Reviews for Yield

The average rating for Yield based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2010-12-02 00:00:00 Kayt Fitzpatrick Simon lives in Manhattan and works as a file clerk at the hospital. This is his part-time day job, but he also works as a gay hustler. Rejected by his own Midwestern family, he has moved to New York City where he has formed a family of choice which consists of three close friends, all gay. This eclectic band of comrades supports one another, but they are disturbed and nearly paralyzed with fear when one of their members, Louis, is victimized in a nearly fatal gay bashing. Simon takes Louis into his home and cares for him after the attack, and the emotional and mental condition of his closest friend is troubling to Simon. Another member of their group, Jaron, is struggling as well. He not only suffers from anorexia but also is a self-cutter, habitually mutilating himself with sharp objects. The final member of the group, Farmer, is the group's pragmatist. He's the type who absorbs and stores trivia, a walking and talking Trivial Pursuit game. The pressures that Simon faces bear heavily upon his soul, and coupled with the feelings of objectification and diminished self esteem caused by his chosen profession, he is nearly crippled with anxiety. Rather than succumb to such fatalism, though, Simon learns to manage the stress and fear by employing a coping mechanism. He has conditioned himself to find a place within himself where he is emotionally flat. He can zone out, forcing himself not to feel the pain. It is, of course, a form of disassociation. When Simon is propositioned by a man at the local Laundromat, things begin to change for him. This attractive neighbor, whom Simon has previously observed and fantasized about, is known simply as "Laundry Man". Upon getting to know him, though, Simon discovers his true identity. His real name is Aiden, and what begins as a hustler/client relationship soon evolves into something far more significant. When Aiden invites Simon to accompany him on a weekend getaway to Vermont, Simon must make some important assessments of himself and his lifestyle. If ever I've encountered an author who has mastered the ability to write with subtlety of voice more so than this author, I cannot recall whom. Houck's writer's voice employs a very flat characteristic which is pointedly non-dramatic. He makes observations, mostly of benign details, and allows the reader to determine their significance. He uses metaphors and colorful similes which often give the reader pause, causing them to stop for a moment and think. This first person narrative is in the voice of Simon, and for the first three-quarters of the book it has a pessimistic, wry, and sardonic tone. It is peppered with sarcastic wit which at times borders upon campiness, yet it's voiced in a manner that is undeniably relatable. It is when Simon reaches a point where he hesitantly lowers his shield and allows himself to love and be loved in return, the tone of voice begins to shift somewhat. It was during these passages that the story captured my heart. The imperfections and vulnerabilities of the story's protagonist make him so real. Although not particularly presented sympathetically, he is likeable enough to root for. He is loveable enough to hope for. He is realistic enough to believe in. And most importantly, he is worthy enough to deserve happiness. It is Simon's brutal and unflinching honesty that makes such an impact, and it is his unspoken morality that makes him so heroic. It is odd really, because a snapshot of this character would suggest the opposite, that he is perhaps a person who lacks morals. One may assume that he is utterly depraved, prostituting himself to the highest bidder. Selling his body. Selling his soul. Yet his moral code is essentially what guides and saves him, and it finally brings him to a point in his life where he is ready to yield. This story is gem, intelligently written and powerful'a must read.

Review # 2 was written on 2011-02-19 00:00:00 Alexis Barton A really well-written book. All the pages are worthy and I can tell the author really worked this book to perfection. Simon is a man living in NYC as a part-time medical records filer with most of his energy spent being a "sure-I-will-do-that", slightly kinky call boy. Note: sex is a plot aspect to this book, not the main focus (read: don't come looking for some hot go-go, hooker boy action) The story unfolds - questions arise, some are answered (the right ones) and some are left...to you to think about. If there was ever a sequel to this book - it would ruin it. This is the kind of story that leaves you wondering, but to answer the question would TOTALLY RUIN IT (like did Truvy's second hair salon sink or swim?). So, if you can't handle it, I would not suggest you pick this one up.