Customer Reviews

He's The One

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I've read many reviews of different works where the reviewer refers to the book as a "fluff" piece ... as if that is a BAD thing. Personally, I don't think every book has to be a "War & Peace", and I read mostly to escape my daily grind, so I *like* "fluff" ... if it doesn't pretend to be something it is not, is written well, holds my interest, and makes me glad I read it. Such is the case with "He's The One," the second novel from newcomer Timothy James Beck.

"He's The One" introduces us to Adam, a non-stereotypical single gay man living in a small town in Wisconsin. Adam was a "jock" in high school, late to acknowledge his attraction to men, and comfortable (perhaps too comfortable) in his renovated-farmhouse-home-and-office working as a freelance web design consultant for businesses in the midWest. His parents are aware of his sexuality, and his mom - an avid PFLAG organizer - is worried that he hasn't met anyone, and doesn't seem to be trying.

An invitation to speak at a web convention in NYC brings Adam to the Big Apple, he meets a big new client there, so he decides to stay there for a while to get the client going, then return to his home. Adam quickly meets Blythe, a short, bohemian "starving artist," who becomes Adam's Rhoda to his Mary Richards (Think "Mary Tyler Moore Show", throwing her hat in the air as she is ready to take on the "big city" - The comparison is made in the liner notes, and is apt). It is at a trendy Chelsea gay S&M (Stand & Model) coffee shop with Blythe where Adam first spots Jeremy, a handsome man he is immediately obsessed with, but manages to repeatedly convince himself that it will never work out. Nevertheless, he discretely pursues (just skirting the fringes of "stalking") Jeremy through a private party with a controlling, rich alcoholic gay mogul who makes a pass at Adam, a drag bar where Adam is chastised by a "nun" for writing amateur porn on his laptop (Blythe ratted on him), a "personal enrichment" seminar given by a mysterious gay Native American (at which he rooms with Daniel, a former schoolmate from WI who he and the other jocks used to tease as a "fag"), and a "secret mission" in which he dresses in awful drag to get back some zip disks stolen from him. Along the way, Adam learns to be more honest about his feelings, not be afraid of going after what he wants, and not worry as much about what others think. Does he get the guy? Read it and find out.

This book actually incorporates about a half dozen characters from Beck's first novel, "It Had To Be You." However, this is NOT a sequel to the first book, and I don't believe not having read it will make this book any less enjoyable. The characters carried over are not the two main characters (Adam and Blythe), but do "carry on" their lives in a way that lends some degree of closure to those who liked the first book, as I did. I recommend them both.

Now, if I could just stop humming the theme to the Mary Tyler Moore show! :)

Let me be honest with you. I bought this book solely for the cover, because I wanted another trashy gay novel to entertain me between the "serious" books I should be reading. [Sorry Mr. Beck.] For months, I had eyed the book with the jean-clad a- . . . er . . . buttocks on the front cover. But I resisted, as I didn't really want to receive any more disapproving glances from my boyfriend. Thank goodness he had a weak moment and bought it for me - I loved it!

Beck introduces us to Adam Wilson, who is every man's fantasy. Not only is he a genious with gorgeous good looks (I love a man in flannel and jeans!), but he's sweet and caring. More importantly, he's reached the point in his life where he just wants to meet someone special with whom he can share his life. After he realizes this fact, events soon take him from his comfortable Wisconsin home and plunk him down in Manhattan, where he clearly feels out of place. However, luck is smiling on Adam (as it always does in such stories). He meets some wonderful new friends of all different walks of life and patches up some old ones. Soon, he is surrounded by a new family away from home. The one thing he doesn't have is his true love. But again, luck comes his way as friends, associates, and even events seem to collaborate to bring him closer to finding "the One."

This isn't just a love story. There's mystery and intrigue. There are drag shows and terrible karaoke. There's art and drama. And TONS of humor throughout. At times I was laughing out loud at the antics of Adam and his friends. At other times, I could truly relate to Adam's concerns about his relationships and the difficulty in communicating his true feelings. Almost like looking into a mirror. To me, Beck really captured an emotional element that makes this tale not just a funny romance, but a lesson on the search for that missing something - or someone - in our lives.

Oh, I'll still call this a trashy novel (just to cause my boyfriend to cringe and my straight girlfriends to laugh), but you can bet this is going on my "Read Frequently" list. Hope you enjoy it as well!

In this, his second novel, author Timothy Beck very effectively combines humor and emotion when Adam Wilson willfully tackles life in the "Big City". Is it possible a well-adjusted gay-man, hunky Adam, from a small-town called Eau Claire, Wisconsin, can find true love, sex, good friends and happiness all in one place? Yes, this is a feel good book, but who cares, it's a lot of fun. Sometimes we need a break from all the stories of tragedy, death, suicide, and unhappiness. Beck knows how to weave a realistic, heartfelt story, with dependable characters.

As Adam temporarily moves to New York to help one of his better clients, he becomes fast friends with Blythe, a painter, and with her help adjusts very quickly to living in the city. At a party, Adam catches a glimpse of Jeremy, the most beautiful man he has ever seen. Jeremy is not only very handsome and intelligent, but a television actor. The rest of the story continues with all sorts of funny and wild escapades, including a visit to a spiritual retreat, some stolen computer disks, drag queens, break-ins, and....Well, you'll just have to see what happens for yourself. However, its Adam's pursuit of Jeremy that is the main theme of the story as he tries to find out if "He's the One".

This is a book that not only gay readers will enjoy but anyone who has ever fallen in love at first sight, and did things they wouldn't normally do in pursuing that love. The characters in this story will feel like old friends, friends that we want to keep in touch with. Hopefully, there's a sequel coming?

Joe Hanssen

People who don't have it, read about it. People who DO have it, read about it!
Adam only JUST figured but that he's missing it and being a real 'go-getter' he goes to NY city and sets his mind to 'get.'
This was a really fun story! VERY well written, interesting and engaging characters, only a few morally questionable decisions as we chase the targeted boyfriend material through an interconnected group of friends and aquaintances involving artists, two rival gay clubs, spirtual retreats, building websites and dragqueens.
Adam's a hunky, succesful, well adjusted guy with tons of family support and old school friends... but he feels he's missing out on close gay friends- a Family of Friends. Plus it's about time to get into a serious relationship. An invite to a WebTech convention in NY comes at just the right time. And an overheard conversation in an NY coffee shop gives him his first glimpse of Mr Right. He knows his name is Jeremy, he knows he's gorgerous, but also charming and sweet and just from a few overheard words our go-getter Adam will make contacts, dates and friends all in the pursuit of the elusive Jeremy!
I loved all the characters in this one. From independant, punk artist Blythe- who may have had the FUNNIEST line in the book (though there were many!) during a group trip to kareoke^ ^ To the sweet Daniel and his Blaine... I would read a story JUST about those two!! And even though we never 'met' him, Ken sounded wonderful.
Fully recommened!
I plan to check out the authors other books!

Loved the first one and love this one even more!

I have purchased over 10 copies of this book so far. I always give it as a birthday present. All of my friends really love it too. We even went to NYC recently just to find the famous Bethesda Fountain that is in the book.

I loved Adam and the way he looked at life. I feel that as a gay man sometimes we throw ourselved into our work when we don't have a relationship. I have never crashed a party to meet a guy, however if I were meeting Jeremy I might have. I also love the way that all of these friends gay, lesbian and straight interact and truely are friends.

This book didn't focus on all the "adolescent" issues typically seen in gay fiction, but rather on the regular and more common challenges faced by many well adjusted adults of our time--who happen to also be gay. Although the story line may not be the most thrilling at times, the character development and writing will keep the reader intrigued. The dialogue of the characters is sincere, credible and witty. This is the first book I have read by the author and look forward to reading his debut novel based on an earlier story line of the same characters. In summary, anyone who has experienced some of the more common life challenges as a gay adult will find this a great read.

Mr. Beck's second outing has definitely surpassed his first book, "It Had To Be You". I was captivated by "He's the One" and found it difficult to put down. A very charming and realistic tale, it very accurately and romantically depicts gay life in the big city. With outstanding dialogue, unforgettable characters, and Beck's inimitable sense of humor, the story quickly drew me in and didn't let go. Having finished the book, I feel like I actually miss the characters, and I'm looking forward to Beck's next book so that I can "keep in touch". I highly recommend "He's the One"...not just to gay readers but to anyone who enjoys a well-written, romantic and humorous story.

The plot development was superb, the characters' thoughts and actions were clearly illustrated, and I couldn't put this book down! I espeically liked the way Beck slowly developed the interplay between Adam and Jeremy so that its build-up became the seam that tied the pages of circumstances together. Kudos to Beck and I hope for another tome soon!

Having read IT HAD TO BE YOU and absolutely adoring it, I was thrilled to find author Timothy James Beck's latest offering, HE'S THE ONE. Needless to say, I bought the book and devoured it. Discovering this latest novel to be a sequel to IT HAD TO BE YOU only increased my delight in reading it. Beck's ongoing narrative about this group of Manhatanites, originally from Eau Claire Wisconsin, and their adventures in the Big Apple, is sweet, poignant, and thoroughly entertaining. In its own imaginative way, this story deals with many pertinent issues currently addressing the gay community; such as forgiving former tormentors, latent coming out, the search for commitment, and the devastating aftermath of losing a loved one to AIDS. The characters here are real and believable. People I, for one, would love to call friends. The bottom line however, is that HE'S THE ONE is a love story with an incredibly beautiful heart. It is my understanding that this novel was written by committee, Timothy James Beck being a compilation of all the participating party's names. Frankly, I don't care if it was written by a room full of chimps the result is wonderfully distracting and completely satisfying.

I quite enjoyed this story. For one, I'm really basking in tales that are of gay characters, but in another, I just flat-out enjoyed reading about these folk. The supporting characters are very evocative, and a solid cast of very believable individuals, each with a breath and life of their own.

There's one passage in the book, however, that really stuck home for me - one of the characters discusses with another what the two saddest words in the english language are. The first, and somewhat pithy answer, is "What party?" The second answer has so much force of emotion behind it that it was the social equivalent of a punch to the stomach. I'd honestly managed to forget (repress?) the phrase and situation that it referred to, and seeing it on the page brought back some really terrible moments. Kudos to the author for the inclusion of such a topic in such a deft way.

The book has more moments of humour than it has social commentary, and the ride is a joyful one. When self-made-successful hunk arrives in New York looking for Mr. Right, he has his eyes set on someone right away. Will he chase that person down, or maybe learn that Mr. Right isn't all that it's cracked up to be? The delight is in the telling, and I have to admit, the ending wasn't where I thought it would go.

A story about friendship more than love, and about setting some pretty important priorities in life, there's a kind emotional honesty in this story. Though at a rare few times I got frustrated with the main character (It's hard to feel a lot of empathy sometimes, when the perfect-bod-perfect-job-jock-fantasy character is bemoaning his life a bit, especially when there's some ugly flashback moments of 'what he did in highschool to the local gay guy'), and annoyed at his single-mindedness in chasing a guy he barely knew anything about, the supporting cast at those times, and the minor mystery subplot, kept things going at a good clip.

By the end, you'll like (nearly) everyone involved, and want to read more. Imagine my joy at learning there was a book prior to this one, with some of the same characters! I can't wait.

'Nathan