Book Overview
"If gallantry in our day is defined as facing adversity with screams of laughter, then this is the most gallant book I know of." - Edmund WhiteAlthough he was born gay, Curtis Jenkins has trouble picking fruit. Now a successful, middle-aged New York City writer, he is still searching for that elusive man of his dreams. Unfortunately, Curtis has already formed a self-destructive pattern of choosing all the wrong men in all the wrong places.After a bizarre yet comical attempt at suicide, Curtis becomes a reluctant patient of the aging and eccentric psychiatrist Dr. Magda Tunick. Her gruff and unethical approach to therapy relentlessly pushes him to explore the real reasons why he hasn't found love and helps him to discover the important qualities he desires in a man.Eager to help Curtis on his quest to find his true soul mate is his irreverent and unpredictable mother, Mrs. J., and his incorrigible best friend and soap opera writer, Quinn Larkin.Will Curtis discover who and what he truly wants in his life? While he barely survives dates that are funny, frightening, sexy and even shocking, Curtis may just uncover the fortitude to fine Mr. Right (or even Mr. Pretty Close)."...this is the great gay memoir you always wanted to write."- HX Magazine - New York City "FINDING HIS NICHE: Arthur Wooten recently discovered a mid-career talent for writing plays and a new novel, On Picking Fruit. His work has been nominated for several awards -- the Lambda Literary Award, the Stonewall Book Award, and the Publishing Triangle Award."- The Boston Globe
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0983563136
ISBN13:9780983563136
Release Date:June 2011
Publisher:Galaxias Productions
Length:208 Pages
Weight:0.59 lbs.
Dimensions:0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Book Review
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
A very charming and delightful read. I related to more than one of the characterspersonally. I look forward to more adventures with this very personable icon. I highly recommend this fun filled, witty and all to real look at gay dating.
When is the next offering???
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
One of those stories where some of us will say "I know those people", as their names pop into your head from your past and even your present. For a first attempt, Arthur Wooten has captured so many familiar moments and emotions. To a certain extent, I felt somewhat cheated. The book pulls you in and before you know it, you have finished it, hungry for more. Wooten's timing and quick wit can only be enhanced with a sequel and I surely hope he will have one soon. I left this book saying "what would Curtis do" and no matter how hard you try to do the opposite, you can identify with how easy it is to get consumed by the process of "picking fruit" and having done just what Curtis did.. well done and thanks for a reality check.
MOVE OVER SEX AND THE CITY AND QUEER AS FOLK
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
BRAVO! FINALLY A NOVEL ABOUT THE OFTEN INVISIBLE MINORITY IN GAY LITERATURE - THE MIDDLE AGED MAN. ARTHUR WOOTEN ESCORTS US ON A PERSONAL JOURNEY THAT IS BOTH HYSTERICALLY FUNNY AND AT TIMES, HEARTBREAKINGLY HONEST. "ON PICKING FRUIT" IS A GIFT OF THIS TALENTED WRITER'S HUMANITY. YEARS AGO, WHEN LILY TOMLIN WAS ASKED WHAT SHE WANTED THE AUDIENCE TO GET OUT OF "SEARCH FOR SIGNS", SHE RESPONDED WITH A QUOTE FROM JANE WAGNER, WHO SAID, " I WANT THE AUDIENCE TO LEAVE WITH A HIGHER OPINION OF THEMSELVES." I NEVER LIKE TO COMPARE ONE PERSON'S WORK WITH ANOTHER, BUT I THINK THAT THOSE OF US WHO WANDER DOWN MR. WOOTEN'S YELLOW BRICK ROAD OF ROMANTIC MISADVENTURES, WILL CLOSE THE BOOK WITH A HIGHER OPINION OF THEMSELVES, TOO. I KNOW I DID.
Humanity with heartfelt humor, irony, and courage
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
This sparkling book is about the journey we all undertake to find love, connection, and meaning in our lives and our relationships. It's about the human drama: the mistakes we make; the foibles we encounter--our own and other people's; the lessons we learn; and the mishaps that weave through our best intentions. The characters are dynamic, poignant, comical, intelligent; the writing is witty and elegant; the story is engaging, rueful, surprising. The book is a pleasurable and touching romp through the dating scene in all its grand and goofy glory. Once it's started, it's hard to put down!
Great Gay Summer Read
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I just finished On Picking Fruit, by Arthur Wooten, a book I was given as a gift by a friend who had loved it very much. I was surprised that it captured my attention so quickly. I think I read through it at a record pace, because I kept thinking, "It can't stay this good, this entertaining. As soon as the author drops the ball, I'll put it down." I stop reading to sleep and later to get on or off at my train stop. It was so funny that I actually caught myself laughing out loud, embarrassing myself at work and later on the train ride home. The biggest surprise of all was that the lead character went from someone I saw as ridiculously funny to someone I felt such a connection with. Not because our lives were similar, but because he was doing the best he could with the insane and hysterical curves that life was throwing at him. The ending was the biggest surprise of all. I wasn't paying attention and suddenly it was over. It felt like an old friend, who had paid me too short a visit, who was now gone. This was the most fun I've had reading an unknown writer in recent memory. For the writer's sake, I hope none of situations the main character goes through are based on real life.
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