Strings Attached

The twists and turns this coming of age story takes are as winding as Highway 1 from SF to San Clemente! While I felt the Prologue introduced the back story well, it didn't do justice for what was to follow. The characters are well developed, with flaws, and sympathetic - even the bad guy. Having lived through a bad relationship, I felt Jeremy's frustration with his mother's alcohol and drug addiction, as well as his codependence toward her. There's too much inside this story for me to do justice in a small review without giving away any of the plot. Needless to say, it only took me two days to finish it because I couldn't put it down! GREAT story!

Who is this guy? Yeah. Nick Nolan seemingly comes out of nowhere to serve up the can't-put-it-down read I've been craving. I often wonder when gay fiction will just be fiction (sans "gay") and this book takes us one step closer. Nolan has crafted a page turner that pulled me in with just enough intrigue and seduction that I didn't really want it to end. The book is a fun read, perfect for a long flight or lounging around over a weekend. The storyline, without giving it away, reminded me a bit of the noir essence from the works from Felice Picano, while also delivering the steamiest flesh from watching the OC (with the volume off). Nolan's attention to detail is refreshing--he knows what he writes. I noted that Nolan gives thanks to the late Paul Monette am certain had Monette lived to read this book he would smile upon finishing the last page, knowing that the depth and emotion he shared in his own works has indeed influenced others. Check it out.

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/06) Jeremy Tyler, at seventeen years of age, has a lot of issues on his plate. First, Jeremy, when he was a toddler, lost his father. Now there is a question as to whether or not it was murder. Then Jeremy's mother, who trapped his father into marrying her by getting pregnant with him, has a major addiction problem. She almost fatally overdoses and has to get sent away to a drug rehabilitation program. Jeremy is sent to live with his super rich great aunt and uncle. This sounds like the easy part, but he has to adjust going from poverty to wealth. Having lived in extreme poverty, Jeremy has to overcome his feelings of lacking self-worth. He also now has many expectations of greatness placed upon him because he is a "Tyler ." During this time, Jeremy is also dealing with his attraction to guys. He denies his homosexuality and feels that if he meets the right girl, she will erase these thoughts and feelings. He does meet the perfect girl, but he still has these issues to deal with. Jeremy is fortunate to have the family butler, Arthur, take him under his wing. Arthur is gay and recognizes that Jeremy is as well. Arthur provides support and guidance on many levels and is able to be a mentor to Jeremy. Jeremy's aunt and uncle definitely are not accepting of the idea of him being gay. They see it as a weakness and a character flaw. Jeremy's uncle also seems to be involved in illegal business activities. Jeremy's mother thinks that he was involved with his father's death. At first, Jeremy wants to trust the uncle, but then he begins to have his doubts too. This novel was really enjoyable on many levels. First of all, the mystery surrounding Jeremy's father's death and the dysfunctional family issues make it a great story. Then Jeremy's discovery of his sexuality and how it affects his friends is also a compelling drama within itself. The author, Nick Nolan, does an excellent job of taking the reader inside Jeremy's head and his heart, as he tries to figure himself out. It is hard enough being a teenager, but when one also has to deal with the issues that attach themselves to being a child of an alcoholic, not being raised by a father, and sexuality issues, one really has a lot to overcome. Jeremy doesn't do it perfectly, but he does do it well and he tries to maintain his integrity and honesty along the way. Jeremy is really a good person. Nolan has written this adult story with the underlying theme of "Pinocchio." I love how he incorporates references to Pinocchio's story into his own. Not having read Pinocchio in years, I missed many of the clues, but in a section on the author's notes at the end, Nolan fills you in. He also adds some special touches to show you that Jeremy has some contact with his dad on the other side. This adds to the richness of the story. I really loved this book and highly recommend it.

Nolan writes the kind of crisp and vivid prose that makes you want to keep on reading. The story is full of surprises, and its subjects, in particular the protagonist's sexual awakening, are handled with sensitivity and wit. Elements of mystery are balanced with an honest exploration of the aches and joys of adolescence. I both believed and enjoyed these characters.

Nick Nolan's first novel is a real page turner. Rich characters and an intriguing plot make "Strings Attached" a must read for anyone - gay or straight - who enjoys discovering a new writing talent. While many authors write coming of age stories, Nolan writes with a unique voice. I was reminded of "Catcher in the Rye" with a 21st Century sensibility played out in a colorful California "Dynasty" backdrop. I look forward to reading Nick Nolan's next book - which might even be a continuation of the story told in "Strings Attached."