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Title: Lance: The Continuing Journals of Will Barnett by Ronald L. Donaghe ISBN: 0595222676 Publisher: Writers Club Press Pub. Date: March, 2002 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $13.95

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Average Customer Rating: 4

Rating: 5
Summary: A great followup to Uncle Sean
Comment: I live in an isolated part of the country and depend a lot on the internet for some enjoyment. The greatest joy was to discover stories practically like my own life, growing up on a farm, wishing I had a boyfriend, and so living such a fantasy through Will Barnett and his love affair with cute little Lance was one of the best stories I've found. The one review on this page that got me was the mean one. I just had to let you know that it's wrong all the way. I've only read Uncle Sean of Donahue's books, but I plan to do them all. In Uncle Sean you know how Will feels, falling in love with his uncle and being told 'no.' And to wait for the right boy. And then Will finds him. Lance comes along and then in the second journal their love deepens and you feel that too.

Rating: 1
Summary: I Was "Lanced" in My Wallet When I Purchased this Book..!
Comment: Be forewarned. The reviews of this writer's books are effusively generous with their praise - suspiciously and undeservedly so, in my opinion.

This book would probably appeal to someone in the 13- to 15-year-old age range (like "Uncle Sean," "Common Sons" and "The Blind Season"). It is not for adults. It is not for those who enjoy good reading. It is poorly written, repetitive, and unsatisfying. The characters are sappy and emotional - they cry a lot. While the situations and themes created for them are serious (child abuse, bigotry towards gays, commitment in relations), the solutions are sensational, melodramatic, and ultimately unrealistic.

This book is "thin" on content (only 190 pages). While the price paid by readers is lining the pockets of the author and his publisher, I resent having (foolishly) laid out a considerable sum to buy four of this writer's books on the strength of the overwhelmingly favorable - and, in my opinion, inaccurate and misleading - reviews published at this website. None of the reviews mention the brevity of some of these books. All of them have sequels (either published or in progress). Printing each of the series as single volumes would at least have been fairer and more honest.

To illustrate, "Uncle Sean" ends on page 196 with a footnote addressed to the main character Will Barnett (from whose journal written as a 14-year-old the book draws its story), imploring: "Will Barnett, if you are out there and can add to this story, I am sure your readers will join me in asking for more!" A similar device is employed in "Lance" (the sequel) which ends at page 190.

Rating: 5
Summary: A great follow-up to Uncle Sean!
Comment: I was pleased when Ronald L. Donaghe agreed to my suggestion that I write the preface to this novel. Lance is a great follow-up to Uncle Sean, the first book in 'The Continuing Journals of Will Barnett.' It's also a fitting chapter in the career of one of gay fiction's best writers.

If you liked any of Donaghe's previous novels, you should like this one as well. It brings back the New Mexico landscape, the fears over difference, and the need to remain a part of one's family while remaining true to one's self. As Will enters adulthood, he finds that his love for Lance will continue to complicate his life and his relationship with others. Friends become enemies, and enemies become potential allies. Everything changes as people begin to confront their prejudices and insecurities.

Like The Salvation Mongers (still my favorite of Donaghe's books) and Uncle Sean, this novel also confronts the abuse that sometimes hides within seemingly ideal homes. All in all, though, Donaghe offers hope to those who will be true to themselves and tolerant of others. You'll find a lot of sex, as well as a lot of evocative descriptions of farm life and nature's beauty. But you'll more likely remember the tender love story and how life's problems and opportunities affect that love.

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	Title: Uncle Sean by Ronald L. Donaghe ISBN: 0595190146 Publisher: Writers Club Press Pub. Date: July, 2001 List Price(USD): $14.95
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	Title: Keeper of Secrets by Mark A. Roeder ISBN: 0595216129 Publisher: Writers Club Press Pub. Date: April, 2002 List Price(USD): $17.95
	Title: The Blind Season: Common Threads in the Life by Ronald L. Donaghe ISBN: 0595189768 Publisher: iUniverse.com Pub. Date: July, 2001 List Price(USD): $19.95
	Title: Common Sons by Ronald L. Donaghe ISBN: 0595097081 Publisher: iUniverse.com Pub. Date: June, 2000 List Price(USD): $18.95