Object of Desire

Let me start of by saying, I love reading gay fiction. I'm a habitual gay reader, and it's nice to read about characters are like me. That being said, I have been growing tired of reading the same novels over and over again about the same gay stereotypes and cliches. I couldn't find a good book with gay characters that didn't revolve soley on their sexuality. Object of Desire was just was just what I was looking for. In it I got my dosage of man on man romance, but the parallel plot of Danny's missing sister, and more importantly his obsessed mother was my favorite of the three ongoing stories. However, I was not spared any of the other goodies one expects in their typical gay novel nor was it trying to pretend to be something it wasn't. Object of Desire was filled with rich characters, intricate plot points, and literary gems. The end is left ambiguous, but I understand it from a literary stand point. I will definitely keep reading from William J. Mann!

Great read,I found it difficult to put it down. Mann is an amazing writer and I have been a fan for a while. For anyone who is a reader of gay fiction, or not, check it out-

To be quite honest, I am a great fan of W.J. Mann and was not disapointed with his latest book. He definitely has a way of describing Gay life, not only the party cliché so often attached to Gay guys but life as it goes, younger or older. Sometimes sad, sometimes funny but always to the point.

it's not fair. he writes like and angel and looks like a god. and he's done it again, created a truthful gay novel that features realistic situations and personalities, and has a happy ending. some writers just have it all and william j. mann is one of them. there aren't many writers whose new book i will automatically grab from the bookstore shelf and buy it. mann is one of them, and i have never yet been disappointed. his work is affirming, entertaining, and correct. go get this novel without delay. you won't regret it.

In the past I've been critical of author William J. Mann. While I've found his prose to be beautifully written, I've found his stories to be weak on plot and short on action. Well, he either listened (ha ha) or figured it out on his own because Object of Desire is beautifully written, has an intriguing plot and is full of action. Danny Fortunato's sister disappears on his 14th birthday and Danny's life is changed forever. Cleverly, very cleverly, told in flashbacks to three phases of Danny's life, we learn about his painful, yet surprisingly sexy high school years, to his early years in West Hollywood, to his mid-life years with a husband in Palm Springs. Despite the husband, Danny falls in love with the gorgeous Kelly (if you're reading this you already know that Kelly is a he) and it is here where Mann's book takes a wild right turn. At first, I was unwilling to accept it as simply incredulous, but then the quality of the writing took over and I was hooked once again. This is a terrific story, beautifully written and compellingly readable. There are a few minor problems. St. Francis Xavier High School in East Hartford, CT (even fictional) would be a Jesuit school and the principal would be a priest, not a brother. Who cares? You want to read this book. It will be the highlight of your summer. And, Mr. William J. Mann, bring it on!