What Readers say about No Irish Need Apply by Edward C. Patterson
Last edited: Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Posted: Saturday, February 7, 2009
No Irish Need Apply has been selected as June 2009's Book of the Month at Booz Allen Hamilton's Diversity Readers Group
No Irish Need Apply Reviewed by Rainbow Reviews
*****
"No Irish Need Apply by Edward C. Patterson is light homoerotic contemporary romance.
Kevin and Louis may know what prejudice feels like, but otherwise their childhoods are vastly different. Kevin has always gotten along fine at school where as Louis has always been treated with disdain and thought of as gay. They saw each other at school, but never really met until Louis is assigned as Kevin’s study partner. Louis has always known that he is different and he hopes that Kevin is that way too. Kevin has always done what is expected until he meets Louis and begins to have strange feelings for Louis.
As Kevin begins to explore these feelings, they both realize that slogan No Irish Need Apply relates to their situation more than they care for. Neither Louis or Kevin are truly out of the closet about how they feel for one another or their sexuality. Will they find the strength of will to acknowledge their feelings out in the open or will they like many people be doomed to deny their true selves?
Mr. Patterson has created an incredible story by linking it with prejudices that happened earlier in the century. By using this analogy that many understand from their study of history, it allows the reader to see how modern day prejudice effects people in the same manner it did years ago. I think that Kevin and Louis were very brave to stand up for themselves and in doing so they may have helped other young people in their same situation. I find this story very compelling and a must read for anyone who doesn’t understand how bigotry can effect people. I will be looking for other stories by Mr. Patterson."
Review by Teresa
Rainbow Reviews
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No Irish Need Apply Reviewed by Timothy Mulder author of Lonely and Lost
*****
Foregoing a full plot synopsis (see other reviews), I'll focus instead on why this book stands out for me.
As a reader, I am primarily concerned with my connection to the characters. Mr. Patterson's ability to fully flesh out his cast is a truly rare and talented gift. I was immediately taken in by all his characters, at all times believing in and caring about their situations.
The challenge of writing from the perspective of an age you are well past - in this case, two teenagers - is not easily accomplished. Yet Mr. Patterson masterfully engages the reader at a level that borders on deja-vu. Louis' and Kevin's exploits as young, gay men, coming to terms with their sexuality and senses of self worth, took me right back to my own experiences in high school.
Being gay made this 'visit to the past' uniquely poignant, but being an 'outsider' is a universal feeling that all young people share. Anyone who feels singled out, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation, will be able to identify with and benefit from this book. I'll be passing it on to my pre-teen niece, and heartily recommend it to everyone.
Review by Timothy Mulder
author of Lonely and Lost
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No Irish Need Apply reviewed by Mireille Reyns (Belgium)
*****
Moving Love Story
With this novel Mr. Patterson has reached my heart and soul. I had to fight back the tears as I read this tender, loving story about two young men fighting for and finding the love of their lives. Long after I finished the story, Kevin, Louis and Mrs B still lingered on in my mind. Making me feel all warm and good inside. Truly exceptional and therefore I can highly recommend this little piece of art to everybody!
Review by Mireille Reyns
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No Irish Need Apply Reviewed by Thomas Riccobueno, Cottonwood, AZ
*****
Noble and Courageous
The innocence and sincerity of this simple love story has all the earmarks of an 'after-school special'. Anyone else remember those? The characters were right out of every day life.
Completely real and engaging. I only wish, life and such actions had been possible when I was that age. Coming of age is hard enough, but coming out while dealing with impending manhood is a testament to both the nobility and courage of these two young warriors of love. If this is ever made into a movie, I hope Ron Howard directs, so the (all-american) timelesness of the characters will be acurately captured.
No Irish Need Apply gives me hope for the future.
Review by Thomas Riccobueno
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No Irish Need Apply reviewed by R. W. Banks "The Gemstar" (Australia)
*****
Heart-Warming and Heart-Breaking in Equal Measures
"No Irish Need Apply" is a wonderful book, bittersweet and charmingly told. On one hand it's simply a tale of first love between two young boys (Kevin and Louis) who are only just learning to come to terms with their sexuality in a town full of gossip-mongering and intolerance. And yet, through the use of clever analogy and elegant prose, Mr Patterson manages to convey powerful messages about prejudice and understanding.
All the characters peopling this short novel are well-written and realistically portrayed. The reader gets a sense of the boys' distinct personalities and their differing reactions when faced with similar circumstances. I became especially fond of "Mrs B" whose character probably evolves more than any other throughout the story. Her tender and somewhat humorous relationship with Louis is one of the highlights of the book in my opinion.
The plot moves along at a fast clip and at times packs an unexpected emotional punch. I have to admit there were some moments towards the end of the book when I was reduced to a quivering wreck! My five-star rating speaks for itself.
Review by R. W. Banks
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No Irish Need Apply Reviewed by Esmeralda Luv (Seattle, WA)
*****
Another Great Book
This book is multi-faceted in that it describes in great detail the impact this love story has on all of the characters in the story. First and foremost is the love between Kevin and Louis. This side of the story is told with both boys' feelings on the line, and the chances they take. Next is Kevin's mother, Mrs. B, and the impact their relationship has on her, a single mother, trying to make the right choices for her only son, and choosing to be supportive because in the end, it's the only thing a loving mother can do. Louise, Louis' mother, is having a hard time coming to terms with all of this in addition to her own problems. Mrs. B. steps up to the plate and says the right things and knows in time Louise will also come to terms with her son's decisions. For me, while I understood and felt the turmoil the boys were going through, Mrs. B. is the true heroine of this story.
I have enjoyed several of Edward C. Patterson's books. While 'Surviving an American Gulag' is a favorite of mine, this book is a solid second. He has a way of bringing out the true emotions of each and every character he writes into his stories. It's as if the reader is sitting in the room, watching facial expressions and extending a hand to the character who needs it. This is more than just skilled writing, Patterson has been blessed with a gift of bringing real situations to life and all of the sensitive emotions that accompany them. It is with great anticipation that I look forward to Edward's next book.
Review by Esmaralda Luv
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No Irish Need Apply Reviewed by Beth A (Mpls, Mn)
*****
A Love Story
This story explores the wonder of first love, and the power of it. As well as the depth of a Mothers love for her child. This is a beautifully written story, where we feel their wonder, fear, courage and hope. It is a story that will touch your heart.
