Customer Reviews

I'm On My Way

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Christopher David in I'M ON MY WAY has written a first novel that demands respect and attention. Rarely has a young writer pounced on the scene with such a pungent, searing understanding and commitment in writing a book about a slice of life that has for years been no man's land. Other African American writers have addressed gay life in their community from James Baldwin, Lee Hayes, Caesar Brunswick et al, but as far as placing the reader deeply within the milieu, the language, the special struggles that surround the gay black man, Christopher David has the edge.

David divides his book into chapters that are named for the individual characters - Jared, Jason, Kevin, Diogenes - and it is through their eyes and words that the story of searching for the perfect relationship unfolds. The primary character is Jared and he is the one around whom all the varied tales of love and disappointment, grief, lust and need swirl. Each of these men are interesting, different, and as they each reveal their personal histories we are given insight into just what determines a successful relationship. David addresses the African American styles, the lingo, AIDS, spousal abuse, family acceptance/rejection, the need for friendship and extended family, and in each of these areas he leaves no stone unturned. We grow to love these men, loathe some of their ex-loves, and finally we grow to understand the importance of loving one's self as the most potent requirement in forming lasting and meaningful partnering.

This is a first novel and Christopher David tackles a theme that is at first seemingly isolated to a special group. He eventually leads us to universals and closes his book with an author's note that is from a truly beautiful soul. In time he will spend less time on "in-group dialogue" and more time on plot. What is missing here is an editor more attentive to spelling and punctuation and the details that surround a first book. All of that will come. Christopher David will succeed where some others have failed. It is in his will and his passion. A very fine first novel!

I bought this book because one of my friends advised me that it would be well worth the time. I had never heard of Christopher David and was a little hesitant but decided to give him and his novel a shot. Can I just say WOW! I usually don't read novels that focus on men and their relationships because I've always thought we'd have nothing in common. But I'm On My Way has a universal theme to it: love. I fell head over heels with Jared and Michael and Dio and Miles and genuinely wanted to know what would become of their love. I went through their struggles and dealt with their pain right down to the very last sentence.

I am rarely brought to tears by literature, but Christopher David's book had be bawling...I'm talking tears falling all over the place. The bottom line is this: take a chance on this new author. You won't be disappointed.

Ann, in New York City

Author Christopher David audaciously demonstrates that relationships are never easy, whether they're heterosexual or homosexual. In his novel I'M ON MY WAY, David traces the lives of three main characters and their friends as they each labor to find their soul mates and contend with the reality of being black and gay. Readers follow the men as they deal with love, loss, vengeance, acceptance, failure, and success. David unflinchingly strips away stereotypes and exposes readers to the real world of living and loving as a gay man while presenting real characters with real issues. His three-dimensional characters jump off the page and become men readers can listen to, feel with, and empathize with. David shows us that whether we're dating men or women, the drama is the same...we are all people looking to love and be loved in return.

Christopher David's writing style is poetry in motion, flowing like old school hip-hop. His language is real and it's easy to quickly get caught up in the characters' thought processes and emotions. The storyline is solid with enough drama to keep most readers entertained; however, this story is about gay men and all that entails. While David pulls the wool off our eyes with regards to the lifestyle of gay men, some readers may need to take this book in stride. This author writes with no holds barred which can be a little too much at times for readers who are simply not used to dealing with the intricacies of homosexual relationships. If you can get past any hovering hesitations and pick up a copy of this novel, you're definitely in for a literary treat.

Reviewed by Natasha T.
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This multilayered novel rooted in the lives of gay Black men is off the hook. There are so many affirming, sad, tragic, hopeful messages that it's hard to beleive they could all exist in one book. I think of this book as a major wake-up call. In addition, there is a super surprise ending!!!

I am an avid reader and have read many different authors form James Baldwin to Toni Morrison to all but one of E. Lynn Harris's books but this book definitely stands out for me. I was wraped up in what was happening to the characters and have to admit when I made it to the end of the book I was starting to tear up. This book moved me and I recommend it to anybody that I know who reads a lot like I do. If you have not read it read it.

This is the best book I have read in years. Not since Wally Lamb's 'I know this much is true' have I foound myself so totally drawn into a book. This time though it was far greater.

As Someone else who reviewed this book stated, I bawled. The reality of the story alone is enough to bring the emotions forth. I found myself relating with so much of what the characters went through. The story is expertly woven to reach out and touch so many. So many of the pitfalls of relationships are pointed out here.

This is the book for any gay man that is struggling with love and the desire to love and be loved. This book has impacted me in a way no other book has ever done before.

I will end this with one statement: After I finished this book, I cried for over an hour.

Buy It!

I started reading this book slow (a chapter a day), but as the story line thicken, I could not put it down. The writing was great and the characters where real. I recommend this book to all.

Love being the central theme of this book was a key them amongst all the characters involved in this promising debut by Christopher David.

Complicated. Sad. Real. These and other adjectives describe the way I feel concerning this book.

I finished the book this morning and what a read it was. I liked
it. I had my moments where I laughed at some of the scenes, got all giddy and was like "Thats what I'm talking about," dis-appointed in others, and still out the loop concerning something else, but I enjoyed the book "I'm On My Way."

I applaud the author on speaking for those who have not been heard. We need more authors, specifically black gay authors, who speak for each of us, as no one author can speak for us all.

So much I want to say, but I will say this, "PICK UP THE BOOK," so we can talk about it (lol)...

I will say this...LOVE YOURSELF FIRST, and that is what I got from this book although it was something I have always known, but it re-iterated that for me as I can and will not make someone love me if I don't love myself.

A relationship as much as I want or feel that I need one, will happenon its time and when I least expect it. It will just happen and will not be forced.

In closing, and I will end it with...Why does everyone have to be
beautiful? What about us average Joes?

Be blessed and I wish you well this Monday, December 8th...

Justin

It's been a long time since I've read a novel so full of heart, and soul. Christopher David takes us through the lives of four young men searching for love and affection in a world full of disappointments. I laughed. I cried. I felt as if I lived the life of these men. It is most definitely worth reading.

Can't Wait for your next novel Mr. David!

It is a very nice book. The characters are so real and charming that I was so angry of the tragic ending -- because I love these characters so much!

However, there are some things I need to say. First, everyone in the book is so beautiful. Talented, handsome, and everyone is a thug. The author seems to obsess to fit the stereotype of GBM in the media - uh, or the prono movies - smooth voice, shining chocolate skin, nice body, huge toolkit and fantastic in bed. It somehow makes these characters not as real as they should be. But this is a novel, maybe he is just want to make his readers fantasize.

Second, there are a lot of discussion about God and homosexual. Seeing with a Buddhist's eyes, I can understand, but can not empathize. For example, in the few pages of the related discussion, the dilemma of God and gay marriage could easily be solved if any of the characters bought up Buddhism. Especially many Buddhism leaders had said gay people should be respected as any others in the world. (Buddhism believes in equality in all human beings, and among all creatures) I do know there are many blacks are Muslim (think of Malcolm X and Mos Def), and I know more and more blacks, include black gay men, are Buddhist, and they seems to live very balance and content life. Maybe this could be the other way out, and the ending wouldn't be so tragic.

At last, in my opinion, the main character is obviously suffering from manic depression. "Depression" is as taboo as "Gay" among black men. My ex boyfriend is a depressed black gay man, he suffers from it, and that jeopardized and ruined our relationship. Maybe this could be something Christopher David considers to do in his next book - depressed black gay man.

After all, it's truly a good and fun read!