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tiggers_hate_acorns's review
5.0
In this book I finally felt the three men were in a relationship. I have always thought of Shane as aloof and only tolerant of Gilli because of Dick but in this book Shane is mellower and Gilli comes across as a spoilt brat who deserves the spankings he gets. One would have thought by now that Gilli would be beyond petty jealousy and tantrums but no - Gilli is still going through the terrible twos and broods over any slight until it becomes a volcano and erupts at the most inappropriate time and way.
Another great read 4.5 stars - 5 for GR.
Another great read 4.5 stars - 5 for GR.
arf88's review
3.0
I'm always slightly torn on these books. They're interesting to read, and Gillibran is entertaining, but being diaries you only get the bad/upsetting aspects of his relationships. If you took these books as the only thing happening in his life, you'd think he was miserable 24/7, which might be true, but it very frustrating to read about. I have to say that Shane was more likeable in this book, and I could finally see why Gillibran and Dick bothered to put up with him, although his treatment of the Gillibran/Penny situation was deplorable, and not at all responsible.
kaje_harper's review
4.0
Reading Gilli's books is like spending time with a hyper needy friend - fun, amusing, a little exhausting and a great way to wile away an afternoon or two. Gilli is emotional, bright, snarky, somewhat self-centered, and feels so young.
The episodes he chooses to spend time writing usually reflect the moments of conflict in his household, often times he provoked by pushing his boundaries in search of attention and understanding. They make me ache for the restlessness and insecurity he projects, while at the same time make me want to shake him. He often rejects his men's overtures because he can't let go of a bad mood, or accept anything less than what he feels he's due. Gilli hangs onto grudges and ill-feeling, pulls them out, turns them around, and stews over each one for a long time. This doesn't serve him well in a lifestyle where discipline is fast, physical and intended to close the matter.
In this book, his mother's impending death from cancer and his own epilepsy hang like twin palls over his days. Both are serious, and sometimes are not acknowledged by Shane as valid reasons for angst. At the same time, Gilli tries to make his epilepsy go away by not admitting it exists, with dangerous consequences. I got more feeling of love and affection toward Gilli from both his men in this book. The relationship seems more stable and settled.
I think Dick has the hardest role in many ways, placed as he is between the other two, sympathetic to both, sometimes bending himself to please each of them and not always getting the credit his efforts deserve. It was nice to see more of Shane's affection for both men here, but especially some tenderness toward Dick. I wish Gilli would choose to portray more of the good moments, and the times when he is an asset to the others and it doesn't go wrong. Last book, I wondered if they really loved him enough. This book I believed that they do, but wondered how they managed not to kill him.
A funny, painful, occasional sweet memoir. I do so hope that this is not the last one.
The episodes he chooses to spend time writing usually reflect the moments of conflict in his household, often times he provoked by pushing his boundaries in search of attention and understanding. They make me ache for the restlessness and insecurity he projects, while at the same time make me want to shake him. He often rejects his men's overtures because he can't let go of a bad mood, or accept anything less than what he feels he's due. Gilli hangs onto grudges and ill-feeling, pulls them out, turns them around, and stews over each one for a long time. This doesn't serve him well in a lifestyle where discipline is fast, physical and intended to close the matter.
In this book, his mother's impending death from cancer and his own epilepsy hang like twin palls over his days. Both are serious, and sometimes are not acknowledged by Shane as valid reasons for angst. At the same time, Gilli tries to make his epilepsy go away by not admitting it exists, with dangerous consequences. I got more feeling of love and affection toward Gilli from both his men in this book. The relationship seems more stable and settled.
I think Dick has the hardest role in many ways, placed as he is between the other two, sympathetic to both, sometimes bending himself to please each of them and not always getting the credit his efforts deserve. It was nice to see more of Shane's affection for both men here, but especially some tenderness toward Dick. I wish Gilli would choose to portray more of the good moments, and the times when he is an asset to the others and it doesn't go wrong. Last book, I wondered if they really loved him enough. This book I believed that they do, but wondered how they managed not to kill him.
A funny, painful, occasional sweet memoir. I do so hope that this is not the last one.
evil_jj's review
4.0
This has been such an entertaining series to read. I love Gilli, and find him so easy to relate to. Guess that means I'm a brat at heart ;) I look forward to the next book, and plan to read the online diary entries as well. Is it truly nonfiction? That I do not know, but it would make me happy! If so, it would certainly be the most enjoyable nonfiction I've ever read :)
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