The Summer They Came

Yes, the characters are ridiculously stereotypical and one dimensional, but the plot line is silly and fun and I couldn't set it down. No need for thought provocation here--it's a great mindless read.

What if someone wanted to turn a sleepy seacoast town like Long Spit, Rhode Island into the next gay vacation mecca in a single season? How would they go about it? Well, if you happen to be Artie Kinzie, you'd probably place a few very tempting ads in the Advocate and other gay publications for the local bed and breakfasts and hotels without telling them about the ads. And then you'd just wait for the boys to come.That's what happens in William Storandt's hot summer read. And as a result you meet a very interesting town, as well as the people who live or come there. Some of the townspeople hate the "invaders", some are revitalized, some come out of the closet, and some find love for the first time. But all of them and Long Spit itself make this all too short novel so totally enjoyable.I realize this is a very short review, but I really want you to discover this book on your own. It was the kind of book I wish would never come to an end - a thoroughly great read for any time of the year.

Once again Mr. Storandt captivates with his clearly set down vision of place and character. His crisp voice is unmistakable and he manages to treat everyone with a uniquely direct wry gentleness. You quickly get the sense that here is a man who although the piercing narrator is a loving creator to all his characters. What starts out interestingly enough as a suburban anthropology primer of the gay lifestyle crashing into a straight world backwater becomes at times a more serious examination of the complexities of relationships, motivations and allegiances. Its a fast paced read that kept me up later than I wanted and should not be pigeon holed for just the gay reader. Enjoy.

I am not one who tends towards hyperbole, but I can honestly say that Storandt wields the English language with the precision of a surgeon and the grace of a dancer. The story unfolds with an excellent blend of character development and plot elaboration. We examine, and ultimately challenge, American stereotypes towards homosexuals. This is done through the eyes of both the gay characters and the conservative, heterosexual residents of the beachside community. The account is entertaining, yet realistic, as the effect of money and other factors on the acceptance of the "alien" lifestyle is weaved into the fabric of the story. This book seems to be marketed towards gay readers. However, I think that straight readers can benefit from and enjoy this book as much as the target audience.

I'm an avid reader of "gay" fiction and nonfiction. Twice I've resided in Provincetown and am acquainted with Fire Island and Palm Springs, etc. Imagine my delight in reading William Storandt's engrossing new book -- twice till 4:00 a.m. (He'd won me over as a fan with his beautifully-written first book "Outbound.) As the book jacket warned, one can hardly put it down. Charismatic and appealingly-developed characters abound; and the unfolding story is heart-warming, dishy, timely and brilliant. Not since "The Front Runner" have I enjoyed creating in my mind a future film of a meaty gay novel of this caliber. Perhaps this book, like "Auntie Mame" and "The Berlin Stories" will have a number of iterations. Let's hope so! Anyway, I think it's here to stay in our burgeoning rack of quality literature, and "The Summer They Came" is way near the top of the heap -- right along with White, Holleran, Vidal, Picano ate all - - -