Dayne Avery, From The Beginning
By Stanley Bennett Clay, in books
Friday, November 9 2007, 1:47PM
Reviews by Stanley Bennett Clay
Editor's Note: Author Dayne Avery has a new book out called Details. So we thought it would be a good idea to go back and review his first book, I Wrote This Song, first.
African American High School student Jayson Story is savagely beaten awake in his bed by his father when his father finds out that Jayson, still a virgin, has been involved in some homosexual foreplay. The rift between father and son, which permeates throughout this triumph-over-tragedy tale, is only one hurdle our young, often naive, sometimes stupid, hopelessly romantic, but totally endearing hero must endure as he struggles to write his song; to author the melody of his life.
Having fully accepted his sexual nature by the time he "escapes" his Pennsylvania home and enrolls in an Atlanta college, he discovers Southern hospitality, the love of his life, and the joy of the attendant sex.
But the too-good-to-be-true caution soon becomes self-fulfilling and Jayson, not always up to the emotional challenges, struggles to keep his head above water.
A good student and a talented writer, he nearly blows it all as he depends too blissfully upon the sweet promises of life, with little or no pragmatic safeguards.
Often exasperating and certainly guiless, his heart-on-his sleeve decisions, including a rather less-than-mature reaction to his lover's baby's mamma, constantly reminds us that this is a very young man with a lot of growing up to do.
And perhaps that is the appeal of this character and this book. Author Dayne Avery nicely captures early-twenties naiveté and angst in a sometimes overly simplistic, but ultimately effective way.
There is little shading here but lots of heart from a debut novelist who has just peeked the tip of his promising talent.
Stanley Bennett Clay is a Los Angeles-based publisher, writer and author of several novels, including In Search of Pretty Young Black Men and Looker.
Comments conceal
twinston1911
November 9 2007, 4:09PM
yes Dayne's first book was really good, i can't wait to read Details, good luck dayne with your second book
Billy
November 9 2007, 5:03PM
Never heard of him-and I am not a big fan of fiction but the plot sounds intriguing. I will look for it
Ostend Street
November 9 2007, 8:19PM
Thanks for the review. It will be added to my winter list of things to read.
Karmatic
November 10 2007, 12:03PM
Billy ~ I've never heard of him either, but I may have to
pick up this book although I'm not a fan of fiction..
(It helps that he's a Cutie with a nice smile....lol)
Troy
November 10 2007, 12:19PM
Outstanding! Great great work Dayne and of course KB and the master himself Mr. Clay. What an absolute inspiration and look at that killer picture; wow. Made my day.
funkybrownchick
November 11 2007, 7:37AM
I'm probably gonna sound really shallow making this comment, but I have to get it out ... Photo in this post? Looking really good there! :)
andre allen
November 11 2007, 9:18PM
dayne is doin bg things. his first book was excellent and the 2nd will be even better. Get details now!
Lee Alexander Brunson
November 11 2007, 10:36PM
If you, like me, are a fan of Dayne Avery, and I imagine you are, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this, then you can rest assured he delivers with this gem of a tale.
I like to snuggle with a Dayne Avery novel in my wife beater on the sofa and wrapped up in my favorite blanket sipping chamomile tea. I recall having finished a Dayne Avery novel, closing the book and then my eyes, lost in the dreamy reverie of the novel's romantic spell, and heart felt pain with some part savoring that sweet moment and sighing with both satisfaction and unfulfillable longing for the story to continue.
Dayne is an amazing writer; any one of his characters will draw you in and keep you turning pages. I think I've finally figured out why Dayne Avery’s writing appeals so much to me. He writes with "soul."
Thank you AGAIN DAYNE AVERY! “DETAILS” is another wonderful book by one of the best fiction writers of our time. I can’t wait for the next novel or better yet a stage play! Keep doing what you do! Lee B.
Jasonexcellent
November 11 2007, 11:26PM
man man man .. I have had the pleasure of reading both of Dayne's books ..I Wrote This Song and Details and like the last person commented ..he leaves you wanting more.. its like you get wrapped up in the characters and storyline because its so ...real ..he gives you poignant visions of what real life people go thru..so ..if you enjoyed the first book get the second and tell others about it.. I'm thinking this brotha is gon be huge.. if u dont have any of his books ..go to amazon.com or his website and get them ..support folks who are making quality work for us..aight God bless!
Aaron
November 16 2007, 7:23PM
I really enjoyed the first book and can't wait to get my hands on the new one.
Mike1911
November 17 2007, 6:48PM
Definitely will check Dayne out.
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