Christopher Rice is fast on his way to making a name for himself as more than just Anne Rice's son. I strongly recommend his two novels, "A Density of Souls" and "The Snow Garden." The first is obviously a first novel but in the second, he more than finds his element and presents a story with several different levels and numerous twists. I spent nine straight hours reading before I came up for air and resent having to go to work because it is taking me away from this incredible book.
In "A Density of Souls," he explores the emotions of several high school friends, one of whom is gay and another who is in denial. Set in the Garden District of New Orleans, the story is told with amazing realism, not only toward the setting but in regard to the emotions of the characters, as well. An amazing first novel.
The Snow Garden occurs on the campus of a New England university I am only halfway through it, but I can tell you that it involves an openly gay student, his straight girl friend, a roommate known for his sexual conquests, two deaths twenty eyars apart, and Hieronymous Bosch! How's that?
Read them both!