Review: very sweet, very enjoyable, but reminds me of another book
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 07 31, 2011
First off I have to say that I found this book alot of fun and the characters are great together. I really enjoyed it. But I have a huge problem with the basic format of the book. It reminds me very, very much of another book I read a while back by Jan Irving titledThe Janitor (The Contenders). Here's a comparison:This book features Larry; a Cambridge Art professor who is slight, is comfortable in the world of academia, and has a family who very much disapproves of his relationship with Al. Al is a simple man who works with his hands, has a background in boxing and being a bouncer. He also loves to draw and paint. He sees the best in people and is very trusting. He's not slow, but things have to be spelled out for him. He's a gentle giant who wants to be loved. But he size and scar scare people away.The Janitor features Noel. Noel is a graduate student who lives for his academic pursuits. He's slight, has a bum leg, is  very smart, and has a father who violently disapproves of his relationship with Dane. Dane is the janitor in the College Library where Noel studies and teaches. Dane is also a boxer who has limited education and is slow. He sees the best in people and doesn't understand when people are rude to him. He is also finds solace from the world in art. He very much wants to find a boyfriend to love him. But his size and beat up look scare people away.This book stands on its own as a story. And in some ways is better. It isn't as gritty and violent as the Janitor. This is a sweet love story about two men from very different walks of life who find love and accept each other for who they are. I especially loved the way the two met and how Larry misinterpreted everything Al did. And I loved Al's straightforward way of looking at life and people.On it's own merit, I think this is a good but I couldn't get past the similarities in the two books. I will say that if you like this book, you should check outThe Janitor (The Contenders)and the sequelThe Boxer (The Contenders). A warning: They are longer and much more violent.