The Boys Across the Street

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In this semiautobiographical novel, Rick Sandford tells the story of a former gay porn star—also named Rick—who lives across the street from a Chassidic boys’ school, and his relationship with the students and their families. Rick is drawn to the boys’ religious fervor, and, in an attempt to gain deeper insight into their faith, he dons Chassidic dress and dares to confront the codes in Leviticus condemning homosexual behavior—codes that he believes are responsible for the bigotry that has dogged his life. As his relationship with the boys deepens from mere fascination to friendship, Rick finds himself confronting his own prejudices. Despite being an avowed atheist, he finds himself captivated by theology and the boys’ religious devotion. And they, in turn, are equally drawn to understanding Rick’s ardent embrace of their most contemptible of sins. The collision of these radically different worlds, fueled by the increasing closeness between Rick and the students, results in a raucous, funny, and always-frank look at the many natures of passion. As thoughtful as it is irreverent, The Boys Across the Street is a powerful blend of eroticism and religion—a novel filled with unforgettable characters, certain to stir debate at every turn.