbing quests to find love and the music to dance and dance and dance their butts off in this fictionalized fun read.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 25, 2014
Okay, I have a confession.
I loved Johnny.
I loved his humor from the first line, and it just kept coming. I was reading this on my laptop and my husband lost track of the number of times I laughed and then read him the line which had amused me.
A conversation between Danny and Johnny had me wanting to laugh and cry, all at the same time. Well, the whole situation had me laughing - not gonna spoil it, but you'll know when you get there.
“Nothing's wrong with you. You just haven’t met the right guy."
"I'm a hopeless romantic stuck in a helplessly cynical body." I counter. I lift my head and look intently at him. "Help me find someone." I plead.
He seemed really shocked by my letting down all my walls. I don't think I've done that with many people in my life.He recovered,and patted my head, forcing it back onto his chest. "I'll find you someone. I promise." We laid there quiet for a while longer.
“Alive.” I say.
Danny sighed. “ He’ll be alive.”
“With all his own hair and teeth.”
“Check.” He sighed louder.
“Wealthy too.” I continue.
“Anything else?”
“Get him to look like Brad Pitt.”
“What if he looks like Johnny Depp?”
“Okay . . . if I must.” I pretend to sigh.
Let's talk about the wanting to cry part.
Oh My God. Every time Johnny met someone, I found myself crossing everything and hoping with every fiber of my being that THIS WOULD BE THE ONE. Because all I wanted was for Johnny, hopelessly romantic Johnny, to find love.
And as for the last bit.... Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh. I melted. Just...melted.
I couldn't stop reading. And seeing as I know exactly how far the author is into the next book, you can be sure I will be on his case.
More, please, Mr. Williams.
And you definitely have a fan here.
I loved Johnny.
I loved his humor from the first line, and it just kept coming. I was reading this on my laptop and my husband lost track of the number of times I laughed and then read him the line which had amused me.
A conversation between Danny and Johnny had me wanting to laugh and cry, all at the same time. Well, the whole situation had me laughing - not gonna spoil it, but you'll know when you get there.
“Nothing's wrong with you. You just haven’t met the right guy."
"I'm a hopeless romantic stuck in a helplessly cynical body." I counter. I lift my head and look intently at him. "Help me find someone." I plead.
He seemed really shocked by my letting down all my walls. I don't think I've done that with many people in my life.He recovered,and patted my head, forcing it back onto his chest. "I'll find you someone. I promise." We laid there quiet for a while longer.
“Alive.” I say.
Danny sighed. “ He’ll be alive.”
“With all his own hair and teeth.”
“Check.” He sighed louder.
“Wealthy too.” I continue.
“Anything else?”
“Get him to look like Brad Pitt.”
“What if he looks like Johnny Depp?”
“Okay . . . if I must.” I pretend to sigh.
Let's talk about the wanting to cry part.
Oh My God. Every time Johnny met someone, I found myself crossing everything and hoping with every fiber of my being that THIS WOULD BE THE ONE. Because all I wanted was for Johnny, hopelessly romantic Johnny, to find love.
And as for the last bit.... Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh. I melted. Just...melted.
I couldn't stop reading. And seeing as I know exactly how far the author is into the next book, you can be sure I will be on his case.
More, please, Mr. Williams.
And you definitely have a fan here.
May 1, 2014
How do I review this, when I don't think I can do it justice. I will say this is one of the best books I have ever read.
This is not a typical mm romance, it is more a journal, a stream of consciousness of Johnny's looking for love in all the wrong places. The reader is invited to travel with him along his road in life. I laughed so hard I nearly fell out of bed, or I cried so hard I nearly drowned in my tears. It is a Jackie Chan pratfall, a long romantic kiss, and a chewy Tootsie Roll pop center.
Johnny is an everyman, searching for that elusive treasure called love. Sometimes love is right in front of us, but like the forest we can't see it for the trees. I give this a New York cab ride full of stars.
The second time around was even better than the first! What a wonderful book. It should be required reading.
This is not a typical mm romance, it is more a journal, a stream of consciousness of Johnny's looking for love in all the wrong places. The reader is invited to travel with him along his road in life. I laughed so hard I nearly fell out of bed, or I cried so hard I nearly drowned in my tears. It is a Jackie Chan pratfall, a long romantic kiss, and a chewy Tootsie Roll pop center.
Johnny is an everyman, searching for that elusive treasure called love. Sometimes love is right in front of us, but like the forest we can't see it for the trees. I give this a New York cab ride full of stars.
The second time around was even better than the first! What a wonderful book. It should be required reading.
July 25, 2016
This book was unique and hysterically funny. As the reader I was completely with our POV character experiencing life from his perspective. But there were times I wished to break away and give him a hug or point him in the right direction (towards love) cause you just adore him sooooo much.
There were so many quotable lines I want to go back through and take notes!!! I can't wait to hang with these characters again.
Definitely, a book I'll re-read and I can't wait for more.
Well done Mr. Williams!!! You're first book is wonderful!!!!
Hugs, Z.
There were so many quotable lines I want to go back through and take notes!!! I can't wait to hang with these characters again.
Definitely, a book I'll re-read and I can't wait for more.
Well done Mr. Williams!!! You're first book is wonderful!!!!
Hugs, Z.
September 7, 2021
Klub Kids
I decided to read this because I love Johnny Williams humor. It took me several chapters to begin liking the story. I’m not really into the club scene and that was pretty much the first part of the book.
I love Johnny’s writing style. It clean and not overly verbose. He tells a fascinating story. I found myself completely caught up in the life of Johnny and his friends. I recommend the book and plan to read more of his work. I actually found myself laughing out loud several times.
I decided to read this because I love Johnny Williams humor. It took me several chapters to begin liking the story. I’m not really into the club scene and that was pretty much the first part of the book.
I love Johnny’s writing style. It clean and not overly verbose. He tells a fascinating story. I found myself completely caught up in the life of Johnny and his friends. I recommend the book and plan to read more of his work. I actually found myself laughing out loud several times.
February 20, 2014
Johnny interests me and I follow his trail through varied experiences as a gay guy with some ambiguity in his self-concept, not the least part of which is that he's sort of ordinary in a world of glitz and klub-glamour. He needs a booster from a friend or the outside world which doesn't really materialize for him (or me) up until 2/3's of the way through the book when the action begins to stand out in more relief. I like the book. I like the author, really, and I will follow his development lop meant as he definitely will write more. I feel his characters are distinct from one another but I did long for more dramatic depth in each individually--of course the nature of the klub scene must raise a challenge for anyone describing it as the differences between characters is not that dramatic in "the wild"...fashions and styles mimic one another closely among the members of the gang...yet this author's ability to write theater is excellent and I almost felt the form was not helping him get the differences between contrasting characters and scenes fully in contrast because novels form the first person POV (which is what I prefer writing) limits the range of things known, and had the young author opted to write a stage play, he'd have been on footing giving him more dramatic power. I would rather see this as a play than a novel. That said, the story rolls out evenly, the anti-hero, Johnny, garners one's support! and definitely makes you want to help him get more out of his life. In Edmund White's NOCTURNES FOR THE KING OF NAPLES I remember a similar tone leaving me wondering if this was genius or just non-intensive PICARESQUE novel leading us through a realm naturally painted in monochromatic tones for effect. I don't know. I think from having chatted with this colorful author that his intent is to show that side of klub kid's lives that are, unfortunately, too much alike with inadequate variation, so that we get the ennui, the alienation, the boredom and lethargy of wee hours with too many ambiguous friends doing hum drum activities to pass the time. I am too old to know this world first hand. My time in the clubs was when John Travolta danced and the Bee Gees provided the soundtrack. The World Trade Center was new! But I venture a guess that our young author is displaying restraint rather than chancing gauche flamboyance of description. I think I sense genius demurely yielding up a novel that could easily have been ribald. The humor works precisely because go the understatement...but, and here is my challenge to Johnny, hit me with your powerful perceptive energy from page one to the last word. I want to see more clearly what you have stored up as image, symbol, metaphor and action, dramatic action, not because you didn't entertain me--you did--but you teased me by holding back. I believe you were playing it safe. Let your self-esteem grow beyond the bounds of subtle innuendo and really let the reader have full force the dynamo that is your mind, art and past experience! I know you could knock our socks off! Do it! Don't wait for permission from readers or critics. Dig deep into the vast storehouse of your personal experience and give us the dramatic vibrant piece you are holding. I love your tender sentiments, kindness, honesty, but I look forward to your symphony, not a nocturne. You have the subtle press of a leopard, and I want you to leap full thrust into my imagination. I need your kind of writing, but I want the playwright to fill the stage with dramatic fury! I liked the book. I like your voice!.
February 22, 2014
This is a great first novel from a really interesting, funny new author. Johnny Williams gives us an honest window into young gay culture in Klub Kids. I wanted to hug “Johnny” (the character) long and tightly, and so frequently. His internal loneliness and need to find real love was so moving and very much at odds with his external persona. Then, the next moment, when I had finished hugging him, he’d have me peeing my pants laughing.
Klub Kids is the fictionalized account of a group of friends, including Johnny, who live, work and play in New York City during a random Fall/Winter. It is in turns lovely and funny, sexy and heartbreaking, sweet and harsh. Mostly, though, it is honest. It took balls for Johnny Williams, author, to write a fictionalized account of this time in his life. It leaves the reader wondering exactly how much is true and how much has been altered to protect the innocence (ha!) of the participants.
Klub Kids is written from “Johnny’s” perspective. He is an aspiring writer and the novel comes across almost as a stream-of-consciousness, free flowing journal of sorts. It reads like the first, unedited draft of a hastily written series of vignettes. I don’t mean unedited to be a comment about Johnny Williams’ writing abilities. I mean it to say that “Johnny” seems more real and accessible because the book feels like he was just writing little bits of himself and his story and the stories of his friends. Johnny Williams’ writing ability is definitely not in question here. He has told a compelling and addictive story.
Everything I have heard about Johnny Williams leans toward “Johnny” maybe not being all that much a “fictionalized” version of Johnny Williams. Either way, I love them both. The courage it takes for an author, especially a first-time author, to put so much of themselves into a published work is not something I could ever claim to understand. Or possess! All authors put a lot of themselves in to their work. But not too many can honestly and publicly say that the main character, flaws and all is based solely on themselves.
I didn’t want Klub Kids to end. When I swiped the last page I kept swiping, desperate to find out what comes next. I wanted more of “Johnny” and his friends, interacting in ways only true friends who really know and love each other are able to. I wanted more of the club scene and the music and the city by which I felt surrounded thanks to Johnny Williams’ detailed descriptions. Mostly, though, I wanted to see “Johnny” find love. He may be looking in all the wrong places, but as I am writing this on Valentine’s Day, I have to believe it is out there for him.
I am looking forward to the sequel, due this Spring, though it seems Spring may never appear at this rate. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is or ever was young at heart and looking for someone to share that heart with.
Klub Kids is the fictionalized account of a group of friends, including Johnny, who live, work and play in New York City during a random Fall/Winter. It is in turns lovely and funny, sexy and heartbreaking, sweet and harsh. Mostly, though, it is honest. It took balls for Johnny Williams, author, to write a fictionalized account of this time in his life. It leaves the reader wondering exactly how much is true and how much has been altered to protect the innocence (ha!) of the participants.
Klub Kids is written from “Johnny’s” perspective. He is an aspiring writer and the novel comes across almost as a stream-of-consciousness, free flowing journal of sorts. It reads like the first, unedited draft of a hastily written series of vignettes. I don’t mean unedited to be a comment about Johnny Williams’ writing abilities. I mean it to say that “Johnny” seems more real and accessible because the book feels like he was just writing little bits of himself and his story and the stories of his friends. Johnny Williams’ writing ability is definitely not in question here. He has told a compelling and addictive story.
Everything I have heard about Johnny Williams leans toward “Johnny” maybe not being all that much a “fictionalized” version of Johnny Williams. Either way, I love them both. The courage it takes for an author, especially a first-time author, to put so much of themselves into a published work is not something I could ever claim to understand. Or possess! All authors put a lot of themselves in to their work. But not too many can honestly and publicly say that the main character, flaws and all is based solely on themselves.
I didn’t want Klub Kids to end. When I swiped the last page I kept swiping, desperate to find out what comes next. I wanted more of “Johnny” and his friends, interacting in ways only true friends who really know and love each other are able to. I wanted more of the club scene and the music and the city by which I felt surrounded thanks to Johnny Williams’ detailed descriptions. Mostly, though, I wanted to see “Johnny” find love. He may be looking in all the wrong places, but as I am writing this on Valentine’s Day, I have to believe it is out there for him.
I am looking forward to the sequel, due this Spring, though it seems Spring may never appear at this rate. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is or ever was young at heart and looking for someone to share that heart with.
January 22, 2014
You ever want to jump into a book and help a character out? God, I wanted to do that, just point him in the right direction. I loved this book; it was extremely funny in some parts and sad enough to make me cry in other parts. Whether it was all true or not, it felt real, and kept me entertained throughout the whole book. The author takes us into his life and shows the how life was for him and his friends. This is a great book for a laugh, but be warned it's not all funny, sometime real life is not funny. This book is a must read! I can't wait for the second one.
March 6, 2014
Johnny's first book and a very good read.
I'm looking forward to Johnnys'next book this spring.
I'm looking forward to Johnnys'next book this spring.
February 22, 2014
En une saison automne / hiver, dans les clubs de New York, suivez une âme perdue dans des soirées avec ses amis, tous à la recherche de l'amour gay. "Penses-tu que les poils du sexe de ce punk sont bleus aussi?" Emballé avec humour, sincérité et ouvertement sexuel, Klub Kids entraîne le lecteur dans une tournée pour rejoindre Johnny Williams et ses amis lors de sorties dans des clubs pour trouver l'amour, de la musique pour danser, danser et agiter leurs petits derrières dans cette fiction amusante et romancée.
Tout d'abord, merci à K.C. Wells de m'avoir donné envie de lire ce livre, c'est un véritable petit bijou et un merveilleux moment de lecture, bien que pour moi, française, cet accent new-yorkais qui transparaît dans son écriture ne soit pas si facile à lire.
Cependant, j'ai adoré ce livre car Johnny Williams nous livre ici un véritable florilège de réparties toutes plus sarcastiques les unes que les autres, des remarques caustiques, des échanges verbaux imagés, qu'un auteur tel que Molière chez nous, n'aurait pas renié.
Ces jeunes hommes sont encrés dans la vie réelle et ont les deux pieds sur terre et sont finalement tous à la recherche de l'Amour avec un grand A, allant jusqu'à traverser le pays dans l'espoir de le trouver, alors que parfois il se trouve juste sous votre nez.
En conclusion, c'est un livre que je recommande fortement, une véritable bouffée de fraîcheur et un enchantement au niveau des dialogues.
Bien joué, Johnny et vivement la suite de tes aventures et de celles de tes amis.
First of all, thank you to KC Wells for giving me want to read this book wich is a real gem and a wonderful time reading , although for me, French , this New York accent that permeates in his writing is not so easy to read.
However , I loved this book because Johnny Williams gives us here a veritable anthology of spread all over sarcastic as each other , caustic remarks, imaged verbal exchanges , that an author such as Molière among us would not denied .
These young men are inked in real life and have both feet on the ground and eventually all looking for love with a capital L , up across the country in the hope of finding it, while sometimes it is right under your nose.
In conclusion, this is a book that I highly recommend , a real breath of fresh air and a magic level dialogues.
Well done, Johnny and I'm following your adventures and those of your friends .
Tout d'abord, merci à K.C. Wells de m'avoir donné envie de lire ce livre, c'est un véritable petit bijou et un merveilleux moment de lecture, bien que pour moi, française, cet accent new-yorkais qui transparaît dans son écriture ne soit pas si facile à lire.
Cependant, j'ai adoré ce livre car Johnny Williams nous livre ici un véritable florilège de réparties toutes plus sarcastiques les unes que les autres, des remarques caustiques, des échanges verbaux imagés, qu'un auteur tel que Molière chez nous, n'aurait pas renié.
Ces jeunes hommes sont encrés dans la vie réelle et ont les deux pieds sur terre et sont finalement tous à la recherche de l'Amour avec un grand A, allant jusqu'à traverser le pays dans l'espoir de le trouver, alors que parfois il se trouve juste sous votre nez.
En conclusion, c'est un livre que je recommande fortement, une véritable bouffée de fraîcheur et un enchantement au niveau des dialogues.
Bien joué, Johnny et vivement la suite de tes aventures et de celles de tes amis.
First of all, thank you to KC Wells for giving me want to read this book wich is a real gem and a wonderful time reading , although for me, French , this New York accent that permeates in his writing is not so easy to read.
However , I loved this book because Johnny Williams gives us here a veritable anthology of spread all over sarcastic as each other , caustic remarks, imaged verbal exchanges , that an author such as Molière among us would not denied .
These young men are inked in real life and have both feet on the ground and eventually all looking for love with a capital L , up across the country in the hope of finding it, while sometimes it is right under your nose.
In conclusion, this is a book that I highly recommend , a real breath of fresh air and a magic level dialogues.
Well done, Johnny and I'm following your adventures and those of your friends .
February 27, 2014
3.5 stars --I enjoyed this. Johnny Williams is a fresh new voice and his story held me well. My only hope is that with his next book, he will take a little more care with editing. There were a LOT of editing errors in this and they continually pulled me out of the story, especially in the early passages of the book. Were it not for those errors I would have rated this novel higher. But still, for a first effort, it was fun and touching and overall a pleasure to read. It will be interesting to see what Mr. Williams comes up with next.
January 12, 2014
Klub Kids is a fascinating look inside of wht goes on between gay friends, the conflicts, fun and wishes. The book is funny and sweet while sad at times I did do a lot of laughing and crying! This is a great book and I highly recommend it!
June 9, 2014
This was fun and young and me. I can relate. Someone else said in their review that it is like a stream of consciousness and I think that reviewer was so right. Maybe I should add more to this but it is 4 star worthy and that is really what matters.
February 16, 2014
Johnny is a wise assed doesn't think he's cute gay guy who is looking for the "one" Or atleast someone. Johnny and his friends are a riot, their cynical, super gay at times ,loving life and have each others back (love that). Johnny's friends are always getting the sexy guys or the rich guys and he feels down about it not realizing what's right in front of him. I like how Johnny wrote this about his life, I felt part of it. All the guys are awesome but Johnny and Danny were my favorite, they are just such BF's and are the closest and then of course there's Jason and his skipping and dress sense and sense of humor.. Too cute. These guys are crazy and wild and always looking for fun and love. I felt for Johnny when Ethan hurt him but the guy "knew" he was beautiful and who would want a guy like that. Well my hubs is beautiful so I get it..lol..I thought this story cool and quirky and fun and sexy and laugh out loud fun (love the clomping too Johnny). 4.5 stars. Review by upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com
April 23, 2017
Klub Kids by Johnny Williams is truly a funny, fresh, and fierce book. There is so much realism mixed in. It was wonderfully refreshing. Johnny's sense of humor had me laugh-crying and that is my favorite!
The character Johnny (which when you consider it's a semi-autobiography is also the writer) is very cynical. You don't quite know what will come out of his mouth at any given time and that is why I'd bust out laughing at odd times in this story.
You can't help but relate and love Johnny in this. I can't understand his struggle at finding someone because I found him to be a delight!
It's fascinating in the outlook part. Aside from all the wonderful humor, there are issues and I found the author really made the reader not just be there but to understand it all. Great!
The character Johnny (which when you consider it's a semi-autobiography is also the writer) is very cynical. You don't quite know what will come out of his mouth at any given time and that is why I'd bust out laughing at odd times in this story.
You can't help but relate and love Johnny in this. I can't understand his struggle at finding someone because I found him to be a delight!
It's fascinating in the outlook part. Aside from all the wonderful humor, there are issues and I found the author really made the reader not just be there but to understand it all. Great!
March 2, 2014
This is a great first novel from a really interesting, funny new author. Johnny Williams gives us an honest window into young gay culture in Klub Kids. I wanted to hug “Johnny” (the character) long and tightly, and so frequently. His internal loneliness and need to find real love was so moving and very much at odds with his external persona. Then, the next moment, when I had finished hugging him, he’d have me peeing my pants laughing.
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
July 26, 2022
This book takes you on a journey thorough the club and bars of the USA. The MC, Johnny, frames everything with killer humour, and the snappy dialogue made me laugh out loud. The essence of relationships is captured and friendships explored and exploited. Johnny doesn't shy away from saying what everyone is already thinking. Learning about XXY is a bonus and seeing how different people navigate the gay dating scene is a riot. A great read.
April 4, 2018
Amusing
I find comedy to be a very individual thing and very seldom will find myself laughing out loud when reading. I will day though, that this book definitely amused me and out a smile on my face several times even if it didn't have me laughing. The formatting is a bit of a mess and I would love to tidy it up but I will definitely check out book 2, regardless.
I find comedy to be a very individual thing and very seldom will find myself laughing out loud when reading. I will day though, that this book definitely amused me and out a smile on my face several times even if it didn't have me laughing. The formatting is a bit of a mess and I would love to tidy it up but I will definitely check out book 2, regardless.
February 23, 2022
I loved this book. It has laugh out loud and sad moments. Johnny is gay and looking for love not just a random hookup. Going from club to club with his friends dancing and having fun. This is a amazing story that I couldn't put down.
May 24, 2014
This novel works so well because the characters are all so colourful, interesting and so easy to love. The world of club nights and parties is viewed through Johnny‘s eyes, at a time when he is almost giving up on real love. I felt so much for Johnny, who doesn’t have the best of luck in his search for fun, friendship and something elusive and meaningful in a loving relationship. His adorable friends may seem superficial because the world they inhabit is, but they too are looking for love from behind the many masks and facades people use to protect themselves. In addition these friends show how close they are to each other in a variety of ways, not all of them obvious. The layers in these friends’ personalities and lives add something special to the wonderful humour.
Like the Klub Kids themselves this story is not as light or superficial as it may seem at first glance. There is a darkness that haunts this tale and the lack of tolerance for young gay men is ever present in the background.
This book takes us to the end of New Year’s Eve and the next one starts just after New Year, and I can’t wait to read it.
2nd Edition Klub Kids
This is definitely an easier read thanks to better editing of Johnny's work. All the same wonderful elements are here, the humour, witty introspection and heartbreaking sadness beneath the surface. Johnny is still the loveable, self deprecating romantic, desperate for true love, and who can blame him, we are all basically looking for the same thing.
As this was my second read I noticed more and different aspects that kept my rapt interest going throughout. I paid more attention to the humans of New York City who provide a backdrop to Johnny's story, as much as the city itself. The Crazy cab guy, the make-up girl Jenny, the cruising hopefuls in the clubs and online, the skaters at Rockefeller Plaza and the 'alien' carriage driver. Johnny's bit characters provide a human backdrop reflecting life back, and somehow make Johnny seem more alone.
On this second read I caught more of the fabulous turns of expression and mood, which this author can create in one paragraph,
a few lines after this poignant sentence he remarks,
I still loved the humour that I highlighted in my first review, the 'let our waiter go' comment still made me snort coffee. I found a new favourite as well as the adorable Jason wants a drink and asks,
Along with the humour there is always the slightly cynical and sad reflections on life. Johnny made my heart ache with this wonderful visceral expression of loneliness,
I was also taken with the amazing cultural references and intertextuality. References far more intricate and spanning a greater passage of time than you would usually expect in an author, as young as Johnny Williams.
I was going to finish with one of the jokes, but I found the words below so haunting I had to quote them here. Johnny is taking in Christmas New York, with his close friend, Jason,
Full review www.prismbookalliance.com
Like the Klub Kids themselves this story is not as light or superficial as it may seem at first glance. There is a darkness that haunts this tale and the lack of tolerance for young gay men is ever present in the background.
This book takes us to the end of New Year’s Eve and the next one starts just after New Year, and I can’t wait to read it.
2nd Edition Klub Kids
This is definitely an easier read thanks to better editing of Johnny's work. All the same wonderful elements are here, the humour, witty introspection and heartbreaking sadness beneath the surface. Johnny is still the loveable, self deprecating romantic, desperate for true love, and who can blame him, we are all basically looking for the same thing.
As this was my second read I noticed more and different aspects that kept my rapt interest going throughout. I paid more attention to the humans of New York City who provide a backdrop to Johnny's story, as much as the city itself. The Crazy cab guy, the make-up girl Jenny, the cruising hopefuls in the clubs and online, the skaters at Rockefeller Plaza and the 'alien' carriage driver. Johnny's bit characters provide a human backdrop reflecting life back, and somehow make Johnny seem more alone.
On this second read I caught more of the fabulous turns of expression and mood, which this author can create in one paragraph,
What was my reaction? I didn't know. I felt a loss again. But that's always there. I felt cheated. Sad. Embarrassed. And stupid.
a few lines after this poignant sentence he remarks,
Maybe masturbation should be my main squeeze...maybe an occasional hotel room may make me feel special. Maybe I'll buy my hand a glove...
I still loved the humour that I highlighted in my first review, the 'let our waiter go' comment still made me snort coffee. I found a new favourite as well as the adorable Jason wants a drink and asks,
Do you have anything that goes with little umbrellas? Brendon looked over and snapped, 'Little galoshes.'
Along with the humour there is always the slightly cynical and sad reflections on life. Johnny made my heart ache with this wonderful visceral expression of loneliness,
I knew somehow I may end up alone forever. It slammed into my heart like a speeding car and I physically shook. As I gazed out onto the moonlight water, I cried once more for my dreams and hopes...
I was also taken with the amazing cultural references and intertextuality. References far more intricate and spanning a greater passage of time than you would usually expect in an author, as young as Johnny Williams.
I was going to finish with one of the jokes, but I found the words below so haunting I had to quote them here. Johnny is taking in Christmas New York, with his close friend, Jason,
He did snake his hand out to mine, holding it, pleased he had me blush a lot. But truth be told, holding this beautiful boy's hand was no real bother. Just being near him was a treat to my soul.
Full review www.prismbookalliance.com
April 25, 2016
B+ / 4.25*
Set in and around New York, this novel is the first in the Klub Kids series which follows a group of young, gay men who exist in and around the club scene. The book works for me because the characters are all quirky, interesting, vulnerable and just so easy to love.
This biographical world of club nights and parties is narrated by Johnny Williams, the author. We meet him at a time in his life when he has almost given up on real love and the reader cannot help but empathise with him, as he doesn’t have the best of luck in his search for fun, friendship, and that elusive special relationship.
In Johnny’s circle, we meet best friend, Danny, who works but is from a wealthy family. He never seems to lack for money, friendship or partners. He tries repeatedly to reassure Johnny, but Johnny’s low self-esteem is too firmly entrenched. There is also Brendon, a slightly mysterious Goth figure - portrayed as eternally grumpy, heavy smoking and outwardly disapproving. Brendon is particularly disapproving of Jason, an adorable, fun loving twink. Jason is always skipping and sees a rainbow-coloured world, sparkling with glitter and love - despite hints of a painful childhood. His gorgeous looks and ‘innocent’, if manipulative manner, bring him a lot of attention and expensive presents. Sadly, not all the attention was good:
…The World loves a bubbly sissy…I took notice that Jason’s bruises were still there. Well, not everyone loves a bubbly sissy, but by God, they will when I’m around.
Johnny and his friends may seem superficial but they are just trying to fit into a scene that is inherently superficial, and like most other people they are just looking for love and meaning in their lives. The Klub Kids inhabit and try to make sense of a world full of masks and facades that are donned for protection. They do, however, reveal how close they are to each other in a variety of ways, not all of them obvious. Their layered personalities and quirky lives, however, add something special to the wonderful humour - this novel is very funny.
I would have bought this book just for one scene - set on a small plane, flying the group to Key West for a holiday – because it’s the funniest few pages I’ve read in a long time. During this plane scene Jason asks:
Do you have anything that goes with those little umbrellas? Brendon looked over and quipped, ‘Little galoshes?’
The wonderfully snarky but clever humour had me snorting coffee several times, and there are poignant or funny scenes that remain with you long after you finish reading. One such scene involves Johnny working temporarily as a waiter. He is literally captured by a huge muscle bound drunk, who takes a very stubborn liking to him. Johnny is imprisoned on the drunk’s lap, held by very strong arms - the police are called. At one point, the manager tries to resolve the situation with,
“Let our waiter go.”
… I felt like the Israelites being bargained for by Charlton Heston. Only this guy could EAT Yul Brynner.
My whole life started to pass before my eyes. God, how fuckin’ boring HAVE I been? Geez. I start to think of Danny’s life instead.
Full review on AAR www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview...
Set in and around New York, this novel is the first in the Klub Kids series which follows a group of young, gay men who exist in and around the club scene. The book works for me because the characters are all quirky, interesting, vulnerable and just so easy to love.
This biographical world of club nights and parties is narrated by Johnny Williams, the author. We meet him at a time in his life when he has almost given up on real love and the reader cannot help but empathise with him, as he doesn’t have the best of luck in his search for fun, friendship, and that elusive special relationship.
In Johnny’s circle, we meet best friend, Danny, who works but is from a wealthy family. He never seems to lack for money, friendship or partners. He tries repeatedly to reassure Johnny, but Johnny’s low self-esteem is too firmly entrenched. There is also Brendon, a slightly mysterious Goth figure - portrayed as eternally grumpy, heavy smoking and outwardly disapproving. Brendon is particularly disapproving of Jason, an adorable, fun loving twink. Jason is always skipping and sees a rainbow-coloured world, sparkling with glitter and love - despite hints of a painful childhood. His gorgeous looks and ‘innocent’, if manipulative manner, bring him a lot of attention and expensive presents. Sadly, not all the attention was good:
…The World loves a bubbly sissy…I took notice that Jason’s bruises were still there. Well, not everyone loves a bubbly sissy, but by God, they will when I’m around.
Johnny and his friends may seem superficial but they are just trying to fit into a scene that is inherently superficial, and like most other people they are just looking for love and meaning in their lives. The Klub Kids inhabit and try to make sense of a world full of masks and facades that are donned for protection. They do, however, reveal how close they are to each other in a variety of ways, not all of them obvious. Their layered personalities and quirky lives, however, add something special to the wonderful humour - this novel is very funny.
I would have bought this book just for one scene - set on a small plane, flying the group to Key West for a holiday – because it’s the funniest few pages I’ve read in a long time. During this plane scene Jason asks:
Do you have anything that goes with those little umbrellas? Brendon looked over and quipped, ‘Little galoshes?’
The wonderfully snarky but clever humour had me snorting coffee several times, and there are poignant or funny scenes that remain with you long after you finish reading. One such scene involves Johnny working temporarily as a waiter. He is literally captured by a huge muscle bound drunk, who takes a very stubborn liking to him. Johnny is imprisoned on the drunk’s lap, held by very strong arms - the police are called. At one point, the manager tries to resolve the situation with,
“Let our waiter go.”
… I felt like the Israelites being bargained for by Charlton Heston. Only this guy could EAT Yul Brynner.
My whole life started to pass before my eyes. God, how fuckin’ boring HAVE I been? Geez. I start to think of Danny’s life instead.
Full review on AAR www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview...
December 7, 2014
Klub Kids
By Johnny Williams
3.5 stars
This is a tough book for an old poof like me to review. The club scene was never my thing—and it has existed in one form or another for decades, even back in the ‘70s when I was in my early 20s. Random sex, random drugs, excessive drinking and living one’s life only for going out in the evenings to do all of the above…never my worldview. In fact, these are all the things that freak me out about young gay men today. And back in the day.
Additionally, the writing is very sloppy. Bad grammar might be a style thing—it is Johnny’s voice, after all—but the tenses shift within sentences. It’s hard to read this when your mind is using a red pencil to correct everything all the time.
So, you might ask, if it’s so off-putting, why write a review at all?
I asked myself the very same question. The answer is simple: Johnny Williams’ self-portrayal in this nattering, shaggy-dog-story yarn about the world of club kids is disarming and infectious.
I ended up liking Johnny, and I like the way he paints a vivid—if, to me, disturbing—picture of his friends and their shared shallow life in New York (and elsewhere).
Beneath all the shallowness (ha) there is a gentle boy—indeed a gentle group of boys—who have not been well treated by the world; who have suffered the slings and arrows of homophobia and rejection. The club scene is where they reclaim their own agency, create themselves as they want to be.
Ok, this is making me emotional. Because, as different as these club kids are from what I was at their age, there are underlying similarities that resonate with me and my memories. Johnny Williams shows us the romantic yearning underneath the cynical partying.
I can’t judge them for numbing their own pain however they can. It is still hard to be gay in this supposedly post-gay world. I think that’s what Johnny Williams is trying to do in this book—and the upcoming sequel.
By Johnny Williams
3.5 stars
This is a tough book for an old poof like me to review. The club scene was never my thing—and it has existed in one form or another for decades, even back in the ‘70s when I was in my early 20s. Random sex, random drugs, excessive drinking and living one’s life only for going out in the evenings to do all of the above…never my worldview. In fact, these are all the things that freak me out about young gay men today. And back in the day.
Additionally, the writing is very sloppy. Bad grammar might be a style thing—it is Johnny’s voice, after all—but the tenses shift within sentences. It’s hard to read this when your mind is using a red pencil to correct everything all the time.
So, you might ask, if it’s so off-putting, why write a review at all?
I asked myself the very same question. The answer is simple: Johnny Williams’ self-portrayal in this nattering, shaggy-dog-story yarn about the world of club kids is disarming and infectious.
I ended up liking Johnny, and I like the way he paints a vivid—if, to me, disturbing—picture of his friends and their shared shallow life in New York (and elsewhere).
Beneath all the shallowness (ha) there is a gentle boy—indeed a gentle group of boys—who have not been well treated by the world; who have suffered the slings and arrows of homophobia and rejection. The club scene is where they reclaim their own agency, create themselves as they want to be.
Ok, this is making me emotional. Because, as different as these club kids are from what I was at their age, there are underlying similarities that resonate with me and my memories. Johnny Williams shows us the romantic yearning underneath the cynical partying.
I can’t judge them for numbing their own pain however they can. It is still hard to be gay in this supposedly post-gay world. I think that’s what Johnny Williams is trying to do in this book—and the upcoming sequel.
September 20, 2014
I have a hard time writing this review because I did not dislike the book I just thought it could have been much better.
My favorite part of this book are the characters they are all hilarious and while there are some heavy topics such as gay bashing and drug use discussed it is couched by sarcasm and slapstick to keep it light. I loved Johnny he is an overly romantic and semi-clueless gay party boy. He wants a serious and committed relationship and yet the only places he looks for said relationship are parties, night clubs and bars. Can anyone else see a problem with this?
What I disliked about this book was the seemingly unending supply of meaningless encounters. There is one entire character that does not even have to be part of the story and it would be fine. It seems like this book desperately needed a good editor to trim out some of the excess. While the extra scenes helped the reader see more into Johnny’s soul I don’t think he quite needed to fall that far before he finally realized the treasure right in front of him the whole time.
Overall while this story has a very good message and encourages you to look deeper into both yourself and any potential relationships I believe this message could have been delivered in much fewer words.
My favorite part of this book are the characters they are all hilarious and while there are some heavy topics such as gay bashing and drug use discussed it is couched by sarcasm and slapstick to keep it light. I loved Johnny he is an overly romantic and semi-clueless gay party boy. He wants a serious and committed relationship and yet the only places he looks for said relationship are parties, night clubs and bars. Can anyone else see a problem with this?
What I disliked about this book was the seemingly unending supply of meaningless encounters. There is one entire character that does not even have to be part of the story and it would be fine. It seems like this book desperately needed a good editor to trim out some of the excess. While the extra scenes helped the reader see more into Johnny’s soul I don’t think he quite needed to fall that far before he finally realized the treasure right in front of him the whole time.
Overall while this story has a very good message and encourages you to look deeper into both yourself and any potential relationships I believe this message could have been delivered in much fewer words.
June 12, 2017
I really liked this. It was hysterically funny, sarcastic and cynical. It was also tender, sad and occasionally heartbreaking. What surprised me was the parallels between some of his club scenes and what I experienced as a woman in straight bars in the 80's. Hanging out with a group of friends, including the one who seems to get whoever they want, hoping to find Mr. Right and only finding Mr. Wrong, sometimes settling for Mr. Right Now.
It was also great at conveying the feeling of NYC. I've never been there but he still made me see it. I loved his cabdriver! Johnny was also rather philosophical, penning astute observations and writing a wonderful slice-of-life story. He obviously drew on his own experiences.The ending was lovely with, at the least, a HFN.
It was also great at conveying the feeling of NYC. I've never been there but he still made me see it. I loved his cabdriver! Johnny was also rather philosophical, penning astute observations and writing a wonderful slice-of-life story. He obviously drew on his own experiences.The ending was lovely with, at the least, a HFN.
September 24, 2016
My review of this book disappeared. I'll try to do it justice again. I loved this book and plan to read it again. It was very different than most books I read. It was so very sarcastically funny I could not put it down. It made me laugh and cry. I loved Johnny and understood completely how he felt invisible. It seems like when you have totally given up on love that is when you find it.
Definitely a must read book!
Definitely a must read book!
July 2, 2014
Johnny and his band of adorable (and sometimes jerky) friends dance, drink, laugh and flirt their way through the hot clubs of NYC. Loved this humorous and poignant story, esp. the ending. Looking forward to more!
April 7, 2014
I loved this book. Loved it.
April 22, 2016
4.5* or B+ on AAR
Review will appear first on AAR www.likesbooks.com
Review will appear first on AAR www.likesbooks.com
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews