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Yield
In his evocative and mesmerizing debut novel, Lee Houck depicts a contemporary Manhattan thrumming with sex and violence as seen through the eyes of Simon—a twenty-something part-time hustler with a cadre of loyal, sometimes floundering friends. As Simon grows increasingly involved with a gorgeous, guileless client named Aiden, he tries to navigate a path to fulfillment in a city where love and honesty are as dangerous as they are rare. Witty, spare, and rapier-sharp, this is an exceptional story of the friendships that sustain us, the families we create, and the pain and joy that are always within reach, waiting for us to yield…
“Brisk and buoyant, this engaging debut captures big-city hustle with small-town heart.”—Richard Labonte
“Witty and wrenching, Yield is required reading for anyone who wants to know what it means to be young, gay and without a roadmap in today's world.”—Vestal McIntyre, author of Lake Overturn
“Yield is a bold and shocking story concerned with humanism—it’s a dazzling and sometimes dangerous foray into post-queer realism.”—Charlie Vázquez, author and blogger
“Brisk and buoyant, this engaging debut captures big-city hustle with small-town heart.”—Richard Labonte
“Witty and wrenching, Yield is required reading for anyone who wants to know what it means to be young, gay and without a roadmap in today's world.”—Vestal McIntyre, author of Lake Overturn
“Yield is a bold and shocking story concerned with humanism—it’s a dazzling and sometimes dangerous foray into post-queer realism.”—Charlie Vázquez, author and blogger
278 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2010
2 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Lee Houck
2 books8 followersLee Houck was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee and, in 2015, celebrates 17 years of living in New York City. His debut novel, Yield, was the winner of Project QueerLit 2008, and was published by Kensington Books in September 2010. Yield was called “solid unsentimental storytelling” by Publisher’s Weekly and JimColumbu on Amazon.com called it “a bunch of nothings that take you no where, also totally boring.”
His writing appears in anthologies published in the U.S. and Australia, and in three limited-edition chapbooks: Fire Island/Follies (fiction, 2014,) Collection (essays, 2006) and Warnings (poems, 2009). His other work includes original pieces for theater seen in Vermont, Tennessee and in New York City, art installations for the Musee de Monoian, and poetry in the Magnetic Poetry Calendar. He is currently at work on a new novel, and blogs at GrammarPiano.com.
Additionally, with Great Small Works he has performed in “B.B. in L.A.” and “The Rising Tide Parade.” With Jennifer Miller, he has been seen in “Cracked Ice” and “The Golden Racket,” and with Circus AMOK! for many, many seasons.
He’s into: Joan Didion, roller coasters, french fries, avocados, How It’s Made, farmer’s markets, the Indigo Girls, maple syrup, Madonna, small circuses on the fringes of towns, Ani Difranco, jokes, trying on expensive McQueen at Barney’s, Iceland, Tennessee, New York City, Las Vegas, dining out, staying in, and cats.
His writing appears in anthologies published in the U.S. and Australia, and in three limited-edition chapbooks: Fire Island/Follies (fiction, 2014,) Collection (essays, 2006) and Warnings (poems, 2009). His other work includes original pieces for theater seen in Vermont, Tennessee and in New York City, art installations for the Musee de Monoian, and poetry in the Magnetic Poetry Calendar. He is currently at work on a new novel, and blogs at GrammarPiano.com.
Additionally, with Great Small Works he has performed in “B.B. in L.A.” and “The Rising Tide Parade.” With Jennifer Miller, he has been seen in “Cracked Ice” and “The Golden Racket,” and with Circus AMOK! for many, many seasons.
He’s into: Joan Didion, roller coasters, french fries, avocados, How It’s Made, farmer’s markets, the Indigo Girls, maple syrup, Madonna, small circuses on the fringes of towns, Ani Difranco, jokes, trying on expensive McQueen at Barney’s, Iceland, Tennessee, New York City, Las Vegas, dining out, staying in, and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 18, 2010
Simon lives in Manhattan and works as a file clerk at the hospital. This is his part-time day job, but he also works as a gay hustler. Rejected by his own Midwestern family, he has moved to New York City where he has formed a family of choice which consists of three close friends, all gay. This eclectic band of comrades supports one another, but they are disturbed and nearly paralyzed with fear when one of their members, Louis, is victimized in a nearly fatal gay bashing.
Simon takes Louis into his home and cares for him after the attack, and the emotional and mental condition of his closest friend is troubling to Simon. Another member of their group, Jaron, is struggling as well. He not only suffers from anorexia but also is a self-cutter, habitually mutilating himself with sharp objects. The final member of the group, Farmer, is the group’s pragmatist. He’s the type who absorbs and stores trivia, a walking and talking Trivial Pursuit game.
The pressures that Simon faces bear heavily upon his soul, and coupled with the feelings of objectification and diminished self esteem caused by his chosen profession, he is nearly crippled with anxiety. Rather than succumb to such fatalism, though, Simon learns to manage the stress and fear by employing a coping mechanism. He has conditioned himself to find a place within himself where he is emotionally flat. He can zone out, forcing himself not to feel the pain. It is, of course, a form of disassociation.
When Simon is propositioned by a man at the local Laundromat, things begin to change for him. This attractive neighbor, whom Simon has previously observed and fantasized about, is known simply as “Laundry Man”. Upon getting to know him, though, Simon discovers his true identity. His real name is Aiden, and what begins as a hustler/client relationship soon evolves into something far more significant. When Aiden invites Simon to accompany him on a weekend getaway to Vermont, Simon must make some important assessments of himself and his lifestyle.
If ever I’ve encountered an author who has mastered the ability to write with subtlety of voice more so than this author, I cannot recall whom. Houck’s writer’s voice employs a very flat characteristic which is pointedly non-dramatic. He makes observations, mostly of benign details, and allows the reader to determine their significance. He uses metaphors and colorful similes which often give the reader pause, causing them to stop for a moment and think.
This first person narrative is in the voice of Simon, and for the first three-quarters of the book it has a pessimistic, wry, and sardonic tone. It is peppered with sarcastic wit which at times borders upon campiness, yet it’s voiced in a manner that is undeniably relatable.
It is when Simon reaches a point where he hesitantly lowers his shield and allows himself to love and be loved in return, the tone of voice begins to shift somewhat. It was during these passages that the story captured my heart.
The imperfections and vulnerabilities of the story’s protagonist make him so real. Although not particularly presented sympathetically, he is likeable enough to root for. He is loveable enough to hope for. He is realistic enough to believe in. And most importantly, he is worthy enough to deserve happiness.
It is Simon’s brutal and unflinching honesty that makes such an impact, and it is his unspoken morality that makes him so heroic. It is odd really, because a snapshot of this character would suggest the opposite, that he is perhaps a person who lacks morals. One may assume that he is utterly depraved, prostituting himself to the highest bidder. Selling his body. Selling his soul. Yet his moral code is essentially what guides and saves him, and it finally brings him to a point in his life where he is ready to yield.
This story is gem, intelligently written and powerful—a must read.
Simon takes Louis into his home and cares for him after the attack, and the emotional and mental condition of his closest friend is troubling to Simon. Another member of their group, Jaron, is struggling as well. He not only suffers from anorexia but also is a self-cutter, habitually mutilating himself with sharp objects. The final member of the group, Farmer, is the group’s pragmatist. He’s the type who absorbs and stores trivia, a walking and talking Trivial Pursuit game.
The pressures that Simon faces bear heavily upon his soul, and coupled with the feelings of objectification and diminished self esteem caused by his chosen profession, he is nearly crippled with anxiety. Rather than succumb to such fatalism, though, Simon learns to manage the stress and fear by employing a coping mechanism. He has conditioned himself to find a place within himself where he is emotionally flat. He can zone out, forcing himself not to feel the pain. It is, of course, a form of disassociation.
When Simon is propositioned by a man at the local Laundromat, things begin to change for him. This attractive neighbor, whom Simon has previously observed and fantasized about, is known simply as “Laundry Man”. Upon getting to know him, though, Simon discovers his true identity. His real name is Aiden, and what begins as a hustler/client relationship soon evolves into something far more significant. When Aiden invites Simon to accompany him on a weekend getaway to Vermont, Simon must make some important assessments of himself and his lifestyle.
If ever I’ve encountered an author who has mastered the ability to write with subtlety of voice more so than this author, I cannot recall whom. Houck’s writer’s voice employs a very flat characteristic which is pointedly non-dramatic. He makes observations, mostly of benign details, and allows the reader to determine their significance. He uses metaphors and colorful similes which often give the reader pause, causing them to stop for a moment and think.
This first person narrative is in the voice of Simon, and for the first three-quarters of the book it has a pessimistic, wry, and sardonic tone. It is peppered with sarcastic wit which at times borders upon campiness, yet it’s voiced in a manner that is undeniably relatable.
It is when Simon reaches a point where he hesitantly lowers his shield and allows himself to love and be loved in return, the tone of voice begins to shift somewhat. It was during these passages that the story captured my heart.
The imperfections and vulnerabilities of the story’s protagonist make him so real. Although not particularly presented sympathetically, he is likeable enough to root for. He is loveable enough to hope for. He is realistic enough to believe in. And most importantly, he is worthy enough to deserve happiness.
It is Simon’s brutal and unflinching honesty that makes such an impact, and it is his unspoken morality that makes him so heroic. It is odd really, because a snapshot of this character would suggest the opposite, that he is perhaps a person who lacks morals. One may assume that he is utterly depraved, prostituting himself to the highest bidder. Selling his body. Selling his soul. Yet his moral code is essentially what guides and saves him, and it finally brings him to a point in his life where he is ready to yield.
This story is gem, intelligently written and powerful—a must read.
October 12, 2013
A really well-written book. All the pages are worthy and I can tell the author really worked this book to perfection.
Simon is a man living in NYC as a part-time medical records filer with most of his energy spent being a "sure-I-will-do-that", slightly kinky call boy. Note: sex is a plot aspect to this book, not the main focus (read: don't come looking for some hot go-go, hooker boy action)
The story unfolds - questions arise, some are answered (the right ones) and some are left...to you to think about.
If there was ever a sequel to this book - it would ruin it. This is the kind of story that leaves you wondering, but to answer the question would TOTALLY RUIN IT (like did Truvy's second hair salon sink or swim?). So, if you can't handle it, I would not suggest you pick this one up.
Simon is a man living in NYC as a part-time medical records filer with most of his energy spent being a "sure-I-will-do-that", slightly kinky call boy. Note: sex is a plot aspect to this book, not the main focus (read: don't come looking for some hot go-go, hooker boy action)
The story unfolds - questions arise, some are answered (the right ones) and some are left...to you to think about.
If there was ever a sequel to this book - it would ruin it. This is the kind of story that leaves you wondering, but to answer the question would TOTALLY RUIN IT (like did Truvy's second hair salon sink or swim?). So, if you can't handle it, I would not suggest you pick this one up.
January 31, 2011
This book is not a typical romance and if someone is looking for that, I'm not sure that yield will make you happy. That being said it is one of the most incredible stories I've read in a long time.
The author's understanding and insight into the main character made it a complete shock to me when in his notes he said a different character reminded him more of himself. Yield has the feel of an autobiography. It doesn't feel as if it should be true but as if it is true. Each character is so real and multidimensional it is hard to believe they are fiction.
I'm at a loss to explain how this book touched me. It got inside me while I was reading it and stayed when I was done. The only thing that disappointed me about this book was the end, not because it ended badly but because I wasn't done reading. I wanted more. I still do.
Lee Houck did an excellent job writing Yield. I'm not sure what I expected going in, but he far exceeded anything I thought I'd find.
Highly recommended.
The author's understanding and insight into the main character made it a complete shock to me when in his notes he said a different character reminded him more of himself. Yield has the feel of an autobiography. It doesn't feel as if it should be true but as if it is true. Each character is so real and multidimensional it is hard to believe they are fiction.
I'm at a loss to explain how this book touched me. It got inside me while I was reading it and stayed when I was done. The only thing that disappointed me about this book was the end, not because it ended badly but because I wasn't done reading. I wanted more. I still do.
Lee Houck did an excellent job writing Yield. I'm not sure what I expected going in, but he far exceeded anything I thought I'd find.
Highly recommended.
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June 14, 2011Wry, arch, and witty--yet deeply moving. This novel walks that line perfectly.
April 8, 2022
I picked up this book with no expectations and was surprised how much the voice of the main character resonated with me. Something about it struck me as vaguely reminiscent of Chuck Palahniuk, which I fully intend as a compliment. This book feels lovingly crafted, gritty yet somehow fantastical, something that in the process of reading felt like holding up a mirror to myself.
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December 27, 2019If you'd like to know what I thought of this book, please contact me directly and I'd be happy to discuss it with you.
All the best,
- TB
All the best,
- TB
June 25, 2024
Author Lee Houck's debut novel, Yield, is an intriguing story about a year in the life of a young hustler from New York City who, after fate intervenes, decides to reexamine his life, profession, and his relationships with friends and other acquaintances.
Simon, a twenty-something file clerk by day, turns tricks in his spare time to supplement his income. His colorful circle of friends includes Louis, a Calvin Klein underwear model; Farmer, the resident geek and voice of reason; and the neurotic Jaron, who suffers from an eating disorder and is a cutter. Despite their bickering and bantering, these four young men rely, depend upon, and never judge each other.
Simon and Louis's friendship is put to the ultimate test when they fall victim to a gay bashing. Louis is beaten so badly that it costs him his career, while Simon, who took him in while he recovered, grows concerned when his depressed friend becomes a recluse. Furthermore, Simon is even less prepared when he falls for a client, Aiden, a well-intentioned young hunk who lives nearby and doesn't mind having to pay for quality time together.
Although it is Simon's story, each of the characters has his own private journey of self-discovery. While his external wounds heal, Louis confronts his own internal demons. Jaron has a self-inflicted near-death experience that leaves with him no choice but to mend his ways. Even one of Simon's regulars, the wealthy, eccentric Mr. Bartlett, has an epiphany of sorts.
Houck has crafted Simon as a sex worker who is unapologetic, surprisingly self aware, and not to be pitied. It is not the threat of violence or even the money that causes him to question his line of work, but rather the potential to find and express love and affection.
The author's writing also effectively conveys the unbreakable bond these four friends share, and their unconditional acceptance and support of one another is both apparent and profound. Each male is broken in his own way, but Houck's prose, speaking as Simon, purposefully reminds the reader that these characters have the advantage of youth, and each other, to help overcome any obstacles.
Yield is an original, unconventional coming-of-age novel from a promising new novelist.
Simon, a twenty-something file clerk by day, turns tricks in his spare time to supplement his income. His colorful circle of friends includes Louis, a Calvin Klein underwear model; Farmer, the resident geek and voice of reason; and the neurotic Jaron, who suffers from an eating disorder and is a cutter. Despite their bickering and bantering, these four young men rely, depend upon, and never judge each other.
Simon and Louis's friendship is put to the ultimate test when they fall victim to a gay bashing. Louis is beaten so badly that it costs him his career, while Simon, who took him in while he recovered, grows concerned when his depressed friend becomes a recluse. Furthermore, Simon is even less prepared when he falls for a client, Aiden, a well-intentioned young hunk who lives nearby and doesn't mind having to pay for quality time together.
Although it is Simon's story, each of the characters has his own private journey of self-discovery. While his external wounds heal, Louis confronts his own internal demons. Jaron has a self-inflicted near-death experience that leaves with him no choice but to mend his ways. Even one of Simon's regulars, the wealthy, eccentric Mr. Bartlett, has an epiphany of sorts.
Houck has crafted Simon as a sex worker who is unapologetic, surprisingly self aware, and not to be pitied. It is not the threat of violence or even the money that causes him to question his line of work, but rather the potential to find and express love and affection.
The author's writing also effectively conveys the unbreakable bond these four friends share, and their unconditional acceptance and support of one another is both apparent and profound. Each male is broken in his own way, but Houck's prose, speaking as Simon, purposefully reminds the reader that these characters have the advantage of youth, and each other, to help overcome any obstacles.
Yield is an original, unconventional coming-of-age novel from a promising new novelist.
July 27, 2011
3.5 stars. This book had elements of excellence. It tells the first-person story of Simon, a twenty-something young man who hustles and files medical records. And at first both jobs give him something besides money. At one point he reveals that he started hustling by accident while still living at home, and since sex was the way he defined himself it seemed logical. And yet, he puts very few boundaries on the sex. He lists all the things he's willing to do, and the list begins very vanilla with blow job active, blow job passive. But somewhere in there you see pain, bad pain, very bad pain...blindfold, gag, chains, whipping... but not because he likes those things, only because he gives his clients whatever they are willing to pay for. And as you watch him move through his days you see that more and more he goes somewhere else during sex. It's a job, and one he doesn't like much anymore although he doesn't let himself think about that. The book follows him through traumas and changes, and into a relationship he isn't paid for, and you come to care about him. The problem I had was that everyone in this book has major emotional and mental health issues. There is not one healthy sane person in here. The boyfriend comes closest (or perhaps his dog, who at least seems to have a fairly happy life.) I got tired of all the drama and angst and random conversation that maybe had deeper hidden meanings I didn't care to delve for. Perhaps I've been spoiled by too much genre fiction, where everything is pretty much in the open. But I found this vaguely unsatisfying.
July 19, 2014
Yield really took me by surprise. When I read the jacket copy and found out that the novel revolved around a young hustler in Manhattan, I inwardly groaned. It felt slightly cliched, and oh-so 80's gay fiction, but I gave it a try. I quickly noticed the quality of the writing, and the care and (yes, I'll say it) authenticity that permeated this novel. Not a tale of disaffected youth cutting off the world around him, but a coming-of-age story, in the best meaning of that phrase, where a young man slowly opens himself to life and all the joys and pain that comes with it.
Simon does indeed work as a part-time hustler in Manhattan, but he also files medical reports at St. Vincent's hospital, which is the job that actually leaves physical scars, the endless series of paper cuts along his fingers. The hustling leaves scars as well, although not the type you can see. More like scar tissue, increasingly dulling Simon's ability to feel and even experience living. When one of his close circle of friends is beaten in a violent gay bashing, Simon is shaken, and when he starts to fall for the hot guy who lives across the street from him, a door deep inside of him that was securely locked, starts to open.
Lee Houck has created a beautiful voice with Simon. He's emotionally reserved, and frankly, terrified of his own capacity to feel, but there is nothing cliche about Yield, in fact the journey Simon takes is universal and ageless. It's nice to read a book like this every once in a while, to remind you how rewarding fiction can truly be.
Simon does indeed work as a part-time hustler in Manhattan, but he also files medical reports at St. Vincent's hospital, which is the job that actually leaves physical scars, the endless series of paper cuts along his fingers. The hustling leaves scars as well, although not the type you can see. More like scar tissue, increasingly dulling Simon's ability to feel and even experience living. When one of his close circle of friends is beaten in a violent gay bashing, Simon is shaken, and when he starts to fall for the hot guy who lives across the street from him, a door deep inside of him that was securely locked, starts to open.
Lee Houck has created a beautiful voice with Simon. He's emotionally reserved, and frankly, terrified of his own capacity to feel, but there is nothing cliche about Yield, in fact the journey Simon takes is universal and ageless. It's nice to read a book like this every once in a while, to remind you how rewarding fiction can truly be.
July 17, 2017
An interesting look into the life of a hustler. Simon is a filing clerk at a New York hospital who supplements his income hustling. He's got quite a list of regulars, some very odd ducks among them, but he really wants the hot laundry guy from across the street. His group of close friends have their own unique quirks. When attacks on the Gay community hit a little too close to home he starts to rethink his second profession but not before laundry guy is among his clientele. Simon's habit is to block out his mind while hustling, but laundry guy proves to be different, maybe, just maybe it's time for Simon to yield to the pleasures of this man and find a little more in life. I enjoyed seeing into Simon's life and understanding how he manages to isolate his emotions from his profession. It's not clear where he stands with his relationship with laundry guy but I'm hopeful that they were able to find happiness and a life together.
June 3, 2011
I marked this as two stars, which they translate to "it was ok" because i had a hard time getting through it. this is one of those smart seeming books where you're supposed to think and stuff. i was at my library and i saw multiple copies of this book all over the new book section. with so many copies, it must be great, so I stuffed it in my bag without really looking and brought it home. later, when i started reading it, i found out it's the story of a guy in NYC who is an escort. he's dealing with opening up his emotions, both to love and friends, and a serious bout of gay bashing going on at the time. The main character, and his roommate, had such sad lives. Not because he was an escort, that's whatever, but just in general. i dunno. smart people might get more out of this than i did.
April 22, 2011
Interesting perspective from a hustler in the sex trade and a file clerk at the local hospital, rather interesting observations,it deals with the every day lives of persons living in the gay community, one person who is a top model, modelling Calvin Klein's underwear, who gets beaten up, and loses this job, due to facial injuries, the other being the guy with the two jobs, although they both at time perform at 3somes.
I skimmed the last few pages, as I sort of lost interest in their goings on.
I skimmed the last few pages, as I sort of lost interest in their goings on.
August 27, 2010
What an incredible book that really captures the sense of both disconnection and connection. Simon's voice captured me immediately, and there was something about the flatness, the lack of affect, that heightened the emotions. His observations and relationships made the story resonate with me when I first read it 3 years ago and still makes me shiver.
August 12, 2011
The writing is absolutely gorgeous. Lee has an amazing way of looking at things. I blame my own ADD and television-addled brain for not being okay with the slow pace of the novel. I guess that's what I get for mostly reading Thriller and Horror books!
October 12, 2013
I read this upon a high recommendation from a book review. The review called it erotic(!) but I would disagree. This was nothing more than a simple coming-of-age story of a young gay man who happens to be a hustler.
December 11, 2013
It's a very well thought book, in details, it has like a psychological meaning, but I just expected something more in this book, it's more like closing a chapter in your life, looking for something else in your life, relationships, and friendship. It's just cool for me, so, 4 stars.
July 19, 2023
I loved this book when I first read it and even more when I read it subsequently - there are plenty of longer reviews praising this book so I'll make mine short - great book and I am so sorry that there has been nothing further from this author. I still hope there will be.
July 11, 2011
A gay hustler in Manhattan. Not the most original plot or the best prose, but entertaining nonetheless. I'm glad the sex scenes were kept fairly discreet. (minus the finger in the pee-hole episode)
October 25, 2015
2011 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
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January 25, 2016this book is truly awful... i cant stand not finishing anything i read but couldnt finish this was too unreservedly bad
January 10, 2012
Couldn't even finish reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews