[.ca] The Easy Way Out (ISBN 0671787381)

comic parody of 20th century commitment phobia:
I was sorry this book ended. There was alot personally identifiable for me. The parents and Sharon were a hoot. Great dialogue for these characters. It reminded me of Anne Tyler accented with the darkness of Richard Ford. Anyone with neurotic family issues should give it a try.

This book is not the object of MY affection....:
After ripping through The Object of My Affection in the space of two days, I eagerly purchased Stephen McCauley's other books. I was a bit disappointed in The Easy Way Out, as the characters aren't really likeable, and their situations are somewhat self-inflicted. As in real life, it's a bit difficult to feel sympathy for people who bring on their own problems, and reading about it certainly doesn't pass MY time well. Perhaps I shouldn't be so negative... I mean, I didn't MIND the book, but I loved his first book so much, that I expected the same. I was wrong.

McCauley's Best:
While this book may not have the romantic appeal of the accessible "Object Of My Affection," it does show a more astute psychological intuition and more sophisticated humor. McCauley continues with his theme of examining the ways in which our lives are shaped and contorted by our ambivalent desires. He develops his unique use of dialogue to telegraph traits the characters themselves are unaware of and create recognizable personalities. His humor is character- and situation- based, undergirded by the bittersweet, even melancholy mood felt in all his books. It is an unusually nuanced and insightful exploration of family dynamics and the complexities of adult romantic relationships. I believe it is one of the strongest examples of contemporary fiction and perhaps the best example of the growing "gay literature."

A male Helen Fielding:
I have a confession to make... i'm addictd to Stephen McCauley! I have all his books! Although I prefer "The Object of my Affection" I still recomend this. It has the same level of wit and character as the other books in McCauley's collection. This makes it easy to become emerged into the world of Patrick O'Neil(and what a world it is!) I assure you that this book will keep you entertained with every turn of the page. This is a must if you have a sense of humour! Helen Fielding look out! (Look out for McCauley's new "True Enough")

A good follow up to "Object of my Affection":
I thoroughly enjoyed "No Easy Way Out"; having lived in the areas described, the book had an additional resonance. I did not find it meandering or a let down; if not quite as great as "Object..." it still does not dissapoint.