Soulmates at first sight, Janice Rungren and Clifford Bannon enjoy a stormy relationship that spans three decades, from the 1960s and the optimism of the Kennedy administration to the 1980s with its specter of AIDS. 12,000 first printing. $10,000 ad/promo.
Greg Johnson is an American short-story writer, novelist, poet, and biographer who teaches creative writing at Kennesaw State University and lives in Atlanta.
Felt like just the longest book in the world. A bizarre coming of age story that must have made more sense when it was published in the 90’s? Follows Clifford and Janice from their childhood in a catholic community in rural Texas, to their adulthood in Atlanta - Clifford is gay, Janice is not. Had its moments, but I really didn’t get much from it. Wouldn’t recommend.
I must admit that I read this book many years ago (in fact, when it was first released), but it has stuck with me through the years and being an author myself now, I wanted to give kudos to Johnson for his work. I found this novel very engaging, the characters likeable as well as easy to empathize with. Taking two childhood friends through the rough teenage years onward, especially during the volatile 1970's and 80's, isn't easy. Johnson manages to do this and retain our interest in these characters throughout. A great coming of age story, especially for the gay community.