He's a middle-aged, newly single, gay photographer starting life over. Along comes a freshly out nineteen-year-old, irreverent free spirit who wants to be his apprentice. Mismatched by more than a generation, what could possibly go wrong? Everything! And it's AWESOME!
Sex Dolls and Bad Dates: We’ve all had one of those dates where we think we've bitten off more than we can chew. The trick to know is Bite or Flight? Dirk's Quirks: Everyone has idiosyncrasies; that's what makes us interesting. If you're lucky, you get a heaping helping and can share them with everyone.
Dan writes so vividly and smoothly I could read the whole night through.... It's like you sit with them at the table or on the couch. You see their face expressions and body language. Amazing entertainment and you can feel their mutual appreciation and respect. Love their interactions Awesome read and I had a good laugh with Dirks story about the guy with the one room apartment. That was one great story. Doc and a Dirk they are close to my heart <3
I truly can't say enough good things about this series that Dan writes. It's impossible not to love the concept of a man in his early fifties finding his muse in a young college student. The fact that Doc and Dirk work so well together is refreshing to read about, and, frankly, Dirk's sense of humor - even when he's not trying to be funny - has me being very careful about not eating or drinking while I'm reading. But for me, it's the friendship and the family Dirk and Doc build together that makes me so happy to see.
Oh my, Doc. THANK YOU, Dirk, for getting Doc to open up a little about his personal life. I laughed so hard over his twenty-fifth birthday celebration I scared all of the animals off the bed. Priceless! Although I'm sorry to say Doc, Dirk's story was really way better. How does he find these people? Or is it something about him that has the weirdos gravitating to him? Oh that young man makes me laugh!
are interchangeable. This time my review of this episode has two sides. The first part has made me cry with laughter, honestly! The place I am in a the moment has a lot of people still sleeping. Some woke up and came into my room asking if I were okay. Yes, I am okay, I am so very much okay there are no words for it and I am crying, literally, because I can picture this all so vividly that it's insane! I don't think I can say more without giving anything away. Just read it for yourself, it's so totally worth it. The second part has me melting inside, and giving me feelings of a strange sort of affection. Which is awesome, because I've never met Doc or Dirk or Dirk's awesome mum, but still. I have enjoyed this third episode so incredibly much, it's like it's getting better and more with every episode. Written with a big smile on my face!
The Misadventures of Doc and Dirk (That Darn Muse, volumes 2 and 3) Dan Skinner By the author, 2016
These tiny books are nothing more than delightful petit-fours of clever prose and laugh-out-loud silliness that manage to be innocent and naughty at the same time.
Dirk is an endearingly awkward, sexy teenager, lucky enough to have found a mentor and gay role model in the middle-aged Doc (Dan Skinner). These two men (both young in my eyes) are avatars for two generations of gay men – the gen-Xer and the millennial. They offer us honest and often comic insights into their worldview, but they also provide strangely comforting models for friendship and self-awareness.
As an old man (only 61, but that’s 85 in gay years) in a very longterm relationship, I am envious of their youth and fitness; but Skinner isn’t trying to do this, not at all. He presents himself as a gay man, temporarily unmoored, who first finds himself, and then his goofy, adorable, unfiltered muse. He becomes part of Dirk’s family circle, both protective of Dirk’s dented innocence and disarmed by Dirk’s fearless approach to being a gay youth in modern America.
I was particularly struck by two stories, one told by Doc and one by Dirk, that outline disastrous attempts at sexual hookups – proving hilariously that beauty doesn’t always equate with emotional maturity or sexual proficiency. Somehow in there I found comfort in knowing the idea that being gay is not a competition. The goal is to find our way as best we can.
Dan Skinner is one of those gay men who I think I’d have trouble being friends with, and thus I approach his writing with caution. The fact that his books have always utterly charmed and moved me with their elegant prose and emotional truth is a testimony to his gifts.
I have to say that I laughed the hardest with this installment of misadventures. There are some of the most private and incredibly awkward experiences that you will ever read about between both of these men. That they were comfortable enough with each other to share those moments is a testament to what great friends they are. That they chose to share it with us is a gift like no other. Like it says in the blurb, Dan explores idiosyncrasies in this story and oh man, does he ever! It made me think of every single quirk that I have and every one that I could remember as someone else’s.
The conversations he has with Dirk are so human and so personal that they really touch something inside of you. Once you are done laughing your arse off, you realize that Dan has not only made your day, but he’s taught you a valuable lesson in being a human being. And the book cover is once again, stunning.
Dan’s goal is to put a smile on our face. He absolutely does that with this book, but how he can do so much more in so few pages is beyond me! What a gifted writer and a blessed one with a muse like Dirk.
This isn't as funny as the first two, though it still has Dirkisms all over the place, but in this installment, Dan primarily tells us about the cat ears Dirk wears, and his quest to find out why he wears them. The reason, as told by Dirk's mother Rebecca, is utterly charming and so sweet, and it made me love Dirk so much more. He reminds me a bit of my own son, who's only eight (almost nine, Mom!). He too thinks in a different universe, and I can only hope he grows to be such a fine young man as Dirk.
Dan, if he's reading this review, you must tell me if he blushed. :)
This is non-fiction, and gives us adoring fans glimpses not only into Dan's life with Dirk in it, but also about Dan who is, despite being super private, letting us see the real person behind the gorgeous photos we've enjoyed for so many years.
Seriously, this series is fabulous. Read it!
** I received a free advanced copy of this book. A positive review was not promised in return. **
Not as good as Parts I and II. It's light, it's still easy reading, but it has a lot of filler in it - recapping, promotion of other Dan Skinner books weaved into the story.
This instalment revolves around odd dates and idiosyncrasies. It's cute enough, and the guys are nice, but it's feeling samey now.
I think Dan just wants us to buy his other books and uses Doc and Dirk as a promotional vehicle. And you know what, I don't care. These stories are easy to read and still packed with smiles and acceptance. 4.0 for, of course, the Thinking Cat
Yet again, another fantastic, comedic, insight into the life of Doc and his muse, Dirk. I love these short but funny reads and still think Dirk needs his own tv show !!
This is one of those stories that is just a breath of fresh air. Everything about it is just so feel good, makes you smile and is just an overall joy. If you have followed Dan Skinner at all on social media, you probably know a bit about him and more recently, his connection with the lovable Dirk. There were many instances where I recalled seeing the many Dirkisms Dan has shared with us and it was wonderful to see them again.
If you don’t follow Dan, you should get right on that. He is an amazing photographer and just a genuinely nice person. He’s had some hard times but has managed to find some wonderful friends, especially his young protege, Dirk, who has become his apprentice and has brought a new light to Dan’s life.
Dirk is a wonderful character. He is extremely likable and his attitude and commentary is often hilarious and cute and just plain adorable. This is the story of how they came to know each other. It takes place over a few years, though these are just the first three installments of what I sure hope will lead to many more. Dan is a fabulous writer, and it shines once again through these short snippets. If you are looking for a light-hearted sweet afternoon read, I highly recommend you give these a try. I still have a smile on my face just thinking about them and can’t wait for more!
Book received in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes Reviews.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
I will start by saying that I didn't read the previous two volumes in The Misadventures of Doc and Dirk, and when I realized that I had been given an ARC for Volume III, I just hoped I wouldn't feel too over my head. However, Volume III starts with how Doc and Dirk met so even if I was a bit confused over the relationship between mentor and apprentice/muse, I knew enough not to feel too lost. That said, I really encourage you to go get the first two volumes and read them first, though, as I suspect reading them in order will make for a better reading experience!
This was my first book by Dan Skinner and I really enjoyed it, he has a fun, relaxed writing style that just engages the reader. Volume III consists of a series of snippets in which we see Doc and Dirk meeting up for the first time in The Nutshell... and the Nut, then exchanging stories of past sexual experiences in Sex Dolls and Bad Dates, some texts and skype conversations in Random Dirkisms and finally learning of some of Dirk's Quirks.
Both Dirk and Doc are very likable characters and they have a very nice rapport that makes for some very entertaining stories. I also loved Dirk's mom, who was so different than what I expected.
So I have a new workout. I call it my Dirkercise. And. I love it. Here's how it works: 1) Laugh so much till your abs hurt 2) Read in the bedroom while your hubs (who is dyslexic and doesn't like to read but loves hearing about books that I love) is in the other room watching tv. Get up every time something makes you laugh or smile or sigh in this book and read it to him then return to your reading spot. It works. Trust me. Because I laughed a lot with this one. But I also sighed because it was sweet and it touched my heart In a time when the country is in such turmoil and there is so much ugliness everywhere knowing that these two wonderful, amazing men exist is enough to put a smile on my face. Oh - and I'll never be able to look at a Hummer or a VW without busting out laughing. Sometimes you want heavy when you read, sometimes you want tear-jerking, bust out the tissues, heart breaking words - and those are great reads, they stay with you forever (and Dan Skinner has some of those - check out Memorizing You). And sometimes you want light - you want something that will lift your heart, something that will remind you that there is still good in this world, something...no, someone who can make you smile no matter how crappy you're feeling. This book, and this series, is that read.
I really can't wait until this comes out as one large paperback. I want to sit down and read it in its entirety. Not that I'm not enjoying them as Volumes, but I can't wait to have an overall effect.
Thank you Dan, for sharing your muse. He is brilliant and I love his bluntness and sarcasm. You're right, he definitely thinks outside the box as if it never existed. I am almost jealous of him lol.I can't wait until he unleashes his own self on the world, I think he will do incredible things. I also think only you can paint him in the light that you do. You are a fantastic story teller, and the things you guys talk about kind of make the rest of us seem not so weird. We all go through "weird things". Situations that are almost too embarrassing to say them out loud, and you guys just really make it OK to be weird and quirky and have strange things happen to us and do strange things that are a part of us. It's part of being human, and that's what story you seem to tell. In a way, Dirk almost becomes a life muse, not just for you, but for everyone.
This series is just really a breath of fresh air. Like a friend telling you some really messed up shit, and like the good friend you are, you're not judging them, but laughing and sharing right along with them.
Book: the Misadventures of Doc And Dirk Series: Volume lll Author: Dan Skinner Publisher: Amazon Digital Services Genre; Comedy Rated: Mature
I began reading Dan Skinner stories after seeing friend’s comments on his Facebook site. Through the year or so I read Memorizing You and The Bible Boys and realized there was so much more to this shy photographer.
Having his life exposed for all to read in the Price of Dick, I have watched this man regain his life, get healthy and meet a young man at a gym named Dirk. We daily are brought to tears laughing at the Dirkisms Dan posts daily.
Dirk has brought Dan Skinner the joy of fun and laughter and I think Dan has brought Dirk the gay male figure he can rely on, trust and learn from. So, Tutor and Muse have brought us these stories, this the third sharing with their readers. We are treated to in depth conversations between them, having us learn sometimes TMI.
This third entry is hilarious, I will only say a must read!!!
Review by Gloria Lakritz Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
I really enjoyed this installment in the series. This one digs a little deeper, there are fewer laugh out loud moments but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable.
In this installment Dan and Dirk each regale us with a story of someone they met that was super hot and really weird at the same time. The stories are witty and entertaining.
This is a super short read, but well worth the price of admission.
The third installment of Doc and Dirk. To those reading or thinking of reading these hilarious short books, just be aware that the author starts each book with a small summary of the initial story from book #1. You can almost skip this first section if you've read it once and just get to the laugh-out-loud current observations by older mentor Doc about his muse, Dirk, and the workings of his ADHD/OCD brain. Dirk's wide eyed wonder at the Australian's "package" was classic.
Still totally endearingly funny - sex dolls and bad dates not withstanding - but we do see a little more serious aspect of our beloved Dirk.
There are a good number of laugh-out-loud moments; and a very good picture drawn for us of the love between a (wonderful) mother and her deliciously ADHD son. There's hope for everyone painted here. Well done, Dan.
It's always a pleasure to read Doc and Dirk's little tales, whether it's on Facebook or in an ebook. Just maybe best not to read at 2am when a large guffaw, the likes of which accompany the line "You have my gift'.
This series just got better and better as it went along. Not quite sure if that was just because I got used to Dirk's madness or not. It doesn't really matter what the reason, this was a very fun read! Will have to read Vol. 4 soon!
It was really annoying to have yet again the introduction verbatum from the first two books. Surely these three books should be combined into one volume. Nevertheless when you get into the final two episode of this trilogy of short books it is just as good and laugh inducing as the first two
This is the third episode of these ‘misadventures. While I strongly advice and highly recommend that you read these (short) books in order, I have to admit you would get away with starting with book two or book three. Dan/Doc has been kind enough to include a ‘this is how we met’ chapter at the start of each of these instalments. So even if you’ve so far managed to miss Dan’s post about Dirk on Facebook and are completely new to this fabulous partnership, you won’t be lost, no matter where you start reading.
What attracts me most to these books is that while they appear to be about Dirk, the ‘muse-nerd’ we learn at least as much about Dan/Doc as we do about his young apprentice. I imagine it works in real life as it appears to do in these tales; Dan/Doc is helpless in the face of Dirk’s curiosity and enthusiasm. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he never set to reveal as much of himself as he does, but sorta fell into it as a result of Dirk’s inquisitiveness.
Younger Dan’s disastrous birthday pick-up is a hoot, as is the story Dirk shares in return, if only because they reminded me of one or two ‘oh my God, how did I end up in this situation’ experiences from my own life.
I’ll share a few random quotes and thoughts, just because I can.
“Curiosity doesn’t kill the cat with Dirk. He just becomes a bigger cat.”
I had to google ‘Tootsie Pops’ but once I had, Dirk’s comment made perfect sense—as did his mother’s response. (And that’s all I’m saying; read the book if you want to know more).
I love this description of Dirk:
“I remind you that this is a young man who not only thinks outside the box, but doesn’t recognize that there’s a box in the first place.”
As I’ve come to expect by now, I read this book with a permanent grin on my face, except for those moments when I found myself laughing out loud. But, these stories are more than light-hearted fun to me. They paint a beautiful picture of a developing friendship, of loyalty, and of what it takes to really get to know someone. The Dirkisms combined with Dan/Doc’s observations about them and the person who makes them, while always making me smile, also make me think that we should really pay more attention to other people and try to look beyond the obvious first impressions. This episode ends on a wonderful tale about Dirk and cat ears (which I’m not going to share either) and a quote we would all do well to take to heart when dealing with the quirks of others:
“It made me realize what we see as odd… may simply be something that makes someone else more comfortable.”
I’ll end this review with a wish, which is also my plea aimed at Dan/Doc and Dirk; please, whatever you do, never stop sharing these wonderful scenes with us.
This third installment of Doc and Dirks adventures are so fun, sexy, sweet and serious in a good way. The first part is sort of a résumé about how they met each other in the gym.
Doc tells Dirk and us a story about a really bad date that reminded me of the dog treat commercial with the dog munching on a dental stick going Nom, nom, nommmm..nom, nomm, nommmmm! and so on. Then Dirk tells his story, which includes Australian accents, weird drinks, a toe-fetish, a very big Salami and a talk about sex-dolls. You really need to read this to get to know my two favorite boys better ;)
We get some of the lively Dirkisms that make my mornings so much better and then a very cute story about Dirk and the cat-ears he wears from time to time – sweetly told by Dirks amazing Mom Rebecca. A great little book that makes you want more♥