Gaybash

by David Jay Collins

Matt Tompkins, a reserved gay man, has always played by the rules and has created a comfortable but unfulfilling life for himself. When his bold best friend Greg reaps unexpected rewards for standing up for himself in a very public display, Matt's jealousy leads him to risk everything when he's confronted by two attackers. Determined to be more like Greg, a split-second reaction brings astonishing changes to Matt's life--for better and for worse. Set in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, Gaybash explores the boundaries of love and friendship and the unintended consequences of wanting to be somebody else.

Genres: LGBT

362 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2014

About the author

David is the author of Gaybash (LGBTQ+ fiction), the Summerdale trilogy (LGBTQ+ horror), and Single & Cooking (LGBTQ+ romance). David lives in Chicago.

Follow David on Instagram: @davidjaycollins

Reviews

[William Bitner Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gaybash
By David Jay Collins

Genre - Fiction
Category - Gay & Lesbian/Social Science/LGBT Studies/Literary/Contemporary
Pages - 368
Publication Info - June 30, 2017
Format - Digital
Rating - 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈

I could not help whilst reading Gaybash by David Jay Collins to revisit my memories of my mid to late 20’s in the 70’s enjoying my introduction to Armistead Maupin’s San Francisco Chronicles/Tales of the City. The Matt character reminded me a bit of Mouse, and the Mara character reminded me of a combination of Mary Ann and Mona while the Greg character had Michael Toliver written all over him. While there was no Mrs. Madrigal or Barbary Lane, David’s characters and locations had just as much appeal. The location changed, but the drama is the same no matter where you are. The closest I’ve ever come to visiting Chicago have been my many layovers at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, however, David Jay Collins welcomes you to and invites you to the neighborhood and makes it seem very familiar. While the backdrop of this tale is the crime of gay bashing it really is a study into family, friendship, identity, and acceptance of yourself and others as well as tolerance and community. I absolutely loved this read and am so looking forward to opening my copy of his novel Summerdale which I received just the other day. Gaybash is David Jay Collins’ debut work and if it’s any indication of his ability we are in for some great pieces in the future. I look forward to following his work and look forward to any future works. Highly recommend.

From the back cover: Matt Tompkins, a reserved gay man, has always played by the rules and has created a comfortable but unfulfilling life for himself. When his bold best friend Greg reaps unexpected rewards for standing up for himself in a very public display, Matt's jealousy leads him to risk everything when he's confronted by two attackers. Determined to be more like Greg, a split-second reaction brings astonishing changes to Matt's life--for better and for worse.

Set in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, Gaybash explores the boundaries of love and friendship and the unintended consequences of wanting to be somebody else.

About the author: David Jay Collins lives in Chicago. Gaybash is his first novel, available on Kindle and Audible, as well as in paperback. Summerdale, the first novel of his LGBT horror series, is also available.

Other work by David Jay Collins: Northerly Island (A Short Story), and Summerdale.

[Pat O'Rourke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book back in September and it sat on my table until just recently. I follow the author, David Jay Collins, on social media (@davidjaycollins) and he began posting live updates as the book takes place over Memorial Day weekend (and the week or so following) and it prompted me to pick up the book and begin my reading adventure through this fictionalized version of Chicago. From the first chapter I was enthralled with the characters of Matt and Greg. David's use of description as well as repetitive sound descriptors brings you right into the setting and connects you to the world in Gaybash. As the action picks up in the final two chapters of book one (the paperback is split into two "books" or chapter 5 and 6 if reading digitally) you find your heart racing as if you are right there as the main characters of Matt and Greg face situations that many people in the LGBTQIA+ community face quite frequently. After the titular gaybash occurs and we enter into the second half of the story, David, the author, finds a way to hit on a family dynamic that so many people struggle with. Whether you have lost a parent, have parents who struggle with your decisions, or ones that want to shield you from all of the pain in the world, you will be able to put yourself into the shoes of these fully fleshed out characters. As I raced through the second half to the final page I was filled with a wide range of emotions and by the time I finished the last sentence (with tears in my eyes), I was sad that I didn't have more time to spend with these characters, but was extremely grateful that I was given this story to be able to get to know them. Thank you David for your writing. It is spectacular!

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this gay novel set in Chicago a couple decades again although it was perhaps a little "dramatic" for my taste. The main character is quite complex and appropriately drawn. I wanted to smack him up side the head several times! It doesn't have a happy ending but it's at least hopeful.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. There is so much more to the story beyond the subject of gay-bashing. Matt experiences and tries to navigate the often superficial gay community in Chicago-- wanting desperately to fit in. In the process, he is the victim of hate, experiences jealousy, feels disenfranchised and helpless... and also discovers unconditional love, acceptance and empowerment.

David Jay Collins has woven together a tightly-developed story with many layers. He also has a gift for dialogue that is richly sincere and honest. Collins strips away the garnish and facade, revealing the true hearts of his characters and the sometimes unpleasant realities of their situations. Collins does not shy away or gloss over the difficult and complex moments-- he hits them straight on and with force. In the end, there is always hope.

This felt extremely personal and was emotional for me. I can vouch for the authenticity of the experiences, community and locations-- having lived in the Boystown area of Chicago many years ago. My own experiences mirrored so many of Matt's it was uncanny.

I received a copy of Gaybash through the Goodreads Giveaway program, in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for the Read & Run event on May 23. During the event, we ran around Lakeview and stopped at key locations mentioned in the book. In addition, the story takes place during Memorial Day weekend, which coincidentally marked the 10th anniversary of our event. This activity significantly enhanced my experience of the book. Without it, I would rate the book a 2.5 😩

The main character, Matt, is incredibly annoying and insufferable, constantly whining. If half of Matt's complaints were removed, the book would be 100 pages instead of 350, making it much more enjoyable. As an Asian lesbian living in the same neighborhood as Matt, I couldn't relate to or sympathize with him at all. I understand the author likely intended to portray Matt as imperfect, suggesting that everyone can be a hero, but this only seems to apply if you are a white gay man *cough*. The book evoked no emotion in me, which may be a personal issue.

I also expected this book to be a cute boy-love romance but found it to be a violent and traumatizing story. This mismatch left me feeling disappointed and misled.

[Sadie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

This started out appearing like a MM open door romance, but it morphed into more of a tale of triumph and heartbreak. I definitely don’t think women are the target audience, but it was still accessible to me and I didn’t feel like I needed more information to understand what was going on. It was heavily focused on the LGBT+ community in Chicago, so it would certainly appeal to those in that community.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story truly hits at an emotional level and was difficult to put down. Strong characters, good storyline and location all enhanced the reading experience for me. I could not imagine myself experiencing that which the book's characters endured. Recommended 4 star read.

My copy of Gaybash was obtained through a goodreads giveaway for which I extend my thanks to those responsible.

[Paulina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book! I teared up in a few places as the story was timely and moving.
I especially connected with the novel because I live in the neighborhood a lot of the action is happening in, but I think it can just as well resonate with anyone else, as it's such a touching and transferable story.

[Cesar Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gaybash is intentionally uncomfortable…its protagonist is difficult, inward, and frustrating. (Purposeful) While the novel offers a clear message about self-trust and authenticity after trauma, its focus on a white gay man in LAKEVIEW CHICAGO narrows the scope of its social critique, leaving broader questions of power, race, and community largely unexplored. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[Pam Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

I really enjoyed the book. I didn't like the F word being used so much. The word can be over used. I was so engrossed in the book, I was almost late for work. I would recommend this book.

[Jaclyn Goudie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly moving

What a great read! It was enjoyable and the characters drew you in quickly. The twists and turns keep you engaged and left you feeling uplifted and ready to be a better “you”.

[Hannah Brooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this especially after reading his horror series and loving it so much, but this fell so flat for me. The conversations and friendships felt fake and shallow, but the action/violence and anxiety scenes were incredibly engaging.

[Mattie V · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hear me when I say that I read this for a very specific reason!

[Jen Lee-Olmstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the dialogue in this book, it's fresh and real. I feel I know these characters. I completely fell in love with Matty, his friends, and especially his parents. This book is a valentine to Boystown and Chicago--Marshall Field's, hello!

I want to see more of Matty. I'd take Matty over Greg or Brian Kinney any day.

[Noah Moore-goad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a stellar read. This book was written by a Facebook friend of mine from Chicago. He has created a wonderful novel and I hope he gets all the accolades and rewards he deserves from such an incredible book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story of overcoming fears, determining who you will be and learning to survive. A look inside a unique community in Chicago. Wonderfully written, will make you laugh and cry. Amazed at my colleague and friend! Buy and read this book!