That’s What Friends are For is Wade Rouse’s first, but not really first book. For years we have been reading his wonderful, beautiful stories under the name Viola Shipman, an ohmage to his beloved grandmother. But this new book although very different from his past stories is in my opinion stronger, more powerful, so very funny but in keeping with Shipman’s plots and characters has such heart and soul, love and strength and truly so much more. The story, inspired by a television show he watched with his grandmother and mother, The Golden Girls, incorporates the values and groundbreaking plots of the past show and wonderfully integrates them into current day dilemmas.
The story is about a group of gay men who found each other, live in Palm Springs, California, share a house named Zsa Zsa while each is trying to pursue their dreams, trying to leave their pasts behind and be there for each other. Sound familiar? They also monthly have a very popular drag queen show called The Golden Gays. But of course, each have come to the house of Zsa Zsa with terrible, sometimes horrific baggage.
Teddy loves his life with men and drink. He owns a consignment store and is the proud creator of The Golden Gays as that was his and his mother’s favorite show to watch when she was dying. Having been exiled from his family at an early age for not being like them, his father tortured him and his sister Trudy basically bullied him and stopped talking to him, he is now living his truest life. Until an unfortunate situation occurs.
Barry was actually in the first episode of The Golden Girls. But then they dropped him. He has been chasing the dream ever since. With the help and push of his friends he will continue to audition until he becomes famous or until he dies. Then he actually meets someone who hurt him terribly years ago and he is offered a proposition.
Ron was a devoted Midwest Catholic who keeps his housemates in order. Making sure the house looks decent and everyone is well. He is the heart of Zsa Zsa. But he is still sensitive to and nervous about his lifestyle and tries to stay under the radar. Until someone challenges him.
Finally, there is Leo. Who came out late in life leaving a wife and children (and grandchildren). But Leo has yet to find love or a soulmate. It could possibly be his age, he is in his 80’s, but he will never give up hope that he will somehow meet his one true love. Hopefully.
But when Teddy’s sister Trudy and her teenage granddaughter Ava show up all bets are off as to what will happen to the friends and the impact this visit will have on all of them.
They fight, they love each other, they cry for each other, and they will stand by each other no matter what. That in a nutshell is exactly what friends are for, if you are lucky to have them. That’s What Friends are For is filled with humor, drama, mystery, friendship, sensitivity and love, so much love, with so many lessons to be learned!
Thank you for being a friend to all of your readers Wade Rouse!
Thank you #NetGalley #MiraBooks #WadeRouse #That’sWhatFriendsareFor for the advanced copy.
Lisa's Cubby 