Bert Trentels Trentels itibaren 40320 Mauries, France itibaren 40320 Mauries, France

Wow. Just amazing. This is the kind of story that reminds me why I love m/m fiction so much - it could only have happened between two men, with the personal and social dynamics that make m/m unique. I won't reprise the plot again; others have done that better than I could, but I kept getting stunned by a phrase, a description, a conversation that rang so true, I felt I was in the room with the characters. It's not a blindingly original plot: closeted character meets chance hookup in his home town; teacher supporting kids who are willing to buck small-town prejudice and learn their own strengths; love of a good man overcoming past trauma and fear; but the way these are combined and the authenticity of the characters make "Admit One" a story I will wholeheartedly recommend. To anyone who will stand still long enough to listen. And I usually HATE it when authors get you all wrapped up in a character, and then reveal something so heinous in their past that you have no defense against the outrage and pain you feel for them...ok, I still hated it, but the reveal and the resolution bring all of Tom's agonizing over his relationship with Kevin into focus, and what had seemed like neurotic repetition of personal weaknesses becomes a way to define the dimension of Tom's triumph over his past and what he has let himself become. (jeez, I hope that didn't sound pretentious, but this really is a profound story that keeps resonating in your head long after you finish reading it) Anyway, if you've read it, you know what I mean, and if you haven't, quit reading the reviews and go read the real thing. You'll be glad you did. And you'll go see "Rent".

Question: Do Evil Genes go with Cruel Shoes? Re-reading this book when it comes back around from the library. I liked what I read then but have since forgotten. Back to square one. One of 3 books I'm reading at once. Not bragging-it's just something I have always done: reading, listening to the radio and watching TV at the same time-throw the computer and phone in for kicks. Whatever. I'm no genius. I think I'm pretty bright but this book has me grabbing Mr. Webster every 3 minutes. Very intense non-fiction book about what makes a person evil. Goes a bit farther than your garden variety "Nature vs. Nurture" swill. So far, I'm reading a lot about new Machiavellian theory, the connection with psychopaths and personality disorders. Whew!