Customer Reviews

When the Stars Come Out

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When Noah Abraham came back to NYC after his father's heart attack, he was also seeking an escape from his growing frustration about a book he had promised to write about closeted gay congressional staffers, none of whom would cooperate with an interview. He wasn't expecting to meet Bart Gustafson, a personable hunk also visiting Manhattan on holiday from his job as personal assistant to a rich gay couple in the Hamptons. Noah and Bart "clicked" immediately, and Noah was invited out to Southhampton to meet Bart's employers, one of whom was Quinn Scott, a popular movie star of the 50's and 60's. Noah learned the story of how Quinn met the lover of more than 30 years, Jimmy, a dancer who had a small part in one of his films. They exchanged "the glance" between them, and have been together ever since. Unfortunately, at the time Quinn was married to Kitty Randolph, a domineering screen star and movie industry tyrant, who found out his previously hidden sexual orientation, bannishing both he and Jimmy from Hollywood ever since. Noah thought the story of Quinn and Jimmy's romance, together with the juicy tidbits about Kitty Randolph's less-than-stellar personal life, would be a best seller, and tried to convince Quinn to let him ghost write a "tell all" autobiography. However, Quinn was very happy in his present life, and didn't see the need to revisit those difficult times, or what purpose "outing" himself could possibly serve. With Bart and Jimmy's help, Noah tried to convince Quinn otherwise. Ironically, it was a subsequent action by Kitty Randolph herself that would directly impact on Quinn's decision.

A absolutely delightful, charming and witty novel, believeably written in fastitious detail, and illustrating some excellent points about the implications of a Hollywood "leading man" revealing his homosexuality. The characterizations, not just the main players but the supporting ones (such as Noah's high profile lawyer father, Quinn and Kitty's son "Q.J." and Noah's high strung literary agent, David), are written vividly and realistically, and the unpredictable story keeps building additional layers until the final chapter. Definitely the author's best work to date, and recommended to all.

The early pages of the book revolved around character development, as we got to know the key players. As things progressed, it really took off. I tend to read several books at once, a little of each at a time. So I rarely read huge amounts of any book at once. This was an exception. I enjoyed the first 80 pages, but then it really hit its stride; and then I couldn't put it down. The remaining 200+ pages I finished in less than a day.

It's a rare book that pulls me in like that, and this is one of those wonderful rare ones. Don't miss this book! It's terrific!

When The Stars Come Out is enjoyable on a variety of levels. Through its fictionalized tale, it addresses the coming-out process from a variety of angles, past and present, as well as from different cultural backgrounds. It also looks at the creative process, what it means to be an artist, and the effort of relationships. All these various themes are blended seamlessly.

The writing is crisp and effortless and the story moves along at a brisk clip. Characters are enjoyable whether they are protagonists, antagonists or just background scenery. Humor is balanced with serious episodes, chapters don't get bogged down in overdone details, and there is just enough sex to pique the interest without becoming salacious. A great vacation or travel read, or a fun bedstand novel.

Just finished this amusing and, I guess, rather light entertainment. Light as it may be, it made me cry.. and made me think of the time when I would turn old. Oh, well, as afraid of getting old as I might be, after finishing the book, it did seem that it might be actually quite ok to be old.

And all the other younger (my age) ppl out there - the book is not really about some old geezers, and is not the usual depressive gay story about getting old. It gives a very positive emotion instead. This book is a captivating easy read.

I love "The Night We Met", the writer's debut and his 3rd effort, "When the Stars come out" does not disappoint.

This writer has a talent with words and his style is wonderfully engaging.
His characters are well developed, their interaction an engrossing read.

Plot wise, "When the Stars Come Out" is refreshing, humorous yet strangely heart warming as it is at its core a timeless love story.

As I never favor Hollywood style drama with a so called diva, I was annoyed half way through the book when the plot shifted its focus from the 2 endearing couples to typical Hollywood ins-and-outs. However the writer handles it so well, at the same time providing us with some touching moments, that I soon forgot my misgivings and found myself completely engrossed till the very end.

This is definitely much more than just an entertaining "beach read".

Another great read from Rob Byrnes. I really enjoy his books, and I hope he keeps cranking them out.

Noah Abraham is a promising young author, but his attempt to write an expose about closeted Congressional aids in Washington is failing miserably. No one wants to be interviewed on the record by him, and he has nothing to give his patient, but concerned publisher. Maybe the problem is not the aids, but Noah. As the son of a high profile attorney, Noah's coming out process was smooth by any standard, and he has a very low tolerance for gays not as open about their sexuality as he is.

In the midst of his writing frustrations, Noah receives a phone call from his father's wife, Tricia. Max, his father, has had a heart attack, and Noah must return to New York as soon as possible. Once back in the city, and assured of his father's imminent recovery, Noah and Tricia go out for a much needed drink. At a gay club in the Village, he notices a handsome young man at the bar, but since he no longer lives in New York, Noah decides not to pursue the stranger. However, fate keeps the two men running into each other, and soon they're out on a date.

Bart Gustafson is also passing through New York. He is employed as a personal assistant by an older gay couple in Southampton, and is simply on vacation. While Noah is sure that there is no chance for a relationship due to the distance in their lives, he can't stop thinking about Bart, and decides to visit him at his employer's home. The two men Bart works for are former movie star Quinn Scott and his lover of more than 34 years, Jimmy Beloit. Quinn is as gruff as Jimmy is charming, and Noah is immediately fascinated by them. Soon he's come up with an alternative idea to replace his failed expose, a biography of Quinn that explores his past career, his marriage to super-star Kitty Randolph, and how he gave it all up for the love of Jimmy.

With this, his third novel, Rob Byrnes has given his readers an incredibly well written book about coming out of the closet, and the consequences of so doing. The demeanor of the story is lighthearted and romantic, and yet the subject matter is both sensitive and thought provoking, something not easily achieved. Byrnes delivers a novel full of hidden depth and pathos, brimming with beautifully expressed points of view. He provides a wonderful example of how the bravery of older gay men has shaped the landscape for those who have followed, and how true love can make any situation bearable.

WHEN THE STARS COME OUT was easily the best book I read in 2006, and I can't recommend it strongly enough. If Rob Byrnes never writes another word, heaven forbid, this fantastic novel will forever give testament to his keen understanding of the modern gay world, and how it came to be.

When I first read 'The Night We Met' by Rob Byrnes, I was stunned: I was reading a gay fiction book, and it was gut-bustingly witty, dappled with comedy, and - amazingly - it was fun. Rob Byrnes opened my eyes a bit to the world of gay literature in that it could be all of those things, and still be well written, smart, fiction.

So I bought 'When the Stars Come Out' with heavy expectations, and again Byrnes delivered.

To oversimplify, this is a love story about a young man, Noah, who might just be falling for "the one" (and he's not sure he even believes in the idea of "the one") while trying to convince a closeted star of the celluloid era to come out. Preferably with a powerful autobiography about the decades of love he has spent with his partner.

The tale is told with Byrne's trademarked witty banter, and a nice dash of hilarity; You will laugh out loud reading passages of this tale, so if you're reading in public, don't say I didn't warn you.

I adored this story (which is probably obvious), and Byrnes delivers characters that are easy to love (and deserves kudos for his duet of truly loveable aged gay protagonists, who take hip replacements, failing hearing, and mid-day physical therapy episodes with a completely realistic flair).

If you're looking for a fun gay love story that crosses a decade or six, give Byrnes a shot. You'll come out a winner.

I am an avid reader and like many different styles and types of writing. When it comes to gay fiction there is some wonderful well written literature out there - thought provoking and insightful, emotional reads. There are also those books filled with frivolity that are very light and merely fun reads. All are great.

This book falls into neither category. I read the book half way through and could not waste my time. The characters were all one dimensional - there wasn't the slightest bit of reality or true romance in this supposed laugh filled emotional read.

I will not read this author again. This is my second shot with him and boy, people must be desperate for gay literature.