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, Clicking Beat on the Brink of Nada (published under the title of Cody in the United States) quickly won praise from reviewers and fans across Europe and North America. So beautiful, brave, and ahead of its time that William S. Burroughs was an early fan. Clicking Beat 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)  

"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)

"The message transcends common reality.... The author charts the victory of substance over appearance, of everlasting truths over transient physical relationships. His characters give off warmth and forthrightness in equal portions." (This Week in Texas, Houston)

"One of the best of its generation, this novel is beautifully written, exciting (and sexy), and full of incident and charm. Even minor characters are treated with Dickensian relish." (Gay Star, Belfast)

"A novel about individualism, the right to be whatever you want to be. … This book should be read by kids and adults alike.... A gay teen coming out classic." (Lambda Rising Book Report, DC)