Sweet Tooth

A Memoir

By: Tim Anderson

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

What’s a sweets-loving young boy growing up gay in North Carolina in the '80s supposed to think when he’s diagnosed with type-1 diabetes? That God is punishing him, naturally.

This was, after all, when gay-hating Jesse Helms was his senator, AIDS was still the boogeyman, and no one was saying, "It gets better." And if stealing a copy of a gay porno magazine from the newsagent was a sin, then surely what the men inside were doing to one another was much worse.

Sweet Tooth is Tim Anderson’s uproarious memoir of life after his hormones and blood sugar both went berserk at the age of 15. With Morrissey and The Smiths as the soundtrack, Anderson self-deprecatingly recalls love affairs with vests and donuts, first crushes, coming out, and inaugural trips to gay bars. What emerges is the story of a young man trying to build a future that won’t involve crippling loneliness or losing a foot to his disease - and maybe even one that, no matter how unpredictable, can still be pretty sweet.

©2014 Tim Anderson (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Nice story

Nice nostalgia from the 90s with music and friends. I wouldn't say its riveting material, but a nice story.

A Literary Treat

I fell in love with the character Tim immediately. I regretted the last few chapters, knowing it would end soon. You don't have be gay or have diabetes to appreciate the coming-of-age awkwardness our hero encounters throughout this journey.

Funny Coming of Age Memoir

I had my eye on this one since it came out. Once I saw a few folks had weighed in on it and liked it, so I figured I'd give it a shot. I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed the authors style and pace. It's funny and genuine. It brought me back to the same time in my life and had me laughing at the crazy things that all teenagers go through despite our different personal challenges.

Warning, It's not for anyone squeamish about young adult sex!

Good story, real life happenings, great narrator!

This is a delightful story about a young man coping with being gay & having type one diabetes. This story spans several years, from middle school through life until post college, so you feel immersed in his life in more ways than one. Regardless of your sexuality, you'll find many things in common with our lead character. Adult "scenes" are handled in an adult manner & there is no profanity or vivid descriptions of those adult situations. The story provides a happy ending - not always common when being gay or have diabetes is concerned! I liked it & recommend it.

Loved it!

This was such a fun book! I really enjoyed it. Now on to search for more by this author.

Me too!

Though I’m just 3-4 years younger & was diagnosed at age 7 instead of early teens, this story was almost exactly my story. I remember going & getting glucometers that didn’t have test strips that had to be wiped, remember when they took less time than before, the pain of hitting the same place on my finger twice, getting brand new insulins that are supposed to help better, doing shots/checking bg while driving, having to spend 1$/ strip & whining about it as a defense for my poor self care, coming out to friends, family, and the guilt of my diabetic problems’ burdens on my family & friends & worrying no man would ever want me because of it. Growing up in church & all the parts that make you feel like you did something wrong to have it happen to me with my naive mind (because of the people, not the old text). Getting stuck somewhere without sugar & the mortal fear that comes with it, and the mortal social terror of asking strangers to help, the apologies after coming out of a low bg while coming-to… etc. I even recall the clubs & popular music of the time & feelings of trying to fit in, find love, etc.
now I’m a (relatively) successful adult in good control of my diabetes due to tech advances, happily, gayly married in my first purchased home with my husband who knows what to do if I have an ‘episode’ (few and far-between), and I guess it’s because of the wisdom that comes with age.

Thanks for the book. The reading was humorous & engaging, and the inside knowledge of the author made it so authentic to me. (Diabetes topic and gay in the 80s-90s topic) Made me laugh and shed a lil tear for the younger me.
All good stories should engage & this one did that for me.
I even remember diabetes camp!
Great job!

OMG I loved it

What did you love best about Sweet Tooth?

Even though it was about struggling with diabetes, the book was really funny. The inner thoughts of Tim were hilarious.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sweet Tooth?

Tim getting rejected by guys over and over..that was sad for me.

Which character – as performed by MacLeod Andrews – was your favorite?

Tim's mother. Her accent was funny. I love how she cared for Tim.

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

Paramedics guys won't take you for pancake dates.

Any additional comments?

I want a sequel.

Hilarious!

Oh my god, everyone should read this book, they will find it hilarious. If you're diabetic and/or have been or currently are a young gay boy with no clue, this goes doubly for you!

Great sarcastic humor

Loved the narration and also the sarcastic humor of the author. Well written but I was shocked when the book ended as it did.

Not quite 4 stars....

3.5 stars really: A young man's self absorbed journey through gay-ness, onset of juvenile diabetes, and generalized teenaged angst. VERY funny at times, but did become somewhat tedious toward the end as I found myself listening just so I could finish. GREAT narration, though. Five stars and three cheers for the narrator!!