Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great coming-of-age/coming-out story with a clever mystery, September 17, 2006
Seventeen year old Jeremy Tyler is being given the "second chance" of a lifetime, moving from the Fresno home of his alcoholic, irresponsible single mom, to the Los Angeles area beachfront mansion of his rich Aunt Katherine. Aunt Katherine and her husband Bill also acted as surrogate parents to his father Jonathan, who died in an unfortunate accident on a winding mountain road when Jeremy was an infant. Jeremy wants to be a man of whom his aunt can be proud, just like his father, whom he resembles and shares many interests. He works on developing a good relationship with his interacial girlfriend, Reed, hoping that they will prove that an attraction he had to better looking, gregarious guys was just envy rather than an indication of sexual orientation. While his aunt and uncle are very kind to him, Jeremy becomes closest to Katherine's butler, Alfred, a somewhat mysterious gay man who is a former marine officer and seems to have an uncanny knack for anticipating everyone's needs. One day, Jeremy receives a call from his mother in rehab, warning him that he is in danger from Katherine's husband, Bill, and that it is likely he was responsible for his father's death. Jeremy doesn't know what to think, suspecting his mother is intentionally poisoning his mind against his aunt and uncle in order to retain her hold on him ... and to get her hands on the sizeable trust inheritance he'll see when he turns 18.
A detailed, engaging and highly original first novel, including the ultimate dysfunctional family in a tale of coming out, coming of age, working toward a goal and responsibility. The author pushes a similarity to the original story of "Pinocchio," an unnecessary gimmick that fortunately doesn't add confusion to the already-complex nature of the story. Realistic, flawed characters, a fast pace and a developing mystery make this a real page-turner as well. Looking forward to more works by this talented author.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Page Turner, February 27, 2007
Jeremy Tyler is seventeen, poor and living in Fresno with his alcoholic mother. When she goes into rehab, he is shipped off to his wealthy great aunt Katherine's, who is intent on making sure that he knows the difference between Ivy-league and a bowling league. What we have here is a coming-of-age/coming out/mystery novel all rolled into one that never slows down. The plot does not drag, and there are enough surprises for the most jaded reader. The students at Ballena Beach High, where Katherine enrolls Jeremy, are perfect in every way: perfect bodies, perfect teeth, handsome faces. Teenage acne is as foreign as riding on public transportation. But perhaps that is as it should be since the author in his notes at the end of the novel says that the story is based on the fable of Pinocchio, the wooden puppet (hence the title) who becomes a real boy. Mr. Nolan, a former social worker, is presenting to the reader young Jeremy whom he describes as a "codependent" teen who wishes to become a real man. Had I not read the author's notes, I would have missed both the illusions to Pinocchio and the fact that I was to believe that the sweet Jeremy is "codependent," an amporphous term at best. If you were not aware of Mr. Nolan's reasons for writing this good first novel, it would not in any way affect your enjoyment of it.
In addition to a good plot, the novel also has some characters who either are decent to begin with or who grow and become better: Arthur is an example of the former; Jeremy's mom and aunt, the latter. Like Alex Sanchez' series of RAINBOW novels, STRINGS ATTACHED deserves to be read by young people struggling with coming out and dealing with their sexuality.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Can't wait for another installment, November 24, 2006
Who is this guy? Yeah. Nick Nolan seemingly comes out of nowhere to serve up the can't-put-it-down read I've been craving. I often wonder when gay fiction will just be fiction (sans "gay") and this book takes us one step closer. Nolan has crafted a page turner that pulled me in with just enough intrigue and seduction that I didn't really want it to end. The book is a fun read, perfect for a long flight or lounging around over a weekend. The storyline, without giving it away, reminded me a bit of the noir essence from the works from Felice Picano, while also delivering the steamiest flesh from watching the OC (with the volume off). Nolan's attention to detail is refreshing--he knows what he writes. I noted that Nolan gives thanks to the late Paul Monette am certain had Monette lived to read this book he would smile upon finishing the last page, knowing that the depth and emotion he shared in his own works has indeed influenced others. Check it out.
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