Summerabbacat

I'm always cautious when criticising him because he is so lauded. I agree with you completely @drsawzall. He was either fortunate or smart to work with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra and at his peak chose his music well. From many accounts of him I have read, I don't think he was a particularly pleasant person either. I much prefer Tony Bennett, Perry Como, Dean Martin and Andy Williams. I think Perry Como was underrated because he had substantial hits with quite a few "novelty" songs and rarely sourced his material from the Great American Songbooks.

Another delightful exploration of life for some of the characters from the Appetites chronicles. Regulars Craig and Justin are back together with Craig's delightful grandmother Alice aka Gran. Craig and Justin's appearances are few, but Gran has a starring role in many chapters, particularly in tandem with Craig and Justin's foster son, Caleb, who proves to be a delight. Edward, Romel, Juanito and Raj also return, with Edward in particular playing a pivotal role, with the arrival of his and Romel's foster son, Kilby. Kilby is not overly likeable to begin with, but after settling in with Edward et al, he soon thrives on a life of security and love, something which has been sadly lacking in his life. Take a journey through the lives of these endearing characters once again and you will not be sorry.

Organised religion, one of humanity's biggest deceptions and greatest evils for the most part. Constructed and perpetuated by those who believe themselves to be messengers from an unseen deity, to oppress and control the masses. Control and perhaps oppression appear to be part of Kitt and his mother's life at the hands of Kitt's father. @mayday's description of him as a tyrant appears well-founded. He may not shout, but he is very controlling and rigid.

Agreed @drsawzall, suggesting something is unsafe in Kitt's home. This could account for the unease Matt felt when he entered Kitt's home: "Inside the house, Kitt’s mother thanked him with a tired smile. His father barely glanced up, too busy directing where furniture went. The air felt tense, but Matt didn’t know why."

A superb version of the song which Arsehair and Killian danced to. I suppose Sinatra's version is the best known and most revered, but I don't like him as a singer at all. He did however have impeccable taste in singers reportedly stating Ella Fitzgerald was the best female singer and this man the best male singer. He also fathered Nancy, who is one Sinatra whose singing I like very much.

I recall you were not fond of Arsehair too @Seraph28, but you are far kinder than I. I get a little impatient with Killian at times, but he is at heart a very kind and principled person with a strong desire for justice. Just don't go travelling in a car with him.

He is a very pretty Kim Wilde @Mark Ponyboy Peters. Plenty of big hits he could cover too. This little gem could be his "tribute" to Brayden. A heartfelt one too, it just made my allergies flare up.

If she had only beaten him once @centexhairysub she could perhaps be forgiven for a "crime of passion", but it has been pre-meditated and systematic abuse over some time it appears. I am certain she has emotionally abused Charlie as well, denying him any request to have a friend visit him in their home. I have to wonder if she believes the family are above everyone else given their apparent wealth. All in all, she is a bitch and I have no sympathy for her at all. Her "needs" are secondary, at best, to those of Charlie.

I called him Arsehair in the previous books too @weinerdog when he started behaving like an arsehole. Arsehair is close to his real name and I find him about as appealing as arsehair. Perhaps @Josh Aterovis can subject him, or at least his character, to laser or waxing treatment to make him more appealing. He stated in the restaurant he has grown up, but as you commented above, his behaviour belies this statement.

Agreed @weinerdog. I said to @Mark Ponyboy Peters that Charlie looks like a member of an 80's New Romantic boy band ala Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, ABC et al. Mark thought he looked like Nick Carter. Looking at him again, he is somewhat androgynous with the very pouty lips and perfect skin. Perhaps a resemblance to Kim Wilde, Sara Dallin (Bananarama) or Annie Lennox (as a blonde obviously). Very good looking, but can he sing?

It is hard to decide who is the more manipulative, Arsehair or Micah? I think maybe Arsehair is the winner though. A weasel you say @drsawzall. A very apt description. I did not like him before and I like him even less now. Micah on the other hand at least acknowledged in this chapter that he has been unfair to Killian in delivering him an ultimatum to move in or he moves on. He also acknowledged they are at different stages in their lives, with different goals and capacities. He is far the bigger man than Arsehair. Now if only Killian had a Daddy fetish @Josh Aterovis. He could date Fletcher without any worries of being manipulated or being on the receiving end of immature behaviour or temper tantrums. Alas, he does not have a Daddy fetish, so Jacy may be the next most suitable candidate in his vicinity or perhaps being single might suit best. Any news on Eve yet? She is sure taking her time to kick the bucket. I do hope there is no cure.

Planet Claire @weinerdog? If the B-52' lived there it would be a great place to live. I don’t like the taste of beer at all and have not drunk it for about 40 years. Now vodka, champagne, Cointreau and Aperol are quite a different matter altogether.

We's all know this cos we's all so loveable.

No food in this chapter @Andre Delport. Almost unheard of with this story and its predecessor. LOL. Renovations, purchasing furnishings and a sense of melancholy seemed to occupy Andrew and Ryan most in this chapter, with a welcome respite from Janice looking after the children. Busy times ahead.

Is it a case of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers with Theo? Theo's violent reaction towards Vince at the end of the chapter was very out of character; he has always been at pains to restrain himself in physical responses to both Vince and Jack as he is only too aware of his own strength. Only moments before this he was expressing his ardent admiration and desire for both Vince and Jack, recognising them as "his", as part of his pack.

His editor, MJC, does a very good job. A shout out to MJC @Mark Ponyboy Peters.

“Yeah. Just have to be a bit aware of sharing with people. Mind…” He grinned again. “What?” I’ve not seen your Charlie in his briefs yet.” “In your dreams.” I knew he was winding me up, and two could play at that game. “Mind, how do you know he wears any?” Touché Tom. LOL. It is pleasing to see Tom is coming out of his funk. Coming to stay with Louis in the boondocks has done him the world of good. He now has a budding profession he enjoys, one he would not likely have realised had he stayed in London. He also has a FWB in Ian, one where there is no expectations or explanations required. A very entertaining chapter @Robert Hugill, one like your Victoria Sandwich, light and fluffy and very tasty.

"And what of Charlie’s mother?’ dad enquired. ‘If that’s not going too far?’ ‘She is receiving treatment, in a clinic,’ Mr Brown answered. ‘The prognosis is good, but there is still a lot of damage that needs to be undone." I suspected Mrs Brown may have been the culprit as had it been Mr Brown I expected he would have been more careful as to where on Charlie's body he beat him with a force which left bruises. The best "treatment" for Mrs Brown under the circumstances would be the service of divorce papers on her and a court order severing her parental rights. Although not expressly stated, it was I believe implied, that Mrs Brown does not approve of her son being gay and doing "gay things" like drama. Well tough, suck it up sister or fuck off. If her objection to her son's behaviour is because of her religious convictions I doubt there is much chance of a change of attitude, unless a lobotomy is performed. I think Charlie has every reason to be sceptical the "treatment" his mother is receiving will be effective as she has clearly been beating him for a while, something which Mr Brown appeared to know of. If I could find fault with him, it is that he did not take action sooner if he knew what was going on. What a contrast between Mr Brown and Brayden's parents to the ghastly Mrs Brown. Although Mr Brown appears to be wealthy, he clearly has not forgotten his "roots" as he is sending Charlie to his local public school. I must confess though @Mark Ponyboy Peters, I was surprised Mr Brown accepted the offer of a beer. I had already judged him "above" drinking beer, something I should not have done. Brilliant opening chapter. I don't care if Mrs Brown is "sick", keep that bitch away from her son. Some may think me harsh in my total lack of sympathy or understanding for Mrs Brown, but I see a double-standard here, one which I have no doubt may occur in real life too. If Mr Brown had been the perpetrator he would be in gaol, regardless of whether he is "sick" or not. Britney knows exactly what Mrs Brown is like and is not afraid to call her out on it

I am pleased to hear that. It is almost as grating as "yous" which many of our fellow Aussies substitute for "ya'll". I cringe when I hear someone use "yous" unironically. A favourite of Effie's.

There is a town in Queensland (QLD) on the NSW/QLD border named Texas with a population of 790 @weinerdog. It is possible they may say ya'll, but I think that particular expression is very much an American one.

I should not complain then. I wondered how your job search is going. Fingers crossed you get something soon.

You don't really say "ya'll" do you @Mark Ponyboy Peters?

Timmy and Bobby know what is going on, apart from the meaning of top and bottom (bunk beds in the tent, LOL), because they are "doin' the do" too, or at least a part version thereof. I am impressed the three older boys include them in the invitation for sleepovers and are not condescending to or dismissive of them in any way. Scott is reaping the rewards of his accepting attitude towards Sam and Virgil. I was very impressed with his declaration he will defend Virgil and Sam from any bullies who target them for being gay and/or for Sam having a father in prison. The declaration appeared very sincere and not made to showoff how tough he is. I suspect Bobby will also be a target for bullies for having a brother who is gay and a father who is in prison. Undoubtedly some of his bullies will conclude Bobby must also be gay or that Bobby is having sex with Sam. The back to school blues. They don't change later in life @Lee Wilson, they merely morph into the back to work blues. I usually find I am hit by a dose every Monday morning for some reason.

Have Mack and Mills worked their "magic" again @VBlew because it feels like the sole purpose for this latest request for Parker's skills is a reunification rather than a reconstruction of the "facts" relating to a military fuck-ukp. And why Djibouti of all places?

A "serpent shifter"? You could be right @weinerdog as both Septimus and the "thing" had bright green eyes. It could also account for Septimus' exceptional sense of smell.