Full Circle

By: Michael Thomas Ford

Narrated by: Blake Somerset

History professor Ned Brummel is living happily with his partner of 12 years in small-town Maine when he receives a phone call from his estranged friend - Jack - telling him that another friend - Andy - is very ill and possibly near death. As Ned boards a plane to Chicago on his way to his friend's bedside, he embarks on another journey into memory, examining the major events and small moments that have shaped his world and his relationships with these two very different, very important men.

Growing up together through the restrictive 1950s and confusing '60s, Jackson "Jack" Grace and Ned Brummel take solace in their love for each other. But once they arrive at college in 1969 and meet handsome farm boy Andy Kowalski, everything changes. Despite Andy's apparent heterosexuality, both Jack and Ned fall hard for him, straining their close friendship. Soon, the three men will become involved in a series of intense liaisons and bitter betrayals, coming together and flying apart, as they alternately hurt, love, shape, and heal one another over the course of years.

From the heady, drug- and sex-fueled days of San Francisco in the wild '70s to the haunting spectre of AIDS in the '80s and the righteous activism of the '90s, their relationship transforms and grows, reflecting the changes going on around them. Now, together again in the most crucial and intimate of settings, Ned, Jack, and Andy have another chance to confront the damage of the past and embrace the bonds of friendship and love that have stood the test of time.

©2007 Michael Thomas Ford (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Impactful...real...Ford's beautiful story makes it all seem possible and believable...these are rich characters, heartfelt descriptions and real-life happenings that resonate...allow yourself to get lost in this story." (The Lambda Book Report)

Forest Gump: the gay version

I had to sit with this review for a few days. The book was fantastic but it really messed with my head. It made me think about my mortality and my own issues with death. Not that it's all doom and gloom, there are many lighter parts and the characters are fascinating. But there's nothing like a story that makes you think and feel.
The story read like a true story and if not the true story of one person's life, it was a compilation of experiences that anyone (regardless of orientation) in the United States between the '50s and 90s directly experienced (whether they realized it or not). It was sort of a Forest Gump with a gay twist.
I listened to this story in audio and the narrator, Blake Somerset, was phenomenal. If you read this book I would recommend the audio version for the greatest impact.

I'm amazed and stunned !!!

Any additional comments?

I'm amazed and stunned. ~ FULL CIRCLE was a marathon like journey. Both exciting, exhausting and long.

“Straight people get married so that they can have sex. Gay men have sex so that they can get friends.”

This is the kind of (main character narrated) story that is absolutely perfect for the audiobook form. I'm so very grateful (yes that's the right word) to this wise choice of narrator (Blake Somerset).

Big applause to a simply fantastic audiobook edition. Highly recommended audio listening for everyone with love for: epic interesting life and friendship stories, contemporary history, well written novels, gay mens situation and to brave readers (unlike me) with a strong (rapid healing heart).

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Be aware: this is a fictional novel about gay men, the M/M lifestyle and three mens love, lovelife, as well as other important life topics, but it's not (and more or less never) a traditional 'romance'. ~ ..It isn't a M/M/M 'threesome' story neither.

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Okay

I remember liking his style when I was in my twenties but now that I'm in my forties I find the main protagonist pretentious and judgmental. He also never grows as a person, I think it would have been a better story to tell from the perspective of either of the other two characters because the story just left me flat.

Michael Thomas Ford at his best

Reading the synopsis I wasn't immediately drawn to this book. Instead I found a well written exploration of a life long friendship. Loved it - I was wrapped up in the story from the first moment.

If you were there, this is a good story ...

Would you listen to Full Circle again? Why?

In the final analysis, I really enjoyed this book. But it's long and, at times, a bit ponderous. Once through was fun -- but once through was enough.

What did you like best about this story?

As my headline notes, if you were there, this story chronicles our lives in a way that resonates. From the fumblings of childhood to the shame, worry and fear of coming out; college and the Vietnam War; free love, the sexual revolution, the political awakening of the lesbian and gay communities; AIDS and the maturing of the LGBT movement and of the characters, as well.The protagonist is a complex character. There are times when you love him and times when you wonder what the hell he's thinking! But he carries the story through the many ups and downs of his history and that of his two friends, and their intricately & intimately entwined lives.

Have you listened to any of Blake Somerset’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't listened to Mr. Somerset before. His characters were easily distinguishable &, at times, quite animated. This is, of course, a first person narrative. I think I wish that the narrator/protagonist had been a bit more bright, or quick, in his delivery. It might have made some sections less tedious.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The chronicle of a menage a trois in one of the most important periods in gay history.

This epic novel is true to its title

Full Circle is true to its title in that I went from loving the story to boredom, back to loving it, then to “this part is dumb” and back to loving it again.
You will be frustrated beyond belief at the narrator/ main character Ned throughout most of the novel, and you may think it beyond ridiculous that even though they lived through these crazy moments in history, that they always found themselves somewhere in the middle of these events.
But that said, stick around for the detailed personal moments between Jack and Ned, the gritty day to day on base in Vietnam, and the emotional roller coaster in the thick of the AIDS crisis. they are all so poignant and well written that it will be worth it.
Together through an epic 20th century 1950-2006, Ned and Jack’s story is one that doesn’t get told enough. It’s beautiful in its complexity and honesty of two gay men that go through it all (most of it) together.

To Every Season...

I loved this story!! I can so relate to the struggles, hardships, and joy described in the pages of Michael Thomas Ford's 'Full Story'. Though I am not as old as the characters of our protagonists, Ned & Jack, many of the paths described within the pages resonate within and brought forth a plethora of memories of my own forgotten past. Initially, I thought I would resent that remembrance, but I must admit that I am thankful. This is the second book written by Ford that I have read and I can assuredly admit that I am now a huge fan. The narration of Blake Somerset, brought the characters to life and I am glad that I was able to share in the telling of such a reminiscent tale! Highly recommend!!!

A Great Story Of Love Loss And Gay Service Members

Mr. Ford amazing from childhood friends to adult lovers and finally adult companions. All set in Vietnam war time and realistic in its depiction of gay service members pre-don't ask don't tell. Love lost acceptance. Great Listen.

Great book. Great story. I kept wanting to listen and finished it too quickly.

This is my story. This is the story of my life. I am nerd in the story. My best friend, Dan, in life is Jack. No matter how many years have gone by for Dan and I, we enjoy our sex as well as our arguments. I am sure that you will be able to relate in your own life to this wonderfully told story.

Poignant storytelling

This book touches on so many experiences shared by gay men as it tells the story of three friends spanning the last five decades. Even if you don't come from the big cities you will recognize these characters.