No More Brunch Spots, Please

filled star filled star filled star star unfilled star unfilled
theladywithglasses Avatar

By

I’ll admit I’m well past the age of mooning over boy bands. I can still remember when everybody went nuts over The Jackson Five, for goodness sakes. However, this novel digs into the behind-the-scenes banter, love, loss and friendship among adolescent boys who are just into their third album and still enjoying clambering on stage and entertaining the crowd.

The gay member has his own crosses to bear as fans speculate on his love life, his abilities in bed and the nature of his breakup with his former squeeze. It’s difficult getting over a lost love. Try doing it in front of legions of fans when you’re barely of an age to drive and you can understand Hunter’s anxieties.

The lad does seem to have a firm head on his shoulders. He understands the expectations of The Label and is very accommodating about what’s expected of him. Hunter’s no divo and his fellow band members are equally charming and relaxed. It’s a little tough to see them as individuals in this excerpt but the author conveys the sense of camaraderie and friendship among these lads that existed before they ever formed a band together.

We don’t know what happened to break up Hunter with his long-time boyfriend but the author adroitly teases us with the hints. All was not perfect in their relationship and we understand how devotees could be fooled by online photos and carefully staged interviews. It’s a small peek into the life of a growing boy via the age of Instagrammable photos and places this firmly within the modern era.

The story is engaging, showing a writer with a firm grasp of plot, pacing, characterization and dialogue. Hunter’s story is one to follow whether you’re crazy about pouty-lipped boy singers or not.