My husband and his family are among the Swedes of Greater Brockton. It was wonderful to find this book as few are aware of the contribution and connection of Swedish folk to the Brockton area. I recommend it to any one with an interest in Brockton or the history of Swedes in Massachusetts

I thought the book was a surprisingly good read. I didn't have high expectations for it, so my expectations were exceeded. However, what is maddening are three factual details which are totally contradicted in the series, or just plain stupid: One is that according to the series, Brian's infamous shell bracelet - his signature piece - was bought by him in Mexico. Here, it's the eighteenth birthday present from Michael. We heard about Mexico from Justin on the series, does that mean Brian lied to Justin? Second is that nowhere is Lindsay mentioned, yet she and Brian dated in high school, in the novel she doesn't exist. Finally, the near disgusting notion - in the book - that Justin as a small child with a teddy bear named "Gus," that is so ludicrious as well as banal one wonders where that idea came from. Really, some sort of psyhic link implied between Lindsay (her choice of name for her and Brian's child is Gus, over ten years later) and Justin? Give me a break. However, one thing the novel is good at is characterization. The characters actually sound like themselves in the series. There isn't a moment where you go that's not Michael or that's not Brian. It SOUNDS like them, the dialogue and descriptions. So that's why I give it three stars. For most writers it's easy to get the facts right, but characterization is off, for this writer it's just the opposite.

Every Nine Seconds is the first in a new series of novels that serves as a prequel to one of my favorite television series, Queer as Folk. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the show, it's the story of a group of gay friends and their day to day lives.

This novel focuses on two of the main characters, Brian Kinney and Michael Novotny. The story opens on the eve of Brian Kinney's eighteenth birthday. Conveniently enough, on the Friday night that Brian turns 18, a new club called Babylon opens on Liberty Avenue. Pittsburg will never be the same again.

The novel was good, the storytelling was fast paced and didn't stop for anything. I never found myself bored and wishing that I could skip over a section of the book. The intimate scenes are definately [explicit], but aren't tastless and are absolutely necessary to make the story work.

If the book had been sold without the QAF title it would have been perfect; it failed to capture the spirit of the show and sometime the character went against their television established natures for the purpose of something that the author wanted to include. One example is Brian Kinney showing uncharacteristic kindness to a six year old that is revealed to be Justin. Tell the story, but leave the unnecessary stuff out of it. The story also introduced a continuity error involving the origin Brian's seashell bracelet.

Pick this book up if you're looking for a fast paced read that will leave you wanting more. Don't pick it up if you can't accept something that isn't 100% accurate to the series that shares it's name.

Being a tremendous QAF fan I was entralled with the series from the start and still am. This book answered so many questions about how Brian & Michael forged such a strong bond and still have that bond. Like the shell bracelet Brian always wears that doesn't seem to go with his designer clothing. It explains the easy and loving relationship of Debbie & Michael. It explains the Kinney family and maybe why Brian is the way he is. As far as the liquor store and the teddy bear...that all becomes clear in Season 1. Just a great and easy read. Like coming home to family and people that you love. I have grown to love these characters and the actors that play them and look forward to each new episode. For any QAF fan it is a book worth reading. I couldn't put it down and I can't wait for the next one.