James Leo Herlihy (1927–1993)

https://nwhyte.livejournal.com/3355108.html

It's a rare case where it's actually rather difficult to decide which is better between the book and the film (which sticks closely to the last two-thirds of the book). The book does give us a lot more details of Joe's early life (mostly in fact in New Mexico rather than Texas) and takes us deeper inside his head. The descriptions are vivid and somewhat unssettling. On the other hand, that tight-third narrative gives us a more restricted view of events than the camera can do, and the fact is that Joe is not all that interesting or nice a person to spend time with. It's a memorable (and short) read all the same.… (mehr)

I happened to be reading a book about iconic movies and up popped "Midnight Cowboy" the 1969 mega-hit that broke a lot of ground in the industry. It peaked my curiosity enough to want to read the actual novel and see how closely it followed the film. The novel I found absorbing and Helihy's style an enjoyable and captivating read. I was surprised that the book was covered rather well in detail in the movie itself. The only difference was the movie skipped much if the detail of Joe Buck's early life and time before heading to New York. Also it changed a few of those details. The remainder however followed true to form of the novel. Herlihy relays the exploits of Joe Buck and Rico "Ratso" Rizzo, the alienation and loneliness that life can present for many in society and those whose lives are played out on the streets in a very indifferent world. A worthwhile read for anyone wanting to explore this realm.… (mehr)

A Texan moves to New York to become a male prostitute.

It has its moments. When its about Joe and Rico's relationship, it's pretty good. Most of the Naive Texan stuff is not particularly interesting. And I found the many dream/memory/fantasy sequences to be quite dull, and a lazy way to establish characters.

Concept: C
Story: C
Characters: A
Dialog: B
Pacing: C
Cinematography: B
Special effects/design: B
Acting: A
Music: B

Enjoyment: C plus

GPA: 2.8/4… (mehr)

This novel from 1971 about the golden hippie years comes highly recommended by an old friend from my way-back life. It's out of print and I order it but cannot bring myself to start. Why? I think most novels of that era make me ashamed to ever have called myself a revolutionary (now "progressive activist"). And do I really need a reminder that I was voted "Class Flower Child" when I graduated from high school in 1970?

It took a blizzard or five for me to launch into "Season of the Witch". I had seen Herlihy's "Midnight Cowboy", of course. This is a story with as much sweetness as Joe Buck (Jon Voight). It's a diary by a teenage girl, Witch Glitz, who travels with her gay best friend Ray from Michigan (like Paul Simon's song, cited, "it took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw")to NYC to find her birth father.

There are similarities (harsh NYC environment, druggy scenes) between the novels, but Witch is an excellent writer who thrives in a loving communal tribe that actually is a fine and safe place to grow up. She meets her father, with surprising results, and Ray comes to terms with being gay and avoiding the draft.

Most amazing for me was that one of the communards, the smart, loving motherly Doris, tells the group that "I was born in 1929". Which made her 40 (don't trust anyone over) at the time of the commune and 86 (!!!!) as of today.

Witch's thoughtfulness and personal evolution is at the big warm heart of the novel. She's just such a kind and insightful narrator. Don't be scared - plunge in and bathe in what the used to be.… (mehr)