I've enjoyed Hayes' work since I first read Sleep Demons, and have also found Oliver Sacks' work quite fascinating - Uncle Tungsten is among my favorites. When I learned that Hayes and Sacks were together at the end of Sacks' life, I was surprised and touched - and of course I had to get a copy of this book...

The style is a mix of isolated snippets about New York street scenes, moments from daily life, etc., and near-poetic passages about Hayes' life after the death of his long-time lover Steve, and the commencement of his relationship with Oliver. The details of Oliver-as-delighted-lover are thoroughly charming, reflecting Sacks' own surprise at finally being able to open up to another person in ways he hadn't allowed himself to in decades. Their relationship includes their experiences as writers, their friends, hobbies - and more intimate details - and the book blends all this in a really lovely narrative.

Hayes' new love of New York City is almost as strong a theme here as his love for Sacks, and he describes everything from encounters with strangers on the subway to strolls through rather frightening parts of town with a lyrical affection that's enchanting - and hopeful... Even though the book ends with Sacks' death in 2015, it's a beautiful love story. Recommended!

[Hayes describes Sacks' own final book, On The Move, a memoir that includes an overview of Sacks' life and career, including his late-in-life relationship with Hayes.]

I left this book in the Little Free Library; hope the finder enjoys the book!

[See other recent releases in NH here.]

*** Released for the 2018 E-less release challenge. ***