price：$2.09
Torquere Press
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Take A Second Look at This Book) 『My Sociology class assignment required a novel that dealt with human sexuality. I was very glad that I chose this novel because it allowed me to see Dominance and submission as a consentual relational process. Bad relational behavior can be found in all relationships but those who practice BDSM are stereotypically represented as only practicing a perverted deviant behavior. The authors present BDSM with characters who very much want a healthy relationship. The characters have been hurt in other relationships, who hasn't, but they use those experiences to grow relationally. The examples of honest communication, the building of trust, and the expression and respect for each other's needs, to include their sexual desires. There are BDSM manuals out there but I think the practioners or those interested should take a look at this book for a good example of what it takes to build a safe and healthy BDSM relationship. I think the authors did a great job of presenting the relational aspect of BDSM while providing some nice erotica as well... Enjoy.』
(This review includes first 3 books in this series) 『I did like this book but then I am a woman and I felt this book was written for women by women about male gay D/s play. The story did not come up to the BDSM level for me. It's a sweet romance. Some hot scenes. Way too much lovey-dovey talk and sugary sweet interaction. Ick. Ick. Guys don't talk like this. Even vanilla guys. Or cops. To say nothing of kinky cops. Ick. Ick. Considering the general lack of romantic BDSM reading material available, I guess I would recommend this book. But the story needs a whole lot more discipline, less smooching. Although I was actually reminded of how often relationships start out kinky and degenerate into mundane sex as time goes by. In that sense, the book is a good object lesson. Don't Let This Happen To You.』
(Heavy BDSM that I enjoyed for the most part but also made me cringe at times) 『Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS: - A different and more in-depth look at the BDSM lifestyle than I've encountered anywhere else. I don't participate in the scene, and though I've read other books about it--Claire Thompson's Switch, Sean Michael's Between Friends: Sammy's Place--this book portrays a more extreme version of the scene. Reading about various levels of the lifestyle has rounded out my view of it and helped me to understand a bit of its mystery. - Some of the sex I found very hot (although other scenes made me uncomfortable). - Interesting role-play scenes that I read with a sort of puzzled fascination. - Likeable supporting characters--almost all of them, in fact.
CONS: - We never hear any of Noah's internal thoughts. He's honest and vocal, which allows the reader access to his emotions, but no dialog is ever quite as personal or deep as a character's unvoiced thoughts. On one hand, it's great to focus on the worry and giddiness of a Dom who understands the weight of the power he wields over his partner, but on the other, I wanted to see the elation and hesitation of the sub also, who puts himself so completely at another man's mercy. - I couldn't help balking at some of the ways Tobias asked Noah to submit to him. I understand some people enjoy pain along with the pleasure of sex, so whipping and other similar things aren't that much of a mystery to me. But denying someone an orgasm for 2 days when he's turned on the whole time? And making him sleep on the floor instead of in the bed? Made me cringe. - I didn't understand why Noah, who must submit in every area of his life, gets away with taking the initiative in sex at times. Even to the point of causing Tobias to beg at one point. - Something major happens during one of the scenes, and Tobias doesn't address it then, thinking that they'll discuss it later in the safe room. But the discussion never happens. Maybe it will in one of the later books... - One editing issue that I found very difficult to read around: throughout the book, dashes (--, or one long line that's essentially two hyphens connected) are written as hyphens with no space before or after them. Here's an example of how this leads to confusion: "Allison is very smart-that stir-fry got things going quite well, if I recall." The first hyphen should be a dash, but as it's written, it appears to signal one of two (incorrect) things: either "that stir" is being set off by dashes on either side, or "smart-that" is one compound word.
Overall comments: I'm definitely intrigued enough to continue reading the series, but this is the heaviest, most graphic look at BDSM I've read, and I'd be lying if I said that at times it doesn't wig me out just a little.』
(Tame and Lame) 『Not being into this scene, I can't say how accurate it is in its depiction. It's about at the other extreme from Mr. Benson, and not at all that compelling. I was turned off by the constant use of endearing terms used by the Dom (like "sweetheart") which seemed to belie the whole idea of the scene and took me out of the story every time.
All in all, I found myself skipping a lot of it and don't recommend it.』
(This is a great one) 『I like what this does for the BDSM scene. Submission shows that even in a BDSM relationship, there is romance and affection. So many people are under the (false) impression that BDSM is about cruelty and slavery when that's just not so. The book moved fast but not too fast. The characters were well developed, as well; I didn't leave the book feeling as if I lacked an understanding of the characters. What's more, I liked them and I was rooting for it to work. Submission focuses on the submissive, Noah and how he and his new Dom, Tobias, work through Noah's trust issues to bring him to the ultimate state of slavery. It was very hot but also very emotional. Definitely a good read for anyone who likes gay erotica with an edge. This isn't about light spanking and handcuffs, guys.』 『Tobias is a skilled Dom, able to bring even the most hesitant submissive around. Noah is a man in need of just that. He wants to sub badly, but has yet to find someone he believes can take him where he needs to go. Through a series of encounters in the world of bondage and discipline, Noah reveals why he has trouble trusting, why he needs such a firm, steady hand. Tobias may allow himself to dominate, but he has trouble letting himself love. Still, Tobias can't resist Noah's charms, and the two of them set about making a scene for themselves, one that works for them and their unique set of problems. They learn to love, but can they stay together while they explore each others' secrets, in a world where all is laid bare and emotions run high? From authors Chris Owen, writer of the popular Bareback, and Jodi Payne, writer of String of Pearls comes a romance on the deviant side, where love is all tied up with the need to submit, the need to dominate, and the need to share a life of exploration and care. These two skilled authors create a world that's hard to resist, and a book that's even harder to put down.』
price：$6.06
Basic Books
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (The Secret is Sex) 『It's my own fault. I wanted to read a biography next, I scanned the biography offerings on Kindle, saw one about Oscar Wilde and clicked "Buy Now" instead of "free sample". So let me make something quite clear: the "secret life" in question is Oscar Wilde's sex life.
Neil McKenna makes the case that no single biography can do justice to the whole life of any subject and proceeds from here. He set out to tell the story of Oscar Wilde as a homosexual man in Victorian England and most else in Oscar's life takes a back seat to that. This isn't the book I set out to read but I'm not disappointed to have read it. Somewhere along the way I received the wisdom that Oscar Wilde was just another metrosexual Victorian man until Bosie (Lord Alfred Douglas) rolled onto the scene. McKenna makes it clear that was not the case.
There is a whiff about this book of "reclaiming" Oscar. Yes, I'm convinced Oscar was a gay man and I'm certainly interested in rereading some of his work in light of McKenna's interpretations of Dorian Gray and Willie Hughes. On the other hand: Who knew reading about another person's sex life in such detail could be a chore? When Bosie and Oscar aren't bedding rent boys or other fetching creatures, they're racking up charges at five star restaurants and hotels. Unfortunately, that's all they seem to do a lot of the time and it gets a little dull. Maybe it's the mindless promiscuity involved, maybe it's that I'm not a gay man or maybe my Puritan roots go stronger than I realize but by the time the bailiffs came for Oscar I admit I was relieved.
McKenna is a tad myopic. Anything and everything is examined for tell tale signs that Oscar was gay and writing for a gay audience. Not surprisingly, he always finds signs. From Dorian Grey - ok, that's an easy one - to the Happy Prince, McKenna will have you seeing hidden messages everywhere. Bless his heart there isn't an inanimate object in your house that isn't a "code word for" for "Uranian love" when McKenna's on the case. This can lead to some giggle-worthy interpretations, my favorite being the "persistent rumor" that Saint Sebastian wasn't shot through with a hundred arrows but gang-raped by the entire Praetorian Guard and bled to death. Where do you even start on a theory like that? I'll start with the fact that I've never, ever heard that before nor does it make a lot of sense especially since the fact that the "arrows" didn't kill Sebastian is one of the reasons he was made a saint. He was actually beaten to death. (Unless I'm once again behind on the rumors.)
Still, I can't write this book off as all agenda and no substance. McKenna does a create a compelling portrait of Oscar Wilde as a man who accepted his sexuality and genuinely loved Bosie. Now why he loved that mess of a human being is anyone's guess. Bosie may have been the cat's meow in his day but that's no excuse to letting him in the house. Selfish, bratty, vindictive, nasty, and way too interested in young boys, Bosie nearly single-handedly creates the scandal that destroys Oscar and then tops all this by going straight in later life. You'll be hard pressed not to side with Oscar friends who want to keep him away from this human wrecking ball.
This is an interesting book. Not the definitive biography of Oscar Wilde but an interesting exploration into a relatively unknown aspect of Victorian life. Just bear in mind that sometimes a cigar is a cigar even when the smoker in question is Oscar Wilde.』
(A page turner!) 『I admit that I knew very little of Oscar Wilde when I chose this particular book, at random. What an excellent choice for a novice as well as a Wilde devotee! Not only did I appreciate the tragic love story of Oscar, Constance and Bosie, but I also gained an insight into Victorian mores and political machinations. We apparently can't claim the corner on the market of corrupt zealots. If you haven't read Mr. McKenna's work, you must. In the biography arena, this book is beyond the realm.』
(Everything you wanted to know....) 『McKenna has carved his own niche among the Wilde biographies by concentrating on Oscar's homosexuality (too often marginalized or avoided by other writers), with emphasis on his long relationship with Bosie; McKenna considers theirs a great love affair, but it appears to have been something along the lines of codependency. It's quite remarkable how much detail is known about Oscar's antics through letters, journals and books, maybe too much, since this long read is at times a bit tedious as we move through one young man after another. McKenna has a couple of annoying habits as a writer -- all the young men couldn't have been quite as "breathtakingly" attractive as described, he makes a lot of suppositions about what someone must have thought, or might have done, and he's a bit melodramatic with the "but he would find out all too soon" chapter endings.
But these are quibbles. The book is important is several ways. Above all, it portrays Wilde as one of a group of early advocates of gay rights, a fervent believer that society and the law should treat homosexuals with equality and respect. It also provides a fascinating "decoding" of Wilde's most famous works by explaining the double, ie. homosexual, meaning of words, phrases and behavior on the part of his characters, who were often based on real people. The book paints a vivid picture of the seamy side of London's "Uranian" underground of rent boys, petty thieves and blackmailers and the "respectable" men who took their pleasure there. And it delves into his marriage, the ill-fated consequence of having to protect his reputation from the circling vultures.
Wilde is a fascinating, maddening subject, so sure of his own superiority that he considered himself above the law and the strictures of society, making him ultimately the instrument of his own self-destruction. This book will be of interest primarily to Wilde junkies and people interested in the sexual aspect of his life, but it should be read in conjunction with other bios, lest one get the impression that the great man did little but go at it like a rabbit.』
(A controversial walk on the Wilde side.) 『"I find it harder and harder every day to live up to my blue china," Oscar Wilde confessed while he was a student at Oxford (p. 14).
For anyone who has visited his lipstick-kissed tomb at the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, Wilde's "secret life" is really no secret. Wilde (1854-1900) was primarily an Irish playwright, novelist, and poet, known for his brazen wit ("Little boys should be obscene and not heard," p. 257), which made him one of the greatest celebrities of late Victorian London. Following Wilde's death, his friend, Frank Harris, wrote a biography, Oscar Wilde: His Life and Confessions, which was followed by H. Montgomery Hyde's 1975 biography, Oscar Wilde: A Biography, and more recently Richard Ellmann's 1987 meticulous work, Oscar Wilde. Whereas these earlier, excellent biographies focused primarily on Wilde's literary achievements and dealt with his sexuality only in passing, Neil McKenna's The Secret Life of Oscar Wilde examines Wilde's sexuality and sexual behavior in detail--and at times, in graphic detail.
Most biographers concur that Wilde was introduced to homosexuality in 1885, but McKenna speculates--in charting Wilde's "journey" to find his true sexual self (p. xi)--Wilde was first aware of his homosexuality much earlier when he kissed another boy at age 16. After his arrival at Oxford in 1874, Wilde experienced passionate, romantic feelings for Greek beauty (i.e., cultivated, youthful, "fair," "slim" choirboys) (pp. 6-7), but was drawn sexually towards rougher boys. Following his visit to America in 1882, Wilde boasted, "I have the kiss of Walt Whitman still on my lips." In his struggle against his sexual feelings for young men, Wilde attempted to "cure" his sexuality in 1884 by marrying Constance Lloyd (the daughter of Queen's Counsel Horace Lloyd) and by fathering two sons, Cyril (1885) and Vyvyan (1886). But he continued to have regular sexual relationships with Robert Baldwin Ross, Lord Alfred Douglas ("Bosie"), and random teenage boys, whom he would meet in bars or brothels, culminating in his May, 1895 conviction and two-year imprisonment for "gross indecency." Later, after remarking, "my wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go" (p. 463), Wilde died in Paris, knowing that "he was a martyr in an epic struggle for the freedom of men to love men" (p. 465).
Drawn from interviews, letters, memoirs, journals, and Wilde's own writings--although McKenna's controversial but highly readable biography has been criticised for being too speculative, it nevertheless succeeds in bringing Wilde to life as a literary genius, a dandy, a pagan, an "extreme aesthete" who attempted to live his life by burning hard like a gemlike flame (p. 13), and as a gay Victorian outcast.
G. Merritt』
(New Depths of Oscar Wilde's Life) 『See the other side of famous author Oscar Wilde with this biography. You'll gain new insight and perspective on his life. 』 『"I have put my genius into my life but only my talent into my work." So said Oscar Wilde of his remarkable life-a life more complex, more troubled, and more triumphant than any of his contemporaries ever knew. InThe Secret Life of Oscar Wilde, Neil McKenna provides stunning new insight into the tumultuous sexual and psychological worlds of this brilliant and tormented figure.
McKenna charts Wilde's astonishing odyssey through London's sexual underworld, and provides explosive new evidence of the political machinations behind Wilde's trials for sodomy. Dazzlingly written and meticulously researched,The Secret Life of Oscar Wildeoffers a vividly original portrait of a troubled genius who chose to martyr himself for the cause of love between men.』
price：$1.50
MLR Press
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (the older the better) 『Strachey's Folly
I have been following Richard Stevensons' series staring Donald Strachey, private eye. The 'Folly' book was refreshing in that it had different locations from Albany, and therefore a different type of crime. The vignettes re Timmy, Donalds longstanding (do I mean longsuffering?) companion were amusing and realistic. I would recommend this book to others. I find that the authors style becomes more at ease, and flows well as the series develops. My only regret is that Mr Strachey appears to have become retired. I believe that there is room for more character development/more books. One centered more around Timmy, or a crime related to his distant past would be of interest, for example.』 『Violence interrupts quiet reflection on tragedy when Donald and Timmy visit Washington to view the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Unexpected stories about a disgraced, conservative congresswoman, and a gay Lothario with designs on Strachey are catalysts for Donald's investigation into a memorial to a man who isn't quite as dead as he seems.(Originally published 1998.)』
price：$12.95
Blind Eye Books
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Good, fun, fast) 『This book was better than I had expected. I had anticipated it being essentially erotica with a thin plot, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the book had a little more weight than that. In fact, there was only really one sex scene with any level of detail included in the book. The plot itself was pretty good - like other reviewers have mentioned it was Part 1: missing person mystery and Part 2: murder mystery. After finishing, although I was grateful for a quick read (2 days from cover to cover), I realize that the author could have done much more with this world and with the story. What was approximately a 200 page book could easily have been made into a grittier, heavier, 500 page book. I mean, it would have taken more work on the authors part, but there was enough substance here, and the author seemed talented enough to pull it off. So on the one hand I'm saying the book was more involved than I had expected, and I was happy about that, and on the other hand I'm saying that it could have been significantly more involved than it turned out to be. I liked the characters, the premise, the world it was set in. It was nice and dark. I seem to be on a roll reading darker stuff, and this one fit right in. Recommended, read and enjoy :)』
(Actually really good) 『This is actually a book people (something most of those little paperbacks that people pop these days aren't). The first arc could be a little more fleshed out but the second one makes up for it and the only real complaint I have is that this world wasn't explored more. It is a wonderfully rendered civilization with characters you cannot help but love.』
(Great characterization) 『This book was unexpectedly fresh in that Hale's characterization was moving and shows that all beings want to love and be loved. I didn't realize what I was getting until I began to read. First novel -- I am looking for the second -- Hale hit it out of the ballpark!』
(SImply breathtaking!) 『I found this book to be really great. Everything about it enthralled me. The two main characters are very wonderfully rendered. They are multi dimensional and the reader gets a real feel for them even in such a short book. The book is actually two novellas concerning the same two characters. The world that Ms Hale has created is fascinating and it's a little frustrating that you only catch a glimpse of it; although that adds to the mystique of the story. The "blood engines" especially ensnared my imagination. Very steam punk. It was truly wonderful seeing these two damaged and lonely characters find love and acceptance from each other. The way the characters slowly, almost against their will, fall in love with each other is beautiful and inspiring. I highly recommend this book. Even is you are not into the whole male sex thing ,there's very little graphic sex anyways. This is one of my favorite books and just thinking about it makes me happy. So I guess well done Ms Hale!』
(Gay Steampunk Romance (B+ Grade)) 『Wicked Gentlemen reads more like a paranormal with a mystery and romance combined. Whatever genre this book falls into, Wicked Gentlemen exceeded all my expectations. It has a great atmospheric feel featuring the tortured character of Belimai Sykes. Belimai is a drug addicted demon called a Prodical who has been tortured ruthlessly by those who feel they are God's servants and have the right to condemn Beilmai's people. Wicked Gentlemen has many religious undertones that deal with the subject of persecution. The ones that are in charge of these atrocities are the true villains, not the Prodicals that are the creatures from Hell.
The first section of Wicked Gentlemen is from Belimai's first person point of view. He is a shell of man filled with despair and loathing. Because he is a Prodical, he is spat upon by society. He has scars all over his body from the Inquisitors. Inquisitors are the police who keep the Prodicals in line with torture and the possibility of death. They are also like priests and they make sure everyone obeys the rules. Prodicals live in the ghettos of Hells Below, a section in this alternate London universe. Prodicals look like humans except for their long black nails, different colored eyes and their aversion to the sunlight. They can also fly in the sky. Belimai resides in Hells Below, barely living day to day, overcome with his need to feed his ophorium addiction, which he injects into his arms with a syringe.
An Inquisition captain and his doctor brother-in-law come to Belimai for help. Captain William Harper's sister, Joan, who is married to the doctor, has gone missing. Joan was a member of the Good Commons Advocacy. This group worked for the rights of both woman and Prodicals alike. Harper thinks Belimai is the best person who can find Joan. Belimai accepts the job because he needs the money and he and Harper eventually become partners and loose themselves in the underbelly of Hells Below. Not only is Joan hiding a secret that could kill her, but Prodicals are being torture and murdered for some reason. No one seems to care about these creatures. It is up to Harper and Belimai to find the culprits involved.
Belimai finds himself caring for Harper, especially after they have a drunken one night stand with one another. Belimai tries to hide his feelings for the young captain. But it is difficult because Harper treats him with respect and seems to really like him. And when Belimai finds himself in great danger and is badly hurt, Harper is there to help him recover. Perhaps there is hope that two very different men, one for good, the other who welcomes the darkness, can be free to love one another without the fear of being ostracized or even worst, tortured and killed.
I have read countless M/M books, mainly those with a heavy romantic storyline. Wicked Gentlemen does have a romance but it is very subtle. There is one descriptive love scene, but other than that, this complicated relationship is shown through thoughts and actions. Belimai and Harper's feelings for one another keep you guessing till the very end. You know there is something between them but that is kept as more of an after thought as they navigate through this harsh world Ginn has invented.
Belimai is more dimensional than Harper because we are privy to his internal thoughts and emotions. He is so very tortured both in body and spirit due to what he is and the drugs he takes just so he can get through each day. Harper is the complete opposite of Belimai. I couldn't help but think of these two as yin and yang; light and dark; heaven and hell. Harper is Belimai's salvation. And Harper shows Belimai that he is worthy of his love and respect.
One scene that really caught my eye is when Belimai wants to see Harper's hands. Harper wears gloves through most of the book for a personal reason that will be unveiled by the end. Belimai seems obsessed with that body part because Harper's hands are so perfect and clean. Belimai's are unclean in every sense from the black nails that look like claws to the way he injects poison into his body. When Harper places his hands on Belimai, this poor creature of darkness feels cleansed and is given reconciliation for all his wickedness.
Wicked Gentlemen was a surprisingly good read. Ginn really handles religion and the good and evil aspect quite well. Harper and Belimai have great chemistry together not only as lovers, but as friends and partners. If this is what the future of Steampunk is, I may change my mind after all and give more books like Wicked Gentlemen a try.
Katiebabs』 『Belimai Sykes is many things: a Prodigal, the descendant of ancient demons, a creature of dark temptations and rare powers. He is also a man with a brutal past and a dangerous addiction. And Belimai Sykes is the only man Captain William Harper can turn to when faced with a series of grisly murders. But Mr. Sykes does not work for free and the price of Belimai's company will cost Captain Harper far more than his reputation. From the ornate mansions of noblemen, where vivisection and sorcery are hidden beneath a veneer of gold, to the steaming slums of Hells Below, Captain Harper must fight for justice and for his life. His enemies are many and his only ally is a devil he knows too well.』
price：$19.98
Bruno Gmunder Verlag Gmbh
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Shot like a god...) 『Whenever I'm buried in paperwork and swamped with too much of the everyday crap that we all have to deal with at our jobs, I try to remember some of the fantastic perks of being an EDGE editor. I get to travel to fabulous places, largely for free; I get to try fantastic new products months before they're in stores; and at the top of the list, I get to sit back at my desk and flip through coffee table books filled with incredibly gorgeous naked men- and get paid for writing about it!
When it comes to naked men, there are few photographers who capture their beauty as well as David Vance; if he shot the photos, it doesn't matter whether I'm being paid or not- I'll still spend an hour flipping through the pages. And drooling. Vance has the ability to not only select models with the most incredible physiques, but to capture them in moments that convey much more than simply superficial sexiness; his shots radiate energy and tension, express subtle emotion, and tell a story.
The story of Heavenly Bodies is elegant in its simplicity, expressed in the book's title. Among the more than 100 pages are photographs of nude men who appear as if they'd be more comfortable, or at-home, in the heavens. Men born of angelic parents, these are the guys of fantasies- perfect in every way... or at least on the page of a book.
Heavenly Bodies is divided into two sections, or `books': Earthly Beauty and Celestial Beauty. The differences between the two are subtle, and for most intents and purposes unimportant; the former could be considered more modern and `grounded,' the latter more influenced by the Italian Renaissance, with slight religious overtones.
The volume is beautifully presented, and like all coffee table books from Bruno Gmunder, features high-quality printing, and a simply, stylish format. 』
(Beautiful Photography of the Human Male) 『This book exhibits some of the most beautiful male aspects of a man's body. They are done with taste and class and I highly recommend the book to all those persons learning to love their body and appreciate the diversity of our brothers!』 『David Vance seeks to make his models appear like Greek statues - and succeeds with brilliance. Every picture is a piece of timeless art that you want to blow up and hang on your wall. More of the incredibly successful "Timeless" (2006) with one essential difference: "Heavenly Bodies" is shot in full color!』
price：$3.92
Harper Paperbacks
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (A Must for All Family Members of Queer Individuals) 『I cannot stress how much this book has changed my life.
When I first came out of the closet, it was obvious that while my mother was trying to accept this, she was having a hard time of it. After reading only the introduction to this book, I raced to her room and asked her to read it.
My mother is an incredibly busy woman, and I have given her many books to read over the years. This is the very first time she ever finished one I brought to her attention, and it had a profound impact on our relationship.
Betty DeGeneres gives family members a story they can relate to, a new way of looking at it, and resources for them to check out... But it is by no means a dry account. It is deeply personal and deeply touching, and I can never thank Ms. Betty enough for writing it.』
(good read) 『gave me insight into the feelings a mom would have learning of a childs homosexuality. An easy read.』
(Love it!) 『A great book for Ellen lovers, and parents of gay and lesbian people, and for really anyone. Book came fast and it is a great read!』
(An Ordinary Family) 『Love Ellen is a beautiful story about the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter. No matter how difficult the challenges faced by either Betty or Ellen their love has always remained strong proven in this eye opening book. So many times we read about celebrities lives and are only shown a small portion of their emotions as though they need to hide their most sensitive side from public view. Love Ellen is an exception to that as we see a side of both women as they truly are: sensitive, emotional and very human. Read for yourself the laughter, sadness and tears as you explore their journey together. You will come away with the realization that no matter how difficult your own struggles there is help for you if only you can open your heart and trust. As you get to know the DeGeneres family you will realize they are just as ordinary as the rest of us. I highly recommend this book for those who need help coming out, loved ones needing a better understanding of homosexuality and that it is not a choice, but rather just another side of many individuals and also to fans of Ellen's who just want to explore who she is and how she made some of the most difficult decisions of her life. This book is a very real account of the understanding we, as human beings who all share so much in this world, need to accept.』
(Unconditional love) 『What is it like to have a child who is gay? In this book, Betty DeGeneres describes the moment that her daughter Ellen came out to her and admitted the secret which she kept from her mother for 20 years. After learning that her daughter was gay, Betty herself was forced to keep this secret for 20 more years, before Ellen came out to the world. This is a book about a mother's unconditional love for her daughter and about how her daughter's sexual orientation caused a complete change in her life. It is also about Ellen's family and how she went from being a sweet, funny little girl from New Orleans to being one of the top actess/comediennes of our times. It is also about how mother and daughter went from keeping Ellen's homosexuality a secret to how they became activists in the gay/lesbian movement. Throughout the book, the loving and positive spirit of both Ellen and Betty become very evident.』 『
"Mom, I'm gay."With three little words, gay sons and daughters can change their parents' lives forever. Twenty years ago, during a walk on a Mississippi beach, Ellen DeGeneres spoke those simple, powerful words to her mother. That emotional moment eventually brought mother and daughter closer than ever, but it was not without a struggle. InLove, Ellen,Betty DeGeneres tells her story: the complicated path to acceptance and the deepening of her friendship with her daughter, the media's scrutiny of their family life, and the painful and often inspiring stories she's heard on the road as the first nongay spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign's National Coming Out Project.
Insightful, universally touching, and uncommonly wise,Love, Ellenis a story of friendship between mother and daughter and a lesson in understanding for all parents and their children.
"Mom, I'm gay." With three little words, gay children can change their parents' lives forever. Yet at the same times it's a chance for those parents to realize nothing, really, has changed at all; same kid, same life, same bond of enduring love.
Twenty years ago, during a walk on a Mississippi beach, Ellen DeGeneres spoke those simple, powerful words to her mother. That emotional moment eventually brought mother and daughter closer than ever, but not without a struggle. Coming from a republican family with conservative values, Betty needed time and education to understand her daughter's homosexuality -- but her ultimate acceptance would set the stage for a far more public coming out, one that would change history.
InLove, Ellen,Betty DeGeneres tells her story; the complicated path to acceptance and the deepening of her friendship with her daughter; the media's scrutiny of their family life; the painful and often inspiring stories she's heard on the road as the first non-gay spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaigns National Coming Out Project.
With a mother's love, clear minded common sense, and hard won wisdom, Betty DeGeneres offers up her own very personal memoir to help parents understand their gay children, and to help sons and daughters who have been rejected by their families feel less alone."Mom, I'm gay." With three little words, gay children can change their parents' lives forever. Yet at the same times it's a chance for those parents to realize nothing, really, has changed at all; same kid, same life, same bond of enduring love.
Twenty years ago, during a walk on a Mississippi beach, Ellen DeGeneres spoke those simple, powerful words to her mother. That emotional moment eventually brought mother and daughter closer than ever, but not without a struggle. Coming from a republican family with conservative values, Betty needed time and education to understand her daughter's homosexuality -- but her ultimate acceptance would set the stage for a far more public coming out, one that would change history.
InLove, Ellen,Betty DeGeneres tells her story; the complicated path to acceptance and the deepening of her friendship with her daughter; the media's scrutiny of their family life; the painful and often inspiring stories she's heard on the road as the first non-gay spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaigns National Coming Out Project.
With a mother's love, clear minded common sense, and hard won wisdom, Betty DeGeneres offers up her own very personal memoir to help parents understand their gay children, and to help sons and daughters who have been rejected by their families feel less alone.』
『More than 20 years have passed since Ellen DeGeneres came out to her mother on a beach in Mississippi. Stunned, Betty DeGeneres could only think of her own disappointed expectations. As she put her arms around her daughter, she was struck by the realization that she would never see Ellen's picture on the engagements page of theTimes-Picayune, her local paper. That Ellen would eventually appear on the front page of thePicayuneand countless newspapers and magazines around the world is an irony not lost on her mother: "If I had known she was going to grow up to be Ellen DeGeneres," Betty quips, "I would have taken more pictures."
Now the spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign's National Coming Out Project, Betty DeGeneres travels the country explaining how she came to terms with her daughter's sexuality, and how love and acceptance can transform a family.Love, Ellenis an extension of her warm and much-admired public speaking, providing insight into her own life as well as Ellen's and arguing for further education, compassion, and the passage of antidiscrimination laws.--Regina Marler』
price：$2.79
Torquere Press
Usually ships in 24 hours 『Billy has no idea what prompts him to take in a ragged, dirty man off the streets. All he knows is that Montana calls to him somehow, and that he always listens to his instincts. Montana, or Tanny, thinks that Billy is crazy, because nobody is that nice. Not in his experience, anyway. Tanny brings all sorts of problems with him, from addiction to trouble with the police. Billy is determined to make Montana whole again, and he thinks he knows just the thing to replace Tanny's favorite high. All Billy has to do is help Montana get back on his feet, and then he can teach Tanny all about his lifestyle. Too bad no one believes that Tanny is redeemable, least of all Tanny. Billy's friends threaten to become overprotective, the people who populated Tanny's life on the street pop up at the most inopportune moments, and Tanny thinks that Billy is far too good for him, a homeless guy fresh off the reservation, scarred and way less than perfect. Can Billy convince Tanny to give him, and their newfound relationship, a chance? Or will the reality of Billy's lifestyle scare Tanny off just when life is starting to get good again?』
price：$4.35
Princeton University Press
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Impressive, detailed study of 20th Century federal laws and policies justifying discrimination against gays and lesbians) 『Though I've never been much of an activist, I consider myself fairly well informed about the challenges faced by gay and lesbian individuals in dealing with federal laws and bureaucracies that have long chosen to ignore us, if not directly put obstacles in our path to equal rights under the law. I believed most of the latter policies were enacted since World War II, and had no idea - until I read this book - that such blatant discrimination was a part of federal policies since the beginning of the 20th Century, at least as regards homosexual males (Lesbians were not a priority, it seems, until around World War II.)
Ms Canaday, an assistant professor of history at Princeton, provides an exceptionally detailed and complete study of federal policies dealing with homosexuality, focusing on three areas: immigration, the military and social benefit programs. The information is provided in a clearly cohesive and logical order, despite the fact that the laws and policies she discusses were neither. The book contains copious footnotes, not just cites but detailed explanations of items mentioned in the main text, making the book accessible to the casual reader as well as for scholarly research. It is shocking to read about some of the longstanding policies of screening immigrants for "homosexual tendencies," and very interesting to read how early attitudes toward gays and lesbians in the military have evolved in the latter half of the century, eventually giving way to the faulted "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy we live with today. The inclusion of social programs in the analysis is important, as the entitlement to such programs was frequently used to justify the exclusion of homosexuals from the military or immigration.
An impressive, important work, valuable to anyone who wants a better understanding about where our fight for equal rights has been, in order to better plot a course from here. Five scholarly stars out of five.
- Bob Lind, Echo Magazine』 『
The Straight Stateis the most expansive study of the federal regulation of homosexuality yet written. Unearthing startling new evidence from the National Archives, Margot Canaday shows how the state systematically came to penalize homosexuality, giving rise to a regime of second-class citizenship that sexual minorities still live under today.
Canaday looks at three key arenas of government control--immigration, the military, and welfare--and demonstrates how federal enforcement of sexual norms emerged with the rise of the modern bureaucratic state. She begins at the turn of the twentieth century when the state first stumbled upon evidence of sex and gender nonconformity, revealing how homosexuality was policed indirectly through the exclusion of sexually "degenerate" immigrants and other regulatory measures aimed at combating poverty, violence, and vice. Canaday argues that the state's gradual awareness of homosexuality intensified during the later New Deal and through the postwar period as policies were enacted that explicitly used homosexuality to define who could enter the country, serve in the military, and collect state benefits. Midcentury repression was not a sudden response to newly visible gay subcultures, Canaday demonstrates, but the culmination of a much longer and slower process of state-building during which the state came to know and to care about homosexuality across many decades.
Social, political, and legal history at their most compelling,The Straight Stateexplores how regulation transformed the regulated: in drawing boundaries around national citizenship, the state helped to define the very meaning of homosexuality in America.
price：$6.97
Routledge
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Material Bodies) 『With the publication of Gender Trouble in 1990, Judith Butler spearheaded a movement in feminist theory which has become known as 'radical constructivism'. Taking its departures from psychoanalytic and poststructuralist theory, and also informed by speech-act theory, Gender Trouble contends (albeit with sophistication and nuance infinitely greater than this) that gender is not an internal essence, but one produced 'in anticipation' by a repeated and naturalised set of acts, behaviours and stylings. Gender and sexual categories are held in place by the restrictive norms of heterosexuality, but these can be revealed as artificial by their very citability -- as demonstrated in extremis by, for example, drag and camp performance. In Bodies That Matter (1993) Butler extends and complicates the theories put forward in Gender Trouble to contend that not only gender, but the materiality of the body itself, is discursively and performatively produced. We cannot, therefore, speak of a natural, prelinguistic, 'given' body, because what we think we know about bodies is an effect rather than a cause of signification. As with Gender Trouble, this is not to say that bodies are entirely, unchangingly determined by language, but a recognition that, in Butler's words, there can be 'no reference to a pure body which is not at the same time a further formation of that body' (1993, p. 10). Referring to a body is thus, in quite a strict linguistic sense, always almost performative or constitutive, and governed largely (though not entirely) by habitual understandings and norms (such as heterosexism). Again, the citation and iterability of the norms that subjects are expected 'naturally' to embody belies their instability in a classic deconstructive manoeuvre: the natural or intelligible body shores itself up against, and thereby defines or summons the appearance of the deviant or unintelligible (just as the legitimate summons the illegitimate, the authentic the false, the proper the improper, and so forth). The 'performance' of alternative sexualities and gender identities both denaturalises normative suppositions, and pushes for the articulation of new bodily possibilities. Butler outlines her theory of how bodies are produced, or materialised, in discourse, and clarifies the oft-cited notion of performativity in its twinned senses of speech-act and theatrical agency. The textual style in this instance is relatively straightforward by Butler's standards: her work is renowned for what can seem like a wilfully opaque syntax. This, however, is central to her critique, which is shot through with a relentless critical suspicion of the 'common sense' of linguistic transparency. 』
(A poststrcuturalist deconstruction of Freud) 『My initial reaction to reading Bodies that Matter by Judith Butler is that she writes from a very unique perspective and theoretical standpoint: post-structuralism. While she maybe considered one of the foremost theorists on gender and feminism, I find her writings extremely difficult to follow. She presents key concepts readily but in a langue that is indicative of the post-structuralist perspective, convoluted and overly wordy. More often than not I found myself loosing focus and having to reread numerous passages just to maintain basic understanding. If language, as Butler suggests, is confined by the language used (Butler 91: 1993) then Butler is caged. Her critical deconstruction of Freud, which is the main focus of the text, is enlightening but far too complex within the language used for the critique. The concepts of Freudian psychology are not that difficult to understand when presented in a fashion that lends itself to understanding. Many of his theories are paramount to understanding basic anthropological concepts, not to mention human psychology. 』
(Lacanian response) 『When I first read this book, I was pleased to see that Butler was returning to the problem of "gender performativity" she raised in *Gender Trouble.* I do believe that she was misunderstood as having claimed in *Gender Trouble* that the performativity constitutive of gender implies an infinite "plasticity" or freedom from the constraints of gender. Yet after reading *Bodies,* I felt that she evaded the question with which she opened the book: in what way can the "materiality" of anatomical sex be construed as a "discursive limit" to ideological constructions of gender without being understood as existing outside of discourse? I believe that Butler is ultimately indecisive about the status of the materiality of sex as either a pre- or extra-discursive "hard kernel of the Real" or (just like gender) another aspect of discourse. This is what leads to her very wrong-headed "critique" of the concept of "objet petit a" in the work of Slavoj Zizek and Jacques Lacan, very complex work which she oversimplifies and accuses of "reifying" or "essentializing" sex. Any serious student of Lacan knows that the a-object of fantasy is anything but "essential." It phantasmatically "dresses up" (to use Lacan's words in Seminar 14) a primordial psychic "hole," an *absence* or pure negativity where a "grounding" for discourse ought to be but is *lacking.* It's a shame that a book such as this which begins with a rigorous intellectual question degenerates into a sort of psychoanalytic dilettantism.』
(Major work from a major thinker that doesn't quite convince) 『The best thing about Judith Butler is that she is always willing to think through the consequences of her earlier writings. This book was a response to the criticism that emerged out of the groundbreaking conclusion to GENDER TROUBLE that argued for an understanding of gender as performative. Critics took Butler to task for arguing that gender is something that is simply an act of performative volition - one can "be" whatever one wants to be - irrespective of the materiality of the body. Here, Butler turns the tables (in a neat deconstructive move) by showing how this criticism presupposes the a priori existence of "bodies" and "matter" separate from discourse. Yet, after a brilliant introduction, the book becomes weighted down by its own psychoanalytic presuppositions and its tediously dense prose style. There is often no reason for Butler's writing to be as incomprehensible as it is, especially given the giant claims she's making about the nature of gender (other than to "perform" her writing's own indebtedness to Lacanian psychoanalysis and Althusserian critique).
Moreover, her work has been rightly faulted (partiucularly by Martha Nussbaum) by holding out an ideal of "subversion" that is something (in the terms of how she frames it) that ultimately DOES have very little to do with the ways sexual inequality is experienced outside of a somewhat narrow bourgeois American academic purview. But, finally, given the indisputable pervasiveness of Butler's ideas within the academy and without it (particularly in the ways in which sexuality is viewed today), the work is clearly a seminal text nonetheless.』
(colossal hybris) 『This book drove me almost entirely insane. The essay if you can call it that on the film Paris is Burning is simply incendiary to any person with a trace element of logic in their scalp. This essay argues that Venus Extravaganza was murdered for having been a transvestite. In the film itself it says she/he is killed -- but what the NYPD cannot solve Butler solves in the twinkling of a phrase -- she claims he/she is erased for playing with the sexual line. Not for burning a customer, or for simply being in a dangerous business. Whores are wiped out all day and night for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ever hear of the Green River Killer? Still Butler knows the motive. She just invents anything she wants, and calls it truth. She actually infers that anybody has the right to invent their own reality, and everybody else has to honor this reality. Only an extremely stupid person who has never had to work for a living could keep such a dumb idea down without puking. Do you mean if I think I'm a millionaire and walk into a bank, they will give me a million dollars? Do you mean if I have cellulite all over my legs and breasts that I can be a top model, I just have to really believe it? Do you mean that if I think I'm a genius, then others will agree? Feminist academics who've never worked, but who love to dramatize their own victimization, will love this book. Everybody else will simply puke from laughing so hard.』 『In Bodies That Matter, Judith Butler further develops her distinctive theory of gender by examining the workings of power at the most ``material'' dimensions of sex and sexuality. Deepening the inquiries she began in Gender Trouble, Butler offers an original reformulation of the materiality of bodies, examining how the power of heterosexual hegemony forms the ``matter'' of bodies, sex, and gender. Butler argues that power operates to constrain ``sex'' from the start, delimiting what counts as a viable sex. She offers a clarification of the notion of ``performativity'' introduced in Gender Trouble and explores the meaning of a citational politics. The text includes readings of Plato, Irigaray, Lacan, and Freud on the formation of materiality and bodily boundaries; ``Paris is Burning,'' Nella Larsen's ``Passing,'' and short stories by Willa Cather; along with a reconsideration of ``performativity'' and politics in feminist, queer, and radical democratic theory.』
price：$74.00
TASCHEN America Llc
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Tuoko Laaksonen honored in the realm of fine art - Finally!) 『Tuoko Laaksonen (1920 - 1991) may have enjoyed worldwide fame as Tom of Finland during his lifetime, his fame due largely to an extensive following of those who praised his courage to paint and draw what he wanted to paint and draw rather than keeping his talent for figurative work in the dark corners of only certain bookstores. Now, thanks in large part to this very fine tome edited by Dian Hanson, the general public can appreciate the fact that not only did he appeal to a specific audience; he can now be seen as an exceptionally gifted draughtsman and artist.
Laaksonen/Tom of Finland restricted his output to figurative works that highlighted massively macho males in all manner of situations. While his work is erotically charged it always retains a brilliant sense of humor and parody: he celebrated his audience by saying it is not only OK to enjoy these works, it is also OK to see the humor in the distortion of fantasies. Many of these works in this exhaustive volume are well known, having been reproduced many times in literature and in galleries, but for the connoisseur there are unpublished works here, many of which show a more tender side to the artist. Hanson has the good idea of presenting these works of art in chronological order - another way of examining public acceptance of the artist's works - and the chapters covering sixty years of his output are arranged by decades, the Forties through the Eighties. Another fortunate aspect of this massive book is the decision to include essays and commentaries by such important writers as Edward Lucie-Smith, Armistead Maupin, John Waters, Todd Oldham and Camille Paglia.
This is a long awaited volume that places an underground artist in the same echelon with other contemporary figurative painters. It is a beautifully produced, edited, written and illustrated homage to an artist who is now recognized for his talent not only as an artist, but also as a spokesman for human rights! Grady Harp, November 09』
(the best book ever) 『I PURCHASED THIS FOR A CHRISTMAS PRESENT ITS AWSOME......THE BEST EVER THE ILLUSTRATIONS ARE SO GREAT THEY DEPICT THE BEST OF THE ARTIST.........FANTASTIC WORK............... RICCO』
(Great) 『It's great, except it doesn't fit on my bookshelf... But maybe that makes it even better!』
(Huge Book .... Bigger Talent) 『WOW, when I got this book all I could think was... this thing is huge! However, it is a most impressive collection of artwork. I had read that it was 15lbs, but you may not realize how heavy and large 15lbs is until you see this book. All I could do was imagine the book printer gathering his team together and telling them "ok guys, this week we have a very unique book to print." All the photos are large and allow you to appreciate all the detail in Tom of Finland's artwork. I have always been a fan and wanted to own some of his work. Now I think I own a large chunk of it. It have also enjoyed learning more about the life and the inspiration of this great artist. If you appreciate this subject matter or just love great artists, this collection is worth making your own.』
(Coulda been a contender) 『As I've shared with the editor(and the Foundation, who obviously had some yea/nay approval), this should have been(and at such a price), the definitive edition of the work - start to finish. Instead, the editor's preference for 'white space,' and a 'look how clever I am' design style, sadly dimishes the overall effect. Rather than a specific, h-core, chronical of Tom's life×, it's instead a thoughtless disrepect (and regard) for the viewer; re-publishing material already in the Tashen catalog, while some images, rare&obscure, are reproduced as postage stamps. Tashen is richer for my purchase, perhaps you may want to rethink yours.』 『In 1998, TASCHEN introduced the world to the masterful art of Touko Laaksonen with The Art of Pleasure. Prior to that, Laaksonen, better known as Tom of Finland, enjoyed an intense cult following in the international gay community but was largely unknown to the broader audience. The Art of Pleasure gave Tom well-deserved recognition and increased his following exponentially; Tom of Finland XXL will fix him forever in the realm of fine art.
With dimensions of 29 by 40.5cm and 704 pages, Tom of Finland XXL contains nearly 1000 images, covering 6 decades of the artist's career. The work was gathered from all known collections across the US and Europe with the help of the Tom of Finland Foundation and features many drawings, paintings and preparatory sketches that have never been reproduced in any book. Other images have only been seen out of context and will be presented here in the sequential order Tom intended for full artistic appreciation and erotic impact. This elegant oversized volume will showcase the full range of Tom's talent, from sensitive portraits to frank sexual pleasure to tender expressions of love to Tom's haunting tributes to young men struck down by the AIDS epidemic.
Completing this collector's edition are eight specially-commissioned essays on Tom's social and personal impact by Camille Paglia, John Waters, Armistead Maupin, Todd Oldham, and others, plus a scholarly analysis of individual drawings by art historian Edward Lucie-Smith. For the man or woman who thinks bigger is better, Tom of Finland XXL is certain to satisfy.』
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