Book Review of "Boy Culture" by Matthew Rettenmund

AUTHOR: Matthew Rettenmund

ISBN: 978-0-31214-553-8

PUBLISHER: St. Martin's Press

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RATING: 3 out of 5 stars

BOOK BLURB:

Meet X, a wily hustler with a problem. The object of his affection is his roommate Andrew, who is confused about his sexuality and unwilling to give X a chance at a relationship while he's making money prostituting himself. Meanwhile X's other roommate, 17 year old party boy Joe, is falling for X in a big way. The result is a new take on the old-fashion love triangle that paints a touching portrait of love and lust among three very different gay men.

BOOK REVIEW:

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. X tells himself he's only in the hustling business because the money is good, but the few repeat customers he's retained over the years each help showcase a different aspect of X's personality, giving three dimensions to a character who might have easily been portrayed as just another gay stereotype. His affection for his roommates is heart-felt, and I really felt his frustration with wanting to go farther with Andrew while fending off the advances of other his underage roomie, Joe.

But perhaps the most memorable character for me was one of X's customers, an older gentleman content to pay X for his company more than his body. Between the scenes with him and the flashbacks to X's first gay experiences with his cousin, I found myself really fascinated with the characters. They were well drawn out and likable, and there was a gritty edginess to the book that made it real to me. I even went so far as to write Mr. Rettenmund a letter thanking him for writing this book, though I never got a response.

If you like contemporary gay fiction with an erotic, street-hip edge, and wounded characters who struggle to keep their emotions under tight rein, definitely check this book out. I think you might be surprised.