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Published on 11/21/08
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Hold this heavy, beautifully designed book in your hands and you might wonder what sort of mediocre writing all the artistry is trying to obscure. Forget it, though, because it turns out that the new publishing company’s debut is a winner, thanks to the spare, deeply affecting writing of Ruff, a New York City short-story writer who has penned a unique and arresting novel about two boys in love.
Set in Cincinnati in 1969, the tale is told from the point of view of Cliffy, a 13-year-old African-American kid who has a high aptitude for (and slight obsession with) spelling. He lives in the Findlater Gardens Projects with his two brothers, his hardworking mom and his no-good dad, who has returned, in the first chapter, after a long absence. In that clever scene we get Cliffy sitting in a tub, catching sight of mysterious headlights in the window, then unceremoniously meeting his father as he barges into the bathroom to take a piss. The uncomfortable eroticism in the air sets the stage for what’s to come—both with inappropriate loser-Daddy and also Noah, the precocious, brace-faced Jewish classmate who becomes Cliffy’s first lust and love. The two face plenty of prejudice just for walking down the street together, with passersby shouting “bitches” and “Oreos” at them, but the real connection—which starts out with mutual “milking” sessions and turns into highly charged sex romps of all kinds—becomes a brave relationship of a whole different kind.The connection between the boys is priceless, from their wonderfully natural intimacy to their false bravado that gets quickly chipped down to honesty through discussions about how Jews are like blacks and about the boys’ fathers, each tragically flawed in very different ways. Though Ruff’s language is a bit off at times—peppered with colloquialisms like “Us kids’ birthdays were different” that seem jarringly out of step with his otherwise proper use of English—it’s mostly just evocative and mesmerizing. And the story itself is a gem.
Funski
Thu, Sep 11, at 09:25pm
I want MORE! A friend gave me this book after he read it and I loved it. I couldn't put it down. What a wonderful love story. I just ordered my own signed copy on finlater.com. Well done Mr. Ruff!
Jonathyn
Sat, Sep 06, at 04:29pm
Yes! Great recommendation!
The writing is brilliant; this is definitely on my shortlist for 2008!
Mark
Wed, Sep 03, at 09:07pm
Wow. I am so thankful that the TONY review made me aware of this amazing book. As a gay man, I found so much of myself and my personal experiences in the characters of Cliffy and Noah - the awkwardness, the longing, the confusion and the sheer joy of discovering teenage love. Whether you are gay or straight, or anything in between, Finlater is required reading. Congratulations Shawn on a wonderful novel - and I look forward to your next project.
Nan
Wed, Sep 03, at 07:09am
I loved this book and I just want to state that this witty and endearing story need not be just placed within the halls of gay, lesbian, and queer literature. Ruff's writing can definitely stand on it's own within the mainstream, as well.
Sasha
Mon, Sep 01, at 03:41pm
Beware when u open this bookcover u will not put the book aside until u have read the very very last word of it!! Leaving u breathless of the journey u took with Cliffy and Noah, one of those rare books so well written u enjoy every word and every komma of it! defenitly go buy a copy it's more then worth it for u and to give as a great gift to your friends!! www.finlater.com is where I still found the book (seems it's sold out on amazone?)
Seton
Fri, Aug 29, at 02:37pm
This book is beautiful, touching and wonderfully written. You can't help but really feel for these young boys. I am definitely adding this book to the LGBT after-school book club that we run.
sharon
Fri, Aug 29, at 09:20am
Great book. Great story
Saliym Shields
Thu, Aug 28, at 09:03pm
I fell in love with Cliffy & Noah and their beautiful story about young love. The book was kind of hard to locate but I eventually purchased a signed copy on finlater.com.
Marilyn M
Thu, Aug 21, at 03:16pm
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It reveals issues about love, race, and prejudice unlike anything i've read before, and with complete authenticity.
Finlater is a must read!
Mike Morgan
Thu, Aug 21, at 03:11pm
Finlater has my highest recommendation, and is a must read for all ages.
Stu
Tue, Aug 19, at 08:18pm
I've never read anything quite like this. Brililant!
