reader reviews / Before the Last Dance

Amazon.com

Sasha (Atlanta, GA)
What a beautifully written book about people I "know", as we all do. As a straight woman I can completely relate to the fear of aging and loosing one's youth. The characters could be replaced by women and it would still translate. I look forward to James R. Chumbley's next book!

NJ Flamingo (Pitman, HJ)
I found Before the Last Dance gave me a glimpse into the heart and soul of the characters created by James Randal Chumbley. I felt very satisfied that I knew who they were. I found them to be fully developed including the flaws that all humans possess. The book also brought me back to a time in my youth that has long since passed. One I haven't thought about in a very long time. I attribute this reflection to the deft storytelling of Chumbley. The book in opinion is a character study that shows depth in the players in a culture that is driven by superficial matters of beauty, youth and wanton sex.


joeinrdu@aol.com (Raleigh, NC)
I could not put this book down from the minute I got it. James Randall Chumbley is a fantastic writer...he uses such intimate detail in describing the trials and tribulations of maturing and growing older in the gay community. How refreshing to have real human emotion put into words that describe what most gay men experience...the constant yearning for acceptance, love and companionship...no matter what age. Thank you Randy for your honest and compelling story. I look forward to your next book!

Rum Runner
This story is the life cycle of a rich good looking Alabamian that finds love, lust, and death in a book that you won't put down until you're finished.

V. Croft
I read this book in two days, I couldn't put it down and I didn't want the story to end. This novel affected me the same as BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. The story is well written and the characters are beautiful yet complex.

Every Gay man can identify with the main characters, Tom and Trey. I saw a bit of myself in Tom with his obsession with youth and his terror of growing old. And I saw a bit of myself in Trey, with his affection for Tom and his sense of helplessness for his former lover and best friend.

I strongly recommend this book and I can't wait for James Randall Chumbley to write another book.

Tim “Orlandobodybuilder” (Orlando, FL)
Mr. Chumbley's first book, In the Arms of Adam, was one of the great emotional reads of my life. Every gay man should read it, and this new book does not disappoint as his follow-up. The characters are interesting, fully developed, and believable. All of us will find aspects of ourselves in these characters. Most importantly, the topic of growing older in our youth-obsessed gay culture is something that cries to be discussed and considered. This book is a good read and serves as a great way to begin this discussion. Read it!

Michael H. Bryant (Georgia)
I honestly could not put this book down, I began reading on a Sunday afternoon, and by Monday night I was in amazement!
Personally I related more to this book than I imagined. Being 23 and generally pursuing relationships with older men, I felt Trey's pain page by page. I have never felt an emotional attachment to a book, or a cast of characters the way I have to "Save the Last Dance".
People always tell you its hard being older in the gay world... but this book also sheds a light that its not that easy being young either. I was very much impressed with the characters, the story, and everything else about this book...
It is truly a MUST READ for any gay man, young and old! Thanks Mr. Chumbley!!

Derrick Harrington (Atlanta, GA)
This is the second book I have read by Mr. Chumbley. In fact I read this book twice. Again the emotions expressed were raw, real and reminiscent of my own. The novel's characters are well planned, and their nuances are believable yet never exaggerated. Like his biography, the details of the events portrayed make you feel as though you're not viewing the drama but walking alongside the characters in their journey. I hope Mr. Chumbley continues to write stories that further explore the idiosyncrasies of the gay world and the passions many of us try to sort through in our lives.

Frank AA
This is the second book of James Randall Chumbley's that I have read. His attention to detail and keen sense of drawing the reader into the book is amazing. His descriptions are clear and accurate and has picturing the scene in your mind and in your soul. You understand and feel each of the character's emotions as the story tells the tale of an aging gay man constantly striving to find love, when he realizes he had his only true love twenty years ago. Typical for most gay men, they feel there is always something better out there instead of appreciating what they have. This book is a great read, especially for the generation of men that were coming out and experiencing an emerging gay lifestyle in the late 70s and early 80s.

John M. (Wilmington, Delaware)
This is a great book, well worth reading. The characters are complex and well developed. I really felt I understood their hearts. The book was filled with emotion, and like all good books I reached a point in this one where I couldn't put it down.
I did question the sub-title question that reads "In a culture obsessed with beauty and youth, how do the rest of us survive?" In the book, "...the rest of us..." are represented by a live in maid, and a spinster sister who's primary roles are to care for and worry about the beautiful character Tom.
Tom does help others, but mainly he cares for himself using his money and physical beauty as a form of control over his impressionable and always very young male conquests. Over time his ability to control seems to lesson but maybe not because of his advancing years. Maybe young gay men grow up faster than they did 20 years ago?
Tom's suicide attempt is like a spoiled child's temper tantrum. It's the action of someone who's used to always getting his way but no less tragic and sad.
It's tragic Tom doesn't appreciate what he has instead of dwelling on what he's lost. Young or old that's message that applies to all of us.
Consider buying this book. I'm glad I did.


Everything about "Before the Last Dance" is extraordinary: the story, the characters and the passion with which the author writes. The story and characters may be fiction, but the range of emotions one goes through while reading James Randall Chumbley's poignant tragedy are all too real. Long after reading the last words of the novel, I continue to reflect on the seeming reality that neither material wealth nor the love and loyalty shown by someone like Trey can overcome the sorrow and despair that Tom and many others in the gay world feel in growing old.

A real page turner! The author manages to eloquently address what is a very real issue in not only the gay community but in society as a whole without getting on a soapbox. "In a world obsessed with youth and beauty how do the rest of us survive?" Under Mr Chumbley's pen the characters seem to come alive the reader will experience the pleasure and the pain of the story right along with them. He managed to make me think while allowing me to enjoy a story skillfully told.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the book. I've already recommended it to several of my friends!

C. Larry Howell (Georgia)
With the exception that I am not rich and good looking, I felt that Tom was my alter ego. As a lover of the books by Ann Rice, Mr Chumbley has performed the magic of a Rice novel. Erotic sex, love that can never happen with Tom's personality, and the sadness of an aging gay man that every young gay man should try to understand, but seldom do. This novel will make you laugh and cry more times than you make like. As I neared the finish, I purposely slowed my reading so the book would not end. This is a novel that explains how growing old to so many gay men feels them with such sadness and the loss of their youth that passed much faster than any of us had ever imagined. This is one book that must be read twice!!

Miguel D. (Atlanta, GA)
This is a beautiful and moving story, and one that everyone, both young and old, can relate to. I loved it!

Matthew (Atlanta, GA)
Once again Mr. Chumbley opens the door and sheds some light on an increasing problem in our youth obsessed gay culture; the fear of growing old. In every culture on the planet there are fears of becoming old, sick, frail and worst of all ALONE. Homosexuals in all cultures are discriminated against for just being gay, but then we turn around and self discriminate just because a man no longer looks like he just got his drivers license.
Mr. Chumbley has the ability that few writers possess; the ability to feel what his characters are going through. You feel their pain, loss, depression and even love. In his characters John and Trey, you will experience all these emotions and maybe even recognize someone you know. This is a book that all "chicken hawks" should read but remember that even though we all grow old, there's more to life than firm bodies!

Donovan Ryan Simmons (Fresno, CA)
Randall Chumbley has crafted a beautiful story that has universal appeal. His writing is woven with fine details, like the fabric on your grandmother's sewing chair, and his attention to the poetry in everyday life makes the reading as pleasurable as a good supper. Passion, not only in love, but for life is evident in his rich prose. A Georgia Maupin, Chumbley has again described the lives of aging beautiful men, family and hope, with depth and wit. O'Connor and Faulkner must be smiling.

Zachary N. Welch “zwelch83” (Atlanta, GA)
Chumbley tells the often overlooked story of what it’s like to grow older in the gay community. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has felt the pressures of society to look bigger, better, and younger. I guarantee you'll relate with the characters and see others who remind you of friends, no matter how old you are. Whether you're chicken or a chicken-hawk, Chumbley teaches the ever important lesson in coming full-circle.Barnes&noble.com


Barnes&noble.com

Robby, A reviewer, 03/01/2007
Kudos to James Randall Chumbley
Another excellent book by Chumbley that you will not want to miss the chance to read. Chumbley has the ability to make the reader feel all the emotions that the characters in the book are feeling...you feel as if you are actually witnessing the story firsthand. I am so glad I have run across books by the very talented writer.
Also recommended: 'In the Arms of Adam: a diary of men'

A reviewer, A reviewer, 02/06/2007
Great Read
The story takes me back about 20 years ago when the world was full of life. The characters have so much life, it makes the story all that more plausible. Chumbley makes you feel the pain and joy of each of the characters.

A reviewer, A reviewer, 09/23/2006
Interesting Read
I found Before the Last Dance gave me a glimpse into the heart and soul of the characters created by James Randal Chumbley. I felt very satisfied that I knew who they were. I found them to be fully developed including the flaws that all humans possess. The book also brought me back to a time in my youth that has long since passed. One I haven't thought about in a very long time. I attribute this reflection to the deft storytelling of Chumbley. The book in opinion is a character study that shows depth in the players in a culture that is driven by superficial matters of beauty, youth and wanton sex.


Brian Morgan (madeinor@hotmail.com), part of the truth., 09/23/2006
CONCIOUS, MAGNETIC AND CHARGING
Addiction, fantasies, and the dynamic relationships between brand-new and formed men. Besides the direct concentration of the story, the writer offers a sharp reminder of the certain truth...time. A truth unimaginable until the validity of its nature is exposed in its own reflection. So often ignored, this tale divulges the desire of youth. Not just for muse and pleasure, but to take us back. The maker makes...the author creates, and what a creation. Chumbley's writing shows the characters inside out while bringing the scene to life. Truly remarkable. Raw, racy and unexpected...this is a model story with a sexy and untried edge!
Also recommended: In The Arms of Adam, Arkansas, When England Sleeps.

Ed, an eclectic reader, 02/26/2006
An Amazing Work on Gay Life
This book captivated me from the moment I picked it up. I could hardly put it down and kept reading. Mr. Chumbley has an amazing gift in his ability to absorb the reader into the plot of the book. You not only read the book you feel like your are experience life as the characters are developed and grow before your eyes. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to reflect on life and how we can at times be our worst critics. The book provides a powerful message encouraging us all to reach out to those we love to let them know we love them and that they are vital in our lives.


Sal (srincal@aol.com), A reviewer, 12/06/2005
FABULOUS WRITING OF PURE EMOTIONS
This story of two men, and their friendship at various points in their life is fabulous. The book is full of beauty and emotions as we follow - a friendship over a period of time as lovers and friends. Mr. Chumbley writes with such sincerity one becomes friends to the characters. Age and Beauty are issues in the book, but the friendship and the characters are inspiring. Sensitive, erotic, heartwarming and visual...he is an artist with words. Mr. Chumbley speaks for so many of us, yet makes us realize what the important things in life truly are...life, love and friendship. He is an author I look forward to following.

Michael H Bryant, A reviewer, 09/12/2005
Amazing book!
This book captures every emotion anyone could ever have in a relationship! Personally I have felt the emotions that Trey felt for Tom, and I was amazed at how real the characters and feelings were in this book. At the end of the book I could feel Trey's heart beating at the Abbey as the dj played Donna Summer's mix when he lets go of Tom for the last time... it sends chills through my body even now!! I recommend this book to any gay man of any age, and I guarantee you will fall in love with this book the way I have!!
Also recommended: 'In the Arms of Adam' by James Randall Chumbley


Derrick (derrickuab@yahoo.com), A reviewer, 08/26/2005
Great Read!
This is the second book I have read by Mr. Chumbley. In fact I read this book twice. Again the emotions expressed were raw, real and reminiscent of my own. The novel's characters are well planned, and their nuances are believable yet never exaggerated. Like his biography, the details of the events portrayed make you feel as though you're not viewing the drama but walking alongside the characters in their journey. I hope Mr. Chumbley continues to write stories that further explore the idiosyncrasies of the gay world and the passions many of us try to sort through in our lives.
Also recommended: In The Arms of Adam


Frank, A reviewer, 07/21/2005
Great book
This is the second book of James Randall Chumbley's that I have read. His attention to detail and keen sense of drawing the reader into the book is amazing. His descriptions are clear and accurate and has picturing the scene in your mind and in your soul. You understand and feel each of the character's emotions as the story tells the tale of an aging gay man constantly striving to find love, when he realizes he had his only true love twenty years ago. Typical for most gay men, they feel there is always something better out there instead of appreciating what they have. This book is a great read, especially for the generation of men that were coming out and experiencing an emerging gay lifestyle in the late 70s and early 80s.

A reviewer, A reviewer, 06/01/2005
Another 5 star book by Chumbley
I had the pleasure of attending Chumbley's reading from his book along with 170 others on May 25, 2005 at Outwrite in Atlanta for a book signing to remember. Read the book and fill that he has touched on a subject that we all need to consider. He brings to life the times we share and provides insight as to how some respond. This would make a great movie for all to see; but, first you should enjoy the book for yourself.