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< Bigger Than Life: The History of Gay Porn Cinema from Beefcake to Hardcore > < Uncovered: Rare Vintage Male Nudes > < Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon > < Unlimited Intimacy: Reflections on the Subculture of Barebacking > < Mike Donner's How to Be a Gay Porn Star > < Gay American Autobiography: Writings from Whitman to Sedaris (Living Out: Gay and Lesbian Autobiog) > Jeffrey Escoffier

price：~~$8.48~~
Running Press
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customer 's review
(Looking at Gay Porn and its History)

Escoffier, Jeffrey. "Bigger than Life: The History of Gay Porn Cinema from Beefcake to Hardcore", Running Press, 2009.

Looking at Gay Porn and Its History

Amos Lassen

"Bigger than Life" is a book I have been waiting for but really never expected to see. Now that a real history of gay porn had been written, I feel like the wait is over. This is such a comprehensive and thorough look at the industry that you may never have to ask a question about it and I sincerely congratulate the author, Jeffrey Escoffier, on a wonderful job and an all too welcome addition to the canon of gay literature.
Hardcore pornography is now a part of mainstream America and it came into our lives with the sexual revolution of the 1970s. When we were liberated from cultural inhibitions, explicit sexual expression came about--both straight and gay. In 1971, "Variety" published its first review of a porn movie and a gay one at that, the sexually explicit and erotic "Boys in the Sand" from director Wakefield Poole and crowds lined up to see it when it opened in mainstream movie theaters. Soon following was "Deep Throat" which everyone knows is a straight porn feature which opened to brilliant reviews and made a ton of money rivaling many mainstream Hollywood releases. It was a matter of time before people began to realize how much money could be made from porn and the industry took hold as a major force. Many of those involved in porn began as amateurs in an area of business that was brand new but that also brought in big bucks and continues to do so to this day. While the price of mainstream videos has fallen that of porn--especially gay porn has stated high at the $50 and better mark. However these early studios that produced gay porn had to develop a market when video came into vogue. After the Stonewall Riots of 1969 there was a small mail order industry and during the next 30 years supply and demand grew. Porn had a great deal to do with how masculinity was perceived of by gay men in particular and more and more gay men wanted to look like as well as be built like the porn stars they saw in the privacy of their homes. The same is true of the way they saw their sexuality.
This book is not a survey of gay porn although it does indeed tell us about many of the movies. Rather it is a history, or better put, a social history of the gay porn industry and in it we also see a history of gay life and the way men have changed. We are reminded of the impact of AIDS and we see the creation and evolution of a movement within a movement. Escoffier has done his work well by using interviews and research to give us the most overall study to date. It is extremely readable--so much so that I did not stop until I closed the covers. They will not remain closed for long though. This is the book that you want to read and read and read.

Hardcore porn—both the straight and gay varieties—entered mainstream American culture in the 1970s as the sexual revolution swept away many of the cultural inhibitions and legal restraints on explicit sexual expression. The first porn movie ever to be reviewed byVariety, the entertainment industry’s leading trade journal, was Wakefield Poole’sBoys in the Sand(1971), a sexually-explicit gay movie shot on Fire Island with a budget of $4000. Moviegoers, celebrities and critics—both gay and straight—flocked to seeBoys in the Sandwhen it opened in mainstream movie theaters in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Within a year,Deep Throat, a heterosexual hardcore feature opened to rave reviews and a huge box office—exceeding that of many mainstream Hollywood features.

Almost all of those involved in making“commercial” gay pornographic movies began as amateurs in a field that had virtually never existed before, either as art or commerce. Many of their “underground” predecessors had repeatedly suffered arrest and other forms of legal harassment. There was no developed gay market and any films made commercially were shown in adult x-rated theaters. After the Stonewall riots and the emergence of the gay liberation movement in 1969, a number of entrepreneurs began to make gay adult movies for the new mail order market. The gay porn film industry grew dramatically during the next thirty yearsand transformed the way men—gay men in particular—conceived of masculinity and their sexuality.Bigger Than Lifetells that story.

Rerations
< Bigger Than Life: The History of Gay Porn Cinema from Beefcake to Hardcore > < Uncovered: Rare Vintage Male Nudes > < Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon > < Unlimited Intimacy: Reflections on the Subculture of Barebacking > < Mike Donner's How to Be a Gay Porn Star > freaks

< What We Remember > < Object of Desire > < Suicide Notes > < The Boomerang Kid: A Novel > < Tigers and Devils > < Straight Lies > Michael Thomas Ford

price：~~$7.68~~
Kensington
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customer 's review
(Good Memories)

(Discovering Family Secrets)

("No one would kill Dan, no one could!")

(Family secrets are many in this outstanding new novel!)

Back in 2006 in a review of Full Circle I said that author Michael Thomas Ford was bound to be discovered by the mainstream literary cognoscenti. With What We Remember this has happened. The reviews on the dust jacket are from Publishers Weekly and Entertainment Weekly, not the Advocate or the Washington Blade. Although it has a gay element and graphic gay sex, What We Remember is being marketed as a story of families and rightfully so.

Dan McCloud is the sheriff of Cold Falls, New York. His sudden disappearance in 1983 is thought to be explained by a suicide note his wife receives in the mail. In 1991 his body is discovered in such a way that his death could not have been a suicide. Son James, the responsible offspring, returns to Cold Falls to console his mother, Ada, and reunite with sister Celeste, the wild one, and brother Billy, the black sheep. What follows is a very cleverly woven tale of events in both 1983 and 1991 that casts suspicions on nearly all of the characters. The story is terrific.

There are, however, some minor problems. At first, the bouncing back and forth between '83 and '91 like a ping pong made me dizzy, but eventually I got into the rythm and it stopped bothering me. Not explained is how Nate managed to become sheriff at the tender age of 22 or 23. And the Cold Falls sheriff's department is said to be receiving a lot of e-mail in 1991. Not likely. There is a reference to reality television programming, which had not yet been introduced in 1991. And, finally, the dust jacket illustration makes no sense to me. A long-haired father with two kids standing next to a pier is nowhere in the story. But, again, minor stuff.

Michael Thomas Ford can take his place as one of the great contemporary American novelists. What We Remember may be the breakthrough that takes him to the best seller list.
Ford, Michael Thomas. "What We Remember", Kensington, 2009.

Discovering Family Secrets

Amos Lassen

I am a huge Michael Thomas Ford fan so naturally I have high expectations for whenever he writes a new book. "What We Remember" does not disappoint in the least as Ford takes us through the intimacy of life in a small town and we learn secrets, mysteries and of tragedies. The book is a beautiful exploration of familial love and the things that we do to maintain it.
James McCloud, a Seattle district attorney is faced with tragedy when his father, Daniel, a police officer who was suffering from terminal cancer, committed suicide. As in all tragedies this one has been especially hard for James and to make matters worse, he receives a phone call from his sister, Celeste, who tells him that it has been discovered that evidence now shows that his father did not commit suicide but was murdered. This causes James to return to Cold Falls, New York, to be with Ada, his mother and his twenty-one year old brother Billy who is gay.
James's high school ring was found with his father's body and this causes old antagonisms between James and his brother-in-law, Nate, the town sheriff and the man investigating the case to resurface. As the case is investigated secrets are revealed and lies are blown wide open and both James's and Nate's families are threatened. Here is now, not one, but two families in crisis and shows us that we do not always know the people that are the closest to us.
This is not a happy story and how could it be when the issues are secrets and lies and animosities. Many of us depend upon memory as a way to influence our families and ourselves and it is also memory that can tear us apart. The McCloud family has tried to stay a family even after James moved away. Everyone seemed to be doing fine except for Billy, the gay family member who drifts through life and has suffered substance abuse. But it is also Billy who may know what really happened to the family's father.
Nate suspected James implication in the death of Daniel McCloud because they had differences. It is Charly, James's girlfriend who flies out from Seattle to help in his defense who finds a family that is not only unusual but with close ties to the family of Daniel's best friend and everyone seems to have a secret which keep the crime from being solved.
Ford provides for us a character study of small town family and he does so by using effective flashback narratives from the characters and we learn that lies can haunt us no matter how small and well-meaning they may be. The book is wonderful balance of intimacy in a family and the larger mystery of the death of Daniel. We finally learn the mystery of the father's death but in the process we have had to deal with some painful insights about family and about the need to belong. Michael Thomas Ford has written a book that will not easily be forgotten as we realize what time can do with regard to family and friendship. This may very well be my book of the year.

A bleak story of animosities and buried secrets, and the power of memory to influence a family's life, What We Remember examines the lives of the McCloud family. It is 1991 and the body of the Daniel McCloud has been found after he suddenly vanished back eight years previously, and leaving behind a suicide note telling his wife Ada he had cancer. Ada is understandably shattered at the discovery, along with her three children James, Celeste, and the youngest child Billy.

For years the family have tried to navigate the roads of temperance, while James has left the area and moved on and now lives with his girlfriend Charly, Celeste has adopted a more conventional life in Cold Falls, mothering two children and marrying Nate Derry, the cocky town sheriff who has long-buried ties to the McClouds. Only Billy seems to be drifting, his shattered life marred by substance abuse, but it is perhaps Billy who holds the key to what happened to his father.

While Nate constantly reminds Billy of his shortcomings and resents his sexuality, nonetheless, it is also Nate who accuses James of murdering his father when a bejeweled ring that once belonged to James is discovered with the body. When Charly comes to Cold Falls to help prove James' innocence, Michael Thomas Ford adds layer upon layer of drama to this story as Charly's investigations causes a dark secret to unfurl and the revelation that Nancy, a childhood friend of the boys, was secretly sent away to Maine after she was discovered to be pregnant.

Ford beautifully balances the tender scenes of family intimacy, particularly Ada and her determination to keep her children safe from the preying eyes of the past, with the wider mystery as his novel accelerates forwards, and allegations of rape reinforce the unsaid tension between Nate and James and Billy. It is these implicit animosities, long built up that have their seed in the tragic events of 1982. The mystery behind Daniel's death is finally revealed and in the process his family learn some painful insights, along with all of the angst that must come with the demands of family and the need to belong.

What We Remember signifies Ford's maturing as a writer and he perfectly captures the hormone-driven frustrations of a generation of teenagers as they're thrust amid the uniquely the stifling mores of suburbia, and also the complicated layers of family and friendship that are eventually torn apart by the endless passage of time. Mike Leonard May 09.
A quiet evening in Seattle, with his attorney girlfriend, Charly, is interrupted for James McCloud by a call from his sister Celeste, back home in upstate New York. Seems that the body of his father, long believed to have committed suicide, has been found, and indications are that he was murdered. James flies home to help Celeste, his gay younger brother Billy, and their mother, Ada, at this difficult time.

Circumstantial evidence found with the body results in his being arrested as the primary suspect, by Celeste's husband, Nate, the town sheriff. As the family ponders the scary possibility that James, who had his differences with his father but never showed any violence before, might have actually committed the murder, Charly flies to New York to help in James' defense. She finds a very unusual family, with close ties to the family of the father's best friend, and many of them harboring secrets they assumed wouldn't hurt anyone, but which together conspire to keep the crime from being solved.

One of my absolute favorite authors, Michael Thomas Ford has an impressive stack of diverse best sellers in several genres and on a variety of topics. This mystery/character study of a small town family is among his best. Told effectively in flashback narratives by the different characters, it provides a life lesson on how secrets and "white lies," no matter how well-meaning, can come back to haunt you later. Excellent, captivating read, which I give five bright stars out of five, in a dark country sky.

Rerations
< What We Remember > < Object of Desire > < Suicide Notes > < The Boomerang Kid: A Novel > < Tigers and Devils > freaks

< With Caution > < Without Reservations > < My Fair Captain > < The Assignment > < The Broken H > < The Tin Star > J L Langley

price：~~$3.13~~
Samhain Publishing(2008-09-30)
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customer 's review
(Another solid story from Langley)

(Oh my gosh)

(Panting for Remi/Jake)

(With Caution by J.L. Langley (e-read))

(Great continuation)

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- Even though Remi is depicted in Without Reservations as a total jerk, this book not only explains his bad attitude enough to make him sympathetic but also develops him (with the help of the right partner and a loving relationship, of course) into a character I genuinely admired by about a quarter of the way through the story.
- Lots of fun, accepting secondary characters. Jake's pack is awesome; I really enjoyed reading about their camaraderie and their loyalty to each other.
- The beginning of yet another story with the same characters that I am (im)patiently waiting for Langley to release. She does an excellent job setting up another romance toward the end of the current volume--Jake and Remi are introduced at the end of Without Reservations and then have their own volume in With Caution. I very much hope that the two characters who are introduced at the end of this book have their own story coming soon.
- Jake is lovely. I like the idea of an uber-masculine man caring deeply about someone else and turning to putty when the other person is around; this is why I'm so anxious to see whether Langley follows through with the next romance in the series in particular.

CONS:
- The BDSM stuff struck me as odd. Granted, I know nothing of the lifestyle except what I've read in books, so if you're an expert on the scene, please excuse my ignorance here. But Jake and some of the other characters think of Remi as the ultimate submissive, and I didn't see much in his actions that went beyond superficial, vanilla submission (nothing like the soul-searching that occurs in the Deviations books, for example). It could be that this book just depicts a less severe level of the lifestyle than some of the others I've read, except that the characters in this story refer a few times to "earning leathers."
- One semi-voyeuristic sex scene that's bizarre and made me a little uneasy while I was reading it.
- The story's villain is about as one-dimensional as they come: he's evil and disgusting and horrible...so much so that his continued cruel actions repeatedly drew me out of the story. I kept thinking, "At least show me a reason why he's so single-mindedly vicious."

Overall comments: I've read other m/m romances that swept me off my feet more than the stories in this series, but these are wonderful when read together. They've got some tension/plot; hot, graphic, plentiful sex; and strong characters with sweet romances.
Oh my god! I really love this book! Ms. Langley did a wonderful and awesomely great job with this book, this will probably be one of my prized possession now and in the future. At first I really didn't like Remi (but I secretly liked him a bit) in Without Reservation but when I read this book...I was so surprised. I knew he had a past but damn to deal with that? If it was me I wouldn't and couldn't. After reading this I admire those who came out strong and nothing like what happened to them. I'm quite happy to have bought this book, I couldn't even put down once I started and darn, Sterling is such an adorable little, wish my bro was like that. But yes I recommend this book to anyone if they're into the genre and Ms. Lnagley's writing. Looove this book to the max! Kept me up all night! :)
I think I should start off by saying I didn't expect a re-write of LOTR with gay characters. That aside, for what the subject matter is, I thought the characters were rich (though there could have been a bit more... the book left you wanting more from Remi/Jake and their surrounding friends), the plot was better paced than its predecessor (which I also liked). I think the world the author creates could actually evolve into something like the Sookie Stackhouse novels (but with gay characters...hmmm, if the True Blood series is such a success maybe the author could shop it to LOGO or HereTV? Albeit with better acting than their other offerings... but I digress.)

I particularly liked the intrigue of this book better. I got caught up in the mystery as it unraveled (though I saw the younger brother's situation from a mile off... I think the revelation of that could have been planned better). I think the highest praise comes in the form of how the author treats the Native American influence. She presents it well but doesn't feel the need to invent things about the culture if she doesn't know anything about them (as a native man I am particularly sensitive to how natives are portrayed in novels/media) so job well done on that count alone.

The only other thing that got to me was that the author used the term 'slanted' when writing about two men approaching a kiss. 'Slanted?' Really? You couldn't come up with a better term or at least alternates that could be cycled so that particular word didn't appear tagged onto each male/male kiss?

All n' all a good guilty pleasure read. Something to read at the beach or in the park. Though the arousal factor could present interesting moments. LOL!

Would like to see more from this world. It definitely has the potential to grow beyond this offering.

"With Caution" by J.L. Langley is a male/male love story with all the emotion and caring any romance lover enjoys and the added bonus of uber-hot monogamous sex.

Remi has a gut-wrenching past. The only light in his life is his younger brother Sterling and Remi has had to cut deal after deal with his abusive father to keep Sterling safe, but that's just what Remi does. So what can newly made werewolf Remi do when he discovers his mate...is a man. If his homophobic father finds out, well...there's no telling what he'd do.

Jake has known Remi was his mate from their first encounter. Now that he's finally gotten closer to Remi, he has no intention of backing away. But with Remi's current problems and abused past, how can Jake expect Remi to be comfortable as his sub?

There's so much more going on in this story than is possible to provide in brief blurbs. J.L. Langley has written a story that overflows with love and caring and the compromises that are required in building a lasting relationship. There's action, suspense, hot sex, humor, and a fabulous happily-ever-after that will have you searching out more stories by this author.
This is a great continuation of the story begun in Without Reservations. Ms Langley continues to delight me with her stories. I was apprehensive about reading this type of story written by a woman but she has never disappointed.
Thank You JL.

A brother's vow. A lover's promise. Both could put them all at deadly risk. Remington Lassiter is trying his best to stay out of trouble while he learns the ropes of being a werewolf. When his little brother turns up covered in bruises, he is driven to finally bring their abusive father to justice. Jake Romero, a crack private investigator with a bad-boy biker image, realizes he has his work cut out for him when Remi asks for his help. From the first moment he turned Remi into a werewolf in order to save his life, Jake has been fighting to keep his inner demons at bay. He's torn between the desire to tell Remi they are destined to be mates, and the need to first let Remi get used to the werewolf life. Jake will do anything to protect Remi and help him break the cycle of abuse he has endured all his life, but his investigation is about to uncover something far more sinister and deadly than they ever imagined. Warning: explicit sex, graphic language, violence, hot nekkid man-love.
Rerations
< With Caution > < Without Reservations > < My Fair Captain > < The Assignment > < The Broken H > freaks

< Worth Every Step > < No Strings > < Justice for All > < Stranded > < Side Order of Love > < Paybacks > KG MacGregor

price：~~$4.78~~
Bella Books
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customer 's review
(Worth Every Word)

(What a ride!)

(Worth every minute)

(MacGregor does it again)

(Fabulous story with a delightful romance)

For anyone who has read my reviews, it is no secret that KG MacGregor is one of my top 5 favorite authors in this genre. That said, this review is probably a little biased.

Here, she introduces two interesting and lovable characters. First, is Mary Kate Sasser. Mary Kate is a teacher from small town Mooresville, Georgia. Her long-time boyfriend, school Principal Bobby, is getting impatient. In his mind, it's time for the two of them to get married. Mary Kate has been resistant to even have the discussion because she doesn't feel the `passion' for Bobby she expects to feel for a lifelong partner.

Always trying to find that something missing in her life, Mary Kate signs up for an adventure to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Bobby tells her she's crazy for going and that he doesn't support her in this adventure. That is, until he sees she's serious and is convinced she'll never make it on her own. Being the chauvinist he is, he decides to join her so she has someone to take care of her, but she tells him it's too late. She's extremely relieved he concedes. Almost too relieved, and that scares her.

While on the adventure, Mary Kate meets Addison Falk from Indiana. Addison has had bad experiences with past lovers and withdraws from the world. Her close friends convince her to take on the mountain. She reluctantly agrees, only to have her friends back out just before the trip. Not interested in any kind of relationship, she finds herself immediately drawn to straight Kate. Kate unexpectedly finds Addison irresistible as well. As they tackle the mountain they get to know each other and realize they both need changes in their respective lives, most importantly, they need to make the changes together.

Bottom Line - Wow. There is not a wasted word, page or chapter in this book. It's worth every word.

KG, again, has produced a story you get all wrapped up in. Through some wonderful characters I felt I'd experienced the climb myself. Both women take the journey of a lifetime&learn something about themselves along the way.

As always w/MacGregor stories, warm characters (including the supporting cast), strong storyline&her unique wit make this a book well worth the investment of your time.
I first read this story online. It was excellent then. Now it is even better. I must admit that some of the changes threw me at first, such as names and smaller plot lines. In the online version, the guy without his luggage was with a different group for the climb, for example. Once my mind quit getting confused about that, I enjoyed the story. It is well written, obviously including some of the experiences KG herself enjoyed on her climb of Kili. And the ending was great, KG. You really had me going there for a minute. That is definitely different from the online story!

So, if you've never read KG's stories, you will find quality writing and realistic story plots and people. If you've read her online stories, her published books are polished with additional content and story revisions to make a better read. And if you've read KG's published works, why are you reading this? You already know how good she is :-)

Worth Every Step

How does walking translate to an well written adventure?? Many people have tried to get you to understand what it takes and how it feels to try to hike to the tallest peaks in our world but MacGregor has done it best. Plus we still have time to read about the romance that takes place along the journey. Two different women the same goal.

I loved this book. I hope to still have it when I am 80.
I could not be happier having read this novel. I truly felt I was on this adventure with the characters.

Mary Kate is using her college degree at her home town school and dating the assistant principal who is the catch of the county yet gets on her last nerve enough that she has already declined his initial marriage proposal. She is entranced at the thought of reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro and at age twenty-four sets out to do it.

Addison is the American born child of a British banker and a Peruvian mother who divorced when she was fourteen. She continued to school in America and considers herself American. She has completed her MBA and her father insists she move to London to work in his company. Her last gasp of independence is a trek to the highest free standing peak in the world.

As always with this author the writing is fresh and the characters beautifully, warmly fleshed out. The humor is spot on and laugh out loud funny. The friendship that develops between the members of the hiking group and especially between Addison&Mary Kate are totally fun to read. The romance that develops between Mary Kate and Addison is fascinating to watch and the passion that unfolds is erotically intense.

Love the story.

This is a keeper!

If you enjoy this novel don't miss the author's other novels -
Without Warning
Mulligan
House on Sandstone
Just This Once
Out of Love
Secrets So Deep
Sumter Point
After Shock
Family and friends are shocked when Mary Kate Sasser throws herself into the adventure of a lifetime. The small-town Southerner follows her imagination on a quest to Africa, refusing the escort of her boyfriend. His marriage ultimatum echoes in her ears, but she's not going to think about that until she has climbed the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Addison Falk also wants an adventure--and a vacation from her real life. Fresh from her MBA program, she is being lured from Miami to London for a job in her father's investment firm. For all the glitz and excitement a life in lesbian-rich Soho promises, Addison can't bring herself to take that next step without first adding her name to the rolls of those who have stood on Africa's highest peak.

Their mutual undertaking challenges not just daily survival, but also the plans each woman has made for her future. Finding their way back to earth--and back to their lives--may be the most difficult journey of all.

Lambda Award Winner KG MacGregor (Out of Love, Mulligan), with her trademark humor and insight, weaves a captivating story of high adventure and romance.
Rerations
< Worth Every Step > < No Strings > < Justice for All > < Stranded > < Side Order of Love > freaks

< Tigers and Devils > < Faith&Fidelity > < Wes and Toren > < Hard Fall > < True North > < The Assignment > Sean Kennedy

price：~~$1.70~~
Dreamspinner Press
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customer 's review
(Great story!)

(Romance Downunder)

(A Good One)

(A Fun Read)

(A wonderful, feel-good romance story ...)

This is far and above most books in this genre. Finally a great story with nice, fully-formed, likeable (but not perfect) characters. Real dialog and interaction. Thankfully not filled with redundant sex scenes every two pages (and I'm not a prude!). Looking forward to more from this author.
Good writing and plot. Some characters you can relate to. Realistic dialog. Exotic (well, Australia) location. What more do you want?
A lot of novels in this genre are trite, badly written, and predictable. Not Tigers and Devils. What I liked about the book is its humor. Sometimes caused by joy, sometimes pure snarkiness, and sometimes by pain. The characters are human; by and large they are very well drawn. Someone wrote above that sometimes you just want to slap some of them - true and that is because the author makes them seem so real.

An especially good thing about the book is the secondary characters. I liked both Simon and Declan enormously but it is difficult to think of them without Fran and Roger, Lyssa, Simon's family as well as Lisa and Abe. Simon's brother, Tim is an annoying little twerp but that is because he is a "person" and not just a plot device. Fran may just be the best friend in romantic literature - I love her.

The villains of the piece, the press, are an important, if amorphous character. One, Jasper, is both selfserving and, in a peculiar way, a goodish guy. Kennedy doesn't deal in black and whites or absolutes -- he can and does create depth of interest. I am not much for sequels but I would like to see these characters five or ten years on.

You even get a sense of Melbourne and the life they live there. I am less clear about the football but, like Fran, it is not my thing.

I think this is Kennedy's first novel - I really hope that he writes more and that the "first novel" curse passes him over. This was fun and moving. Not a bad way to begin. Good on ya, mate.
So far, this book is a real treat! I'm only about 1/4 of the way in and I'm having a joyous time reading it. I began by thinking, "Oh, another one about somebody who's famous and closeted. Ho hum" I changed my tune in a hurry.

It's mostly about the fun of beginning a relationship, the tentativeness, the momentarily embarrasing moments, the hoof-in-mouth disease we've all expreienced at one time or another. Both of them seem to be having a good time.

It's not typical at all. A refreshing change to say the least.
More later
JD
When a story is written in first person point of view, the main character should really be likeable because you will read the story with them as the "voice" of the book. More so, if it is a romance kind of book.

This is one of the books with 1st POV that works. I totally enjoy the story, of how two men finally found each other's happy ending. The world of Australian football is another point that makes it different. The story is really good - exploring problems about same-sex relationship, especially when you're dating famous sports-man, it has great supporting casts, and well, I fall deeply for the main characters, Simon, and his partner, Declan.

The only problem for me is the length of the book. Some of the problems become slightly repetitive and it could be cut down - although in general scheme of it all, it also gives us, readers, a look on how the relationship develops. All in all, the book is very appealing. Especially because it is romance, not erotica, so the sex part is handled very subtly and nicely -- it feels like watching a wonderful romance movie ... definitely one worth revisiting for time when I need a feel-good romance.
Football, friends, and film are the most important parts of Simon Murray's life, likely in that order. Despite being lonely, Simon is cautious about looking for more, and his best friends despair of him ever finding that special someone to share his life. Against his will, they drag him to a party, where Simon barges into a football conversation and ends up defending the honour of star forward Declan Tyler -- unaware that the athlete is present and listening. Like his entire family, Simon revels in living in Melbourne, Victoria, the home of Australian Rules football and mecca for serious fans. There, players are deemed gods and treated as such - until they do something to cause them to fall out of public favour. Declan is suffering a horrendous year of injuries, and the public is taking him to task for it, so Simon's support is a bright spot in his struggles. In that first awkward meeting, neither man has any idea they will change each other's lives forever. As Simon and Declan fumble toward building a relationship together, there is yet another obstacle in their way: keeping Declan's homosexuality a secret amidst the intrusion of well-meaning friends and an increasingly suspicious media. They realise that nothing remains hidden forever... and they know the situation will only become more complicated when Declan's private life is revealed. Declan will be forced to make some tough choices that may result in losing either the career he loves or the man he wants. And Simon has never been known to make things easy - for himself or for others.
Rerations
< Tigers and Devils > < Faith&Fidelity > < Wes and Toren > < Hard Fall > < True North > freaks

< Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and A World Without Rape > < The Purity Myth: How America's Obsession with Virginity Is Hurting Young Women > < He's a Stud, She's a Slut, and 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know > < Full Frontal Feminism: A Young Woman's Guide to Why Feminism Matters > < Female Chauvinist Pigs: Women and the Rise of Raunch Culture > < Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity > Jaclyn Friedman,Jessica Valenti

price：~~$5.42~~
Seal Press
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customer 's review
(Smart, funny, easy to read!)

(Intense, inspiring, and well worth it.)

(Loved it)

(Yes, well... maybe)

(Yes!)

Broken down into short, self-contained essays, this book is very easy to read. There are some amazing ideas and points of view, as well as some very inspiriational stories here. Every man and woman should have to read this book!
This book deals with intense subjects so you have to be feeling a little brave to begin reading. (At least I do!) Though without dealing with these issues head-on the book could not do what it does best: inspire you that we can work to eradicate rape and at the same time make the sex and sexuality playing field more level, fluid, communicative, and respectful of people's boundaries. Not only do these collected essays identify the problems, they also put forth ways to repair them and move forward. It's a matter of learning to live the ideas found in these pages. Not easy, but certainly within our capabilities.

I enjoyed the book's use of tags on each essay like a blog instead of grouping them in sections of similar themes as per usual in books. It makes reading the book feel more engaging because you have a say in where you go next. Under the tags at the end of each essay are other essays working with the same theme(s). I would have liked page numbers alongside these listed essays, but this is a minor quibble because I don't mind flipping a few pages. Plus, in heading back to the table of contents, you may find an essay you wish to read that shares none of the tags of the essay you just read. Dynamic reading, indeed!
This book is a fabulous, life-affirming ode to pleasure. With essays written from laudably diverse voices and covering a broad range of topics, it gives breath to a new generation of anti-rape activists. I put the book down feeling refreshed, whole, powerful. Highly recommended.
This is a well-intentioned and highly principled work, but it is much more academic than I hoped it would be, and therefore not written in the accessibly friendly style that generally characterizes Valenti's work. I'm glad I got through it, but my lack of a theoretical feminist background made some of it difficult reading, and the editors' decision to "hyperlink" content was more distracting than helpful.
I can't imagine rereading it, though I learned a lot about the realities of surviving sexual assault.
A new (if you haven't been keeping up with the feminist blogs) and transformative way to look at how we approach our relationships, both casual and long-term. Obviously this subject matter can get heavy, but I came away from the book feeling really positive. A great read.

In this groundbreaking new look at rape edited by writer and activist Jaclyn Freidman andFull Frontal FeminismandHe’s A Stud, She’s A Slutauthor Jessica Valenti, the way we view rape in our culture is finally dismantled and replaced with a genuine understanding and respect for female sexual pleasure. Feminist, political, and activist writers alike will present their ideas for a paradigm shift from the“No Means No” model—an approach that while necessary for where we were in 1974, needs an overhaul today.

Yes Means Yeswill bring to the table a dazzling variety of perspectives and experiences focused on the theory that educating all people to value female sexuality and pleasure leads to viewing women differently, and ending rape.Yes Means Yesaims to have radical and far-reaching effects: from teaching men to treat women as collaborators and not conquests, encouraging men and women that women can enjoy sex instead of being shamed for it, and ultimately, that our children can inherit a world where rape is rare and swiftly punished. With commentary on public sex education, pornography, mass media,Yes Means Yesis a powerful and revolutionary anthology.

Rerations
< Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and A World Without Rape > < The Purity Myth: How America's Obsession with Virginity Is Hurting Young Women > < He's a Stud, She's a Slut, and 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know > < Full Frontal Feminism: A Young Woman's Guide to Why Feminism Matters > < Female Chauvinist Pigs: Women and the Rise of Raunch Culture > freaks

< Goddesses in Everywoman: Powerful Archetypes in Women's Lives > < Gods In Everyman Reissue : Archetypes That Shape Men's Lives > < Goddesses in Older Women: Archetypes in Women Over Fifty > < Crossing to Avalon: A Woman's Midlife Quest for the Sacred Feminine > < Women Who Run with the Wolves > < Crones Don't Whine: Concentrated Wisdom for Juicy Women > Jean Shinoda Bolen

price：~~$3.02~~
Harper Paperbacks(2004-03-02)
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customer 's review
(great book, but needs updating)

(A must read book)

(for every woman intrigued by her own mystery and for every man enchanted by a woman)

(Classic for very good reasons!)

(Answers!)

This is a really wonderful and insightful book. It is very interesting to look at and study different personality types through the various goddess archetypes. My only criticism of the book would be that, at times, the language and assumptions about men and women seem very dated. That stands to reason, since it was written 25 years ago. However, I think updating these areas and also updating the cultural references she sprinkles throughout out the book (think Nancy Reagan) would also be helpful and make the book seem less dated and more relevant.

Other than that, it is a really wonderful book!
This book is one of my favorite books. It has helped me to better know myself.
This book describes how women *are*, not how they should be, and presents a non-judgmental paradigm for understanding women. The mythological structure is helpful as a way of understanding, and as she develops it through the book, it becomes a shorthand for describing traits and behaviors, strengths and challenges.

As an example of something that helped my understanding, she describes one of the challenges that a "Demeter" (motherly type) woman can face. "It would be far better if she could learn to say no in the first place, because passive-aggressive behavior makes her appear incompetent and feel guilty. Purposefulness makes the same action significantly different. To straightforwardly refuse to do what someone else expects you to do, and state why, is a clear message; a passive-aggressive action is a muddled message encoded in a hostile act."

Another example from the book is about Persephone, who seems almost a blank slate as far as personality. So dissimilar to me, I learned a lot about how women can be this way, and gained a new appreciation for their gifts to us. I also recognized a child I know in these descriptions, and learned specific techniques for relating to her successfully to enhance her growth and development. "She's usually a well-behaved child who wants to please, does what she is told, and wears what is chosen for her...prefers to observe first and join in later...rather watch from the sidelines until she knows what is going on and what the rules are... By pushing her to do something before she is ready, a well-intentioned, extraverted mother often does not allow her Persephone daughter time do discover what her own preferences are... In contrast, with support to do so, a young Persephone can also learn to trust her inward way of knowing what she wants to do. She gradually learns to trust her innately receptive style and becomes confident of her ability to make decisions in her own way and in her own time." I believe any parent who doesn't understand their child should read this book. They will surely recognize their child in the pages of this book, and learn how to support their child's strengths and help her overcome her challenges better.

An amazing book; I have read it several times over the years. I was wanting a similar book that discussed men, as a means of understanding my foster son. I found "Gods in Everyman" by Jean Bolen on Amazon, and look forward to reading it soon. I'm getting excited about seeing how my husband fits in her paradigm too.

Her paradigms are not tidy little boxes to put people in; a woman might have a strong, almost single-minded (unconscious) identification with a particular goddess-archetype, but often has several archetypes active in her personality. This provides strength, choices, and flexibility to a woman, and Ms. Bolen suggests ways to bring the other archetypes more to the fore if a woman sees or feels that she needs the qualities and strengths of those archetypes. Ms. Bolen is a Jungian therapist, and works from an archetypal perspective; the mythological structure is both an example of human archetypes and a tool to describe complex concepts in an accessible way.

The book is well referenced, with a good index and a useful appendix (Who's Who in Greek Mythology), although it is a great read and I wasn't at all interested in perusing the references. For any level of scholarship, from the lay reader who wants to broaden his or her understanding of women (or sociology or psychology) to a doctoral candidate engaged in research, this book is useful and provides a lot of reward for the time spent reading.
This is a highly accessible book on how various female Jungian archetypes show up in the individual and collective psyche in both positive and negative ways. This is useful because to be conscious of these energies is to begin the process of differentiation or freeing one's self from them. They also show up as a energies within a male's interior feminine (anima) and in the culture at large.

This book was written a number of years ago and was a very daring and pioneering look at feminine psychology. It represents the best of the genre at the time of blending Jungian and Feminist psychology. It is still timely and a classic for very good reasons.

Also, this book is very accessible to the average person, is written in an intimate tone and can be correlated to events, situations and circumstances in every person's life -- male or female. I strongly recommend it along with Invisible Partners to understand some of the unconscious dynamics at work in both men and women, especially in relationships. If you are not familiar with Jung, then Jung's Map of the Soul: An Introduction will be invaluable to add to your library as a "one stop" shopping reference on Jung that is concise, credible, accurate and extremely well-written.
Men - If you ever wanted a handbook on woman and why they do what they do, this is the book to read.

Women - If you ever wanted to know why you do what you do, this is a book for you.

I have owned this book three times now and every time I read it I learn something new about myself and the women in my life. Using the Greek Goddesses as archetypes makes the archetypes themselves more accessible. While I am familiar with basic psychology, using the Greek Goddesses was a lot of fun and a huge help in understanding complex themes and concepts.

Bolen's basic theme is that every woman has each of these goddess in them. What makes us different is the goddesses that are at the forefront of our psyches. What is interesting is how quickly they can change and in what combinations they exists. For instance I can read about Athena and immediately think of my best friend. She has had some problems with her relationships and in reading the Athena profile, it makes since, it is her completely. I immediately recognized my relationship with my mother as a Demeter and Persephone relationship the first time I read the book. Now that a few years has passed, I find that I have moved from the Persephone archetype to a Demeter archetype.

While you may not fit completely into one particular archetype, it does give you a lot of insight into behaviors. Another example; I was becoming depressed every time I would visit with my niece and she would leave. I was ecstatic to see here and would be near to tears after she would leave. When Mom would be frustrated with her, I would take her in my arms and play with her or just simply keep her company while Mom could do her own thing for awhile. I noticed that I was noticing pregnant women everywhere, noticing children and even found myself in a maternity clothing store. But I couldn't understand why I was so depressed whenever I saw children or pregnant women. After rereading `Goddesses' it became oh so very clear that my Demeter archetype is severely depressed as I have not yet had a child. So to keep that Goddess at bay, I got a kitten and now I am doing a bit better. But without having that bit of insight, I would have remained an unhappy women for who knows how long. I'm not saying this book will answer every question related to women (come on, women don't even know all the reasons for what we do) but it does help provide information and does so in a manor that makes it understandable and fun.

I can't wait to read the Gods in Everyman....

Discover the Goddess Within You

Myths are fascinating stories that become even more intriguing when we realize that they can reveal intimate truths about ourselves and others. Esteemed Jungian analyst Jean Shinoda Bolen brings the Greek pantheon to life as our inner archetypes and applies the power of myth to our personal lives. Once we understand the natural progression from myth to archetype to personal psychology, and realize that positive gifts and negative tendencies are qualities associated with a particular goddess within, we gain powerful insights.

Depending on which goddess is more active within, one woman might be more committed to achieving professional success, while another more fulfilled as a wife and mother. Twenty years after its first publication,Goddesses in Everywomancontinues to be deeply relevant, and with this twentieth-anniversary edition, this classic volume will continue to be celebrated.

Rerations
< Goddesses in Everywoman: Powerful Archetypes in Women's Lives > < Gods In Everyman Reissue : Archetypes That Shape Men's Lives > < Goddesses in Older Women: Archetypes in Women Over Fifty > < Crossing to Avalon: A Woman's Midlife Quest for the Sacred Feminine > < Women Who Run with the Wolves > freaks

< Boys and Girls Learn Differently!: A Guide for Teachers and Parents > < The Minds of Boys: Saving Our Sons From Falling Behind in School and Life > < Why Gender Matters: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know about the Emerging Science of Sex Differences > < The Wonder of Boys > < The Boys and Girls Learn Differently Action Guide for Teachers > < What Stories Does my son need?: A Guide to Books and Movies that Build Character in Boys > < The Boys and Girls Learn Differently Action Guide for Teachers > Michael Gurian

price：~~$4.78~~
Jossey-Bass
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customer 's review
(The most helpful book I have read since Don't Shoot the Dog)

(excellent reference)

(If your son's teacher wants you to drug him, read this book first.)

(Thank you!)

(REFRESHING INFO)

This book's title should win an award for obviousness. Of COURSE boys and girls learn differently, that is part of what makes them boys and girls. I think Gurian's book is addressing the educational fetish that all children are blobs of goo, entirely shaped by their upbringings. It is clearly not so... kids are hard-wired at birth and a one-size-fits-all education isn't going to work. It will frustrate the children, confound the teachers, and impart little actual learning.

The first section of the book is a rehashing of the brain research associated with early childhood development. This was spelled out better in Gurian's book The Minds of Boys. I suspect it was included in this book assert the author's theories' credibility. The second section of the book, on designing classrooms to meet the needs of boys AND girls, is extremely valuable.

A 25-year veteran teacher and I were talking about it. She says school is designed by women, taught by women, and geared toward women. Sit down, sit still, raise your hand. As a result, boyishness is becoming a pathology. There is nothing wrong with most boys, other than being biologically unsuited for an environment of "sit down, sit still, and raise your hand."

I teach 3-year old Sunday School, and boys and girls DO learn differently. It might not be a bad idea to sex-segregate preschoolers in Sunday school, rather than divide them by age. Most three-year-old girls can turn out a prettily colored picture or cutting craft; most three year old boys simply do not. However, when it comes to acting out a Bible Story, the boys are as engaged as the girls. And when you can put the kids INTO the lesson, the learning sticks.

The entire second section of this book is devoted to how to build inclusive lesson plans that meet the needs of all kids, and how to incentivize learning for boys and girls. It has been extremely helpful to me; I think this is the most helpful book I have read about reaching and training children since Karen Pryor's book "Don't Shoot the Dog."
I am a high school teacher in the inner city of Los Angeles. This book was very helpful in allowing me to accomodate both boys and girls in my classes.
Our education system always talks the talk of "celebrating diversity," but we are pummeled by political correctness any time we acknowledge any differences.

Michael Gurian does an exellent job presenting a lot of heavy medical and scientific research about brain differences between boys and girls. Different does not mean "inferior," and Gurian does well to present the facts about gender differences in a way that is both easy to understand and is scientific enough to combat the political correctness that is trying (unsuccessfully) to turn the US into a genderless society.

If your son's teacher cannot handle "boy energy" and wants to to drug him into submission, you really need to read this book first. Afterwards, you will probably want to give a copy to your boy's teacher.
We need to stop worrying about offending people with talk of the differences of the genders and embrace what we are seeing and (what studies are showing). If we wonder why kids are having so much trouble we need to look at what we are doing to them and embrace the reality rather than deny the fact that we are wired differently. This is filled with critical information and ways to help our kids. I want to do the best for my son and daughter and I thank Michael Gurian for this book.
Raising our grandson now 10 years old is a challenge anyway but as a gifted child is even more demanding. The book information helps us undestand the heightened behavior displayed because he is a boy - an athletic and smart boy that at age 10 has a good handle on the real world.
Thanks for the book!
In this profoundly significant book, author Michael Gurian synthesizes this current knowledge and clearly demonstrates how this distinction in hard-wiring and socialized gender differences affects how boys and girls learn. Gurian presents a new way to educate our children based on brain science, neurological development, and chemical and hormonal disparities.
Rerations
< Boys and Girls Learn Differently!: A Guide for Teachers and Parents > < The Minds of Boys: Saving Our Sons From Falling Behind in School and Life > < Why Gender Matters: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know about the Emerging Science of Sex Differences > < The Wonder of Boys > < The Boys and Girls Learn Differently Action Guide for Teachers > freaks

< Quicksand&Passing > < Their Eyes Were Watching God > < Cane > < Invisible Man > < Native Son > < Plum Bun: A Novel Without a Moral > Nella Larsen

price：~~$2.47~~
Serpent's Tail

customer 's review
(good seller)

(A prescription)

(Eh...)

(Amazing Narrative and Multi-Faceted Topics)

(2 nicely paired novellas)

I received the book quickly and it was in the condition the seller described it as. Thank you.
Being already mesmerized by the great Toni Morrison, I was quite surprised to literally "fall" on this book (found in a box of free books).
I'd say that Morrison is a pre-Larsen, but then, I may be finding out that these black ladies who write - so well - are very preocuppied with their race. Obviously, it's allright with me as it is exactly that fact that interests me very much. I learn in novels because it is part-reality, part-fiction.
(Please don't blame a white French-Canadian man for that.Curiosity doesn't kill this cat)
I began with Passing, as the story appealed to me. And I simply loved it. Never knew that passing existed (innocent me again) and this makes a large subject to cover. This, Larsen does delicately. And with great impact.
Next, Quicksand. I read it with much attention but got a bit lost towards the end. Something about a lack of proper closure for this novel made me feel like the author lost some interest in it or didn't know herself how to complete it. But, she does make her point clear.
(all that already pointed out in the intro, that should have been put at the end of the book, not at the beginning. Read it last too...).
A search on the net made me find out that Larsen is being studied in many different schools in America. This kind of prescribed reading may disgust some people (like us here who all had to read The Tin Flute, by Gabrielle Roy) but bear in mind that teachers makes us read the real stuff. I invite you too go for it, especially Passing, that is really a great novel... with much to make us think about.

I think 3 is generous. I absolutely hated Quicksand, although I did appreciate the fact that Larsen's main character wasn't exactly likable, I think that was a different unusual approach, she's not exactly the ideal protagonist which is awesome. But as far as the story goes, its so reminiscent of the tragic mulatto to me and I'm pretty sick of that stereotype. Passing was better, but that too remained true to the tragic mulatto frame. It was no masterpiece.
Passing is an amazing narrative. A key to the success of the narrative in Nella Larsen's Passing is the use of a limited third-person narrator, because it allows the villain to hide. Through the voice of Irene Redfield, characterizations get meted out as she sees fit, and only by Irene's portraits of others can we arrive at her own characteristics and motivations. As Irene describes and interacts with others, she unwittingly betrays her shrewd plans. Whether done subconsciously or not, her subtle actions and inactions tattle on her, yet she keeps the narrative vague enough that she comes off as a victim of Clare. Irene paints herself as a sheep and Clare as a wolf, when in fact the opposite is true. The affair that presumably takes place between Clare and Brian seems to catch Irene off-guard.

Keep an eye on Irene.

Amazing narrative on several levels. The crossing of domains in this novella is outstanding. Because Irene has control of the narrative, the childhood events and characterizations indict Clare as untrustworthy instead of as a misfortunate child who overcomes great obstacles. This distrust raises questions later on when Clare all but moves into Irene's house, and Irene doesn't protest for an "obscure reason."

Quicksand is one of my favorite fictional stories. In truth, the word "fiction" can not adequately touch upon the essence of this novel. Helga Green's biographical information is nearly identical to that of Nella Larson, and in Helga we, the readers, see a reflection of Ms. Larsen.

Helga is a heroine, tragic not because of her fate, but of her resignation to her fate and inability to rise above it. Larsen realizes the bonds of racism and sexism that held steadfastedly in place, whether it's in Harlem or Copenhagen. A reader may either sympathesize with Helga's plight or sneer at her stupidity. But perhaps that's what Larson wants to portray. Sometimes one is irrational when it comes to the matters of the heart or the lack of. Even the most intelligent of us. We would gasp in surprise if the same fate fell upon others but would seem resigned when we are in the same situation.

Passing is considered by many critics as Larsen's "lesser novella." True, it is not as riveting as Quicksand, but it explores deeper issues of gender and the color barrier. While in Quicksand the relationship between Helga and Anne is at best lightly touched upon, the one between Clare and Irene is more complex and poignant.

Throughout the novel(la), there is a tinge of homoeroticism, if you read between the lines. This is a story, not so much of the tragic mulatta (even though tragedy tends to overshadow all else in Larsen's work), nor merely of the phenomenon of passing for white, but of two women's exploration of their own gender, sexual, and racial roles in the tumulous society of upper middle-class Harlem.

Both stories written in the early 1930s period, this book features Larsen at her best. Even though the endings to both are quite anti-climatic, one should find in her stories enough food for thought and a quite thorough insight into female African American conflicts and culture during the Renaissance era.
"Quicksand" (1928) is the first novel to give a voice to the sexual desires of a black woman. Helga Crane, the book's protagonist, is trapped in the conflict between an active and a passive sexual behaviour, between sexual fufilment and middle-class respectability. Conflicts of race and sex even a religious conversion cannot resolve. "Passing", written a year later, is overtly about black people who pass for white, but in a veiled way it also is the desire of one woman for another - a new and daring theme for the writing of the time. The eroticism and sexuality that Nella Larsen was only able to whisper has in recent times been spoken loud and clear by Gayl Jones, Alice Walker, Ntozake Shange and many other black women writers who recognize Nella Larsen as a pioneer and inspiration.
Rerations
< Quicksand&Passing > < Their Eyes Were Watching God > < Cane > < Invisible Man > < Native Son > freaks

< Mysteries of Pittsburgh > < The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier&Clay > < Wonder Boys: A Novel > < The Yiddish Policemen's Union: A Novel (P.S.) > < Gentlemen of the Road: A Tale of Adventure > < The Final Solution: A Story of Detection (P.S.) > Michael Chabon

price：~~$0.11~~
Scepter Pubs

customer 's review
(Adventures of a sexual dilettante)

(Don't rush and put a label on this novel or compare it to other works. Read it for what it is.)

(Not What I Expected)

(Post-college confusion)

(The bisexual coming of age book)

This is a fun book for a first novel though it is somewhat trite. I did appreciate Chabon's occasional nice twist of phrase such as 'sexual dilettante'. The protagonist of this novel is Art Bechstein who comes of age upon his graduation from college. Prior to this, he is involved in a series of implausible escapades. As he matures, he must deal with his fey girlfriend, Phlox, his gay lover, Art and his bent-on-destruction friend, Cleveland. To make matters worse, he needs to come to terms with his gangster father. The novel is both fun and silly at the same time. For a debut novel, it is worth the read and as we all know, Chabon has gone on to become one of the better writers of this generation.
I enjoyed this book. Twenty years later, it's still relevant. I wouldn't all it a "coming-of-age" story. Others feel inclined to label it but really, it doesn't need a label. The characters are a bit too old for a "coming of age" story. I also don't think the focus should be on Art's sexual experimentation. Although it's set in Pittsburgh, it's not a novel about the city of Pittsburgh. Those looking for warm fuzzies about the city will probably be disappointed.

I realize other reviewers are unsatisfied because they've already read some of Michael Chabon's works that may be a bit more refined. I agree the first couple of chapters are dry as one gets used to the writing style, but once the characters align themselves, the story moves quite rapidly and is not dry reading at all.

The novel is about recent college graduate, Art Bechstein. He grew up without a mother and with a father who was a mobster. Never quite knowing the truth about what exactly his father did or the circumstances of his mother's death, Art is somewhat of a loner.

A chance run in with fellow college student, Arthur, introduces Art to a new set of people and experiences. Art is done with college but not yet taking on the responsiblities of an adult. The story is about the experiences and friendships of that summer that help push him into the adult world and help him overcome some of his hangups from the past.

Yes, Art is struggline with his desires for both his friend Arthur and his girlfriend Phlox. There is so much more to this book that I don't think this should be the focus. It's just one area of Art's life that he's trying to put into perspective for himself.

I think the story is well written. I think this debut novel for Michael Chabon is still relevant today. It's not really appropriate to compare it to Salinger or Fitzgerald. It is what it is and it's a stand-alone story. The fact that Chabon wrote it as a peer to the main characters makes it all the more brilliant. I do recommend this novel.
I picked this up from the bargin sale table in the bookstore; I'm certainly glad I didn't pay full price. I never read any of Chabon's work, but this was a much-heralded first novel from a Pulitzer winner so I thought it would be a good read. Best thing I can say is the book is short&a quick read, so I don't regret the colossal waste of my time it was. Maybe it was the sloppy details (BMW doesn't make 1500cc motorcycles or have kick starters) but when one of the main characters is riding a motorcycle you should get stuff like that correct. I live in Pittsburgh and his descriptions of college life doesn't ring true at all; the protagonist spends alot of time crying and throwing up; most of the characters are poorly done and unsympathetic; the story is disjointed and jumps around haphazardly and this reader found them boring and didn't care what happened to them...Arthur Lecomte was this supposedly talented witty charmer but Chabon presents absolutely no evidence of it in Arthur's dialogue or actions. The bisexual main character (also named Arthur) decides at the end of the summer he loves men more than women. Who cares? The most interesting thing in the paperback version of the book is the approximately 8 page afterward where Chabon talks about what he went thru when writing it in the mid-80s.
I am envious of Michael Chabon. To have the skill to write such a near perfect book for your first novel is remarkable. It is also a shame that this book is overshadowed by "Kavalier and Clay" and the "Wonder Boys" since it shouldn't take a back seat to either of those novels.

The book explores the first summer post-college for Art Bechstein. Chabon's portrait of Art -- the strained and tense relationship with his father, the family tradegy still haunting him from his youth, his sexual experimentation and fleeting friendships makes for a most compelling read -- is pure genius.

Chabon created memorable characters -- Art Lecomte, Cleveland, Phlox and Art's father -- and it was also a masterstroke to keep the setting in the smaller industrial town of Pittsburgh rather than a larger and more commonplace city like NY, LA, Chicago or Boston. The characters felt like a larger part of the local environment rather than one of many nameless and faceless disaffected youth.

The chapter taking place at Jane's parents house while Art L housesits and the the encounter of Jane's dog with their neighbors is worth the price and read of the book alone -- it is hilarious.

This is can be a very painful book to read. All of the characters are larger than life except the women. Or should I say the woman, the female love interest who turns out to be a cardboard doofus. All the cool guys are cooler than frozen cucumbers; they are physically formidable and intellectually blank (as is the current ideal). Daddy is a gangster. Sonny is clueless. Then he discovers homosexuality. Wow! Brave new world that has such magical, mystical, manliness. I can't put it down fast enough.

By the Pulitzer Prize-winning author ofThe Amazing Adventures of Kavalier&Clay

This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.
Rerations
< Mysteries of Pittsburgh > < The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier&Clay > < Wonder Boys: A Novel > < The Yiddish Policemen's Union: A Novel (P.S.) > < Gentlemen of the Road: A Tale of Adventure > freaks

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