Cody: Clicking Beat on the Brink of Nada

By turns funny, romantic, erotic, and sad, this evocative novel brilliantly recreates the landscape of late adolescence, when friendships seem eternal and loves reincarnate. Set in Arkansas but first published in Amsterdam under the title Clicking Beat on the Brink of Nada, Cody quickly won praise from reviewers and readers across Europe and North America. So beautiful, brave, and ahead of its time that William S. Burroughs was an early fan, Cody remains remarkably current and continues to be unique in coming of age literature.

A haunting vision of young friendship shattered by an outrageously cruel world. Keith Hale's novel aches with adolescent first loves. It is tender, funny, and true. - William S. Burroughs

Don't overlook Keith Hale's Clicking Beat on the Brink of Nada. Hale commands much of J.R. Ackerley's honesty, intimacy, and ease of style. Real warmth. - Jonathan Williams

Clicking Beat is a must. - RFD

Poetically evokes the pathos of early friendships and the frailty of adolescent dreams. - The Advocate

Keith Hale has given his novel characters with tenderness, wit, and humanity. You should rush to purchase this book-a remarkable novel that deserves wide readership. - Bay Area Reporter

Top of the heap of gay fiction. - Gay Community News