Metes and Bounds

by Jay Quinn

In this unusual coming-of-age novel, author Jay Quinn surveys the expanding emotional and sexual boundaries of Matt, an eighteen-year-old surfer in coastal North Carolina's Outer Banks. The novel follows Matt as he leaves home after his high school graduation to work for his uncle, a land surveyor. Matt's story of claiming his place as a surfer and as a gay man in the small and large world of construction sites, fishing piers, and surf breaks is a triumph of storytelling.

Genres: Gay, M M Romance, Fiction, Queer, Gay Fiction, LGBT

110 pages, Hardcover

First published October 9, 2001

Reviews

[Linda ~ they got the mustard out! ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about Matt, a young 17/18 year old who is trying to figure himself out. His dad helps him get away from their horrible family and sends him off to live with his cousin, Tiger. This is not told chronologically. There's quite a bit of back and forth from the current timeline to Matt remember his last year of high school and the year after living with Tiger. Even I got lost a time or two, and this story structure doesn't usually bother me, so this could be a turnoff for readers who don't like time jumping.

What worked for me was Matt's honesty with himself and his experiences and how he saw the world and himself in it. He experiences his first love, his first heartbreak, some very bad rebound decisions and eventual acceptance of what it means to grow up, all while trying to crack the mystery that is his cousin, who is also gay and something of the family scandal. There's also Tiger's boyfriend, Mark, his son, Shane, and Shane's best friend, Billy. They make an unexpected but amazing instant family. Billy reminded me of some of my brother's friends who seemed to be living at our house during the summer and never went home. It didn't make sense to me at the time, but now I wonder what their home lives must've been like that they thought our house was more preferable.

This was a lot less wordy than the other books by Quinn I've read. There were no extraneous details, which helped the story flow more smoothly, time jumps aside. And unfortunate name choices aside. I'm so glad I was able to replace that godawful name for the cousin (not brother) from Tiger to Tony. My first kitty was named Tiger and he went missing. It was devastating. But once I was able to change the name, it went much more smoothly. I was even able to live with Jeep when he showed up later.

Really, what is up with these names? :P

Original review: 8/4/19

DNF @ 3%

The brother is named Tiger. I can't.
Edit: YAY! I finally figured out how to edit in Calibre and was able to replace that name! It's back on the TBR!

[Ije the Devourer of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely story by Jay Quinn.

I discovered Jay Quinn's novels just this year and I am slowly making my way through them. His books are a delight to read. The language is gentle and poetic and flows across the page with subtle emotion. His stories explore different dimensions of family life involving gay men:

A gay man whose long term relationship breaks down after bringing up his partner's children (Back Where he Started).

A gay man who comes to terms with his sexuality, his mental health condition, the love he has for another man, the changes to the life of his mother and the way in which he is still dependent on her (Boomerang Kid)

So this is the third Jay Quinn novel that I am reading and just like the rest, it didn't disappoint. As with all his stories that I have read so far this story has a beach, men, family, dogs and questions.

This story is more of a coming of age story and we meet Matt who goes to stay with his uncle Tiger while working for him for a year. Matt has an grudgingly accepting family who love him but he wants to spread his wings a little. The chance comes for him to move in with Tiger and gives Matt a chance to experience life in a gay household.

Matt gets to see how Tiger and his partner Mark have given up so much for each other and the reality of the love between them and this helps Matt as he searches for his own identity. But this story is more than a time to grow and embrace sexual identity, it is also a time to learn new things like surfing, a time to experience the beauty of life and a time for Matt to experience and appreciate different kinds of love.

And he does so, sometimes finding himself in some hard situations which he has to work through, but always with a firm idea of who he wants to be.

I really enjoyed this story and I knew I would even before I started. Jay Quinn doesn't have a huge back list and I have two more of his novels to go.

And then I am not sure what I will do. Such a talented author. I do wish there were more of his stories for me to embrace. I might write to him and ask for more.

[Aves Raggiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and charming are two words that are used so often that they become meaningless. And yet these words are exactly what describe “Metes and Bounds”. This sweet and gentle coming-of-age story is one of the best of its type. The story is told through the first person, through the eyes of Southern boy, Matt, come away from his parents and now living with his Uncle Tiger and his partner, Mark. I must add here that Mark and Tiger are one hot uber-Top, and lissome, winsome Bottom couple that will set a house on fire! We never get to read about Mark and Tiger having sex but when we see how they regard each other with a possessive love that only a couple deeply in love can authentically share, we can easily imagine how hot and heavy sex between them must be.

In the course of one year after graduating high school, Matt discovers how sexual partnering can come in many permutations, some healthier and more loving than others. How Matt navigates the world of man-sex, while discovering who he is in love and relationships, is what forms the bulk of this tale, told in a forthright and unpretentious manner.

Very highly recommended.

[Ptdog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection. Good story. Well written. Depth of characters kept me intrigued. 80's backdrop and surfing culture was artfully created. I loved all the characters. I highly recommend this book and author!

[John Eby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished reading.... fourth time. An exceptional book.

[TA Inskeep · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time re-reading this in easily 10+ years, and here’s the interesting thing: when I read this previously, back in the 2000s, I knew nothing of surfing. Now I know plenty about it, and I can tell you that Quinn gets the surfing portions of his debut novel right. Its time-jumping is initially a bit confusing, but once you adjust to his technique, you’ll settle into it. This story of a gay teenager starting to become an adult on North Carolina’s Outer Banks in the early ‘80s gets deeper as it goes; as its protagonist, Matt, understands himself better, so do we, the readers. Not the most elegantly written novel, but a very real, genuine one.

[theStorykeeper · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 18%

Ah, yes, incest. What great queer rep. /sarcasm
(and no, naming it as such in the narrator's internal dialogue doesn't make it any better)
I thought it was weird that the book started off framing Tiger as the LI only to reveal they're related, but I guess I was right to be creeped out!
The writing also went from near-unintelligible Southern drawl and surfing lingo to disrespectfully X-rated.
Worth noting that the author is also the "executive editor" of the "press" that "published" this book.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of m/m books

This book is multi layered and poignant. It's a holistic story, the people are real and most importantly--true.
I love love loved this book. I've re read it a million times. I normally dont review things, but I had to for this book. Seriously do yourself a favor and read it!
It's just so good!

[Frank Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book. Matt, the gay teenage boy at the center, takes us seamlessly between his past and his present as comes to know himself. The description of Matt's surfing is apt and true to life.

Having lived in North Carolina and spent time on the Outer Banks, I found the book a true representation of my own experience there. Quin has written a masterpiece.

[Javier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lo leí hace años, puede que fuera por el momento que estaba pasando por entonces, pero a mí me gustó muchísimo esta historia.

[Hugelan Kumaran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relatable idea. Ending was a bit of hanging but okay.

[Servando Patlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jay Quinn is a good story teller

A talented writer and a joy to read. Realistic situations and characters you can easily relate to and care about.

[JOSEPH OLIVER · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started off not particularly liking this book and felt I may have to give up after 20 or so pages. I couldn't really connect with the characters and felt them a bit too far removed from my own experience to make the plot believable. I thought that it would be a bit too sugar coated. It turned out not be so and I am glad I finished it. It isn't all straight forward. Others have examined the plot in more detail here but for a non surfing reader there may be some problems because the author assumes the reader is familiar with the behaviour patterns of surfers and the vocabulary of waves etc. I suppose it was written for the home US market. The football terms went over my head too but surfing is a foundation concept to the book but it is possible to read it. However I do feel some of the atmosphere of the surfer's world is lost.
Some of it is a bit far fetched. An 8 year old child turning up on the doorstep and moving in is stretching things a bit. Worth reading but there are plenty of other novels out there to try first.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Metes and Bounds, by Jay Quinn, is a "coming of age" novel about a young man named Matt. Matt is learning a new trade, learning to surf and above all, learning about himself and his sexuality. Quinn takes us through the steps of Matt's development, of growth, love and heartache. I enjoyed this book for several reasons. First, I liked Quinn's writing style, character development and the overall story. Second, I liked the main character, Matt. He is curious, teachable, determined, loving and loveable. And third, I enjoyed getting a realistic glimpse(at least it seemed realistic) into a gay teen's life--his struggles and accomplishments, disasters and successes. There was plenty to love about this book, though m/m romance (including some sex scenes) may not be for everyone. I, however, truly enjoyed it. 5 stars.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this coming-of-age story mostly told in flash-back memories of the MC, Matt, and some through stories from his family. The sense of place, vernacular and characterizations are all well done and bring the reader well into the story. A lot of interesting people populate Matt’s life and the way secrets were revealed certainly held my attention.

There were a few fairly detailed scenes of sexual violence that, coupled with Matt’s reaction to them, were difficult for me to read. I understand the import to the story and his growth as a character, but for me, they were pretty tough. Others may find that as well or even more so.

Overall, though, this was a heart-felt and engaging story. I am glad I got to know Matt and Tiger and the rest of Jay Quinn’s wonderful characters.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read 50 pages. It was okay, but nothing remarkable enough to keep me reading. It is set in the south, and the language and accents are clearly heard in the text. Sad to say, it is tripping me up quite a bit.

Wish I had the time and the drive to read more of this. Looks like it could be promising!

[Collin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect beach reading. This is the first Jay Quinn book I read. I like Quinn's the characterization, and narrative. Jay's character's who are gay, are not defined by their orientation and do not always fit into a neat stereotype.

[ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this novel - so well written with fascinating characters. The surfing background is handled with expertise. Other reviewers have said it all already.
This novel deserves to be more widely read - the back story is much more convincing than many of this coming of age genre.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

More queer fiction / coming of age than romance, set in NC. Sense of place was well-done. I liked it but it kept jumping around in time.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable, pleasant read with a great ending.

I feel like I would like to meet these characters, they seem real, and like comfortable friends

[Ralphe Wiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn is an excellent story teller who goes well beyond the usual formulae for gay romanes.