Today, I’m host author C.C. Everill and his latest release Dancing Before the Crash, a non-fiction LGBTQ+ title. Be sure to read my review. And don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway.
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Book Title: Dancing Before the Crash
Author: C.C. Everill
Publisher: Self-published in conjunction with Ronni Sanlo Literary (www.ronnisanlo.com)
Release Date: April 25, 2021
Genre: Memoir
Trope: Friends and lovers
Themes: Gay life 1977-1989
Heat Rating: 4 flames
Length: 72 388 words/386 pages
Imagine finding someone’s diary – would you read it?
Blurb: In 1977, a 22-year-old man moved to NYC to pursue his dream. His journal tells of his romances, friendships, clubbing while attempting to “make it” in the big city. The author’s diary takes us from the early days of the 1970’s disco era through the devastating AIDS epidemic. If you lived through this era or are interested in LGBTQ+ history, this book offers insight from a survivor.
Note: It is a standalone book and does not end on a cliffhanger
Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited
Sunday, April 26, 1981
It is now 3:30 a.m. and I’m not able sleep. I can’t stop thinking about last Sunday, which was Easter, so I thought I would get up and write about it.
Jesse was changing into his bellmen’s uniform when I entered the locker room on Saturday before work. He was in a chatty mood and said the rash had disappeared.
“I have an idea. How about if you come home with me tonight and then tomorrow, we can spend Easter together?”
What a surprise! I accepted.
Easter was delightful. We walked the dogs to the Village and had brunch on The Patio. After eating, we walked back to Jesse’s apartment and got high while drinking beer on the roof. It was a warm sunny day and since we were both slightly sweating, we took showers before leaving for work.
That was a week ago. Our first night of sleeping together since the night we partied at The Saint. Tonight, while we were in line at the cafeteria, Gerald the server commented that he constantly sees us together.
“That’s because we’re both the same age and from Colorado and worked together at another job.” Jesse explained.
I wanted to add that we are compatible, sleep together now and then, and enjoy each other’s company. Instead, I smiled. Don’t want to upset the apple cart.
After work, we smoked a few joints in Central Park and then walked to a nearby diner for a bite to eat.
P.S. Earlier this week, Jesse invited me to accompany him to his parent’s house in May to celebrate our birthdays.
“Oh, that sounds great, but I’m not sure about a trip to Colorado.”
“We’re not going to Colorado. They live in Connecticut, remember? We can rent a car.”
I forgot that his parents lived in Connecticut. We talk so much about being from Colorado. As I recall, on the first night we met he told me his parents had moved.
Invitation accepted.
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When Gay Book Promotions did a call out for reviewers, and after reading a sneak peek over at Amazon, I was in, even though my pile of books to read and review at my blog was getting out of hand, because I liked the journal style of the memoir, something different than what you usually get in a book like this.
First off, I really liked Colby’s entries. Each journal writing gave me a deep look into his life as a gay man coming of age in the seventies.
The book starts off with a great hook of Colby meeting Javier. Not only does Colby cover his career, he also delves deep into his love and sex life. Instead of another actor waiting tables in L.A., he was another actor/musician trying to nab a bite off the Big Apple.
As in life, he has many ups and downs, some that he learns from, and some where he keeps making the same mistakes, and kicking himself afterward. But he was very young, and most young people have to keep making the same mistakes before they finally learn doing the same thing over and over and hoping for different results never happens.
I enjoyed meeting the many friends and lovers Colby encounters during his journey. I also really enjoyed a deep look into the gay scene in NYC before the “crash,” and that crash being of course the horrible onset of AIDS that stole so many wonderful lives. Clever title.
I especially loved the romance of Colby and Jesse. I rooted hard for them. I also rooted for Colby to catch his break and become a recording artist. Does Colby get what he wants: a career in music and the super-sexy Jesse? You’ll have to read to find out, because I’m not giving away any spoilers.
The cruising scenes were great, along with the drug use, the dancing, the fun. But the memoir also has many serious moments of heartache, pain, and sadness.
I really felt like I started on Colby’s journey with him from a young man leaving L.A., to an older and wiser man at the end of his final journal entry. I also loved the epilogue that contained a “what happened” to the many people in his life before the “crash” happened.
I highly recommend this memoir. Colby’s not out to change anyone’s life with his tale, or preach a message of encouragement. He’s simply sharing his journal entries that become a strong character arc similar to a novel, of loving, learning, and loss. Do yourself a favour and get yourself a copy.
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C.C Everill was born in New England. He earned a BA in Music and Theatre in the 1970’s. Before moving to NYC, he kept a diary which was the foundation for “Dancing Before the Crash.” He is now a retired piano teacher and resides in North America with his husband of 36 years and their three cats.
Find C.C.: Twitter | Instagram
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Maggie Blackbird 