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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 An Everyman Kind Of Tale Mar 21, 2008
When I began reading the premise of STRINGS ATTACHED as being a modern day retelling of the PINOCCHIO story, I was afraid that it might be a very rigid and confining way to write a narrative. But, after reading the book, I realize that I couldn't have been more wrong. As I began to see more and more that all of us, no matter what our background or sexual orientation, are subject to having our strings pulled as if we are puppets in the process of growing up, the story of Jeremy Tyler became for me a very universal one. He becomes, as the twists and turns of the plot progress, a kind of Everyman figure for any boy who wants to grow up to be a "real" man.
The premise is never heavy-handed and even where one notices it, the reader is never hit over the head with it by Nolan making the hint too obvious. The story has such a natural progression and I was caught up into what was going to happen to the characters immediately especially to Jeremy.
Lessons are to be learned here like: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is, such as the first impression Jeremy has of the rich life he's thrown into by his circumstances. (At first, he thinks he's hit the jackpot.) And, those we originally think we can put our trust in, often have their own ulterior motives for only seeming to have our best interests at heart. Likewise, those who we think have failed us the most, might love us dearly, but never learned how to show it. But, the best lesson that Jeremy had to learn to become a "real" man was that in spite of the fact that his life up to this point has given him no indications that he could or should trust anyone, to grow up we have to eventually learn to throw caution to the wind and hand over our trust to at least a few good people.
In the final analysis, the criteria for judging any book as a good one was met in the end by the fact that I approached the end of the book by dragging my feet finishing it, because I simply wasn't ready to say goodbye to Jeremy Tyler so fast. Like many others who have reviewed this book, I too am hoping for a sequel.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Real world reminder Mar 19, 2008
This book I believe they turned into a movie, but is definatly an interesting read! It will have you wanting to read the whole thing at once, wondering what will happen to him, and how he is going to get through the next day. I enjoyed this book and understood the struggles one faces when trying to figure out who you are in life, and who will it affect...if anyone. The character has a big heart and you definatly feel for him. If your looking for a good book to sit down and read, you will love this book!
0 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Arbitrary/Good character development Mar 02, 2008
Strings Attached was definitely a page-turner, however there were a few flaws to be noted. Aside from a few spelling and grammatical errors, it seemed as though this story went from 0-60 in the Reality-Fantasy spectrum. Starting out very realistic and dealing with heavy common issues, the plot dove into a different world in no time flat. In addition, the several occurrences that would eventually shape Jeremy as a "man" were revealed in a non-continuous manner, often causing the plot to lose focus. Paradoxically, I felt that the character development of Jeremy Tyler was justified, and that his developing personality and sexuality coupled with the subjective motions of his Aunt and spiritual submissions of his father were admirable. Although I would have chosen to remove some of the more "fantasy-like" elements from the story, I would recommend the book for anyone questioning their sexuality or whom can relate to such a situation.
As an addendum, a great book to follow up Strings Attached is Leave Myself Behind by Bart Yates. With a similar plot sequence, the book is more focused on the gay relationship that the main character develops and may fill the consequent void if you weren't satisfied with Strings Attached.
0 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 3/4 of a great book Feb 26, 2008
I was dubious when I first picked up this book, but once I got started I literally couldn't put it down, it was so compulsively readable. For that alone I give high props to this author. I was totally hooked on this story of a young man from a broken home who is discovering both his family history and his burgeoning sexuality. However, I was disappointed when towards the last quarter of the book it turned into some far-fetched blackmailing, kidnapping, murder mystery thing. Literally I felt it came out of nowhere, which was sad as I was really enjoying it up until then. Especially distressing was the ending which left the possibility of a follow-up novel that will be more adventure fiction, honestly I'm still confused. Regardless, if you want a beach read then pick it up, just be prepared to leave it on the beach when you get to the end.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
very surprised... Sep 19, 2007
i'm a big review reader, good and bad, when it comes to certain items, (i.e. dvd, books, music, etc.)anyways after reading a few good and somewhat bad reviews for this book, i decided to just take a chance, and bought it. And after reading the book i was glad that i had, i found it funny and very easy to read, it was simple and well written and actually very believeable...this is my first book by this author, so i was a little worried naturally, but it turned to be well worth it and i'm glad i took the chance to read it, i've got to give Mr. Nolan props on his effort and i hope to read more from him in the future...i hope this will be helpful to those who are doubting whether or not to take the same chance i had been contemplating when looking over this book...believe me when i say, take the chance!
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