The awakening of Art
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Art Bechstein, fresh out of college, notices an attractive young man in the library, no sooner is he outside the library than this attractive young man, the very appealing and flamboyant Arthur is standing beside him. In addition the attentions of Arthur, Art struggles with his uncertain feelings for Phlox, the strange girl who works in the library. So begins a summer of friendships, sex and parties, and a beautiful relationship that eventually dispels any doubts Art might have had about his sexuality. Add to that the hint of gangsters and the mysterious smoke from a factory; it all contributes to captivating read.
This is a thoroughly engrossing and interesting story, beautifully written and full of vitality, wit and humour.
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What can happen if you have too much time on your hands...
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This is the tale of Art who, after finishing college, hangs around Pittsburg waiting for something to happen. Art is a bit of a trustfund baby but the source of his income is an embarrasment to him. But the life he starts to lead starts to become an embarrasment to his income...
This is a book that burns slowly but gradually builds and takes you in, along with Art, on a journey. I loved the way he develops new relationships and how he described the adulation for his new friends, his fears and his doubts. The relationships are so delicately drawn that it feels like reportage and I really liked that.
I gave it only four stars because there is a spark missing from this book. There are no sympathetic characters, the lazy days of summer - though well evoked - made me a bit lazy as a reader. I felt a little bit like Art in this book - continually waiting for something to happen, but when it did it was neither surprising nor exciting. I did enjoy the book, but I don't miss it and was glad to finish it.
I don't want to be too negative because it was a good book and it is worth reading.
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Lazy, hazy days of college
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This is a great book for those of us caught up in the rat race of the working world. It takes us back to those days of college where the biggest problem in life was getting over a hangover from drinking too much the night before. Life is the twilight world of summer semester at college, filled with parties. The characters are fun; the dialogue witty.
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So where's the film?
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If ever a book warranted a film version... This is a fntastic book; it gives off a kind of shimmering heat that the reader basks in - unfortunately for too short a time. I doubt any other book will transport you to Pittsburgh quite like this one. I want to go and see the cloud factory.
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The most touching book I have ever opened
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I found that this novel, upon reading, began to work its way into every aspect of my waking (and dreaming) mind. I am constantly conjuring up quotes and scenes and comparing them to my own experiences. I recommend it enthusiastically to everyone.
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