Endangered Species

This was my second Bayard read. "Fool's Errand," my first was a book I could not put down - loved it; "Endangered Species" did not quite "do it" for me the same way. Here's why: Bayard's characters are all to real for me as a former Washingtonian... I sometimes think he's writing about folks I know (maybe so?), and the main character in this book is more like someone I would try to avoid at a cocktail party! So I put the book down halfway through, then came back and finished it a couple of weeks later. I suppose that means Bayard has once again mastered very identifiable and real-to-me characters! I hope to see more from this writer. If you've ever lived the Washington gay scene, you'll really enjoy the recognizable settings of Endagered Species and Fool's Errand.

This is a great book to add to your summer reading list. It has all the stuff that makes for a good read. It has moments when you find yourself laughing out loud, passages that remind you of your own family's pathos and plot twists that engage you from the first chapter. All this happens as you take a journey with the main character... meeting interesting and "unusal" people on his search to find a surrogate mother. I loved it!

I certainly agree that Bayard's ENDANGERED SPECIES is funny and fun to read. But the way he sketches some of his most endearing characters (like Broome's grandmother in the hospital, having to remember how to eat) is so fresh and full-bodied, I read the passage over several times; Broome's boyfriend and the on-again, off-again relationship with him is written with real sensitivity, giving depth of character to both. This is a lot deeper book than its breezy, entertaining style would suggest. It can be enjoyed on several levels. -Ronald L. Donaghe, author of Common Sons (part of the series: "Common Threads in the Life")

This book cracked me up! Very clever writing, a great pleasure to read. As a librarian, I think this book has all the elements of a good summer read and I bought 3 copies for my library. Treat yourself and have a good laugh with this book!

Fun book, easy to read and really funny. Bayard takes an interesting perspective on something most people take for granted.