price：$2.80
Grove Press
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (I didn't like it...) 『I was disappointed with this book. It was confusing and annoying to me. The first half didn't seem to have much relevence to the rest of the book, and a lot the stories thrown in between the chapters seemed like they didn't belong in the book at all. Some of them made no sense to me.
I thought the characters were too shallow, and the main character hardly seemed to convey any emotion at all. I couldn't even tell how she felt about any of the experiences she went through, and the author didn't go into enough detail about important parts of the story. The more I read of this book, I felt lost and confused. Some of the minor characters had nearly no description of who they are in the book. By the time I got to the later half of the book, I couldn't remember who some of the characters were because there was almost no information given about them in the earlier chapters they appeared in.
Also, I felt like the main character was too detached in her relationships. To me, it was as if the women she supposedly loved didn't matter very much to her or make a lasting impact on her life. I also thought the book would be more about her relationships than it turned out to be, but those parts of the story didn't last long. I had hoped this book would be different, as I have read a lot of other books that also lacked depth and emotion.
Maybe this book is meaningful to some readers, but it wasn't one I enjoyed reading. I couldn't relate to any of the characters, and by the time I got to the end of the book, I felt irritated by them. It's not that I think it's a badly written book, but it wasn't what I had been hoping for.』
(Juicy Fruit) 『This is my favorite book by this author. The innocence and coming-of-age aspect makes the main character fully sympathetic and compelling. The conflict with her religious upbringing is well-crafted. And Winterson's prose, as always, is delicious. Makes me proud to be a lesbian.Verge』
(Pretty good.) 『I definitely think this is a good read but it wasn't as enthralling as other autobiographical/memoirs of homosexuality from what I could tell. It seems she pulled a lot from her life, but it's still fiction.』
(Coming of Age Story) 『I was introduced to this wonderful book through my Brit Lit class. Winterson does an excellent job engaging the audience through her coming-of-age-novel. Not only is her novel about the struggles of homosexuality, loss of religion, and trying to find out where one fits in the world, but it is also about power struggles in relationships. Winterson weaves her semi-autobiographical novel with short fairy tales that delves deep into the psych.』
(Very different but very interesting and quite good) 『This book was part of an extracurricular reading assignment for a college-related book club led by an English prof. Regardless of the opinions of the 20 participants when they entered the class, when the 90 minute class ended, the majority agreed they liked it and found it quirky but quite good. I would recommend it for the experienced reader and I DO plan to read other works by the same author.』 『
Winner of the Whitbread Prize for best first fiction, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit is a coming-out novel from Winterson, the acclaimed author of The Passion and Sexing the Cherry. The narrator, Jeanette, cuts her teeth on the knowledge that she is one of God’s elect, but as this budding evangelical comes of age, and comes to terms with her preference for her own sex, the peculiar balance of her God-fearing household crumbles.
price：$6.06
Jossey-Bass
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (The best book out there... of the one book that's out there.) 『The primacy of True Selves: Understanding Transsexualism is an unfortunate artifact of there existing no other good resource books for the non-trans person to understand the trans experience. It was written in the mid-1990s with an understanding of trans people and trans experiences that is strongly based in the clinical data of that time... clinical data which was, unfortunately, corrupted by the fact that transgendered people at that time had to lie extensively to transition, reading from a "script" of a generic, transgendered past that seldom was truthful about their real selves, and lie pervasively after transition, creating a "gender consistent" (read: cissexual female) history. Particularly, transsexual women who were gay had to lie about feeling like heterosexual girls their entire lives, opening us up to accusations of "autogynephilia" - the ridiculous claim that trans women who are attracted to other women were "really" attracted to images of ourselves as women.
It is not for nothing that one transsexual woman who transitioned in the early 1980s described the process as "lying to tyrannical fools to save [her] life."
It is my hope that sometime soon, there will be published a modern book that talks openly and honestly about the transition and transgender experience, that is written with both clinical and real-world experience taken into account, that can finally put this tome on a dusty shelf where it belongs.
Until then... it is what we have.』
(Valuable "coming out" tool) 『As a Transwoman I found this book as a great aid in coming out to my wife and management at my job. Even though the book is not current and sorely lacks information for spouses, it was a great help having the experiences of other transgender women and men as a validation of how I felt all my life. I highly recommend "True Selves" and I hope a new edition is in the works.』
(Emphasis on MTFs, not very knowledgable about FTMs) 『I appreciate that this book was written; I bought it for my parents since I'm FTM. Given that though, and having read several other books like 'Becoming a Visible Man' etc, I feel like this book is heavy on the experience of transwomen (MTFs)and includes transmen thoughtfully but not thoroughly. There is a brief definition of drag queens, for example, without mention of drag kings! The definitions and discussion explain heterosexual trans people to be the norm, with queer trans people as the exception, which is not so much the case in reality.
The author also is inconsistent with her use of names and pronouns throughout. For trans children and teens, she decides that a young MTF should have male names and pronouns, and vice versa for FTMs. This is not consistent with how the trans community generally chooses to present itself. Eventually, as the discussion moves onto adults, she concedes to call adult trans therapy patients by their preferred names and pronouns. By now, the reader is thoroughly confused.
So, if your trans and coming out, don't think that just this book will explain everything...it's kind of a good start I guess.』
(Understanding the unknown side of people) 『I have recently come to terms with my own identity of being a transgender. So,many years I though I was gay. It really helped me remember certain things that have happened to me that the story sounded like I have written it myself. I would encourage everyone to read this both family members and friends.』
(To be a gurl or not to be a gurl) 『Over all a good book on the subject. I would think in some ways it might be a bit too much of a read for some who just want a basic understanding of transgender phenomenon&transsexualism. I felt it very detailed and focused on a narrow portion of the continuum, specifically the male to female who is attracted to men. With that said, over all I think it's well written and an informative book.』 『Combines authoritative information and humanitarian insight into the transsexual experience
Filled with wisdom and understanding, this groundbreaking book paints a vivid portrait of conflicts transsexuals face on a daily basis--and the courage they must summon as they struggle to reveal their true being to themselves and others.True Selvesoffers valuable guidance for those who are struggling to understand these people and their situations.
Using real life stories, actual letters, and other compelling examples, the authors give a clear understanding of what it means to be transsexual. They also give other useful advice, including how to deal compassionately with these commonly misunderstood individuals--by keeping an open heart, communicating fears, pain and support, respecting choices.』
price：$4.80
Atria
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Good, as far as it goes) 『I picked this book up with great interest, because I wanted to know what "really" goes on in the world of strippers. I found that this was essentially an apololgia, rather than an expose. The author does spends the first half of the book exploring both his motives and the supposed motives of the men that paid him, then goes into an extended rationalization for his activities, followed with a rather uninteresting account of his life since. What we have is a justification for a man doing exactly what he wanted to do, which includes hurting his lover. When his lover says, in effect, "why ask my opinion, you're going to do it anyway", he is dead on. There isn't much here that is news.』
(Great book) 『This was a great book. Engaging from first page to last. I hope he continues writing books.』
(well crafted, vivid, funny, and a little heartbreaking) 『I thoroughly loved this book on a variety of levels.
The Prurient: I am not a gay man, so the world of gay strip clubs is one of the parts of the sex industry I'll never be able to engage with in an authentic way. I mean, sure, I can tip the boys on the bar, but it's just not the same. But I sure like dick, and I like reading about dick being fondled and stroked in a bar. Also, I pretty much never tire of funny and weird stories of sex work clients, especially when they are told in a tender way, as they are in this book.
The Bigger Life Picture: So many memoirs by sex workers are just about that sex working slice of their life, though maybe also they include stuff about the non-sex work intimate relationships that are concurrent with their time in the biz. This book is fabulous not just because you learn about where Craig was before the sex industry (there's only a bit of that), but you see what becomes of him once he leaves the business, which is awesome and inspiring. Plus, his experiences in the sex biz connect really strongly with who he becomes - he is critical of the times he compartmentalizes, and it's fabulous to see the thinky stuff happening.
The Storytelling: I really appreciate Craig Seymour as a writer - the book was a joy to read, well crafted, vivid, funny, and a little heartbreaking all at once.』
(The Man in the Full Length Mirror) 『It is easy to urge you now to go out and buy this, download it to your Kindle, wait for the paperback (available soon) and make it a must-for any summer reading you plan on doing. It is a rarely seen glimpse of a side of life that most would never dare enter. The story unfolds with charm and wit, an effervescent ease and a whole lot of heart that almost rubs off on the reader to some extent.
What struck me as most interesting is that we all pursue this overwhelming need to be desired at the most primal or cellular level. This is played to great effect in this memoir, and no place is that more prominent in the genuine affection that was taken to render the characters. Mr. Seymour's greatest skill is to report sympathetically on people that most of us would not ponder deeply. His forthright attitude and frankness could not have been easy, and yet he does so in a way that does not tell you what you should believe about these people, nor does he apologize for a love that dare not speak its name. The love that a regular client has for this hunk of human flesh and how all that can become is more complex than our lasting puritanical legacy can appreciate as Americans.
If you are repulsed by the idea of strippers, or have preconceived notions, you may just find yourself looking through the looking glass like Alice. It may make you experience a life that you'd never once considered and find how much you have in common with them or not. Only to get home, and thank Auntie Em! Or you might finish with your prejudices intact. Since I was of this world, in a parallel universe - it pleased me to no end to see the road less traveled. It would please me to have this taught in every school that could feasibly do so without backlash. As the world of go-go boys, strippers, and such shrinks as the Gay culture inches toward mainstream acceptability and respectability so they can have their gay marriage this is an endangered species.
NOTE: Unlike Snarky Yarborough the reviewer, I think there is more than a bit of projection going on over there, and bit of resentment for the attacks are fairly subjective and seem to have little to do with the journey the book offers, and are positively repulsively moralistic at one point. Which makes me think that its some funky hairy lesbian with some daddy/husband issues, or part of the moral brigade, or as I suspect - just too ugly with nothing to offer as a stripper. It must suck with people like Paris Hilton running the world for them.
Many have made this pilgrimage, and I dare say very few could find such humor, heart, and goodwill and parable as Craig Seymour could have. [...]』
(A Passive and Naive Look at Stripping in DC) 『All I Could Bare by Craig Seymour is really two stories in one. The first is how Craig became obsessed with the gay strip clubs of DC and fueled his obsession by writing a thesis about strippers and the people who go to these clubs. Craig ends up experiencing the life first hand by eventually becoming a stripper himself.
What follows is bar gossip about Craig's regular customers and the antics he participated in to make a buck. This eventually leads to sexual favors in exchange for money. The story becomes less and less about Craig exploring the culture behind stripping, and more and more about the money he made doing it and the sexual satisfaction he got from having numerous strangers fondle his goods.
Craig dedicates the book to Seth, a young man who he was dating at the time. Craig says this is just as much Seth's story as it is his. Unfortunately, we don't see much of Seth in the book or get his side of the story. One can predict that's because Seth wasn't too happy about Craig's choices, especially when Craig wanted to experience sex with other people, but he knew he didn't have much of a say so because Craig was stubborn and was going to do whatever he wanted. Seth even tells him "I feel like you're going to do what you want to do."
It's nice to finally see Seth grow a pair on page 168 when Craig tells him about a sexual experience he just had with someone else. At this point in the story, Craig has stopped stripping and is working for a sex clinic and passing out condoms in bars and bathhouses. Imagine someone in a stable relationship and getting paid to promote safe sex, but wanting to sleep around on their partner! Geez, Craig, are you really that stupid? Seth asks him to move out. Here's Craig's reply...
"His request shocked me. I couldn't believe that what was so insignificant in my mind had led him to such a life-changing decision. Why couldn't he be cool with this like he had been with everything else? Where was my second chance?"
At this point, I wanted to throw this book across the room. Was the author really that naive? If it was so insignificant, why did he do it? Why did he mess up a seven year relationship just to experiment with someone else? And why does he think he deserves a second chance. I would have kicked him out too. On the very next page, he asks Seth again if this is what he really wants, but he couldn't even promise Seth that he'd never do it again. That's a stereotypical gay man for you! And Craig never once admits fault. He says later that he and Seth are just good friends and each moved on.
The second story is basically Craig bragging about how he became a magazine and newspaper writer and got to meet and interview Janet Jackson, Maria Carey, and Mary J. Blige. Supposedly, his experience in the strip clubs helped him be more honest and forward in his interviews. He tries again and again to relate his new situation to the theme of the story - those strip clubs - but it just doesn't work. The hard truth for Craig comes on page 173...
"I wasn't even enjoying having sex anymore, yet I was hooking up constantly...There was no more mystery. Sex had taken on a harder edge."
I half expected Craig to join a support group or get AIDS. Anything would have been more exciting than his passive voice telling us about the clubs closing down and how much he'll miss that part of his history and how sad he was. The book is riddled with cliche references to songs like Madonna's "This Used to Be My Playground." And to show you how self absorbed the author is, on page 238 he mentions checking into a "gay old folks home" and looking around to see if he turns heads. The sad truth comes in this sentence: "I just hope this perpetual need doesn't stand in the way of my finding some kind of happiness."
I loathe people like this who have everything they want, but have no idea it's right in front of them. They use and abuse. They break hearts and whine when theirs gets broken. And then they write a book about it and still learn nothing from it. Enjoy this book for the sexual innuendos, but if I were you, I'd stop reading when Craig leaves the clubs. His pretentious story isn't worth the tree that died for his words to be printed on.』 『
A FRANK, FUNNY, EXPLICIT, AND INSPIRING MEMOIR ABOUT HOW DANCING NAKED IN GAY CLUBS IN THE NATION'S CAPITAL HELPED A COLLEGE PROFESSOR DISCOVER HIS TRUE SELF.
I felt that I'd made a transformation as surely as Superman slipping out of a phone booth or Wonder Woman doing a sunburst spin. I was bare-ass in a room of paying strangers, a stripper. After years of wondering what it would be like, I had done it -- faced a fear, defied expectation, embraced a taboo self. It was only the beginning....
All I Could Bareis the story of a mild-mannered graduate student who "took the road less clothed" -- a decision that was life changing. Seymour embarked on his journey in the 1990s, when Washington, D.C.'s gay club scene was notoriously no-holds-barred, all the while trying to keep his newfound vocation a secret from his parents and maintain a relation-ship with his boyfriend, Seth. Along the way he met some unforgettable characters -- the fifty-year-old divorcé who's obsessed with a twenty-one-year-old dancer, the celebrated drag diva who hailed from a small town in rural Virginia, and the many straight guys who were "gay for pay." Seymour gives us both the highs (money, adoration, camaraderie) and the lows (an ill-fated attempt at prostitution, a humiliating porn audition).
Ultimately coming clean about his secret identity, Seymour breaks through taboos and makes his way from booty-baring stripper to Ph.D.-bearing academic, taking a detour into celebrity journalism and memorably crossing paths with Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Mary J. Blige along the way. Hilarious, insight-ful, and touching,All I Could Bareproves that sometimes the "wrong decision" can lead to the right place.』
price：$3.91
Torquere Press
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Mysteriously engaging.) 『I just finished reading this book and am pleased enough that I've ordered the second book in the series. Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Peddler and the Bandit King, starts off rather slow. Crow goes about establishings the world in a meticulous fashion. Once you're over the hump, however, you'll fly right through it. The main characters never do what you expect or desire, and the end is fullfilling and still leaves you aching for more.
Other reviewers have done a find job at detailing the plot and so forth. Fans of Lynn Flewelling will enjoy the book. It's worth the read and I'm excited to see where it goes next.』
(A Beautiful Read) 『This is a review for the entire series as a whole. I have just finished reading the last book in this trilogy just a few moments ago, and it wasn't a bad read. In fact, compared to other gay fantasy novels I've read thus far, this series is actually pretty strong and well written. Crow has a certain way of weaving a story. The main characters Scarlet and Liall are both likable and developed, breaking out of stereotypical roles. The relationship they build is slow, which draws the reader into the many complexities both must face throughout the story.
The one thing I am most grateful for is the solid plot line. THANK YOU! I was fearing that I would always wind up reading meaningless smut. The story is intriguing, drawing upon themes of racial prejudice and cultural conflicts, which admittedly, I was surprised that this "retelling of a classic fairytale" scenario would even touch. It was a nice element that made the overall story richer and was carried out rather successfully. I can't even begin to iterate how hard it is for me to really get into a book. If I don't find interest within at least the first five chapters or the main character doesn't appeal to me, then I won't even bother with the rest no matter how brilliant it may be. However, the opening of the series is paced rather well, and there seems to be a real honesty to the work that is delightful.
Yet, in my opinion the series is not without fault. I've always believed that no matter how good a series is, if the ending lacks then the whole series suffers. I'll be frank...the ending was like running into a brick wall. Usually leaving your readers wanting more can be considered a good thing, but honestly if one intends to "conclude" a trilogy then at the very least tie up loose ends! I am usually one for open endings. It lets readers make what they will, but the way Crow accomplishes this makes for a rather slopping ending.
I won't go into details spoiling anything, but the only thing I can really say is that the last 20 or so pages had me blink in confusion. It was rushed and introduced a new element about Scarlet and to the main plot so much that I honestly thought that I was missing a few chapters or that there was a 4th book! Yes, I believe it was that bad. All that beautiful pacing with the three books destroyed at the very tail end. Not even an epilogue. Either this is a really intense effort to generate fanfics from fans or Crow must have gotten bored or something along those lines.
I noticed that there is also a lack of a Northern map illustration. There is a Southern continent map of Nemerl, in which book one takes place in and is provided in all three books. However, halfway through book 2 and on to 3 we are taken far north....yet no map. It isn't anything major, but it was just sort of odd. The only other thing, which is strictly based on personal preference, is the lack of a glossary. When dealing with a fantasy realm with so many different titles, races and what not...it helps a lot to have a glossary. I know it took me awhile to figure what the heck what was what since there were times Crow skimped on the description, but if you are use to the numerous names that arise in the fantasy genre, then it may not even be a problem.
Overall, a nice series to read. There are faults (some typos included) but really I would recommend giving it a try. This series is a lot more charming then some other books I've read, and trust me...there is some weak stuff out there (eyes Sean Michaels' work). I am hoping I can stumble across another little jewel like this, or something even more compelling.』
(Very entertaining book) 『I'm just now finishing the third and final installment in this series. I enjoyed this book very much, and really enjoyed getting to know the characters and their world. However, I have to say, I'm enjoying the third book even more. It's a terrific series. If you enjoy a riveting fantasy story, with very likeable gay characters, then I believe you will enjoy this series.』
(What a series!) 『Scarlet and the White Wolf was a wonderful journey that touches so many things that make reading wonderful. I devoured all the books in four days. (Well, that is how long it took once I ordered the last two.) I didn't want them to end and once teh series concluded I was saddened.
The characters are not cliched and the story is both a metaphysical journey as well as physical. I always enjoy seeing what people can create and this story is a rich world with a great backstory which gets told in real-time. This series of books has romance without being schmoopy and action without being maniac.
I can't say enough about it.』
(Diamond in the Rough) 『If you are a fan of gay fantasy, like myself, then get this book. No - I take that back - buy the whole series at the same time, because once you get started you will not want to stop. I tore through all three in, I think...A week. And now I want more! More Scarlet and Liall! Bind the first three books together, and make it the first installment of a bigger trilogy! So thank you, Kirby Crow, for feeding my addiction :) I will continue to dig through the generally disappointing gay sci fi and fantasy because every once in a while, I am presented with a true gem like this, and the effort pays off. Loved it. 』 『Scarlet of Lysia is an honest peddler, a young merchant traveling the wild, undefended roads to support his aging parents. Liall, called the Wolf of Omara, is the handsome, world-weary chieftain of a tribe of bandits blocking a mountain road that Scarlet needs to cross. When Liall jokingly demands a carnal toll for the privilege, Scarlet refuses and an inventive battle of wills ensues, with disastrous results. Scarlet is convinced that Liall is a worthless, immoral rogue, but when the hostile countryside explodes into violence and Liall unexpectedly fights to save the lives of Scarlet's family, Scarlet is forced to admit that the Wolf is not the worst ally he could have, but what price will proud Scarlet ultimately have to pay for Liall's friendship?』
price：$7.36
Beacon Press
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (The Literature of Grief) 『Plante, David. "The Pure Lover: A Memoir of Grief", Beacon Press, 2009.
The Literature of Grief
Amos Lassen
David Plante writes of loss when he tells his dead lover that his love was what he gave him. In this book Plante speaks to his dead lover in a one-sided conversation because the person addressed can no longer reply. We learn of grief and how it is inconsolable. Plante shows us mourning for the love of his life and we see that two who had once been entwined have now become one. This is not exactly what I would call a memoir but a group of memories that all together are a journal of love. It is realistic at times and romantic at others and is a meditation on love and loss. It is Plante's grief that is a treasure for us. Plante mourns Nikos Stangos who he met in 1965. Plante was an American writer who was in love with Greece; Stangos was a Greek poet who was pure. The two men were together for forty years when Stangos died of cancer of the brain. In the book their love is like pieces of a puzzle that when put together give a perfect whole--the book is the story of the men's life together and of the way it ended. We see grief as being passionate and vane and central. This is a different kind of autobiography--it is more of a tribute to a lost love. It is filled with personal reflections and what it is like to lose a lover. It is a wonderful tribute to love and it is profound and full of beauty. 』
(A History of Love) 『In addition to many novels, David Plante has written compelling memoirs about his upbringing, development as a writer and his relationships with female friends. The Pure Lover is a very different kind of autobiographical piece which traces his longstanding relationship with the poet Nikos Stangos who died in 2004. He speaks directly to his lost lover addressing him as "you" throughout the book while recalling details of Stangos' life to formulate an unsentimental portrait of the man he lost. Rather than presenting a straightforward narrative, details are presented in flashes with powerful short sections which simulate memories rushing forward. Something about this effect is so captivating and moving that I was enraptured from the beginning to the end of this short stunning book.
Plante's moving tribute stands as a counterpoint to Andrew Holleran's elegiac novel Grief which mourns for a generation of gay men, some of whom found their physical passion stymied by a fear of AIDS resulting in prolonged melancholy loneliness. The Pure Lover records a deep forty something year companionship between two men which weathered jealousy, depression, periods of separation through work and illness. The love, deep pleasure and joy in each other which Stangos and Plante shared withstood these trials just as any long term relationship, heterosexual or homosexual, must if it is to continue. However, we have precious few written tributes to lifelong homosexual relationships that were lived openly. This alone makes The Pure Lover a unique testament, but this deeply tender book also evokes feelings which are universal. Plante ponders the inevitable tragic consequence of two people who are so deeply romantically entwined - that ultimately they must be separated by death. And, though Stangos' mental and physical deterioration put a considerable strain on both of them, the love they shared didn't diminish. However, Plante stoically observes, "My love for you was not enough - you died."
Plante exhumes memories of his lost lover by listing the details of his life in poignant lines and meditating on Stangos' many accomplishments, particularly the striking and philosophically-engaged poetry he produced. (A book of Stangos' poetry called Pure Reason was published posthumously.) Details of Stangos childhood growing up in civil war-torn Greece are recalled chronologically leading up to their meeting. These succinct recollections painted with evocative details such as the family's passionate communist maid and a visit to a brothel while Stangos was an adolescent expand voluminously to recreate a vanished era with magnificent force. Plante and Stangos' relationship formed from a chance meeting and, like many encounters, could have easily never have happened. The details Plante divulges about their intimacy build to create a fully formed picture of a passionate, hard-won relationship. Through the supremely pared down style the author uses these specific details are elevated into something grander and more meaningful.
In addition to the personal reflections about his lover's life and their relationship, Plante also speaks universally about what it's like to lose a loved one. Each section is headed by short statements about the condition of grief and its effects. These are profound statements which are as striking as solemnly performed piano notes, much different from the prolonged deep inquiry into the numerous mechanisms of grief as presented by Joan Didion in her monumental book The Year of Magical Thinking. In Plante's numerous observations about the condition of grief he states, "Grief demands a grand, timeless expression, and the bereaved tries, tries for that expression, and wonders if the expression is false." As a testament to love, this book is finer than any other I can recall. The Pure Lover manages to achieve something which every writer strives so fervently to obtain in their prose; it struck me profoundly because it is so true.』 『
Our first night together, we could have been the inspiration of a poem by Cavafy. But you would not make love. You wanted to lie with me and talk. I, who only really knew promiscuity, didn’t understand, but you said you must first know a person before making love. You believed lovemaking was a long and intimate conversation. That conversation with you was filled with delicacy of your sensuality, for sensuality and sensitivity were in you one, eros and agape.
David Plante first met Nikos Stangos in London in 1965. He was a young American—raw, an aspiring writer, in love with a fantasy of Greece half classical and half inspired with the eroticism of Cavafy. Nikos was Greek, a poet, an aesthete and intellectual, a leftist, a survivor of the Nazi occupation of his country: a man of great sophistication and few pretensions. Nikos waspure. They spent the next forty years together. And then Nikos died of brain cancer.
InThe Pure LoverPlante tells us, in vivid fragments that like the pieces of a mosaic come together into a glimmering whole, the story of his beloved, of their life together, and of its end. And in this telling he shows us the nature of grief: its passion, its centrality, its vanity, its willfulness, the threat and the lure of its overwhelming force. And the griever’s fear that when it fades, the lost lover will finally, really, be lost.
The Pure Loveris a book of unusual intimacy, a lament that will speak to all who have known deep love and deep grief.
price：$12.99
Ravenous Romance
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Not the best I've read, but I enjoyed it) 『Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS: - There's more intrigue to the story than I expected. I thought it would be a pretty simple "soul mates meet but one of them thinks he's straight" sort of story with very little plot other than Kieran's quest to convince Jaxon that they're meant to be together. But there's an interesting additional element in the mystery surrounding Danetta, Jaxon's fiancée. - When the characters start a sexual relationship, Jaxon's simultaneous hesitancy and eagerness are endearing. - Most of the depictions of small-town Texas life are well portrayed and accurate. - The resolution of the story is very sweet. Each character makes a grand gesture to prove to the other that he's in love, and the ending that results is fairy-taleish and cute.
CONS: - Lynley tells a pretty good story, and on the whole s/he's a decent writer, but on occasion the writing is unnecessarily redundant. Example: "Tom had fair skin and grey-green eyes, but was far less beautiful than Jaxon. Danetta certainly had a thing for fair-skinned men with green eyes, though Tom didn't have anything on Jaxon." Those two sentences are back-to-back. - The POV is pretty consistently from Kieran's perspective (with a few little slip-ups here and there from Jaxon's). But then 200 pages in, we get our first chapter from Jaxon's POV. It knocked me off kilter a little bit when I had been wishing I could read Jaxon's thoughts about the whole situation for the entirety of the book and then suddenly got to see them when I had assumed the entire story would focus on Kieran's experiences. - The quality of the production isn't great. There are quite a few typos and editing issues, but most people can overlook those. Repeating entire lines of text (or in one instance, an entire paragraph) and not indenting any of the numerous paragraphs on one page...harder to ignore.
Overall comments: The plot isn't central to this story--the romance is--but the plot's not too bad. There's more going on here than in most books that are pure romances rather than romantic mysteries or romantic action stories. There's not a lot of sex, and what's there isn't very graphic, so the emotional attachment is definitely the focus.』
(Sex, Lies&Wedding Bells) 『omg!! This book was recommended by an online friend and I'm so glad I got it!
Brilliantly written; pulls you right in from the first page. Just perfect. The lead male characters and their evolving relationship is poiniant and heartwrenching.
I totally fell in love with the characters, and felt like crying for Kieron at times! Thank god for the happy ending.
I just think that it's a brilliant book, and would recommend it to ANYONE interested in this genre.』
(A story of love and self-discovery) 『Kieran Quinn is a columnist for a slick New York literary weekly who makes a good living writing catty and condescending articles that amuse his sophisticated readers. He lives a self-indulgent lifestyle, picking up male models in bars for one-night stands, sleeping late, keeping his own schedule, but he is actually pretty lonely and would like to have a real relationship for a change. His latest assignment is sending him to the tiny town of Buckwheat in his native Texas to write an article about a "runaway bride" - a woman who has left three men at the alter already and who is now planning to tie the knot for the fourth time. Kieran's assignment: find out what is going on and what makes groom number four different from all the others.
Groom number four is Jaxon Lang, the principal of the local high school. When Kieran first sees Jaxon, he is floored - this is without a doubt the most beautiful man Kieran has ever met. However, while Kieran is strongly attracted to him, Jaxon is completely in love with his fiancée and is determined that he will not be another groom left at the alter. Over the course of the week before the wedding, the men form a bond of friendship, and it is with dismay that Kieran realizes that he is falling in love with a man who is as straight as Kieran himself is gay. When Kieran uncovers the truth behind the bride's past behavior, will Jaxon maintain his resolve to get married? And just as important, how will this affect Jaxon's feelings toward Kieran? Kieran may have yearned for a soul mate in the past, but he had no idea that love could be so unexpected or so complicated.
********
Sex, Lies, and Wedding Bells by E. M. Lynley is a story of love and self-discovery that pairs up two completely disparate individuals: a smart-mouthed gay journalist and an arrow-straight small-town educator. Besides finding completely unexpected love together, these two affect a change in each other: Kieran has his eyes opened to the hurtful potential of the words he writes, and Jaxon realizes that perhaps the gender of the one you love is not as important as who that person is.
This is a well-written story that is populated with interesting and well-developed characters and that contains enough suspense to hook a reader in. Kieran is perhaps not an immediately sympathetic individual, but it is not long before we see that his veneer of self-confident charm hides a sympathetic core. We don't get to know Jaxon quite as well, but his confusion over his developing attachment to Kieran renders him agreeable. Along with the interpersonal dynamics between these two, we are also drawn in to the by the mystery that surrounds the bride. What is it about her that keeps her exes from feeling ill-will towards her? And when Kieran finds the truth, how much of it will he put into his article for his employer? He's down in Texas to write a derisive story about the situation, not to try to shield anyone's feelings.
Watching these two fall in love is incredibly sweet, and when Kieran and Jaxon finally have sex, the scenes are very sensual, and their mutual exploration is tender and caring. There is no doubt that these two are meant for each other and that they deserve a happy ending. Readers looking for a love story that is not quite traditional but is nevertheless sweet may wish to give Sex, Lies, and Wedding Bells a shot.』
(Sex, Lies and Wedding Bells by E.M. Lynley) 『First of all a big warning: this is not a menages! Last week I discovered this new publisher, Ravenous Romance and its Panamour line (same-sex romance); they have already some titles available, but at first I bough only the two by Ryan Field, since I knew the author (not personally, I read two short stories before) and reading the blurb and looking the covers, I was sure they were not menages. Sex, Lies and Wedding Bells by E.M. Lynley I almost skipped since it didn't pass my three steps test: 1) tagged M/M: OK, 2) no female in the blurb: KO, 3) no female on the cover: KO (in the ebook version). Two on three and I didn't buy it. Then someone told me it was not a menage, it was a real male on male romance, and so stepped back (see, I can change my mind!).
Reading this book I can almost make a sure bet that the author likes the romantic comedy movie. Apart the obvious reference to The Runaway Bride, she even named the movie from the first pages, I find also a resemblance with In&Out: an handsome, and very tall, reporter that arrives in little country village and fall in love with the principal of the local high school? (all right Kevin Kline was not the principal, but still...). There is even a scene that reminds me Sleepless in Seattle... Anyway the story is all it promised, a good and full male on male romance, that covers all the salient points: before, during and after, you will have the full package!
Kieran is an handsome New Yorker reporter for a fashion and entertainment magazine. His main qualification as reporter is to be snarky, and as man to be practically a slut: more nights than not he ends in bed with an unknown body, and sometime he even knows the name. In one thing Kieran is open and clear: he is gay and he likes sex. But lately this seems to be not enough: very pregnant the sentence in which Kieran thought that "he would much rather have woken up in someone's arms than someone's mouth" [...]. And even in his works he is starting to loose biting, he is not enough evil according to his editor. And so Kieran decides to do a piece on a Runaway Bride, exactly like in the movie, who is marrying for the fourth time (and the previous three she dumped the groom at the altar).
Problem is that, instead of the bride, like in the movie, Kiernan falls in love for the groom. Jaxon is really a good guy, friendly and sincere, and exactly the perfect man Kieran would want in his life and bed, but Jaxon is not gay. At first I thought that the direction of the book was for Kieran to find out that Jaxon was gay and that his marriage with Danetta was a fake one, and instead I was wrong (and I will not say what is really the story ;-) ). The author is very good in not letting go the story and manage to maintain her little mystery for almost half the book: she unveils her secret only when she decides it's time, and only since she needs the other half of the book for something else (and for me better).
It's all about romance in this book, maybe sometime even a bit too much: Jaxon is a bit too perfect, sometime he is almost like a starstruck teen (above all regarding sex); all right Kiernan at first thought of him not nice things, but he is not so far from the reality... Jaxon is really too open and naivee! But well, I like him like that, it's strange, he has this "childish" behavior, this way to approach almost with pliers, he seems always ready to say please and thanks, but all in all I don't find him a weak character, he is only an old fashioned man (but yes, probably he would be not him to wear the trousers at home, even if he married a woman!).』
(A real M/M romance!) 『I absolutely loved this book! The characters were interesting and likable and I loved how they changed over the course of the story. This is a real romance, not erotica, and I enjoyed seeing the relationship grow between Kieran and Jaxon, especially as Jaxon explored a lot of new things for him. Most of the story is from Kieran's perspective and I really grew to love him and all the layers of his personality, especially that his initial outward impression is very different from who he really is. The sex scenes were hot and very romantic. Lots of emotion between these two as they make love, which I don't think there is enough of in m/m "romance" novels, but this one had a perfect balance between passion and emotion.
I also really enjoyed how the story moved around geographically and that coincided with different phases of the relationship between the two men and different phases for them as individuals. It takes place in New York City, a small Texas town, Kuaui and San Francisco and you get a flavor of each individual place with descriptions that made it feel realistic. Both characters experience a personal transformation: for Jaxon it's about love and trust, while for Kieran it's about his profession and priorities. These changes were believable and made me care even more about the characters.
In addition to the wonderful main characters Kieran&Jaxon, I thought the cast supporting characters were interesting and fun and added a lot to the story. We see some of them more than others but they all seemed to have just enough characterization that they come across as much as real people as the well-developed main characters. 』 『Kieran Quinn is a Texas native transplanted to Manhattan who is working as a columnist for a national magazine. He’s famous for his snarky, sardonic columns, but deep down he’s more interested in what makes people tick than his editor would like. He keeps his desire to find his own Mr. Right hidden under a sexy, carefree persona that favors champagne and underwear models of the male variety. Jaxon Lang is the handsome, confident high school principal in a tiny Texas town, where he relocated from Dallas to pursue his relationship with Danetta Harris. Despite her reputation for leaving grooms at the altar, Jaxon believes that they belong together and wants only to marry her and settle down to weddedbliss. While covering the latest wedding of real-life “runaway bride” Danetta Harris, Kieran falls hard for the gorgeous-and straight-groom, Jaxon Lang. At the same time, Kieran’s charm and unique attitudes about sex and attraction soon challenge Jaxon’s concept of what-and who-he wants.Will anything change when Kieran discovers the bride’s shocking secret?』
price：$5.10
Brisk Press
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (A winning combination) 『5 established, popular authors take the word "outsiders"&return to you 5 unique&entertaining variations on the theme. From out-of-towners to lives outside of "normal" society to out-of-doors, all different angles are covered in tightly packed stories filled with wonderful characters.
Lots of enjoyment&variety in 1 book. Now, that's a heckuva deal.
tlc [...]』
(Something for everyone) 『Collection of short stories/novellas by Lynn Ames, Georgia Beers, JD Glass, SX Meagher and Susan Smith, that have the common theme of 'Outsiders', but each author 'interpreted' that theme very differently.
The book promises 'something for everyone', which I think also implies the reverse, that not everything is your cup of tea. Both are true for me.
The story that shines most, for me, is the one by Susan Smith, in which a butch lesbian falls for a transman. The questions that come up because of that are common in Smith's work, and they always trigger something in me. If we just got over this identity crap our lives would be so much easier, I think. Smith's exploration of these questions is moving and the story is very well written. After not liking Smith's last novel I was so, so very happy to find myself liking this story.
Georgia Beers' story is also very well written and has an intriguing premise. I'm always happy to read something by her.
I liked SX Meagher's story, the fluffiest of the bunch (just an observation, no criticism as such, I like fluff), but I really think her talents, i.e., really exploring her characters, come through better in novel format.
I don't think I've ever read anything by Lynn Ames, I liked the story ok.
Finally, I just don't get why I don't like JD Glass' stuff. It's well written, but the characters just don't interest me. It didn't help that they were recurring characters from a novel I hadn't liked. It would have been interesting, for me, to see if I liked something by her that wasn't linked to something I couldn't connect with before.
I'd give the Smith and the Beers story more than 3 stars, definitely 4, maybe even 5 for Smith, I think the book is worth buying just for these two stories alone, but it averages out at three.』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (lovely photographs) 『very emotional, with beautiful family pictures, and moving short descriptions of characters, scenes of everyday life.
the situation is all very sad, beginning with the funeral of the mother.
it's not a novel or short story... just memories, without much linearity.
some pages are hard to read: plain cruelty of the world.
but I loved it.』
(Each of these could be a memoir all its own) 『I had picked up this book (at least) once before, and really didn't think much of it. I would only get about 8 or 9 pages into it and I would put it down. I started it again a few days ago and this time I kept reading. I read it all (it took me a few days to get through it) but I'm very glad I gave it another chance. Dorothy really has a story to tell.
Her writing style encourages me to pick up a pencil and pad of paper and begin writing my own "Two or three thing I know for sure"
Thank you Dorothy for getting me started on my own memoir!』
(Spare and evocative book) 『This is a quick read, but packs a lot of power. The author isn't afraid to lay her life out for you, and all her emotions, past and present. Its doubly touching to note, this book was originally an oral presentation she wrote.』
(It's never the same thing) 『Dorothy Allison's Aunt Dot said she only new two or three things for sure and added, "Of course,they are never the same things." This slim volume, a family history memoir, celebrates the way that women know and affirms that what women know is different from what men know. Allison not only tells an engaging story, she tells her story with clear compassion for all concerned. That doesn't mean she hedges around about the truth. It means that one of the things she knows for sure is that "if we are not beautiful to each other, then we cannot know beauty in any form." Compassion goes along with being beautiful to one another. This book is both honest and forgiving. and as such reminds us to look with an open heart on our life circumstances. Don't compound the hurt or the suffering with hate suggests Allison in a mere 94 pages. I suspect most people will want to read this book more than once. I pull it out when when I feel my heart closing and each time, the thing I come to know is never the same thing.』
(Allison shares her secrets, plumbs her own depths to find joy) 『"Let me tell you a story," is how the author of BASTARD OUT OF CAROLINA begins her autobiographical journey, alerting the reading audience from the start that she is a storyteller first and foremost above all else: above her being a woman, a daughter, a sister, a lesbian, a survivor. Indeed, she creates and tells stories in order to better define those qualities she has, the labels she possesses, and with an effort towards cleansing her soul of ugliness in favor of beauty and hope.
Originally designed as a performance piece, that she staged in San Francisco at The Lab in August of 1991, Allison reworked the spoken narrative into this flowing, written memoir.
There are many inspiring, defiantly unsentimental portions of the book, which serve to display Allison's valiant attempts to heal herself while becoming an artist. Unfortunately, there are also Anne Lamott-type lapses into cliche and sap and faux-inspiring writing that fails to ring completely true. The pictures of Allison and the family she writes about that accompany the book are vivid and add an even greater genuineness to the text.
A scene that encapsulates the tone of the book, as well as describing Allison's life-long struggle and that of the girls and women she loves, appears near the end of the book, when Dorothy is visiting her sister and pre-adolescent niece. "I looked into my niece's sunburned frightened face. Like her mama, like her grandmama, like her aunts -- she had that hungry desperate look that trusts nothing and wants everything. She didn't think she was pretty. She didn't think she was worth anything at all." Heartbreaking, real and a truth that haunts the women in Allison's family from generation to generation until... when? That's a question that the author refuses to deal with, probably more out of fear for its answer than anything else.
On a side note, I saw Allison appear live at an event in Orange County in 2006. She was fiery, profane, fearless, and struck me as a serious truthseeker with a motivating message for aspiring writers and aspiring humanists. I was at first taken aback by her brashness, her unapologetic stance about people and politics and education. But as she continued on, she became less guarded, more sympathetic, and ultimately more loving than someone who's seen so much hatred and so much abuse should be expected to be. She was, truly, an inspiring figure up there on the stage.』 『An autobiographical narrative by the author ofBastard out of Carolinaexplores such topics as love and loss, beauty and terror, and the intricacies of family love and hatred while illuminating the rural poverty of the South. 50,000 first printing. Tour.』
price：$29.95
Macmillan Audio
Usually ships in 1 to 3 months Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (zzZZZzzzzZZZ) 『Pretentious, self-indulgent, and by far the most boring book I have read in a very long time.』
(poor) 『Seemed like a crybaby [...]. If you like child porn or gay [...] then yes this book is for you. If you don't well then it was a waste of time. Luckily I bought it at the dollar tree so I only wasted [...] on it. I could not have been more dissapointed. Some of the stories just seem way too farfetched, others go into gross detail that does not seem necessary for the story. There is a million and one fantastic [...]novels/biographies, this is not one of them.』
(make that 3.5 stars...) 『One would think 'Mississippi Sissy' would be a memoir about a gay man struggling with, and overcoming homophobia. Nope, it's not that at all. Well it's certainly a memoir of a gay man growing up in Mississippi but he barely makes reference to any sort of homophobia. Instead we have the author carefully selecting important episodes in his life, mostly involving racial issues of the 1960s, and presents them to the reader in a haphazard fashion. A couple of these episodes are simply terrific - that is, painfully moving. But too many fall flat. And the author seems to dwell on certain facets (eg, going into extremely graphic detail on his homosexual acts) and dismisses others (eg, he devotes all of two sentences about a girlfriend he feared he had impregnated). And why he suddenly injects the memoir of his brother meeting Billy Graham is anyone's guess, ... the author wasn't present at this meeting.
Bottom line: a couple of marvelous vignettes generally saves this well written yet sloppy autobiography.』
(Why didn't I write this?) 『This is not a review as much as it is a kick in the butt to me for not writing it! (I can also furnish a photo holding a baseball bat) I grew up in Tupelo Mississippi in the 50's and about a third of this book is of my own experience. I could have added the sexual experiences with the Baptist minister or the choir director or the Cub Scout leader and made a bit longer book or added more about my own escape to New York City. It was a joy to read and to know I was not alone at the time even though, of course, we all thought we were alone. An enjoyable read and the vernacular was a joy to "hear" again.』
(Moving) 『This is the most moving book I have read in a very very long time. It took me through the full range of emotions--laughter to tears. It had such a hold on me I finished it in one day. It made me feel like being 11 years old again reading "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" for the first time.』 『
Mississippi Sissyis the stunning memoir from Kevin Sessums, a celebrity journalist who grew up scaring other children, hiding terrible secrets, pretending to be Arlene Frances and running wild in the South.
As he grew up in Forest, Mississippi, befriended by the family maid, Mattie May, he became a young man who turned the word“sissy” on its head, just as his mother taught him. In Jackson, he is befriended by Eudora Welty and journalist Frank Hains, but when Hains is brutally murdered in his antebellum mansion, Kevin's long road north towards celebrity begins. In a memoir that echoes bestsellers likeThe Liar’s Club, Kevin Sessums brings to life the pungent American south of the 1960s and the world of the strange little boy who grew there.
price：$4.80
Kensington
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Can Christianity be Reformed?) 『An interesting tale, if you can get past all the graphic accounts of gay sex scattered throughout -- I read this to try to get more familiar with "liberal" Christian theology, and should have expected the sex scenes considering the nature of the book I suppose, although I think the author could have made her point without them, to try to reach a more broad (non-gay) audience. Anyway, it does highlight the schism in modern Christianity between those who view the "good book" literally, and those who take a more selective approach as to what parts of the Bible should be followed or not. It does beg the question though: why would anyone choose to remain part of a faith where even a sizable number of believers believe that way? Why try to water-down and temper Christianity, when you can just as easily forsake it altogether? A "gay Christian" just seems like an oxy-moron to me, and I can't help but think sometimes that those who seek to liberalize Christianity are really just giving more credence to ALL of it -- even the bad conservative/authoritarian parts -- but I'd definitely take a "liberal" Christian that doesn't interpret every word of the Bible literally over a conservative Bible-thumper who does, any day of the week.』
(Thoughtful While Also Being a Great Read) 『I read Thinking Straight several months ago and have continued to think about it ever since . . . hence my recommendation here. Other reviewers have accurately described the plot/characters so I won't repeat that here. Just know that Reardon has created fully-developed characters here; some of whom actually grow and change. There are many points of view fairly represented and the book as a whole offers readers much to consider long after the basic plot points get resolved. Great book for teens and adults, particularly if you are looking for something to stimulate (book group) conversations. I particularly like the civil tone and thoughtful "open-mindedness" of Reardon's writing.』
(thinking straight) 『I have read about half of the book so far and have found it quite interesting. It arrived in excellent condition. I would buy similar products from this saler anytime. Jerry』
(BUY THIS!) 『I have been sitting on my butt after reading this book and wanting to gush how good it is, but I think other reviewers have already done it right and I haven't anything new to add besides buy this book or read it somehow, you won't be disappointed. Sure, there is a crazy religious character in here that makes you go 'wtf?' Why is it that when the objective is making religious people look bad, they make sure it's a psycho doing stuff God probably would be shaking his head at. Mandy Moore is the movie Saved was pretty crazy, huh? It makes religious people look bad, but I guess it was in the book because there are people like that, so be wary liberals! It's sad when that an abortionist doctor was murdered. Other than all that, great story! Wanted more romance, but the mystery of the camp makes a great YA book.』
(An inside look at the Ex-gay movement) 『If you don't read any other book on the ex-gay programs and the harm they can do to lgbt individuals, I highly recommend Reardon's book. Readon is sensitive to all sides in this ongoing debate, about whether one can truly change sexual orientation. She shows that the good intentions of some of the leaders in the "Straight to God" center actually do have beneficial effects on some of those that go through the program. Not all the participants are gay or lesbian. Some are drug addicts, etc., and much of what is practiced at the center bring some troubled youth to a better understanding of themselves. The central character in all of this is seventeen-year-old Taylor Adams, who has been sent to the center when he admits to his parents that he is gay. In other words, he is one of thousands of real-life young people who suddenly find that their parents have stripped them of any autonomous rights and, at first, Taylor feels that he has been incarcerated in a cruel prison. He only intends to play the game and to get out in six weeks. He goes to the center to avoid another threat by his father, who tells him that if he does not successfully complete this program, he will go to military school. And so the story begins. Reardon is quite good in ratcheting up the tension of a psychological sort as Taylor tries to navigate through the program, without calling attention to himself, and trying to appear as though he is being successfully re-programmed--holding doggedly onto his love of a boy on the outside. I can't give away the plot. It is intricate and ultimately satisfying, with an ending that will surprise you. There are no straw characters in this story. Reardon does a marvelous job of developing complex characters, and the plot is relentless.』 『I know God doesn't make mistakes, and if I'm gay it's because that's what he wanted. What you wanted. And I think the challenge is to get everyone else to see that. This is their test, not mine.
If only Taylor Adams had kept on lying to his parents, none of this would have happened. He wouldn't have been shipped off to Straight to God, an institution devoted to "deprogramming" troubled teenagers and ridding them of their vices--whether it's drugs, violence, or in Taylor's case, other boys. Not that Taylor has a problem with being gay, or with reconciling his love for God with his love for his boyfriend Will...
At Straight to God, such thoughts--along with all other reminders of Taylor's former "sinful" life--are forbidden. Every movement is monitored, privacy is impossible, and no one--from staff to residents--is quite who they first appear to be. There's Charles, Taylor's clean-cut roommate, desperate to leave his past behind...Nate Devlin, a handsome, inscrutable older boy who's alternately arrogant and kind... gorgeous, secretive Sean, who returns to Straight to God each year to avoid doing prison time for drugs. Here, where piety can be a mask for cruelty and the greatest crimes go unpunished, Taylor will learn more than he ever dreamed about love, courage, rebellion, and betrayal--but the most surprising lessons will be the truths he uncovers about himself.
In this smart, insightful new novel, Robin Reardon presents a compelling exploration of the journey from boy to man, and a testament to the strength that comes with accepting both who we are, and who we love...』
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