XOXO Hayden by Chris Corkum
Chris Corkum, PD Publishing
Love is a strange beast. It’s strangest when in the hands of adolescents, who treat it with the rapture, joy and delight it deserves, raising it to new idyllic heights. In such hands, even the most jaded and cynical can see the charm in love once again.
It’s this relationship with love and those we love that lies at the heart of Chris Corkum’s debut novel XOXO Hayden. Inspired by The Smiths song Paint A Vulgar Picture, XOXO Hayden explores the intersecting paths of two seemingly disparate gay men: one being Hayden, a burning out pop star drenched in alcohol and cocaine, the other Steven, a teenaged boy, his eyes filled with the bright lights of life.
‘Steven and Hayden’s relationship spans eighteen years,’ Corkum told OUTinPerth via email from LA. ‘For Hayden, Steven is a connection to the real world, a real relationship that isn’t misguided by his celebrity. Steven is normalcy for Hayden and a desire to relive his lost childhood. Someone who understands him for who he is.
‘For Steven, Hayden is representative of another world, an escape from a narrow–minded, banal suburban wasteland. And Hayden is also “acceptance” for Steven. Even at his young age, Steven senses that Hayden is gay—and that offers some kind of comfort and reassurance.’
The novel spans the intersection of their lives and it’s filled with ups and downs, ins and outs, and heartbreak. As Corkum points out himself, it’s near impossible that a ‘relationship like this could even exist in the real world- and it’s a certainty that it cannot last.’
However, throughout is a language fueled on want and need, on longing and yearning. It’s this which drives the story, compels it toward its inevitable conclusion, Corkum steering it masterfully throughout.
‘Well, I love the idea of obsessive love. When you are so drawn to someone that it defies reason. But usually that kind of obsession comes from a lack of something in your own life. And it’s usually quick lived. But it’s so exciting and thrilling at the time when its happening – that it makes you lose track of everything and alters your behavior.’
Surprisingly consuming, Corkum’s debut won’t disappoint.
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
OUT IN PRINT
review by William Holden
XOXO Hayden – Chris Corkum (PD Publishing)
I had it set in my mind before I even opened the cover that I wasn’t going to like this book. All I could think about was here we go again, another coming-of-age story about some young boy trying to fit in, blah, blah, blah. We’ve all been there and done that a dozen or more times. Chris Corkum however, changed my mind within a few pages of his novel. I couldn’t put the book down, and now weeks later the characters are still vivid in my mind.
Steven Carlisle is a suburban teenager growing up in Orange County in the 80′s, struggling to understand his identity and sexuality. Hayden Whitfield is a British pop star trying to find himself and acceptance through his music. When Steven wins backstage passes to meet Hayden, both of their lives will change forever.
The novel follows both of these men’s lives over a period of eighteen years, and the growing connection that the two of them have for one another, but don’t quite understand. XOXO Hayden is a touching, well-written story of desire, love and passion. As each chapter ends, the story of these two men become richer and more complex. The characters are so vivid and so real, you feel as if you are a part of their eighteen-year story.
One of the aspects of this book that I found so refreshing is that it’s not your ordinary, coming-of-age story. Without giving away any secrets to the plot or ending, there are many touching, intimate moments between Steven and Hayden but as in real life, not everything goes smoothly and not everything ends the way you expect it or want it to.The process the characters go through are real, the emotions of love, fear and pain are also real.That’s what stands this book out from the others. I felt for the characters and also found pieces of me within their story.
Pick up a copy of XOXO Hayden. It’s a great weekend read.
Reviewed by William Holden
RAINBOW REVIEWS
ISBN: 978-1-933720-71-5
PUBLISHER: P.D. Publishing
RATING: 
Review by Emily
“XOXO Hayden” is the story of a young man discovering himself thanks to a special, yet often difficult, relationship. Both moving and engaging, the story is completely unexpected in the best possible way. On the surface it appears to be the tale of a young man who meets and falls in love with his pop idol. Under the surface, it is much more and provides a journey that is poignant and realistic. Never does the story take the easy road, and instead the author has written a tale that grips the reader from the very beginning and doesn’t let go. Read more…
