No Irish Need Apply Reviewed by Rainbow Reviews
*****

"No Irish Need Apply by Edward C. Patterson is light homoerotic contemporary romance.

Kevin and Louis may know what prejudice feels like, but otherwise their childhoods are vastly different. Kevin has always gotten along fine at school where as Louis has always been treated with disdain and thought of as gay. They saw each other at school, but never really met until Louis is assigned as Kevin’s study partner. Louis has always known that he is different and he hopes that Kevin is that way too. Kevin has always done what is expected until he meets Louis and begins to have strange feelings for Louis.

As Kevin begins to explore these feelings, they both realize that slogan No Irish Need Apply relates to their situation more than they care for. Neither Louis or Kevin are truly out of the closet about how they feel for one another or their sexuality. Will they find the strength of will to acknowledge their feelings out in the open or will they like many people be doomed to deny their true selves?

Mr. Patterson has created an incredible story by linking it with prejudices that happened earlier in the century. By using this analogy that many understand from their study of history, it allows the reader to see how modern day prejudice effects people in the same manner it did years ago. I think that Kevin and Louis were very brave to stand up for themselves and in doing so they may have helped other young people in their same situation. I find this story very compelling and a must read for anyone who doesn’t understand how bigotry can effect people. I will be looking for other stories by Mr. Patterson."

Review by Teresa
Rainbow Reviews

No Irish Need Apply Reviewed by Timothy Mulder author of Lonely and Lost
*****

Foregoing a full plot synopsis (see other reviews), I'll focus instead on why this book stands out for me.

As a reader, I am primarily concerned with my connection to the characters. Mr. Patterson's ability to fully flesh out his cast is a truly rare and talented gift. I was immediately taken in by all his characters, at all times believing in and caring about their situations.

The challenge of writing from the perspective of an age you are well past - in this case, two teenagers - is not easily accomplished. Yet Mr. Patterson masterfully engages the reader at a level that borders on deja-vu. Louis' and Kevin's exploits as young, gay men, coming to terms with their sexuality and senses of self worth, took me right back to my own experiences in high school.

Being gay made this 'visit to the past' uniquely poignant, but being an 'outsider' is a universal feeling that all young people share. Anyone who feels singled out, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation, will be able to identify with and benefit from this book. I'll be passing it on to my pre-teen niece, and heartily recommend it to everyone.

Review by Timothy Mulder
author of Lonely and Lost

No Irish Need Apply reviewed by Mireille Reyns (Belgium)
*****
Moving Love Story

With this novel Mr. Patterson has reached my heart and soul. I had to fight back the tears as I read this tender, loving story about two young men fighting for and finding the love of their lives. Long after I finished the story, Kevin, Louis and Mrs B still lingered on in my mind. Making me feel all warm and good inside. Truly exceptional and therefore I can highly recommend this little piece of art to everybody!

Review by Mireille Reyns

No Irish Need Apply Reviewed by Thomas Riccobueno, Cottonwood, AZ
*****
Noble and Courageous

The innocence and sincerity of this simple love story has all the earmarks of an 'after-school special'. Anyone else remember those? The characters were right out of every day life.

Completely real and engaging. I only wish, life and such actions had been possible when I was that age. Coming of age is hard enough, but coming out while dealing with impending manhood is a testament to both the nobility and courage of these two young warriors of love. If this is ever made into a movie, I hope Ron Howard directs, so the (all-american) timelesness of the characters will be acurately captured.

No Irish Need Apply gives me hope for the future.

Review by Thomas Riccobueno

No Irish Need Apply reviewed by R. W. Banks "The Gemstar" (Australia)
*****

Heart-Warming and Heart-Breaking in Equal Measures

"No Irish Need Apply" is a wonderful book, bittersweet and charmingly told. On one hand it's simply a tale of first love between two young boys (Kevin and Louis) who are only just learning to come to terms with their sexuality in a town full of gossip-mongering and intolerance. And yet, through the use of clever analogy and elegant prose, Mr Patterson manages to convey powerful messages about prejudice and understanding.

All the characters peopling this short novel are well-written and realistically portrayed. The reader gets a sense of the boys' distinct personalities and their differing reactions when faced with similar circumstances. I became especially fond of "Mrs B" whose character probably evolves more than any other throughout the story. Her tender and somewhat humorous relationship with Louis is one of the highlights of the book in my opinion.

The plot moves along at a fast clip and at times packs an unexpected emotional punch. I have to admit there were some moments towards the end of the book when I was reduced to a quivering wreck! My five-star rating speaks for itself.

Review by R. W. Banks

No Irish Need Apply Reviewed by Esmeralda Luv (Seattle, WA)
*****

Another Great Book

This book is multi-faceted in that it describes in great detail the impact this love story has on all of the characters in the story. First and foremost is the love between Kevin and Louis. This side of the story is told with both boys' feelings on the line, and the chances they take. Next is Kevin's mother, Mrs. B, and the impact their relationship has on her, a single mother, trying to make the right choices for her only son, and choosing to be supportive because in the end, it's the only thing a loving mother can do. Louise, Louis' mother, is having a hard time coming to terms with all of this in addition to her own problems. Mrs. B. steps up to the plate and says the right things and knows in time Louise will also come to terms with her son's decisions. For me, while I understood and felt the turmoil the boys were going through, Mrs. B. is the true heroine of this story.

I have enjoyed several of Edward C. Patterson's books. While 'Surviving an American Gulag' is a favorite of mine, this book is a solid second. He has a way of bringing out the true emotions of each and every character he writes into his stories. It's as if the reader is sitting in the room, watching facial expressions and extending a hand to the character who needs it. This is more than just skilled writing, Patterson has been blessed with a gift of bringing real situations to life and all of the sensitive emotions that accompany them. It is with great anticipation that I look forward to Edward's next book.

Review by Esmaralda Luv

No Irish Need Apply Reviewed by Beth A (Mpls, Mn)
*****

A Love Story

This story explores the wonder of first love, and the power of it. As well as the depth of a Mothers love for her child. This is a beautifully written story, where we feel their wonder, fear, courage and hope. It is a story that will touch your heart.

Review by Beth A

A Gripping Story of Prejudice

Louis Lonnegan had always known he was different from the other boys in school. He didn't much care for sports, and he didn't much care for girls, at least not romantically. Obvious to everyone, with the exception of his widowed Irish Catholic mother, Louis was frequently ostracized by his schoolmates, occasionally made fun of, and from time to time physically assaulted because of who he was.

Kevin Borden was also the son of a widowed Irish Catholic mother, but he was quite different from Louis in many ways but not all. Kevin, an attractive athlete had the attention of many of the high school girls and as a result was also the envy of many of the boys. Paired together with Louis to be study partners, Kevin connects with Louis in ways he hadn't previously. He begins to question his own orientation and even though he finds himself drawn to Louis, he refuses to think of himself as "gay". But he discovers the feelings he has are real and aren't to be denied. Hiding the truth from their parents and schoolmates, Kevin and Louis must choose to continue leading a lie or forever open the door about who they are to the world and the consequences be damned.

In No Irish Need Apply, Edward C. Patterson parallels the persecution and prejudice of Irish Immigrants in our nation's history to the plight suffered by gays in society. Integrating the familial and social pressures to conform along with the subtle and sometimes not so subtle persecution of gays, Patterson offers hope to those finding themselves and their place in the world.

A brave, thoughtful, and moving novel, Patterson dedicates his work to the Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) organization.

Todd Fonseca

Review by Gregory Bernard Banks

*****

Poetic Prose with Both Depth and Substance

It's not often these days that you come across writing that possesses both the literary beauty of a classic poem with the depth and substance of a contemporary tale. A story may be gritty and real, with writing that reflects the coarseness of the environment in which the characters live, or you have prose that weaves a magical spell with beautiful turns of phrase, but once you're done reading it leaves you with little to chew on after the fact. But "No Irish Need Apply" by Edward C. Patterson contains both substance and style, a contemporary tale with told with the poetic beauty of the literary classics of the past.

"No Irish Need Apply," a reference to the times when Irish immigrants were discriminated against, blatantly reflected by signs posted outside many establishments letting it be known that if you were Irish, then you shouldn't bother coming inside, is a story of love, a forbidden love in many circles, because it's the love story for two teen boys. For many, the subject may be controversial, even considered a topic as forbidden as the incidents it portrays. But in the hands (or should I say pen?) of Mr. Patterson, the story is told with compassion and grace. The tale of these teens as they come to recognize, and eventually accept, their growing love for one another is one which transcends the stigmas and prejudices surrounding homosexuality. It's a story that lives and breathes, takes you inside the minds of two young men dealing with issues that pretty much every human being should be able to identify with. "No Irish Need Apply" is not a preachy tale, nor a rant against the establishment that denies same-sex relationships equal protection under the law. It's simply a story about teenage angst and love, and of two people trying to find themselves as they discover each other. If the world is lucky, stories like this one that will kick down the walls of prejudice and the misguided applications of morality that still plagues our world, and in doing so bring better understanding and acceptance to us all.

"No Irish Need Apply" isn't just a must read in my opinion, it should be required reading for everyone. Do yourself a favor and read it today.

- Gregory Bernard Banks, author of "2012: Seeking Closure"

*****
A wonderful read.

In his novel No Irish Need Apply, Mr. Patterson breathes life into the characters and the dilemmas they face. He brings to life teens Kevin and Louis; he draws them so well, we feel we know them personally and feel every emotion that washes through them - hope, love, insecurity, shame- the shame brought on by their fellow classmates who somehow make their own lives feel more worthwhile by making fun of the boys and their feelings for each other.

Kevin's mother Sarah is shown as a mother like any other until she comes across a secret she feels may destroy her and her quiet linear life. As she faces her own personal limits of understanding, will she accept her son Kevin as he is? Only time will tell.

This book is written so well, so touching, as we explore love and devotion toward each other, that it pulls at out heartstrings. Everyone should read this book. This reader couldn't help but give it five stars - this story deserves it!

- Lila Pinord

The Mark of Enlightenment, May 30, 2009
Review by Laurie Foston (Southaven, Ms)

*****
"I only ask to be free. The butterflies are free. Mankind will surely not deny to Harold Skimpole what it concedes to the butterflies." -Bleak House, by Charles Dickens-

No Irish Need Apply is a brilliantly written novel most worthy to sit next to some of the greatest writers. It speaks from the very soul of the author to the soul of the reader.

Two boys of Irish background know inside they are different but not exactly sure if they are gay, and certainly don't know if they want others to know. This keeps them alienated from the rest of the world until they discover one another. They are not products of perversion or trauma. They come from Irish Catholic background.

Sarah, Kevin's mother, pushes the boys to each take a date to the prom together. "Make it a double date," she said.

Rumors around the school already have it that the two boys are gay, but the prom night may show a spectacular come out for both.

Edward C. Patterson knocks down the barriers to see the superficial discrimination of gays without knowing who they are or judging them by a stereotype and this enlightening novel, like Butterflies Are Free, shows the world of a gay as seen through the eyes of a young person who is gay. Open your mind. Be enlightened to this. It has an invaluable lesson.

What humbled me about this tale was Sarah was presented up front as though she would be someone who would have been heart broken to hear that her child was gay. Perhaps the type (stereotype that is) who would not accept Kevin or Louis for who they were. Yet, the reader finds the reason why you can't judge the book by its cover--no matter if you are gay or straight! And it shows the real reason why they are accepted. Sarah has a true love for everyone--not just her own son but someone else's son. Are you a parent? How would you judge your son and the other man in his life? It hits both audiences and the truth is the truth!

The point is well taken and the boys are fascinating their audiences with the wonder of discovering who they were. (This is not a sexually explicit book.)

Edward C. Patterson leaves a mark of enlightenment on the reader with his beautifully delivered narrative prose.

Review by Leslie Nichol
****

I buzzed through another very good book by n Edward C. Patterson: I love gay coming of age stories and this one did not disappoint. Short, sweet and well written, this was a fast read but definitely worth reading.

Review By "Tiffany Turner" (San Jose, CA)

*****

"A New Perspective on Growing Up In Today's High School

I've been seeing a lot of posts in the Indie Author world on Amazon and the Kindle boards with this author. So, I wanted to see what the buzz was about. Boy, am I glad I did. This is a great book if you want to get a perspective on what it would be like to be so different in high school; you're more than alone but estranged. Dedicated to PFLAG, Parents and Family of Lesbians and Gays, this book can give you an understanding of what it might be like growing up gay in today's high schools.

I really enjoyed the writing style of Edward Patterson. His humor and imagery really pulls you in the book. There is a realistic sense to the minds of these boys, and the build up to the end is a window to their pain. I was able to predict the ending a bit. But by that time, like any well-led reader, I wanted it to happen.

This book does have some areas that would delve into more adult and teen reading. I would not have middle school readers try this book. It is definitely written as an edgy YA. It is a good read for families trying to understand what is behind the feelings of someone who is gay in their family."