A coming of age story every bit as intense and vivid as
James Joyce's "Araby", MILES is filled with spot-on truths
about the glory, force, and pain of adolescence. As the narrator tells his story
we hear a voice that is both insecure and confident in waves of learning and
knowing as he tells of family, friendships, new love, and blossoming sexuality.
An eloquent and extremely perceptive young man, Miles discovers and uncovers
truth after truth about himself and others and never falters in his path, even
when it leads to sorrow. This tender, sweet tale nearly startles in the
accuracy of its portrayal of the powerful emotions of young love, and the
genuine fear of being alone. I could really see, hear, and believe in this
character. The opulent layers of detail and of place and time immerse the
reader deeply in Miles' world, and I truly felt I had been on the
journey right along with him. This novel was a joy to read.
~ Arlene
Greene, author, Quicksand
Immersed in the words of MILES, the reader discovers
a complexity of character with a level of introspection rarely found in such a
visceral narrative. Carrière's writing is at once cerebral and highly emotive,
set against a tapestry of sights and sounds that position the reader inside
Miles' troubled, elegantly analytical mind. Woven through the Sturm und Drang
are bright threads of love, friendship, acceptance and compassion. Miles
transcends expectations and at the close of this euphony there is nothing left
but to sigh, having completed a journey through the highs and lows of humanity
and come to rest with a glow of satisfaction.
~ Leanne
Hanson, author, Ghost Dreaming
A five star coming of age gay story that has the emotional
intensity of a symphony (musical references abound)--but avoids all the
pitfalls of over-wrought sentimentality, not to mention the same old, same old
gestures of disaffected youth. The writing is fresh, often beautiful, and the
descriptions of Chicago in the
70s--neighborhoods, diners, schools, and suburbs--provide a colorful backdrop
to the narrative. Miles (the protagonist) relates self-discovery and journey
from adolescent to adult in his own unmistakable and charming voice (which is
to say I liked Miles right away): his intellect, humor, empathy, and honesty.
Young love, like so many other themes in literature, is not easy to write--but
I feel that Carrière is at his best when describing the complex, often awkward,
and unforgettable moments of attraction (the longing, excitement, tenderness),
as well as loss and mourning. The dialogue? Well, that simply rocked. One great
scene followed another and many memorable lines make up this book. A gorgeous
work.
~ Kathryn
A. Kopple, author, Little Velásquez
