JMTolcher

I rarely write reviews but this book had such an impact on me that I just had to. The main character, James, tells about his struggles growing up being misunderstood and then about his life as a young man, again misunderstood and not valued for the love he offers. So far, perhaps not such an unusual story. But the writing is so exquisite and intense that you want to jump into the story and comfort the main character. I cannot wait for the next novel.

I saw on social media the book had been released, and as a fan of J. M. Tolcher, I was eager to get it. It's a fast, highly-readable book — while somehow managing to go deep as Tolcher explores the philosophy and psychology of sex as he sublimates sexual desire for the sake of art by not cumming through the process of writing a book.

What a ride, what a tale. I was awed and shocked and saddened and angry, a roller coaster ride that I didn’t want to end. James has written a great story that is full of great sadness and pain, but he’s triumphant in holding onto himself.

Poof is a great read. So much of the content reflects my own life experience. Thank you James. I feel quite normal after reading your life challenges and experiences.

Good Reading

This is a wonderful story about the challenges faced by James in his childhood and the consequences of trauma. It echoes loudly in my own life and has reawakened some demons but also helped me to put them to rest. This is an emotional roller coaster of a journey exposing the worst in people and also the best.

Raw I took this book on holiday with me to Japan, and said I would only read a couple of pages a day took me a couple of days to get into it but then Boy oh boy, it flew never wanted to hug someone and slap someone at the same time I hope you’re well and safe and stay away from the meth

The author sucks you into the rabit hole of his young life and its not a pretty story. A life of extreme sex , drugs and abuse at the hands of bullys, narcisists and sadists. Once started I had to finish. It reminds me of the time i dropped acid in the 80's one hell of a trip but once was enough for a lifetime.

This book was such an experience to read, that I was drawn in from the poetic, opening, the pantheon of Ancient Greek references and the beautiful prose that held it’s course the entire way through. As gripping and beautiful, and empowering as it is intense and sad: Poof was one of those rare Australian books of such honesty that I could see myself in the pages and felt like I was walking through them along with the Author.

James Tolcher has told his story in a manner that will captivate you. Best book Ive read in ages! Can't wait for his next book...

If you grew up gay in the suburbs of Brisbane in the 90s, you will almost certainly empathise with the author's upbringing and experiences. Nigh impossible to put down, and confronting, Tolcher dares not shy away from any topic, and describes them in vivid detail and brutal honesty. Interspersed with waxing poetic about their struggles, and rage of the downtrodden, this is a well-written book I can highly recommend. I am still unpacking its impact.

I was transfixed. I couldn’t stop reading even when I wanted to stop in horror. So much trauma and pain conveyed in such astonishingly powerful language. So many things far outside my experience - and yet not so far I can’t feel the impact of them. I’ve seen aspects of these experiences in the lives of others - but never come even close to the full terrifying range covered in this story. Reading this wasn’t a pleasure, but it was deeply, deeply affecting. I will be trying to resolve the impact for a very long time.

Powerful, visceral and important. Truth is told. Read it.

A personal story told so eloquently with such brutal unashamed honesty it left me unable to put this down. This story is beautiful, harrowing, painful and empowering and worth every minute you give it, it will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Utterly gripping and visceral book. The physical book itself is wonderful. James’ story is one that needs to be heard. Thankfully it’s so well written people will want to read it.