Cutting the Cheese Reviewed by Libby Cone author of War in the Margins
****
This brief, funny book packs a lot of sharp observations on what we do for love or for money as played out at an evening meeting/party at the home of Sugar Daddy Roy Otterson. To paraphrase the song, Patterson looks at all kinds of love: fresh and still unspoiled, love/lust that is slightly soiled with meretricious desire, the mellow love of middle age. The author manages to cover this gamut without being judgmental, though the characters, with wildy disparate agendas, (the Lesbians' agenda, to their frustration, is mainly that of the meeting), are often bitchy and downright hostile. Patterson, as omniscient narrator, understands that our lives and our relationships are full of agendas, often hidden, somtimes greedy, and he refuses to favor one character over another, even the newbie. A fun book (each chapter is named with a different kind of cheese) that belongs on every shelf.
Libby Cone
author of War in the Margins
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Cutting the Cheese Reviewed by Blue Goddess - Kindle-aholics Anonymous
****
Being straight, this book provided a whole new insight for me into the gay and lesbian world. Someone close to me, I suspect is gay. I realize that it is scary coming out, and taking those first steps into a new world. I really felt for the newbie, not knowing who to trust, who would be a reliable friends, and who was foe. For me, it was hard to keep track of so many characters, but that is probably my own problem.
All in all, a fun read, with interesting characters, and definitely a broadening of my horizons since this is not usually my type of book. But I believe in supporting the indie author, and I hope many others will too!
Blue Goddess
Kindle-aholics Anonymous
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Cutting the Cheese Reviewed by Timothy Mulder author of Lonely and Lost
*****
A casual afternoon spent with your nearest and dearest 'activist' friends discussing the best way to go about expanding your group's influence on the wider community, while supping over wine and cheese. What could be simpler or more civil? Unfortunately almost every character in this convoluted clash of cross purposes and hidden agendas seems to be the reincarnated souls of some of the most vilest, back stabbing, boot licking neophytes to ever grace a royal court. Into the center of this snake pit wanders poor befuddled Luke. Idealistically romantic Luke. In over his head and sinking fast, will the bewildered and beguiling young newbie ever find his knight in shining armor?
The characters are vivid; (I'm certain I know one or two personally), the setting is masterfully detailed; (I could easily see it as a movie, or better yet... a theatrical production) and the pace; frantic and fevered. Hold on tight, because this trip through the lavender 'newbie shredder' is not for the faint of heart.
Wickedly Funny!!!
Review by Timothy Mulder
author of Lonely and Lost
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Cutting the Cheese reviewed by Mireille Reyns (Belgium)
*****
Great Fun!
Cutting the Cheese reminds me of a good old fashioned stage play, very fast paced and irresistibly witty. Vivid characters take the stage, and in the middle of all the fussing and commotion there is Luke, his life coming to a complete stand still when he sets eyes on this complete stranger. Or should I say the stranger sets eyes on him?
Great fun!
Review by Mireille Reyns
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Cutting the Cheese reviewed by Thomas Riccobuono (Cottonwood, AZ)
****
Double Snap
Every character in this twisted little comedy may seem like a stereotype, but stereotypes exist for a reason. I have personally met people in my life who are exactly like these characters. I have no trouble envisioning them acting in just this way.
This is one nail-biting, back-stabbing, hair-pulling thrill of a ride. With the sweetest of love stories set right in the middle.
I laughed so hard, I felt guilty, because I felt like I was laughing at myself and some of my closest friends.
Cheese and wine will never be the same again.
I give this naughty little treat two over-the-head snaps!
Review by Thomas Riccobuono
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Review By Todd A. Fonseca (Minneapolis, MN)
****
Coming Out Can Be Gouda
Uncertain, confused, and feeling lost after coming out, Luke Oliver searches for answers to this new world in which he now belongs. Finding the bar scene full of too many unspoken rules and regulations unknown to a newbie, Luke suddenly finds himself invited to the ostentatious home of one Roy Otterson where a meeting of a local gay and lesbian activist group is to take place. Intimidated by not only the grandeur of the home but by it's occupants, Luke quickly finds himself relegated to the kitchen drafted to the "cheese brigade" where houseboy Kelly Rodriguez and live-in playwright Mortimer demonstrate the proper size and shape for the cheese cubes to be served during the meeting.
One by one, members of this illustrious activist group arrive at the meeting quickly turned party and Luke begins to wonder if perhaps this lifestyle is for him. But then Branch McPherson arrives whom Luke has admired from afar. Unfortunately, Luke has invited a date and when Charles (Chaz) Remsen arrives, his personality lights up the party more than the time square crystal ball on new years eve.
Edward C Patterson offers a hilarious and engaging look into the challenges and opportunities one faces when coming out. Each of Patterson's characters are carefully crafted and I enjoyed meeting each one and seeing how their hopes, fears, desires, and manias would play out as the ever building collision course of personalities, hormones, jealousies, agendas, and love climaxed at the novel's conclusion.
As I read Cutting the Cheese, I couldn't help but be reminded of The Birdcage though Patterson's characters are more engaging and entertaining than the best Nathan Lane produced on the big screen. Patterson's humor and cadence are spot-on throughout. For cheese lovers, Patterson offers no less than twenty-eight different cheeses as titles for each of his chapters - enjoy!
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http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1434893847 (Paperback)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010K2ER6 (Kindle)
http://www.mobipocket.com/en/eBooks/BookDetails.asp?BookID=83901 (Mobipocket)
