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Gay Youth Chronicles Complete Chronology #4
Outfield Menace
Outfield Menace is the tale of Kurt, a fifteen-year-old baseball player, living in a small, 1950s, Indiana town. During a confrontation with Angel, the resident bad boy of Blackford High School, Kurt attacks Angel, earning the wrath of the most dangerous gang in town. When Angel finally corners Kurt, however, something happens that Kurt wouldn’t have imagined in his wildest dreams. As the murder of a local boy is uncovered, suspicion is cast upon Angel, but Kurt has learned there’s more to Angel than his bad boy image. Angel has a secret, however, that could get both Kurt and himself killed. Outfield Menace is a story of friendship, love, adventure, and perilous danger. Information on Mark’s upcoming books can be found at markroeder.com and he can be reached directly at markaroeder@yahoo.com. Those wishing to keep in touch with others who enjoy Mark’s novels can join his fan club at
244 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2005
About the author
Mark A. Roeder
99 books198 followersMark A. Roeder grew up in southern Indiana - near a small town similar to those that appear in his novels.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 10, 2015
This book is sooo good! I just finished it and I didn't want it to be over. It really covers what closet gays go through. There is a sense of mystery through the whole book and I just couldn't put it down for fear of missing something. I read this in two days. I had never read a book by this author before but he is quickly climbing to the top of my list! I think it's his talent and emotion that he pours into his writing but also the consideration he gives for those he writes about. Everytime I went to open this book I had to stop and read the dedication first, "This book is dedicated to all the non-gays who ignore the lies of the prejudiced and treat others with the kindness and respect that all, gay and non-gay alike, deserve." Another thing I really like is that most authors are very secretive about getting in contact with them but not this one! He gives you his email right on the back of the book. I am writing him tomorrow.
November 30, 2012
My favourite of the gay youth chronicles series. I loved this book so much and the characters stole a piece of my heart. Angel and Kurt are teenagers in the 50's which from what I know was not a very good time to be gay. It was a sweet story and I found the characters very good to read, I loved them as a couple.
Kurt was such a confused character, it was lovely to see him embrace his relationship with Angel. And Angel was just a great character, I loved the fact he was okay with being gay and helped Kurt deal with his issues about being gay.
The ending was so sad and I really felt tears in my eyes. But there is hope given and that is wonderful. I could not praise this book enough and could not love these characters any more. When I started reading this book I was skeptical, I read a lot of mixed reviews on this book, but I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart. I should have read this book a lot sooner than I did. It really stayed with me after I finished.
I highly recommend this too fans of teenage mm romances. :)
Kurt was such a confused character, it was lovely to see him embrace his relationship with Angel. And Angel was just a great character, I loved the fact he was okay with being gay and helped Kurt deal with his issues about being gay.
The ending was so sad and I really felt tears in my eyes. But there is hope given and that is wonderful. I could not praise this book enough and could not love these characters any more. When I started reading this book I was skeptical, I read a lot of mixed reviews on this book, but I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart. I should have read this book a lot sooner than I did. It really stayed with me after I finished.
I highly recommend this too fans of teenage mm romances. :)
July 6, 2012
Outfield Menace is a coming-out/coming-of-age story set in rural Indiana during the 1950s. The main character, Kurt, is a fifteen year old boy who's struggling to make sense of his attraction to other boys. Kurt plays on his school's junior varsity baseball team and harbors a secret crush on one of the varsity players.
When Kurt discovers that Angel, the long-haired super jock that Kurt pines for, is interested in a friendship, Kurt's heart sails. The two become friends and eventually a romance blossoms. Both boys realize they have to keep their relationship secret, though, not only because they're gay, but also due to the fact that Angel is a member of a school gang that forbids fraternization with outsiders.
The story is told in the first person narrative through the voice of Kurt. His self-effacing manner is endearing and lends a sympathetic quality to his character, but it at times borders upon self-loathing. Repeatedly he refers to himself as a "pervert", and he's very down on himself because of his lack of athletic ability.
The book contains numerous sections in which the central character reflects upon his situation and discusses his feelings. Although these monologues are genuinely heartfelt, at times they become repetitive. Throughout the narrative, the author veers onto off-topic issues and expounds upon them in a way that often seems distracting.
Kurt's family is a snapshot of Leave It to Beaver, with a Mom who bakes cookies every day and insists that the entire family gather around the dinner table each night. He has an older brother, Sam, who is protective of his kid brother but not the sharpest tool in the shed. The two brothers share a bedroom.
The nemesis within the story is a boy named Adam, who happens to be the leader of the gang in which Angel runs. He is portrayed as menacing and purely evil. When he is ultimately revealed to be a murderer, rapist, and kidnapper, this portrayal is stretched to the limit of plausibility.
My biggest challenge with the story, though, is the manner in which homosexuality during the 1950s was portrayed. I am not sure that the concept of same-sex love was even something that people thought about during this era, and in that sense, I think it might actually have been easier for two boys to conceal a romantic relationship. Toward the end of the story, Kurt is exposed when another classmate starts a rumor that she witnessed Kurt performing oral sex on another boy. Kurt is then vilified by his classmates, physically attacked, taunted mercilessly, and eventually victimized by attempted murder. This entire series of events felt very exaggerated and overblown to me.
My opinion is that the feel of the setting was more 1980s or 1990s. The terminologies and slang that were used in dialogue did not seem consistent with the 1950s era. The attitude about homosexuality during this era would have been that it was a mental illness. Undoubtedly an adolescent gay couple would face challenges, but I don't think there would be an immediate assumption that two boys who are close friends are automatically homosexual. In fact, I think the mere notion would be unimaginable to most people.
I love the author's writing style, and I felt that the story contained some very touching scenes. I genuinely cared about the protagonist and felt the secondary characters were well-developed. Overall, the book was an enjoyable read with a few flaws. I'll definitely continue with reading the series.
When Kurt discovers that Angel, the long-haired super jock that Kurt pines for, is interested in a friendship, Kurt's heart sails. The two become friends and eventually a romance blossoms. Both boys realize they have to keep their relationship secret, though, not only because they're gay, but also due to the fact that Angel is a member of a school gang that forbids fraternization with outsiders.
The story is told in the first person narrative through the voice of Kurt. His self-effacing manner is endearing and lends a sympathetic quality to his character, but it at times borders upon self-loathing. Repeatedly he refers to himself as a "pervert", and he's very down on himself because of his lack of athletic ability.
The book contains numerous sections in which the central character reflects upon his situation and discusses his feelings. Although these monologues are genuinely heartfelt, at times they become repetitive. Throughout the narrative, the author veers onto off-topic issues and expounds upon them in a way that often seems distracting.
Kurt's family is a snapshot of Leave It to Beaver, with a Mom who bakes cookies every day and insists that the entire family gather around the dinner table each night. He has an older brother, Sam, who is protective of his kid brother but not the sharpest tool in the shed. The two brothers share a bedroom.
The nemesis within the story is a boy named Adam, who happens to be the leader of the gang in which Angel runs. He is portrayed as menacing and purely evil. When he is ultimately revealed to be a murderer, rapist, and kidnapper, this portrayal is stretched to the limit of plausibility.
My biggest challenge with the story, though, is the manner in which homosexuality during the 1950s was portrayed. I am not sure that the concept of same-sex love was even something that people thought about during this era, and in that sense, I think it might actually have been easier for two boys to conceal a romantic relationship. Toward the end of the story, Kurt is exposed when another classmate starts a rumor that she witnessed Kurt performing oral sex on another boy. Kurt is then vilified by his classmates, physically attacked, taunted mercilessly, and eventually victimized by attempted murder. This entire series of events felt very exaggerated and overblown to me.
My opinion is that the feel of the setting was more 1980s or 1990s. The terminologies and slang that were used in dialogue did not seem consistent with the 1950s era. The attitude about homosexuality during this era would have been that it was a mental illness. Undoubtedly an adolescent gay couple would face challenges, but I don't think there would be an immediate assumption that two boys who are close friends are automatically homosexual. In fact, I think the mere notion would be unimaginable to most people.
I love the author's writing style, and I felt that the story contained some very touching scenes. I genuinely cared about the protagonist and felt the secondary characters were well-developed. Overall, the book was an enjoyable read with a few flaws. I'll definitely continue with reading the series.
January 1, 2023
Great story wrapped around a murder mystery
September 3, 2012
Outfield Menace is a story set in the 1950’s, following Kurt, a fifteen year old boy whose interests are different from those of other boys his age. That doesn’t seem to be an issue for him, until he sees Angel at the school dance and his whole perspectives change. One thing is certain and clear for him, Angel is beautiful. The moment he realizes his attraction to Angel, to a boy, Kurt is devastated. His mind is in turmoil and when Angel tries to talk to him, his instant reaction is to punch him. That did it. Angel is part of the baseball varsity team, or more accurately, he’s part of Adam’s gang. Life dramatically changes for Kurt; his mind is attacking him from the inside while Adam and Angel are trying to get him from the outside.
This story is narrated from Kurt’s point of view. We see as the author gives full credit to his teenage protagonist, emotions are exaggerated in the unique way teenagers see the word. Drama heightens while the story goes on.
Kurt experiences terror that is multiplied even more in his own head and when everything seem to him doomed, life take another turn and happiness awaits him in the corner. When Angel finally gets to him, Kurt is in it for a big surprise. Angel’s feelings match his own, what’s more Angel makes him see that being homosexual is not a disease, and it’s not wrong or perverted. After all, how can love be wrong?
From sheer terror to ecstatic elation I fully experienced an emotional travel back in time, to my own teen days. The insecurity, the twisting of facts and the emotional charge that are so characteristic in a teenagers mind were not lost in this book. The way we fall in love and dramatize everything about it, the emotional attachment that is so pure in those early days is completely palpable in Outfield Menace.
This book is very intense and the plot twists and changes in every corner. I loved Kurt’s character, his naivety and sheltered life, his sensitivity and guilt that follow him around like his own shadow. But I loved Angel’s character even more. I’m not sure how realistic his approach was, he seemed very intellectual for his age, no matter, I totally adored him. His love for Kurt was amazing, so very beautiful and romantic and his final deed to prove that love nearly broke my heart.
I found Outfield Menace to be a great book; if it wasn’t for the constant repetition of some things I’d be even greater. At some point I found that repetition quite a bit tiresome, however the story, the plot, and the characters make up for it. This is a must read book in my opinion, totally worth it.
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This story is narrated from Kurt’s point of view. We see as the author gives full credit to his teenage protagonist, emotions are exaggerated in the unique way teenagers see the word. Drama heightens while the story goes on.
Kurt experiences terror that is multiplied even more in his own head and when everything seem to him doomed, life take another turn and happiness awaits him in the corner. When Angel finally gets to him, Kurt is in it for a big surprise. Angel’s feelings match his own, what’s more Angel makes him see that being homosexual is not a disease, and it’s not wrong or perverted. After all, how can love be wrong?
From sheer terror to ecstatic elation I fully experienced an emotional travel back in time, to my own teen days. The insecurity, the twisting of facts and the emotional charge that are so characteristic in a teenagers mind were not lost in this book. The way we fall in love and dramatize everything about it, the emotional attachment that is so pure in those early days is completely palpable in Outfield Menace.
This book is very intense and the plot twists and changes in every corner. I loved Kurt’s character, his naivety and sheltered life, his sensitivity and guilt that follow him around like his own shadow. But I loved Angel’s character even more. I’m not sure how realistic his approach was, he seemed very intellectual for his age, no matter, I totally adored him. His love for Kurt was amazing, so very beautiful and romantic and his final deed to prove that love nearly broke my heart.
I found Outfield Menace to be a great book; if it wasn’t for the constant repetition of some things I’d be even greater. At some point I found that repetition quite a bit tiresome, however the story, the plot, and the characters make up for it. This is a must read book in my opinion, totally worth it.
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
November 7, 2010
This is a perfect example of why I DONT like a non-happy-ever-after book..
Even though I'm not gay, and therefore cant put myself in Kurt and Angel's shoes, my heart broke in a million pieces for them.. I just wanted to bawl my eyes out at the end, but didnt for some strange reason, maybe because it had a rather suddenly and -very- unsatisfied ending..
This was a very rough book, but I imagine a very true book too, and probably how many young gay kids had to live at that time..
3 stars doesnt seem as much, but I dont know.. It was a tough book to read, and the girl in me wanted a happy ending, even though I know thats impossible with a book like this. I just have to use my imagination and hope that Angel was at Kurts graduation, as he promised, and that they lived happily ever after.. For some reason, I just dont believe thats what happened, and that just makes me want to tear up even more..
-----------EDIT------------
So after writing the review, I found out that there is a 2nd book about these boys, so maybe I'll get my HEA after all? Yay! But this book has left me drained, so I'm going to have to wait a while before picking that one up, I think.. I need to read a good HEA for now..
Even though I'm not gay, and therefore cant put myself in Kurt and Angel's shoes, my heart broke in a million pieces for them.. I just wanted to bawl my eyes out at the end, but didnt for some strange reason, maybe because it had a rather suddenly and -very- unsatisfied ending..
This was a very rough book, but I imagine a very true book too, and probably how many young gay kids had to live at that time..
3 stars doesnt seem as much, but I dont know.. It was a tough book to read, and the girl in me wanted a happy ending, even though I know thats impossible with a book like this. I just have to use my imagination and hope that Angel was at Kurts graduation, as he promised, and that they lived happily ever after.. For some reason, I just dont believe thats what happened, and that just makes me want to tear up even more..
-----------EDIT------------
So after writing the review, I found out that there is a 2nd book about these boys, so maybe I'll get my HEA after all? Yay! But this book has left me drained, so I'm going to have to wait a while before picking that one up, I think.. I need to read a good HEA for now..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2013
This would be my second time reading this book, I must've gotten in sometime in the beginning of the year, I can't remember exactly. So this journal will be a little different than the others since these aren't my original thoughts concerning the book.
I started reading it today (April 14th, 2011) while I went with my dad to his kidney doctor, I do believe I'm somewhere in chapter four or whatever chapter 'Judgment Day' is. I had intended on reaching at least that point before I stopped reading, but my dad's appointment was over more quickly than we all anticipated.
Once again we're dealing with a young man discovering he's gay, though I have to admit, Kurt figured it out a lot quicker than Ethan did. lol. But I think Ethan was dealing with denial as well, Kurt simply, honestly, didn't realize he was attracted to guys more so than girls.
I remember when I was first reading the book, when Ryan was introduced I had a million and two red flags going off. Seriously. I thought for sure something was off about him, admittedly, I still feel that way though I know he's completely innocent and a legitimate "good guy" (unless he creeps back up into another book and does something horrible -- if that's the case *shakes head*).
Finally found some time to read again and, I must say, Kurt is amusing to say the least. Here he is, thinking he's about to get his ass beat…and he's checking out the guy about to do it. Getting hard in the process. *shakes head* Teenage boys. lol. I can't help but to feel bad for him though, getting let off without an explanation (though, currently, I do know why Angel didn't hurt him -- but back when I had first read the book, I remember being just as frustrated as Kurt) and then being made to wait a full 24 hours until he'd find out why.
Knowing what I know now…
It must've been extremely hard for Angel to pretend to hate Kurt for that 24 hours. I feel sorry for him, because that's got to be hard.
Also, the rumors of Kurt's beating shows just how a school's gossip mill can blow things out of proportion -- of course, later on, we find out that several rumors about Angel are just not true. But kids will be kids, and sometimes they just can't shut up.
I like how Angel and Kurt's relationship progresses as well, I think it showcases Angel's shyness really well. Which, in turn, reveals another layer to Angel's character. You can tell, as you read, that Kurt's falling for Angel, even though he doesn't realize that the lust is evolving into something more. It's a beautiful thing to witness.
Oh, their relationship is so cute. It makes me just want to squee. You can tell already that what's forming between them will stretch out until forever, it's such a wonderful thing. So wonderful that you can't figure out why in the hell is so wrong.
Okay. I've got to put the brakes on this journal and explain my thoughts concerning the Nudo twins. First and foremost, surprisingly, the idea of them being together doesn't bother me in the least. My fondest for twincest, I think, stems from anime. lol. But, I've got to say…there's a story there!! I just know it! So, my question is, Mark…are you ever going to revisit the Nudo boys and explain how that came to be? (That is, if you haven't already…) Or is this a story that's going to have to be told through fanfiction?
I love how innocent Kurt is in the way of the world, how Angel has to show him, teach him that it's alright to love another man. Kurt is so unsure, but Angel's there to guide him and just love him.
I wonder why Ryan's background story is, like, is he a 'one-time' character or will he creep up again -- will we ever know his back story? Or what? There's just something about him, something I can't put my finger on. *siiiigh*
Matt Taber's body was just found in the story, and I remember figuring out that Adam, and by extension Angel, had something to do with it. It's obvious now, but I remembered consuming the book to just find out. I hate secrets like that -- and, off topic, if my step-dad doesn't turn down his TV…I swear, I'm going to throw it off the porch! Gr! It's SO distracting!!
Back to my journal! I love the banter and flirting between Kurt and Angel, it shows just how easily Kurt fell into the role of 'boyfriend' and how well they complement each other's personalities.
I noticed something, I mean I JUST realized this…
There's a lot of mentions concerning stars, looking up at the stars, and feeling small while star gazing. I dunno why it's just dawning on me, but it's a really beautiful thing because I think that's something everyone feels.
So Angel and Kurt were caught in the act (that seems to happen a lot in these books) by Kurt's elder brother, Sam. He immediately jumped to conclusions and refused to believe his brother was willingly making love to another boy. Luckily, I know that in time he'll get over that assumption and come to accept what's going on between Angel and Kurt, but believe me, that within itself was a shocker when I originally read the book.
I wasn't expecting Sam to accept the relationship, but nonetheless, I'm glad he did. Both Kurt and Angel need people on their side.
I've just realized, after reading the part where Angel says he thinks his dad would kill him if he found out that Angel was with another boy, I don't recall getting his father's reaction in either Outfield Menace or Snow Angel. Now, mind you, I could be wrong since it's been a few months since I've read the books…
…but I'll certainly be sitting on this thought to see if it's fulfilled and how it's fulfilled.
PS: For those that don't know, Olivia's evil. Don't let her fool you, she's the evil incarnate. E-V-I-L!! Spoiling later books for me left and fucking right. Making me want to skip ahead!! *cries* Damn you, damn you and your kitty too.
And, now, the shit has officially hit the fan. All I can say is poor Kurt. Once again I feel the need to express my dislike of rumors. It seems like the juicer they are, the more they're believed. Angel getting that girl pregnant is the perfect example. *shakes head*
Finally, Matt Taber's real killers are revealed and it's Adam's gang. We finally find out what it is that Angel's been hiding and now we're on the track towards the end. Kurt's been kidnapped by Adam and his gang, and you think he'd going to end up like Matt, but Angel's there and he didn't turn his back on Kurt. It was all an act, a selfish act, but an act nonetheless.
And now Angel does more than redeem himself, he makes a huge sacrifice to make sure that Kurt's safe…of course, Kurt's devastated and well, I was too. Luckily…
It's not the end.
I'll pick up with Snow Angel once I'm finished with My Summer of Discontent and its reading journal, so keep an eye out for that! :)
I started reading it today (April 14th, 2011) while I went with my dad to his kidney doctor, I do believe I'm somewhere in chapter four or whatever chapter 'Judgment Day' is. I had intended on reaching at least that point before I stopped reading, but my dad's appointment was over more quickly than we all anticipated.
Once again we're dealing with a young man discovering he's gay, though I have to admit, Kurt figured it out a lot quicker than Ethan did. lol. But I think Ethan was dealing with denial as well, Kurt simply, honestly, didn't realize he was attracted to guys more so than girls.
I remember when I was first reading the book, when Ryan was introduced I had a million and two red flags going off. Seriously. I thought for sure something was off about him, admittedly, I still feel that way though I know he's completely innocent and a legitimate "good guy" (unless he creeps back up into another book and does something horrible -- if that's the case *shakes head*).
Finally found some time to read again and, I must say, Kurt is amusing to say the least. Here he is, thinking he's about to get his ass beat…and he's checking out the guy about to do it. Getting hard in the process. *shakes head* Teenage boys. lol. I can't help but to feel bad for him though, getting let off without an explanation (though, currently, I do know why Angel didn't hurt him -- but back when I had first read the book, I remember being just as frustrated as Kurt) and then being made to wait a full 24 hours until he'd find out why.
Knowing what I know now…
It must've been extremely hard for Angel to pretend to hate Kurt for that 24 hours. I feel sorry for him, because that's got to be hard.
Also, the rumors of Kurt's beating shows just how a school's gossip mill can blow things out of proportion -- of course, later on, we find out that several rumors about Angel are just not true. But kids will be kids, and sometimes they just can't shut up.
I like how Angel and Kurt's relationship progresses as well, I think it showcases Angel's shyness really well. Which, in turn, reveals another layer to Angel's character. You can tell, as you read, that Kurt's falling for Angel, even though he doesn't realize that the lust is evolving into something more. It's a beautiful thing to witness.
Oh, their relationship is so cute. It makes me just want to squee. You can tell already that what's forming between them will stretch out until forever, it's such a wonderful thing. So wonderful that you can't figure out why in the hell is so wrong.
Okay. I've got to put the brakes on this journal and explain my thoughts concerning the Nudo twins. First and foremost, surprisingly, the idea of them being together doesn't bother me in the least. My fondest for twincest, I think, stems from anime. lol. But, I've got to say…there's a story there!! I just know it! So, my question is, Mark…are you ever going to revisit the Nudo boys and explain how that came to be? (That is, if you haven't already…) Or is this a story that's going to have to be told through fanfiction?
I love how innocent Kurt is in the way of the world, how Angel has to show him, teach him that it's alright to love another man. Kurt is so unsure, but Angel's there to guide him and just love him.
I wonder why Ryan's background story is, like, is he a 'one-time' character or will he creep up again -- will we ever know his back story? Or what? There's just something about him, something I can't put my finger on. *siiiigh*
Matt Taber's body was just found in the story, and I remember figuring out that Adam, and by extension Angel, had something to do with it. It's obvious now, but I remembered consuming the book to just find out. I hate secrets like that -- and, off topic, if my step-dad doesn't turn down his TV…I swear, I'm going to throw it off the porch! Gr! It's SO distracting!!
Back to my journal! I love the banter and flirting between Kurt and Angel, it shows just how easily Kurt fell into the role of 'boyfriend' and how well they complement each other's personalities.
I noticed something, I mean I JUST realized this…
There's a lot of mentions concerning stars, looking up at the stars, and feeling small while star gazing. I dunno why it's just dawning on me, but it's a really beautiful thing because I think that's something everyone feels.
So Angel and Kurt were caught in the act (that seems to happen a lot in these books) by Kurt's elder brother, Sam. He immediately jumped to conclusions and refused to believe his brother was willingly making love to another boy. Luckily, I know that in time he'll get over that assumption and come to accept what's going on between Angel and Kurt, but believe me, that within itself was a shocker when I originally read the book.
I wasn't expecting Sam to accept the relationship, but nonetheless, I'm glad he did. Both Kurt and Angel need people on their side.
I've just realized, after reading the part where Angel says he thinks his dad would kill him if he found out that Angel was with another boy, I don't recall getting his father's reaction in either Outfield Menace or Snow Angel. Now, mind you, I could be wrong since it's been a few months since I've read the books…
…but I'll certainly be sitting on this thought to see if it's fulfilled and how it's fulfilled.
PS: For those that don't know, Olivia's evil. Don't let her fool you, she's the evil incarnate. E-V-I-L!! Spoiling later books for me left and fucking right. Making me want to skip ahead!! *cries* Damn you, damn you and your kitty too.
And, now, the shit has officially hit the fan. All I can say is poor Kurt. Once again I feel the need to express my dislike of rumors. It seems like the juicer they are, the more they're believed. Angel getting that girl pregnant is the perfect example. *shakes head*
Finally, Matt Taber's real killers are revealed and it's Adam's gang. We finally find out what it is that Angel's been hiding and now we're on the track towards the end. Kurt's been kidnapped by Adam and his gang, and you think he'd going to end up like Matt, but Angel's there and he didn't turn his back on Kurt. It was all an act, a selfish act, but an act nonetheless.
And now Angel does more than redeem himself, he makes a huge sacrifice to make sure that Kurt's safe…of course, Kurt's devastated and well, I was too. Luckily…
It's not the end.
I'll pick up with Snow Angel once I'm finished with My Summer of Discontent and its reading journal, so keep an eye out for that! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2021
Romance story about Kurt (15 years old) and Angel (also 15) who fall in love but cannot be together due to the prejudices of small town Indiana. Also mixes in a story about Matt Taber (another teen) who went missing and is later found in a shallow grave; murdered.
January 17, 2022
It went a bit too far. Just too much. Definitely not what I signed up for.
March 10, 2013
So not the most happy of all books to read on Christmas Eve but I had the desire to read something different. I remembered why I both like Roeder and dislike him all at the same time. Two things that bothered me first off when I picked up this book again after purchasing it probably about a year ago--yes it takes me that long to get around to reading things sometimes. 1.) Sorry but the boy on the cover just really doesn't look like he's fifteen, 2.) I prefer my boys a little older than fifteen and no the book doesn't go into great detail but there is enough there.
For anyone who has read some of my previous bits about Roeder this might be a rehash. If not well yeah. I enjoy Roeder's stories for the most part they are fairly good though sometimes I bit simply however his books are YA and not adult. My biggest issue with him--though I understand why he does it--is the emphasis on love and how the main characters always end up in a mushy gushy kinda love. I get the point these books are not aimed at being realistic but at trying to get a point across to people and in giving young adults something to latch onto other than some opinions that might be out there.
However I think there is a fine line between that point of view and the fact that some of this for me is just unrealistic. Granted high school is the period in your life where a great many people do go through the 'love' bug phase. When it is more possible to believe the angsty stuff. Lol I don't know I guess I'm growing out of it now at least to the extent that it exists within these books and yet I want to know what happens. *laughs* I get sucked into a book and even bits that piss me off I still want to know what the hell is going to happen.
Anyway these books aren't horrible but they are definitely intended for a younger audience then again they aren't bad and they are a quick read for an older age group. If you can get past the love dovey stuff from teenage boys.... Mmm yeah age thing squeaking me out just a little though I don't think that would've bothered me so much if there was a different picture on the front of the book.
Hmm covers... I always wonder how they come up with the covers for books that they do. Anyway Merry Christmas or other Holidays to everyone, take care, be safe and I hope they are good to you. G'night. *poofs out*
For anyone who has read some of my previous bits about Roeder this might be a rehash. If not well yeah. I enjoy Roeder's stories for the most part they are fairly good though sometimes I bit simply however his books are YA and not adult. My biggest issue with him--though I understand why he does it--is the emphasis on love and how the main characters always end up in a mushy gushy kinda love. I get the point these books are not aimed at being realistic but at trying to get a point across to people and in giving young adults something to latch onto other than some opinions that might be out there.
However I think there is a fine line between that point of view and the fact that some of this for me is just unrealistic. Granted high school is the period in your life where a great many people do go through the 'love' bug phase. When it is more possible to believe the angsty stuff. Lol I don't know I guess I'm growing out of it now at least to the extent that it exists within these books and yet I want to know what happens. *laughs* I get sucked into a book and even bits that piss me off I still want to know what the hell is going to happen.
Anyway these books aren't horrible but they are definitely intended for a younger audience then again they aren't bad and they are a quick read for an older age group. If you can get past the love dovey stuff from teenage boys.... Mmm yeah age thing squeaking me out just a little though I don't think that would've bothered me so much if there was a different picture on the front of the book.
Hmm covers... I always wonder how they come up with the covers for books that they do. Anyway Merry Christmas or other Holidays to everyone, take care, be safe and I hope they are good to you. G'night. *poofs out*
February 13, 2012
I have come across two other books by Mark A Roeder. Never tried to finish those books. But this Outfield Menace might change my thought of his books.
I liked Outfield Menace for the fact that it was not another senseless young adult gay themed film. The story was not outstanding but yet, I felt the need to know more of whatever that could happen to Kurt and his relationship with Angel.
Sure, some plots were rather questionable. Even Ryan was a weak character to be included in the book, but there was a nice touch of bonding between Kurt and Angel, and I was rather interested with Kurt's issue with his brother, Sam.
The ending was rather simple, but it was a nice welcome, compared to many sleazy erotica out there.
I liked Outfield Menace for the fact that it was not another senseless young adult gay themed film. The story was not outstanding but yet, I felt the need to know more of whatever that could happen to Kurt and his relationship with Angel.
Sure, some plots were rather questionable. Even Ryan was a weak character to be included in the book, but there was a nice touch of bonding between Kurt and Angel, and I was rather interested with Kurt's issue with his brother, Sam.
The ending was rather simple, but it was a nice welcome, compared to many sleazy erotica out there.
June 23, 2010
Another book that I loved. This was my first Mark Roeder book because I like to read series in chronological order. The book was so sweet, and I loved the characters. It was so easy to fall into their innocent relationship and be afraid with them when things were going horribly wrong. I cried quite a few times reading the book, especially the end. The characters are very real and I felt as if they were people I could know. I'm also really glad I read this shortly after the sequel came out, because I would have gone crazy waiting for it!
March 7, 2015
This book was really good, if you're looking to read something that will give you all the feels, read Outfield Menace.
Kurt meets Angel and he's fascinated by him. Their friendship grows and it's a wonder to read about it.
With some mystery mixed in the right places, this book did not disappoint.
October 1, 2012
From the plot, it seems like the first part of a 2-parter (which I gather it actually is), but this tale of a gay high school romance gone awry (with bonus! InstaLove!) is so wordy it seems like 4 parts. The story is decent but the style is not very good and the writing drags.
November 11, 2014
Full review coming soon
December 7, 2013
Very nice read, I read it so fast. It must have been tough to be gay in the 50's
August 24, 2012
Gripping story, well written. I now want to read everything this guy has ever written.
Want to read
September 26, 2012Free today 26th Sept 2012 on Amazon.co.uk
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