What do You think about Boys And Girls Together (2001)?
A series of great character studies and converging plotlines that, sadly, end up going nowhere. The main characters are all very likable, and especially Rudy's generational saga is thrilling - some of the chapters drag on for too long, but the emotional impact is very strong throughout the story. It's a shame the novel ends with absolutely nothing - no big resolution, no reveal, just the characters destroying themselves. Perhaps it's a commentary on something, but I wasn't able to see it. In any case, Goldman's take on homosexual relationships is interesting and very accurately and respectfully reflects attitudes that were present when he wrote it. Overall, it's nice to read another LGBT novel from Goldman along with "Marathon Man" and its sequel "Brothers", and his typical writing style is used wonderfully.
—Niki
Goldman writes young people well. As they age, he seems to lose it. I like his deadpan dialog:“Hey, George.”“Watcha got?”“Looks broke.”“Is.”“Hey, you enlisting today?”“Flat feet.”“Oh. Sorry, P.T.”“Can I use the toolroom?”“Why not.”and this:“Mother...”“Who are you?”“Rosie...”“Do I know you?”“Please, Mother...”“You look like somebody I think died.”“I’m sorry.”“Are you dead?”“Please, I’m sorry.”“Are you dead? Huh?”“Mother...?”“Huh?”“I’m alive.”“Again.”“I’m alive.”“Louder.”“I’m alive.”“That’s my baby.”
—Joe
If I'd stopped reading after the chapters about the characters' childhoods, I would have given it five stars, I think. But it really went downhill for me. The children all grew up into fairly damaged and unlikeable adults. The most likeable was the one we knew the least. And the female characters were described primarily in terms of their sexual attractiveness and desire (or lack thereof). My favorite part was Rudy's childhood relationship with his grandfather, the only person in his life who wanted nothing from him. That was beautiful. It reminded me of the grandfather and grandson in The Princess Bride.
—Nancy
