'These Things Happen'
By: Richard Kramer
(Paperback / Unbridled Books / 272 Pages / $12.75)
Description: In Kramer’s warmhearted and appealing novel, 'These Things Happen' we get to know Wesley through his own storytelling and via chapters told in the voices of the significant people in his life.
Verdict: This delightful book may well start by painting a bright, sunny picture of post-gay relationships in New York City, but trust me when I say it soon becomes much more deeply psychological along the way. That said, and in amongst characters succumbing to homophobic violence and uneasy massive prejudice, 'These Things Happen' (which is a great title for this book) still manages to treat each of its colorful characters with huge amounts of empathy.
Indeed, each chapter is in the voice of a different character and it makes it so interesting/fun/cool/exciting to really get into the minds of the different characters this way. You might actually find yourself reading it aloud with different cadences and accents; I know I did!
Thus, having immediately become enraptured by these characters and their lives, I have to say that author Richard Kramer has a real knack for subtly showing what makes characters tick. What motivates them, even if it's just on paper in black and white.
That said, I shouldn't be too shocked for as a fan of his TV writing, I knew to expect great dialog. But he also delivered witty and emotionally grounded prose. If you've ever had a relationship of any kind with any person, you will find something to relate to in this story, believe me!
'These Things Happen' is a collection of stories told through a grounded plot of subtext and reveal, is chock full of warmth, honesty and contains a sharp sense of humor. Buy this book today and read it TODAY!
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