It Had to Be You

by Timothy James Beck

Book Overview

A coy and comely Midwesterner-turned Manhattanite takes a rollicking, round-about odyssey through the big city in search of a real life and a love life. A hilarious and often poignant tale, David's... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1575668890
• ISBN13: 9781575668895
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
• Length: 342 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A book 2Di4!

When I read "He's the One," by Timothy James Beck, there was a character introduced that I was dying to learn more about: Daniel Stephenson. He had a realistic past, I identified with him a lot more than the main protagonist of "He's the One," and moreover, he was just a wonderfully developed secondary character with some great stuff in his written past. Now I know why. Turns out that "It Had to be You," is the story of Daniel Stephenson, getting up to just about the point where he's in in "He's the One." This was great, even if I did already know the ending as I'd read them out of order. Daniel is an easy-to-identify-with character for me (no buff jock, just a slim guy; no massively successful job, just an entry level second-attempt-at-a-career). He's still hurt over the betrayal of his last boyfriend, still a little damaged over the revelation that yet another friend is slowly dying of AIDS, and just about ripe for falling head over heels with the hunky guy across the street. Basically, he's a knight in slightly tarnished and dented armor (or at least a sequined gown). The trouble being that the guy across the street lives with a woman, seems about as straight as they come, and probably won't react well to Daniel's previous career as a female impersonator who mostly did Lady 2Di4, a Princess Diana tribute. Uh oh. The wit is just as sharp in this one as in "He's the One," - and just as often nicely balanced with some poignancy that doesn't over-sweeten to saccharine levels. And I must say I am now a firm fan of all things Timothy James Beck. I really hope to see more books out of him. 'Nathan

Wonderful debut!

It is great to actually look at the world through someone else's eyes. And this is what Timothy James Beck does. Daniel is a great protagonist and by the very first page, we are welcomed to see his world and step into his quite large high heels.The novel is peppered with so many wonderful characters: the closeted love interest Blaine, the fresh-from-the-farm ingenue Sheila, the drag diva-in-training Martin and the dowager drag queen Ken. But it's not enough. You are left wanting more, needing them to live and breathe like Daniel does. But it is a wonderful debut, reminding me of Rettenmund's Boy Culture as well as McLaughlin's Glamorpuss. I wonder what his second book, He's The One, has in store?

Witty, romantic escapism.

Timothy James Beck's "It Had To Be You" has to be my favorite gay novel published this year. Many apartment hunters know that real estate is all about location, location, location and many gay novels follow that same rule, getting bogged down in the details of the setting. When Daniel Stephenson, Beck's main character, "tossed the tiara" and got a life by relocating to a new apartment in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, I not only cheered him on, but wanted to move there myself when I finished the book. Beck does such an amazing job of describing the locations used in Manhattan that I often felt transported to the lobby of Club Chaos, the streets of Hell's Kitchen or a lively brunch with Daniel and his larger than life Aunt Jen. Not only is Daniel Stephenson an introspective and endearing main character, but like the aforementioned Aunt Jen, Beck surrounds him with a cast of enjoyable supporting characters. Paternal best friend Ken, jocular and scathing Martin, caustic club owning Andy, lesbian financial vegan Gretchen, youthful and vibrant Sheila and the enigmatic stud Blaine make up a realistic and fresh "family" for Daniel. And who wouldn't want to be Aunt Jen's favorite nephew? Beck's characters are not the cookie cutter-stereotypes usually found in gay novels. Being gay is not always equated with camp. Lesbians are not flannel wearing man-haters. And straight people are certainly not the enemy. People are people in Beck's book, which is why the characters remain realistic. It Had To Be You is a charming journey for any reader, straight or gay, male or female, as it explores the modern definition of family, the rollercoaster ride of love and shows us positive ways to deal with the idiosyncrasies of life. Timothy James Beck is on my top shelf, along with Joe Keenan, Felice Picano, Ethan Mordden, Matthew Rettenmund and Christian McLaughlin. And I hope Beck's career grows and blossoms like a flower in Daniel Stephenson's garden.

An unforgettable story...touching, and a pleasure to read

This was the most entertaining story I have read in ages! An excellent mix of lighthearted humor, touching drama, and a keen look into the modern gay world, told through the eyes of a very likeable and engaging character. The dialogue in this book cannot be surpassed...it flows as easily from the page into your heart as any conversation you might have with your dearest friends. Mr. Beck has given the reader a veritable "bag" of unforgettable characters, ranging from the eccentric to the down-to-earth, all woven into a very charming story that I found impossible to put down. I recommend this book to all people...however, I would add that it is a must-read for those in, or those touched by the gay community. The detailed and enveloping descriptions of gay life in the city, the drag scene, and the interwoven relationships between all of the characters...the extended "family" that so many gay people have come to rely on, is so accurate and heartwarming that I actually felt at-home within this wonderful story. My congratulations to Beck for an impressive and endearing tale that was an absolute pleasure to read.