Boy Culture: A Novel [Paperback]

Matthew Rettenmund (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 1996

X a wily hustler, has a dilemma. The object of his affections is his roommate Andrew, who is confused about his sexuality. Meanwhile, X's other roommate-a seventeen-year-old precocious partyboy-is falling for X in a big way. The result is an old-fashioned (well, sort of) love triangle peppered with savage one-liners-a touching portrait of love and lust among three very different gay men.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A smart, delightfully lubricious confessional." --The Village Voice

"An unapologetic, take-no-prisoners comic novel...I loved Boy Culture." --Robert Rodi, author of Fag Hag and Kept Boy

"A startling debut. Erotic, insightful, and deliciously funny." --Lars Eighner, author of Travels with Lizbeth

"Matthew Rettenmund is a clever and witty new writer." --Greg Johnson, author of Pagan Babies

About the Author

Matthew Rettenmund is the author of Encyclopedia Madonnica, Totally Awesome 80s, and, with Jaye Zimet, Queer Baby Names. He is a writer living in New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1st edition (December 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312145535
• ISBN-13: 978-0312145538
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,379,165 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I laughed, I cried, it became a part of me, July 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Boy Culture: A Novel (Paperback)

I can't believe there are people who did not like this book. Not only did I read it, but I was wise to how short it was and read some parts over and over because I dreaded coming to the end of it. It is sad and funny and a very quick read that left me screaming "SEQUEL!" at the end of it. In an age where writers are struggling to stand out with impressive and long-winded stories, this was simple and entertaining. But it's simplicity is not a flaw. In fact, I wish more novels were written this way - unassuming and unpretentious. Matthew Rettenmund's writing is like a kick in the nuts, and I mean that in a good way. It grabs you and doesn't let go.

I read this on a plane while returning from a vacation in Los Angeles, where I spent a lot of time in West Hollywood, watching men dance around each other, pair off and return the next night just as unfulfilled. He put this into words so well and I'm amazed he isn't world famous by now. I plan to read this at least two more times. But don't listen to me ramble on about it. Scroll back up the page and order it. Go! Go!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Hmm. Really don't know about this one., March 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Boy Culture: A Novel (Paperback)

This book has a very promising plot, but what would have been a unique, insightful view of relationships (romantic and otherwise, gay and otherwise)is really undermined by humor that falls short of its mark--and not to mention an annoyingly self-satisfied main character, who goes through the entire story learning absolutely nothing from his experiences. Isn't change what fiction is all about? It doesn't happen here; no one undergoes even a smidge of self-discovery. If anything, the only thing that changes is the living arrangements. What's the moral then? That gay men are sex-starved and one-dimensional? How bleak.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Forced attempts at wit fail, January 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Boy Culture: A Novel (Paperback)

It is like being around someone who is constantly trying to prove he is funny and witty, but is very not. I finished it because it only because it was so short. The "wry" observations come off like forced, posed, self-conscious attempts to write good.