The Men from the Boys

Jeff & Lloyd #1

by William J. Mann

Jeff O’Brien - bright, good-looking, and inching dangerously past thirty, is caught between two generations, the Baby Boomers and Generation X. He’s been with his partner, Lloyd, for seven years now, but when Lloyd announces that there’s no passion left between them, Jeff is sent into something of an existential frenzy. Desperate not to end up alone, Jeff haunts the dance floor and roadside rest stops, finding both the sordid and the sublime in anonymous encounters. But it’s love he’s after, so ultimately it’s his bittersweet romance in Provincetown with Eduardo, twenty-two and a vision of gorgeous, wide-eyed youth, that lingers in his mind and seems to hold the answers he seeks. This is a story of a man coming to terms with the accelerating ambiguity of his world, where men die young but old age is actively devalued. It is the story of gay life today, the life being led by thousands of men trying desperately to keep up, and to discover if anything really unites gay men other than desire. It is the story of how the truths of gay life are handed down from gay generation to gay generation. It is the story of what separates the men from the boys.

Genres: Gay, Fiction, LGBT, Queer, Gay Fiction, M M Romance, Romance

352 pages, ebook

First published June 1, 1997

About the author

Also writes children's books under the pseudonym Geoffrey Huntington.

Reviews

[Robert Dunbar · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t get very far in, but that’s quite enough of that. Revelation: having characters suffer and die from AIDS does not automatically provide them with depth. At some level, apparently, shallowness remains implacable. On the plus side, there is a great deal of sex in these pages, though of an oddly non-erotic variety, as though sections had been culled from some fruity Harold Robbins novel, the tawny Bulgarian fingered my serape sort of thing. A little of this goes an awfully long way.

[John-Fig · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know that this book is like those films we love the first time we see them and then, on subsequent viewings, find them nearly intolerable. There is a sweetness that I took away from reading this book and I am not about to spoil it by rereading it and finding out that it is actually poor. Nope.

[Wendell Hennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional read, touching and explaining so many gay life issues. Why gay couples "open" up their relationships, why gay men replace families with friends who understand them better than families, and communicate better with them than families. And perhaps most important of all, that as gays age and mature their passions become the waves of the ocean on a sunny day, the setting sun, no different than heterosexuals. A most lovely crafted story, accurately describing gay life in the 90's and making us all wish we had summered each year in Provincetown.

[Matt Chisling (MattyandtheBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mini-Review: I'm glad I stumbled upon William J. Mann's debut novel about 25 years after publication. It's easy to imagine how a novel like this would've felt revolutionary at publication, while serving an important historical function for readers today. This isn't a romance, but it's definitely a love story-a complex, challenging one with some flawed character exhibiting some ugly behavior. But it's also a passionate story about the search for a new queer identity in the wake of a dark (ongoing) chapter in the lives of gay men. Jeff and Lloyd (along with Javitz, Eduardo, and more) struggle with sexuality, sex, safety, security, and an understanding of what the future has in store. It was a bit slow at times and I didn't love the constant flipping back and forth in a short period of time, but I still felt lucky to get the chance to read it.

[Cameron Mitchell · Rating 1 out of 5]

After finishing William J. Mann's novel, The Men from the Boys, I couldn't tell if I liked it or not. Yes, there are certain passages that clearly show Mann is (or, at least can be) a talented writer. Yet, there was a lack of any real depth with the characters and the plot.

The story centers around Jeff and Lloyd, who find their relationship falling apart once Lloyd exclaims that there's no passion left. The book jumps back and forth in time, alternating between a past summer in Provincetown and the present in Boston. This structure, which showed what was happening for the main characters at two very different, yet equally important times of their lives, worked well and is quite creative.

Jeff and Lloyd enjoy and open relationship, which might turn some off automatically. For me, it wasn't so much that they had an open relationship that left a bad taste, but, at times, it seemed like the author was writing an essay on why open relationships are better than monogamy; or, it seemed like he was really reaching to defend the idea that monogamy doesn't work. I can understand his argument, yet, like other ideas presented in the book, it didn't work to enhance the plot all that much. Instead of reading a good piece of fiction, I felt as if I was reading strung together essays on the nature of gay culture and relationships at times. He (not so) cleverly hides these essay-like moments behind long conversations between Jeff, Lloyd, and their best friend, Javitz, an older, mentor-like figure.

Another problem is with the main character, Jeff. While he's not completely insufferable, he's not the most likeable character ever created and doesn't seem to show any growth by the end of the book. He gets obsessed with young, attractive guys and argues that he sometimes falls in love with them for only a night. But, he seems incapable of describing his strong feelings beyond long descriptions of their sculpted abs and pecs. He's annoyingly superficial.

And yes, this youth and looks obsession in the gay community is something that exists and could be interesting to write about ... however, it doesn't seem like Mann scratches the surface enough on any of this. There's so much more to explore behind the why of all of this, yet Mann doesn't do that at all.

Throughout the book, Jeff comes off as pretty whiny and dim as to why his relationship isn't working. As Mann seems to make an argument for open relationships, his story points out how many problems it can open up. In other words, he seems to be making an argument for open relationships while unknowingly showing the obvious problems that can arise with such a situation. At numerous points while reading the book, I felt like hitting Jeff on the head and saying, "Duh! Dude, what do you expect?"

Parts of the book are pretty cliche as well. Some characters, like Javitz, could have been really interesting if explored further. Pretty disappointing book overall.

[Denis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great gay novel that is both well written and extremely true to what being gay in the nineties meant. Mann is a much better writer than one could expect, a true author who does not just tell a story but write it carefully, with style, intelligence, and wit. His character are as believable as they are interesting, and it's difficult not to get attached to them and to understand what they go through. The two sequels are equally good, and the whole series really create a vast panorama of gay life that has true social and psychological depth.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought and read this soon after it came out one very fun party summer long ago in Provincetown, appropriately, and forgot about it until today. Was buried on my bookshelves. All of Mann's books are fun, realistic, erotic, quick reads, and have become records of gay life as it was before Grindr changed everything.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really enjoyed this book. I started reading Mann's Where The Boys Are and kept hearing so much about Alister that I had to stop midway through and pick up the first book. Excellent writing, current and remarkably "real" for the circuit boy types...a must read for any gay (or straight) man...

[Andrew Chidzey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a challenging and confronting book that covers broad themes which dictate the way our lives play out: love, friendship, passion, relationships, family and death. I found the style of writing added to the overall emotion that the various storylines evoked from me. I did find that my attitude towards Jeff, the central character, changed several times throughout the book as at times I could relate to him completely and at other times I found him frustrating and annoying. I expect that if I read this book at different stages in my life it would have different meaning for me and evoke a different reaction. Overall, the book is one that will stick with me for many years to come - it is one of those rare stories where one walks away with more questions than answers

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly an interesting read but of a time and lifestyle that I never experienced nor partook of when I was of an age. Set in the early 1980s as AIDS was new, I would have been about Edwardo's age, and although aware of my orientation, not yet out and never into the bar culture. When I did come out I was living in a small town where any type of gay "lifestyle" was at a significant distance and inconvenience and I never felt the need to participate in that kind of "lifestyle". I've plans to read others in this series just because of the influence of the author but it may well be some time as I don't identify with the characters as I might with other stories.

[Julia Bolatti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book ! I could not put it down ! The story, the characters, the writing everything about it was amazing ! The author really captured the beauty of friendship and companion ship. 10/10 MUST READ

[Ruddy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt so gay reading this...and I loved it.
I think this was my first gay novel. Even though I could not really relate to any of the characters (aside from being gay), I found this to be a good summer read. It might seem a little soap opera-ish at first, but it really deals with a lot of relationship issues that could happen to anyone. .

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is my life... well, not my life but a quarter of the way in and the writing is almost exactly like what i think in my head. slightly uncomfortable but also comforting to know it isn't just my crazy brain that feels and thinks this way.

okay, took me a while. it wasn't horrible but it wasn't great. seemed more like a self-gratifying exploration than a good novel to me.

[5amWriterMan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this story. It was a hurdle at first, frustrated with Jeff's character and finding it difficult to immerse myself into the story but after the first 100 pages, I couldn't put the book down! I was compelled until the final period of the final sentence...and I wanted more. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series, "Where the Boys Are." :-))

[Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way better than the cover art suggests. A fun, witty and occasionally poignant ramble through gay life in the nineties. Makes me want to visit Provincetown…in the winter.

[Carlos Mock · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Men From The Boys by William J Mann (Hardcover)

“Living in Provincetown year round…is what separates the men from the boys.” p. 247

“Only great passions can bring us great things…”. p. 204

“It all comes back to o ne thing: fear of sex in the age of AIDS.” p 191

“Straights use lover to mean sex; queers use lover to mean love.” P. 29

“Growing old is not for sissies, so they say. But sissies do get older.” P. 5

“Get old or get AIDS: the end result is the same.” P. 6

Two timelines, three men, and all their friends, tricks, and lovers are the The Men From The Boys.

Thirty Three year old Jeffrey Michael O’Brien, Jr (Jeff), is living in both his current lover, Lloyd Duane Griffith (Lloyd) and 47 y/o David Javitz (Javitz). They alternate both in time and location between Boston and Provincetown and the years 1994 and 1995.

Jeff and Lloyd have an open relationship, so the book deals with their current tricks: Jeff’s 22 y/o Eduardo (Eddie) and Lloyd’s Drake Anderson Knowles (Drake). Javitz has AIDS and is in and out of the hospital. He is older and is the teacher from which the group learns about life and relationships.

They, along their friends - both lesbian and gay - navigate through life and relationships in the age of HIV/AIDS.

Narrated from Jeff first person point of view this was a slow and hard read. The book is filled with cliches and the characters are not real - almost caricatures. I never cared for them. There is no plot top talk about and alongside three cliche’s there are many repetitions of the same tales as the author switches from one time to the other - it starts with first 1994 and then 1995, and then it reverses with first 1995 and then 1994.

It bore me to death, but since I’m on vacation I finished it anyhow. It’s book one ion a series and I will not be reading any future releases.

Not recommended!

[Neet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book eons ago, I think it was a time when they still his had bookstores. I read it several times, and it got to the point where the poor book was worn and missing pages. So, I happily purchased the book in the Kindle format. This should be told, is a 3 part series. We meet the MC, Jeff, a self-absorbed writer in his early 30's already complaining about lost youth. Jeff, is an likeable sort, selfish, always looking for the next trick, but in a 6 year open relationship with Lloyd. The book takes place in the 90's but, Jeff foolish high risk sexual activity is maddening. This is a man who has watched friends and lovers die of AIDS, but still has risky sex. He's also a man that has gets jealous at a drop of a hat at Lloyd's tricks becoming serious with him, but has no problem falling in love during the summer with a trick. The trick on this occasion at a house that Jeff, Lloyd, and his friend, ex-lover, and mentor, Javitz split the cost in rent is a young 22 year old named Eduardo. Jeff doesn't mean to, but falls in love with the young man. Javitz, who is HIV positive, tries to warn the young man about what he can and can't expect from Jeff. I love the character Javitz, he's in his late 40's and activist, a former professor who has the wisdom and maturity the younger men lack. Jeff is so infuriating, and I won't say at the end of this book you'll like him better. Despite, an unlikable MC, there's plenty to like about this book .It's a good read and highly recommended.

[Johnathan Alesso · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite an unlikable protagonist and a lack of plot, I found heart in this book. Jeff is obnoxious and creates his own problems, but given the circumstances I can understand why. I had a difficult time feeling any sympathy for such a whiny, narcissistic, attractive man. Why he should be surprised why his ill-conceived plans blow up is a mystery, and unfortunately contribute to the only semblance of a plot arc this book has. His quasi-relationship with Lloyd is head-spinning and incomprehensible. One wonders whether the two simply love their own codependent misery. Fortunately, the side character lift the book back into readable territory. Javitz is smart and uplifting, as are the various other side characters. Perhaps the best character of all is no character at all - the Cape Cod backdrop is absolutely gorgeous. I fell in love with the descriptions of summer and winter, the zeitgeist of summer on the beach.

[Jordan Lombardo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough one...

First off, I am a huge fan of Mann's writing techniques (similar to Michael Thomas Ford) and literary skills . If you've read "Object of Desire", you'll know he's a quite a talented author. With all of this being said, "The Men from the Boys" has been a mixture of well thought out characters and downright boring scenes. I'm disappointed to say the least.

I believe I read another reader's review right before reading where he/she claimed that characters struggling and living through Aids does not necessarily equate to a strong, well-written novel. This is indeed true and more than apparent as the story flows. I truly don't think I've ever had such a difficult time FINISHING this book. The last few chapters are a snore.

I have low expectations for the next novel in this series "Where the Boys Are". I guess we shall see.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a tough read for me having lived through the hiv/aids pandemic. But I'm glad that I made it through it - I think I was ready.

I outlived all of my chosen family - some by more than 30 years. This book took me to the good times we had instead of all the sadness. And boy did we have some fun over the years that we had together!

I know that most of my clan are gone. Either I was there when they went or went to their funerals or I was notified by a friend that they had passed over if we were not in the same town at the time. But there are a couple who simply vanished. Perhaps it was all too much for them or maybe they were poz/sick also and didn't want any attention for their last days or maybe they are out there somewhere wondering if I am still alive. If you are, I am.

This is a great book.

[Evan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bite his neck, my lips shielding my teeth like living condoms.

Lovers: those who love. Those who comfort and take care, those who hold each other, share each other's fears and dreams. It would apply to both of them, both Lloyd and Javitz. My lovers. Straights use lover to mean sex; queers use lover to mean love.

How alive I feel next to him, how vital. How-and I laugh to think of it-young. My dick is heavy whenever I'm with him, my laugh quick in my throat.

Ah, family. It's like Bisquick. No matter how you bake it, it always comes out the same.

"Look, with good intentions you can still miss each other. You aim in the right direction and pray real hard, but sometimes you still miss."

[Nicolas Chinardet · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is a melancholy meditation on the meaning of love at a time when it could often become synonymous with death.

The structure of the book is intricate, telling the story of the three main characters over two years. There are two alternating strands in the book. One set originally set in Provincetown in 1994 and another set in Boston about 6 month later. Eventually, as the storylines catch up with each other, the locations of the strands are swapped and the elements of the story poetically merge into one.

[CT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeff was not the most likable main character. He's a little whiny and self-centered, but we all are at times. It's a nice portrait of aging from youthful beauty into middle age. The book seemed to drag in places, and it was hard to keep the converging narratives straight. I found I had to keep flipping back to see where we were. I understand the switching back and forth, but the storylines didn't seem divergent enough to warrant it.

[Juan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I rarely give 2 stars. This story had some interesting moments but I felt that certain situations kept reoccurring. The main character was also annoying and frustrating to follow along. Nevertheless there were some funny moments and some good dialogue. I liked Javitz the most and felt bad for Mr.Tomkins. It was an ok read; a bit on the philosophical side of things.

[raymond g. berube · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mann's ability to recreate Boston and Provincetown was fascinating because I lived and spent time in both of those locations during the sane years of which he writes! He nailed it!
Fascinating writing. Beautifully structured characters. He absolutely captured THE SCENE of both places!
Ignore the negative reviews perhaps expressed by some who were not able to identify with the context.
Bravo Mr. Mann... you've got great talent!

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much better than I was expecting

[John Musgrove · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dull. Self-centered and hedonistic gay men that cannot grow up. I don't need a book to experience that. There are men everywhere, gay and straight, that behave this way.

[Ry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never made so many highlights in my Kindle as I have done with this book.

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best and the worst of gay experience all in one book. Took a while to get into it, and I still don't care much for the protagonist, but it did make me cry, which must mean the emotion was real

[Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5