Huddle

HUDDLE is more a series of interlocking vignettes than a traditional novel. Each chapter focuses on different members of the L.A. Quake's, a gay squad playing in the Los Angeles Flag Football League. Flag football is serious business to these gay men, and the progression of the playing season accommodates the individual stories. This is most definitely an ensemble piece. Among the protagonists are Al and Curt, boyfriends living an open relationship. What a surprise for each when they discover that if they're going to fool around, they'd just as soon do it with each other. Also featured are Ed and Bill. These are two guys so afraid of messing up a wonderful four year friendship, that each is afraid to tell the other how he really feels for fear of ruining what they've already established. And then there is, Dave, a sweet kid new to the team and working hard to prove he's got what it takes. Dave is a guy trying to fit into his world, and looking for happiness but having a tough time finding it. This is a story of gay jocks, living different lives but coming together once a week, bonding with each other playing flag football. They will win some and they will lose some, but they'll do it together. I really got a kick out of this butch book. Every male character is a card carrying member of the gay letterman's club. These are gay men, confidant in their sexuality and not afraid to show it. They're proud to be an openly gay team and they're not about to take any crap about it. They don't always make the right decisions, on or off the field, but they try. I liked these guys, flaws and all. I think you will too.