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Sugarless
Things look bad for Rick Lahrem, a high school sophomore in a cookie-cutter Chicago suburb in 1976. His mother’s second husband is a licensed psychologist who eats like an ape, his stepsister is a stoner slut, and his father is engaged to a Southern belle. Rick’s only solace is his growing collection of original Broadway-cast LPs, bought on the sly at Wax Trax.
After he brings two girls in speech class to tears by reading a story aloud, Rick is coaxed onto the interscholastic forensics team to perform an eight-minute dramatic interpretation of The Boys in the Band, the controversial sixties play about homosexuality. Unexpectedly successful at this oddball event, Rick begins winning tournaments and making friends with his teammates.
Rick also discovers the joys of sex—with a speech coach from a rival school—just as his mother, reacting to a deteriorating home environment, makes an unnerving commitment to Christ. The newly confident Rick assumes this too shall pass—until the combined forces of family, sex, and faith threaten to undo him at the state meet in Peoria.
James Magruder’s Sugarless offers a ruefully entertaining take on the simultaneous struggles of coming-out, coming-of-age, and coming-to-Jesus. A selection of InsightOut Book Club
Finalist, Lambda Book Award for Gay Debut Fiction, Lambda Literary Foundation
Finalist, TLA Gaybie Award for Best Gay Fiction
Semi-finalist, James Branch Cabell First Novelist Award, Virginia Commonwealth University
Semi-finalist, William Saroyan International Prize For Writing, Stanford University
After he brings two girls in speech class to tears by reading a story aloud, Rick is coaxed onto the interscholastic forensics team to perform an eight-minute dramatic interpretation of The Boys in the Band, the controversial sixties play about homosexuality. Unexpectedly successful at this oddball event, Rick begins winning tournaments and making friends with his teammates.
Rick also discovers the joys of sex—with a speech coach from a rival school—just as his mother, reacting to a deteriorating home environment, makes an unnerving commitment to Christ. The newly confident Rick assumes this too shall pass—until the combined forces of family, sex, and faith threaten to undo him at the state meet in Peoria.
James Magruder’s Sugarless offers a ruefully entertaining take on the simultaneous struggles of coming-out, coming-of-age, and coming-to-Jesus. A selection of InsightOut Book Club
Finalist, Lambda Book Award for Gay Debut Fiction, Lambda Literary Foundation
Finalist, TLA Gaybie Award for Best Gay Fiction
Semi-finalist, James Branch Cabell First Novelist Award, Virginia Commonwealth University
Semi-finalist, William Saroyan International Prize For Writing, Stanford University
268 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2009
3 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
James Magruder
19 books31 followersA Baltimore resident for thirty years, JAMES MAGRUDER was born in Washington, D.C., and moved with his family five times before settling down in Chicagoland. These early and frequent dislocations, combined with a brutish stepfather, a burgeoning queer identity, and a veeeery late puberty, have provided him with a backlog of humiliating grist and many outstanding scores to settle.
He went off to Cornell University, spent his junior year in Paris, served time as a grad student in the Yale French department, then defected to the Yale School of Drama, where he received his doctorate. His dissertation, THREE FRENCH COMEDIES (Yale University Press), was named an "Outstanding Literary Translation of the Year" by the American Literary Translators Association. Today, his versions of Molière, Marivaux, Lesage, Labiche, Gozzi, Hofmannsthal, Dickens, and Giraudoux have been produced across the country and earn him tens of dollars. He also wrote the book for the Broadway musical TRIUMPH OF LOVE (1997) and co-wrote the recent HEAD OVER HEELS (2018), for which he received a nomination for Outstanding Book of a Musical by the Outer Critics Circle.
He began writing fiction in 2002. His stories have appeared, or are forthcoming, in StoryQuarterly, The Idaho Review, The Hopkins Review, New England Review, The Gettysburg Review, Bloom, Subtropics, The Normal School, and elsewhere, and the anthologies BOY CRAZY and NEW STORIES FROM THE MIDWEST. His debut novel, SUGARLESS, was a Lambda Literary Award Finalist, and was shortlisted for both the VCU Cabell First Novelist Prize and the 2010 William Saroyan International Writing Prize. Northwestern University Press published his first collection of stories, LET ME SEE IT, in 2014. LOVE SLAVES OF HELEN HADLEY HALL, nineteen years in the making, was published by a now-defunct indie press in 2016 and reissued in 2017 by Chelsea Station. VAMP UNTIL READY, a summer stock novel set in upstate New York in the 1980's, arrives at the end of September, 2021.
A five-time MacDowell Fellow, Magruder’s work has also been supported by the Maryland State Arts Council, the New Harmony Project, the Sewanee Writers' Conference, the Ucross Foundation, the Blue Mountain Center, and the Jerome Foundation. He teaches dramaturgy at Swarthmore College, adaptation at Yale School of Drama, and fiction at the University of Baltimore.
He went off to Cornell University, spent his junior year in Paris, served time as a grad student in the Yale French department, then defected to the Yale School of Drama, where he received his doctorate. His dissertation, THREE FRENCH COMEDIES (Yale University Press), was named an "Outstanding Literary Translation of the Year" by the American Literary Translators Association. Today, his versions of Molière, Marivaux, Lesage, Labiche, Gozzi, Hofmannsthal, Dickens, and Giraudoux have been produced across the country and earn him tens of dollars. He also wrote the book for the Broadway musical TRIUMPH OF LOVE (1997) and co-wrote the recent HEAD OVER HEELS (2018), for which he received a nomination for Outstanding Book of a Musical by the Outer Critics Circle.
He began writing fiction in 2002. His stories have appeared, or are forthcoming, in StoryQuarterly, The Idaho Review, The Hopkins Review, New England Review, The Gettysburg Review, Bloom, Subtropics, The Normal School, and elsewhere, and the anthologies BOY CRAZY and NEW STORIES FROM THE MIDWEST. His debut novel, SUGARLESS, was a Lambda Literary Award Finalist, and was shortlisted for both the VCU Cabell First Novelist Prize and the 2010 William Saroyan International Writing Prize. Northwestern University Press published his first collection of stories, LET ME SEE IT, in 2014. LOVE SLAVES OF HELEN HADLEY HALL, nineteen years in the making, was published by a now-defunct indie press in 2016 and reissued in 2017 by Chelsea Station. VAMP UNTIL READY, a summer stock novel set in upstate New York in the 1980's, arrives at the end of September, 2021.
A five-time MacDowell Fellow, Magruder’s work has also been supported by the Maryland State Arts Council, the New Harmony Project, the Sewanee Writers' Conference, the Ucross Foundation, the Blue Mountain Center, and the Jerome Foundation. He teaches dramaturgy at Swarthmore College, adaptation at Yale School of Drama, and fiction at the University of Baltimore.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 18, 2010
As a person who participated in Illinois State High School Association speech contests in the late 1960's, and then coached the Benton Consolidated High School speech team in the 1970's, I can say Magruder's take on the speech team culture is dead-on. I was even a judge at the 1977 State Speech Finals at Bradley University in Peoria, where the novel's climactic scene takes place. If you look closely, you can see me between the lines.
Magruder's insight into the motivations and feelings of the teenage characters is believable and touching, but his adult characters remain pretty much a mystery. This would be okay if the story were told entirely from the perspective of a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old, but the final chapter pulls back to 30-35 years later, which means the narrator has matured enough to give us some adult perspective, but fails to do so. I found myself wanting and missing that final understanding.
Magruder's insight into the motivations and feelings of the teenage characters is believable and touching, but his adult characters remain pretty much a mystery. This would be okay if the story were told entirely from the perspective of a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old, but the final chapter pulls back to 30-35 years later, which means the narrator has matured enough to give us some adult perspective, but fails to do so. I found myself wanting and missing that final understanding.
July 7, 2017
Although Sugarless is quintessentially a book on coming out, but what's really cool about it is, that's not all the book ends up being about. The writing is so rich, so apt, you get lost in the humour, the witticism, the conflict and the characters.
P.S. In 2013, I took a short course on writing by James Magruder, the author of this book, so I might sound biased when I say that this is probably one of the most enjoyable coming of age books I've read in a long while. But it's the truth. This is one helluva book.
P.S. In 2013, I took a short course on writing by James Magruder, the author of this book, so I might sound biased when I say that this is probably one of the most enjoyable coming of age books I've read in a long while. But it's the truth. This is one helluva book.
July 5, 2010
Entertaining, but not earth shaking. This reminded me what total sex-obsessed creatures teenage boys are (homosexual, bi, hetero what have you). It made me want to shove my daughter into a burka when she reaches puberty. The book did a great job of bringing back the 70's. Mental shudder.
Want to read
July 23, 2016This is not a review, it's a note to myself. I think this James Magruder was my TA for the film class I took at Yale.
April 30, 2020
Engaging story of a high school boy who is discovering himself. Rick, the protagonist, is exploring his sexuality while trying to deal with a turbulent home life. At school joining the forensics team gives him an opportunity to develop new talents; while providing a contact that becomes a mentor both for his dramatic and sexual interests. As each area of Rick's life heats up the resulting complications provide for entertaining reading.
June 25, 2024
Sugarless, the debut novel from Baltimore playwright James Magruder about Rick Lahrem, a suburban Chicago teen coping with family dysfunction and his own sexual awakening during his sophomore year in high school, is the ideal coming-of-age novel, with just the right amount of comedy, drama and controversial subject matter for readers to feast upon.
The year is 1976 and Rick, like most boys his age, is struggling to fit in, both at home and in school. His stepfather, Carl, is a licensed psychologist, forever working towards his PhD, who simply lacks class. Carla, his stepsister, is a ne'er-do-well stoner who steals away the one person Rick had always been able to depend on--his best friend, Steve. Rick's mom, Marie, is a nervous wreck who turns to religion once she realizes her family and second marriage are on the verge of imploding.
The only household member Rick truly enjoys being around is his toddler sister, Lisa. Otherwise, he finds solace in the privacy of his bedroom, surrounded by show tunes and an ever growing collection of original cast album recordings, all the while longing for affection and understanding.
One day in school, Rick recites a tragic story in class that brings two girls to tears, which catches the attention of speech coach, Mr. Wegner. The coach persuades him to perform a dramatic interpretation of an excerpt from (appropriately enough) the gay-themed play, The Boys in the Band. It turns out Rick has found his calling and quickly develops a reputation as a noted presenter and formidable opponent in tournaments across the state. He also finds an admirer in Ned Bolang, a speech coach from a competing school, who is old enough to be Rick's father yet understands him better than anyone and treats him like an equal.
While this cast of characters easily has the makings of an edgy, unsettling independent film, the author portrays Rick as almost lighthearted and shamelessly aware of his actions, capable of taking it all in stride. In spite of the unsettling nature of Rick's relationship with Ned, occasionally described in explicit detail, and the squabbles at home that occasionally turn violent, Rick's thoughts and spoken words are rational, intact and achingly amusing. Magruder's protagonist is a witty, resilient youngster with thick skin and impenetrable spirit.
The novel, as a whole, is rife with colorful characters and side-splitting dialogue. Broadway buffs will revel in the references to Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, and the endless list of musical numbers and stage productions. Those old enough to remember the late 1970s will appreciate the author's painstaking attention to detail from the era. Sugarless certainly gives readers plenty to chew on.
The year is 1976 and Rick, like most boys his age, is struggling to fit in, both at home and in school. His stepfather, Carl, is a licensed psychologist, forever working towards his PhD, who simply lacks class. Carla, his stepsister, is a ne'er-do-well stoner who steals away the one person Rick had always been able to depend on--his best friend, Steve. Rick's mom, Marie, is a nervous wreck who turns to religion once she realizes her family and second marriage are on the verge of imploding.
The only household member Rick truly enjoys being around is his toddler sister, Lisa. Otherwise, he finds solace in the privacy of his bedroom, surrounded by show tunes and an ever growing collection of original cast album recordings, all the while longing for affection and understanding.
One day in school, Rick recites a tragic story in class that brings two girls to tears, which catches the attention of speech coach, Mr. Wegner. The coach persuades him to perform a dramatic interpretation of an excerpt from (appropriately enough) the gay-themed play, The Boys in the Band. It turns out Rick has found his calling and quickly develops a reputation as a noted presenter and formidable opponent in tournaments across the state. He also finds an admirer in Ned Bolang, a speech coach from a competing school, who is old enough to be Rick's father yet understands him better than anyone and treats him like an equal.
While this cast of characters easily has the makings of an edgy, unsettling independent film, the author portrays Rick as almost lighthearted and shamelessly aware of his actions, capable of taking it all in stride. In spite of the unsettling nature of Rick's relationship with Ned, occasionally described in explicit detail, and the squabbles at home that occasionally turn violent, Rick's thoughts and spoken words are rational, intact and achingly amusing. Magruder's protagonist is a witty, resilient youngster with thick skin and impenetrable spirit.
The novel, as a whole, is rife with colorful characters and side-splitting dialogue. Broadway buffs will revel in the references to Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, and the endless list of musical numbers and stage productions. Those old enough to remember the late 1970s will appreciate the author's painstaking attention to detail from the era. Sugarless certainly gives readers plenty to chew on.
August 15, 2012
James Magruder's Sugarless is my favorite book of 2009. In the book, Rick--the narrator--looks back on a formative period in his life with astonishing insight and nostalgia, feeling again, through the telling of them, all of the thrills and anguish of becoming an adult. It offers the reader the vicarious pleasure of watching Rick negotiate his initiation into the sexual world, and then complicates that pleasure with honest depictions of the failure, loss, and grief which constitute mature self-awareness and social existence.
Along the way, we experience surprisingly clear yet complex descriptions of Rick's self-discovery: puzzling out the tangles of sexual desire, family, and social relationships, and of the ways that people talk around and about both the important and trivial things of life. As confusion resolves into certainty, Rick, his world, and the important people in it hurtle with all of the intensity of adolescence to a crisis as unexpected as it seems inevitable. Rick's conflicts and strength and emotional landscape shine through the prose with amazing clarity. The last chapter, in which an older Rick looks back on his life, expresses the losses of youth with a beautifully understated profundity.
I wholeheartedly agree with Tony Kushner's applause: "The texture of Rick's world and the details of his experience ring true and important, with emotional depths that warrant and reward repeated re-readings" (from the back of the book).
I definitely recommend that you take a look at the website for the novel--it has a great trailer (when did books start having trailers, anyway?) and lots of interesting tidbits about the author and his work: http://www.jamesmagruder.com/
[note: this book was received free from the publisher in exchange for a review, through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program]
Along the way, we experience surprisingly clear yet complex descriptions of Rick's self-discovery: puzzling out the tangles of sexual desire, family, and social relationships, and of the ways that people talk around and about both the important and trivial things of life. As confusion resolves into certainty, Rick, his world, and the important people in it hurtle with all of the intensity of adolescence to a crisis as unexpected as it seems inevitable. Rick's conflicts and strength and emotional landscape shine through the prose with amazing clarity. The last chapter, in which an older Rick looks back on his life, expresses the losses of youth with a beautifully understated profundity.
I wholeheartedly agree with Tony Kushner's applause: "The texture of Rick's world and the details of his experience ring true and important, with emotional depths that warrant and reward repeated re-readings" (from the back of the book).
I definitely recommend that you take a look at the website for the novel--it has a great trailer (when did books start having trailers, anyway?) and lots of interesting tidbits about the author and his work: http://www.jamesmagruder.com/
[note: this book was received free from the publisher in exchange for a review, through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program]
March 19, 2016
Magruder's coming-of-age story is a delightful mixture of sympathetic and sardonic. Jim is a friend, and I really wanted to like his first novel. I read this when it first came out in 2009, and recently revisited the book to see if I liked it more on second reading. To my pleasure, this turned out to be true.
His protagonist Richard's discovery of speech class, and speech competition, and the friendships that ensue, reflects what so many of us experienced in stumbling our way to teenage identity. Magruder has a deadly accurate eye for the telling details of middle-class American life in the god-awful 1970s - Chess King stores at the mall, garish bikini underwear for men, the nuances of high school social standing, and the rigid hierarchy of models in newly-built suburban neighborhoods.
His wry observations of family life are related with a tone that is humorous, real and occasionally savage. Richard's's early sexual adventures are both believable and a wee bit gruesome. Presumably largely autobiographical, the novel treats our underage protagonist's sexual initiation with unflinching candor. His much-older first boyfriend's morally suspect behavior is lightly treated, Richard's enthusiastic participation notwithstanding. The consequences thus come at a rather startling rush. Did no one suspect earlier? The revelation and toxic fallout happens with a rather breath-taking rapidity in the novel's last 20 pages.
Enjoyable, a quick read, but not exactly Christmas gift material.
Ho Ho Ho.
(Originally read December 2009, thus the holiday references in this review, which was adapted from my original review.)
His protagonist Richard's discovery of speech class, and speech competition, and the friendships that ensue, reflects what so many of us experienced in stumbling our way to teenage identity. Magruder has a deadly accurate eye for the telling details of middle-class American life in the god-awful 1970s - Chess King stores at the mall, garish bikini underwear for men, the nuances of high school social standing, and the rigid hierarchy of models in newly-built suburban neighborhoods.
His wry observations of family life are related with a tone that is humorous, real and occasionally savage. Richard's's early sexual adventures are both believable and a wee bit gruesome. Presumably largely autobiographical, the novel treats our underage protagonist's sexual initiation with unflinching candor. His much-older first boyfriend's morally suspect behavior is lightly treated, Richard's enthusiastic participation notwithstanding. The consequences thus come at a rather startling rush. Did no one suspect earlier? The revelation and toxic fallout happens with a rather breath-taking rapidity in the novel's last 20 pages.
Enjoyable, a quick read, but not exactly Christmas gift material.
Ho Ho Ho.
(Originally read December 2009, thus the holiday references in this review, which was adapted from my original review.)
January 11, 2010
Sugarless follows the sophomore year of Rick as he grapples with becoming a Speech Team champion, his parents divorce and remarriages, the religious zealous of those around him, and his relationship with an older man.
I bought this book after hearing James Magruder give a reading from it last semester. The story and characters instantly had my attention. On the back of the book, Tony Kushner claims Magruder has a voice "utterly unlike anyone else's." I would agree with this. The style is relaxed and plain with the occasional attention to bizarre detail, like the egg salad Rick can smell coming out of one his teacher's lunch bags. The quirky details fit Rick's personality and outlook on life and often lend to beautiful passages chalked full of hidden meaning.
At the end of the novel you know everything that will and has happened to Rick, and yet I still felt I missed out (in a good way) by not getting to stay with him further.
The issues of homosexuality and religion are handled interestingly without ever coming into a direct head on collision. There is a lot of subtly in the book that I enjoy. I like the characters and how they're described. I enjoy that some things are left for your interpretation.
The book is also very funny. Parts of I had to laugh out loud or read out loud to my husband. It was a very enjoyable read.
I'm sure plenty of people will be interested in or avoid this book because of its topics and themes, but if you're looking for a good read, just forget all that and hear what Rick has to say. It's a good read and gives you a lot to think about.
I bought this book after hearing James Magruder give a reading from it last semester. The story and characters instantly had my attention. On the back of the book, Tony Kushner claims Magruder has a voice "utterly unlike anyone else's." I would agree with this. The style is relaxed and plain with the occasional attention to bizarre detail, like the egg salad Rick can smell coming out of one his teacher's lunch bags. The quirky details fit Rick's personality and outlook on life and often lend to beautiful passages chalked full of hidden meaning.
At the end of the novel you know everything that will and has happened to Rick, and yet I still felt I missed out (in a good way) by not getting to stay with him further.
The issues of homosexuality and religion are handled interestingly without ever coming into a direct head on collision. There is a lot of subtly in the book that I enjoy. I like the characters and how they're described. I enjoy that some things are left for your interpretation.
The book is also very funny. Parts of I had to laugh out loud or read out loud to my husband. It was a very enjoyable read.
I'm sure plenty of people will be interested in or avoid this book because of its topics and themes, but if you're looking for a good read, just forget all that and hear what Rick has to say. It's a good read and gives you a lot to think about.
July 15, 2016
This is the "coming-of-age" story of high schooler Rick Lahrem. The book lacks a clear purpose, the plot is sketchy, and characterization is shallow. It's strongest in its portrayal of Rick's passion for speech (dramatic interpretation) but falls short in building believable relationships between characters. In particular, the treatment of Rick's relationship with an older man, a DI judge and speech coach from another school, feels off. Except for a mention that Rick longs to be loved, Magruder gives readers little idea of what goes through Rick's mind as he gets involved with a man more than double his age, a situation that feels uncomfortable to say the least. Considering all the time spent on describing various character's genitals, some characterization and glimpse into Rick's thought processes would be nice. Much of the humor relies on mocking characters who live as one-sided stereotypes, such as the zealous evangelicals and "stoner sluts." I kept waiting for the story to come together, and in the end it did, but it felt forced. Not a book I'll read again.
Note: I received this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.
Note: I received this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.
November 24, 2009
This book was written by a friend of mine, but objectively speaking I can say it is one of the most enjoyable, well-written books I have ever read. It's entertaining and deeply satisfying. First of all, the prose is hilarious, as the narrator (Rick) has a brilliant sense of humor and precocious insight into the other characters. But it also has an aching, heartfelt core to it, because for all of Rick's worldliness, he's still a naive teenager growing up in a stifling, unenlightened suburb. His family is broken, and he's buffeted by larger, darker forces. Rick goes on a great 4-month arc where he discovers who he is, despite his trying circumstances, and learns to "speak his truth" instead of hiding from who he is -- I found that journey very exciting as it concludes with an awesome climatic, realistic finale.
Pretty much every sentence is brilliantly crafted and not one single word is wasted, which makes this book a pleasure to read and hard to put down. I enjoyed the hell out of Sugarless.
Pretty much every sentence is brilliantly crafted and not one single word is wasted, which makes this book a pleasure to read and hard to put down. I enjoyed the hell out of Sugarless.
January 1, 2011
A look back at a gay teenage boy's coming of age in the late 70's-early 80's in Chicago's west suburbs, particularly Wheaton & Glen Ellyn. Living nearby and working as an educator in Glen Ellyn today and being slightly younger than the protagonist, it made for interesting read. Filled with drama, detailed accounts of sexual encounters and a teacher/student affair, it gives the reader plenty of moral issues to contemplate. I have never wondered more about how much a book might be true- did this teacher work at my school, my district or nearby...who might it be? And, I can't help but think of Sugarless every time I drive down Roosevelt Road and past the Seven Dwarf's restaurant. It was, in a word, memorable!
March 16, 2010
Magruder has done a remarkable job capturing the sense of being the slightly awkward teenager who doesn't really fit in at school. He had me fully on board with rooting for Richard to succeed, cheering as he found success and made friends, and devastated at the end.
I was also struck by how universal Richard's story is on some levels. Magruder paints an incredibly, wonderfully, richly specific world, but through that specificity there are parts of Richard that resonated so well beyond his specific world -- reaching those of us who, for our own reasons, felt awkward and lonely in high school.
I was also struck by how universal Richard's story is on some levels. Magruder paints an incredibly, wonderfully, richly specific world, but through that specificity there are parts of Richard that resonated so well beyond his specific world -- reaching those of us who, for our own reasons, felt awkward and lonely in high school.
February 7, 2010
A wonderful love letter to anyone who grew up gay in the 70's. A must read for anyone who did debate team individual events. Delightful character development and prose. It falters in the plot resolution with the affair between the protaganist and the teacher. Worth a read and Magruder is an author to watch. I wonder if he had a different plot development and changed it at the suggestion of editors/publishers.
September 11, 2010
A boy confirms his sexuality while competing for the statewide dramatic interpretation prize.
I liked the way the coming of age/discovering sexuality story was framed by the “Breaking Away” like competition of the state speech teams. There’s a lot going on here – the love affair with a sympathetic male teacher, the topsy turvy family life with the mother who’s found Jesus, the crushes the narrator has on the local boys, the vivid minor characters. Finally, this book was very very funny.
I liked the way the coming of age/discovering sexuality story was framed by the “Breaking Away” like competition of the state speech teams. There’s a lot going on here – the love affair with a sympathetic male teacher, the topsy turvy family life with the mother who’s found Jesus, the crushes the narrator has on the local boys, the vivid minor characters. Finally, this book was very very funny.
May 13, 2011
I read this on a recommendation from a friend (that would be Mark). Granted, it was not a high recommendation, but he said it was ok. Worth the read. I had a hard time finishing it. I just didn't care about the main character, nor did I really like the writing style of the author.
I wouldn't recommend it, even as an OK. But I will forgive you Mark :)
I wouldn't recommend it, even as an OK. But I will forgive you Mark :)
April 30, 2011
This book didn't have the grittiness of The World of Normal Boys or The Year of Ice, or the wittiness of How I Paid for College. However, what I felt was its greatest asset was the narrative voice of Richard. I really came to care for his character as he grew and shed his naivete.
October 27, 2009
This is a great story about a boy coming of age! I waiting for James Magruder to write another novel so I can add it to my collection!
March 30, 2010
Loved this book. Magruder is a gritty writer, really engages the senses. I'm impressed and look forward to more.
December 11, 2014
Wow. That's all I've got. I need to read more of this author's work.
May 18, 2016
A late-1970's coming of age story of a gay teenage boy that ends all too predictably. The main characters are accurate portrayals of dysfunctional suburbanites.
January 27, 2011
A witty romp of a coming of age story. Fans of Glee, take note.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews