A Hot Glue Gun Mess: Funny Stories, Pretty DIY Projects

by Mr. Kate
A Hot Glue Gun Mess: Funny Stories, Pretty DIY Projects cover
Good Books rating 3.06
Technical
  • ID: 5268
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
timeless 3.75

The book is praised for its open discussion of queer acceptance in the 1940s, with strong character development and emotional depth. However, some readers find the plot thin and the characters unlovable.

The City and the Pillar is a novel that stands out for its candid exploration of queer themes in the 1940s, a time when such discussions were rare. Readers appreciate the emotional depth and strong character development, particularly the protagonist's complex journey. The book is seen as a powerful snapshot of the era, capturing the isolation and confusion of coming of age as a gay man. However, some readers find the plot thin and the characters unlovable, which can make the reading experience challenging. The novel's emotional arc, focusing on longing and lost innocence, resonates beyond its time, making it a significant and timeless read.

Quick quotes

    It's the oldest story in the world... boy meets boy, boy obsesses over boy for his entire twenties, boy makes a really, really bad decision

    A tough, clear-eyed, and surprisingly timeless novel.

    gay, bleak, a little satirical, and a study of the loneliness inherent to being queer.

ebay.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-23
boring 1.00

The reviewer finds the novel 'The City and the Pillar' by Gore Vidal to be a sterile and boring exploration of a standard homosexual's life, lacking emotional involvement and offering little that is new or engaging. The protagonist, Jimmie, is portrayed as dull and wearying, with the overall narrative failing to capture the reader's interest.

The reviewer critically assesses Gore Vidal's 'The City and the Pillar' as a novel that presents itself as a case history of a standard homosexual but ultimately falls short of adding anything significant to the existing literature on the subject. The narrative, which follows Jimmie's life from his high school days through various adventures, is described as coldly clinical and devoid of emotional depth. The reviewer finds the protagonist to be dull and his endless self-questioning to be tiresome, leading to a boring and unsensational overall picture. The backdrop of Jimmie's life, which includes encounters with a picture star, a fashionable novelist, and members of the armed forces, does little to enliven the story. The reviewer concludes that the novel is as sterile as its protagonist, marking a step back from Vidal's previously promising work, 'Williwaw'.

Quick quotes

    The novel adds little that is new to a groaning shelf.

    Jimmie comes through as a dull young ox indeed, a doomed young ox who seems suspiciously in love with his doom.

    Mr. Vidal's 'Williwaw' was more than merely promising: this time, he has produced a novel as sterile as its protagonist.

libraryjournal.com · Unknown · 2015-08-01
intriguing 4.00

The reviewer reflects on the impact and reception of Gore Vidal's novel 'The City and the Pillar', highlighting its controversial nature and the author's personal journey in writing it. The book challenged societal norms and faced criticism but also gained recognition and enduring influence.

Gore Vidal's 'The City and the Pillar' is a significant work that delves into themes of love and societal norms, particularly in the context of 1940s America. The novel's publication was met with shock and controversy, as it challenged prevailing superstitions about sex and relationships. Despite initial resistance from publishers and mixed reactions from peers, the book became a best-seller and has had a lasting impact. Vidal's decision to publish the novel marked a pivotal moment in his life, steering him away from a political career and solidifying his role as a writer. The novel's themes and characters, such as Jim Willard and Bob Ford, continue to resonate, sparking discussions and legal challenges even decades later. The reviewer notes the enduring relevance of the book, which is now being adapted for the stage in Russia, highlighting its timeless appeal.

Quick quotes

    The fact is that all of us have stolen pears; the mystery is why so few of us rate halos.

    I knew that my description of the love affair between two 'normal' all-American boys of the sort that I had spent three years with in the wartime army would challenge every superstition about sex in my native land.

    The fag writers were terrified; the others were delighted that a competitor had so neatly erased himself.

createcultivate.com · Unknown · 2015-06-15
harrowing 3.50

The City and the Pillar is a groundbreaking novel that explores the life of a gay protagonist, Jim Willard, and his obsessive love for Bob Ford. The book is depressing but significant, offering a complex portrayal of homosexuality in the 1930s and challenging stereotypes.

The City and the Pillar by Gore Vidal is a seminal work in LGBT literature, marking one of the first mainstream novels with a gay protagonist. The story follows Jim Willard, an athlete who becomes obsessed with his high school friend Bob Ford after a passionate night together. Jim's journey to reunite with Bob is filled with despair and violence, reflecting the societal struggles of the time. The novel is depressing but important, offering a nuanced portrayal of homosexuality that challenges stereotypes. Vidal's writing is solid and impactful, making this a book that will haunt readers long after they finish it. The reviewer found the book haunting and significant, despite its depressing tone, and appreciates its historical and literary importance.

Quick quotes

    When the eyes are shut, the true world begins.

    Jim is also, quite consciously on Vidal’s part, a rather absolute rejection of the stereotype that all gay men are either feminine or lonely, bookish types.

    Yes, it’s depressing. But this is a solid, important work by a writer at the top of his game.

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