Reviews (32)

The Confession
I know that a lot of people in the gay community do not think that James McGreevey should be classified as a hero.But as a gay man who struggled with trying to be the "Best Little Boy in Town", I can emphasize with him.Trying to live in a straight world all the while knowing that you are different takes a tremendous toll on your personality and your self worth.
The Confession Jim McGreevey
All of New Jersey and the country were probably anticipating the release of former Governor Jim Mcgreevey's book. Some of the hype may have been due to the scandal involving his sexual encounters. I am completing the book and am very impressed with the wealth of information included.
The people have lost a great man
Isn't it sad that we dispose of gay people like they were garbage once it is found out that someone is gay?Governor McGreevey was an excellent politician, with a keen intellect.Who knows what good he could have done for the people of this country had he stayed in politics?Instead, we force people like this to resign.This is a great loss to society.Many gay and lesbian people have great gifts to offer and yet...we throw them out with the bath water.It is our loss, not their's. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Gay politicians    6. Governors    7. Homosexuality    8. New Jersey    9. New Jersey - State Government    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Political    12. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    13. Biography & Autobiography / Political    14. Biography: general    15. USA   

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Military    5. Personal Memoirs    6. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    7. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (5)

Good Book but why not do one on someone that came out before they were big
This was a really good book.I really enjoyed the part about Mark's experience with being on the various committees and his speaking career.It was interesting to read something about an athlete who talked about other things he did besides just performing the sport itself.
new low for the Olympics, Gay Games & OutGames
Mark did a fairly good job in destroying any respect I had for the people responsible for putting together the Olympics, GayGames and the newly formed OutGames.His story was quite interesting and for the most part well written.I don't know if it was his intention but I agonized over all the frustrating in-fighting at Olympics/Gay Games/OutGames that was depicted in graphic detail.I was saddened that our gay brothers and sisters could not come together and cause one games series for us.Mark did a great job making me feel the pain we all go through with the anti-gay bigotry.I also enjoyed the way he showed the upward progression of acceptance from the time he was a teen to his 30s.I applaud Mark for this contribution and recommend the book.

Straight Up and Out Talk
Mark Tewksbury is an inspiring person and a well-admired athlete of the Olympics. I'll be honest and say I was approaching this book from a shallow viewpoint. Though he was a swimmer, not a diver, it seemed like his "coming out" story would just be a pale comparison to that of Greg Louganis.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Gay Studies    5. Homosexuality    6. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    7. Sports - General    8. Swimming    9. Swimming And Diving    10. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (18)

very thorough biography
I really enjoyed this book.It's very detailed, but an easy and enjoyable read.

Stunning and Melancholic to the Bone!
I am almost completing "Capote: A Biography" by Gerald Clarke and my head is still reeling from the after effects. I loved the book. I haven't seen the movie yet but I know that it is bleak considering the book is not a light read either. Capote's life has been contained marvelously in this book. It has character and a lot of substance.
Definitive Biography of Capote
This book is thick and painstakingly detailed.I feel like I know everything about Truman Capote and everyone he ever knew.That may not be completely true, but that is how I feel after reading this book.
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Subjects:  1. 1924-    2. 20th century    3. Authors, American    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Capote, Truman,    9. Literary    10. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    11. Biography & Autobiography / Literary   

Reviews (5)

profound effect
This book is incredible and really displays the obstacles that many people have to overcome just to be an individual in this country.LOVED IT!

An valuable AND enjoyable memoir for parents and educators
I found this book to be a wonderful story, which demonstrates the horror that many gay children face as they pass through our school systems.With adequate education and staff training, there is hope that future generations will not have to face the same conflicts of prior generations.Through the support of Kevin's mother, Kevin was fortunate to have the chance to continue his education.And the book makes one realize how fortunate we are to have Kevin along with many others in this country fighting homophobia for our future generations.This book was truly enjoyable as well as very informative.I recommend it very highly.

From a bigoted family to a diversity leader
Mama's Boy, Preacher's Son
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography And Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Gay Studies    7. Gay men    8. Gay students    9. Gay teachers    10. Homosexuality    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (36)

a great memoir...
I share many reviewer's sentiments that this book was primarily a fun, witty, hilarious tale.I would not, however, just check it off as a good beach book with little depth.
Clever, witty, and bizarre
I'm typically hesitant to pick up a gay novel or memoir. The others I've read tend to exist for no other reason than their few explicit sex and drug scenes. I find that the words in between are just filler -- poorly crafted filler at that.
Captivating
I thougt this book was great! I keep passing it around my circle of friends and they all love it too. It was well written and very funny. He did a great job of letting you into a place most of us will never know. I was a little upset with the ending (don't read on if you haven't read the book) because I felt as if he still loves Jack and it says he is in a new relationship. Maybe he does. However, I would recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1969-    2. Alternative Sexual Behavior    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography And Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. General    9. Kilmer-Purcell, Josh,    10. New York    11. New York (State)    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    14. Transvestites    15. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (41)

real people with dirt on their feet
If you're sick of cute little stories that follow some godforsaken formula, you might get some juices flowing with this book. I can count on my fingers all the books I've read that resulted in what I would call "an experience." This is one of them.

An unforgettable reading experience...
Upon being assigned this novel to read as part of my undergraduate coursework, I of course rolled my eyes and sighed...naively assuming that this too would be another boring and mundane reading requirement. Never could I have imagined that not only would I NOT be able to put this book down, but I would also be pleasantly haunted by this marvelous novel.
An Eye-Opening Life Story
Before Night Falls is provocative, engaging, and eloquently written. The beginning is a harsh introducion with Arenas near his death bed, then starts from his earliest childhood memories in Cuba and moves forward forty years to his life in New York. Style-wise, I love the way this book is composed in fragments. Some of them resemble traditional chapters, but other take on a single subject, such as "the earth" or "witches," and briefly examine his relationship to that subject. Different lights are shed on his identity throughout the book: his sexuality, his politics, and his art. Of the these three factors, politics seemed to be more of a backdrop; an ever-looming presence that was out to combat his free spirit. Arenas's life was one that lacked routine, which is likely one reason this is a captivating autobiography. Aside from his work at the National Library, there wasn't a daily agenda of hopping from one institution to the next, as seen in American life. He followed the heat; he chased his passions.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Caribbean & Latin American    5. Literary    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    8. Biography & Autobiography / Literary    9. Biography: general    10. Cuba    11. English    12. Novels, other prose & writers: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (51)

A honest and spiritual book.All Christians should read this.
Stranger at the Gate was the firstbook I had ever read dealing with the struggles of a gay Christian.It is a touching,wonderful, difficult story about Mel White's struggle to come to terms with his sexual orientation. Anyone who is open to the idea that God loves everyone and deals with people through grace will appreciate the honesty of this book.It makes one think and re-examine old prejudices.Those who are close minded and unable to listen to a viewpointthat may be different from the traditional thinking will find this story offensive. Whatever your thinking, this is a fascinating story well worth reading.

Great for those questioning gays and christianity.
Stranger at the Gate is an excellent read for those who are gay, and have a Christian upbringing. The first person narrative about how a gay man comes out of the closet, and how he reconciles the homophobic stance of the conservative, fundamentalist Christian church is eye-opening.
homophobes are bigots
That is the message of tolerance from many of the reviewers. The premise being, if you are a Christian and believe the Scriptures that were given by God that plainly teach homosexuality is sin, not an "alternate lifestyle," you must be a homophobe. So, I am not tolerant when I call sin sin, but a sodomite is tolerant when he calls those who disagree with him bigots and homophobes.
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Subjects:  1. 1940-    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Christianity    6. Clergy    7. Conservatism    8. Evangelicalism    9. Religious aspects    10. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    11. United States    12. Universal Fellowship of Metrop    13. Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches    14. White, Mel,    15. Biography & Autobiography / Literary    16. Christian social thought & activity    17. Gay studies (Gay men)    18. USA    19. White, Mel   

Reviews (20)

Freddie Mercury handbook
Most complete biography of Freddie Mercury that I've seen. It really takes you inside Freddie's world. After reading it, I almost felt like I knew him. A must have for any Queen fan.

Good Read
I enjoyed reading the life of Freddie Mercury on the stage and in his personal life.He was very generous to those who were close to him.

All in All pretty good
This is a pretty good book in my opinion. Although it does contain unusual grammar that bothered me some. This book explains a lot about Freddie's behavior off stage, outrageous nights, ect... I must warn those of you who want to learn about his childhood, the start of Queen, previous bands, ect... This book does not contain this content what so ever. If you want to know about this stuff, I advise that you buy the DVD called
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Composers & Musicians - General    5. Composers & Musicians - Rock    6. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    7. Genres & Styles - Rock    8. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    9. Biography: film, television & music    10. Rock & pop   

Reviews (10)

Interesting personal perspective
This is a most interesting, personal account of "how", "what", and some "why" a person has become what he is in the moment. The perspective is intensely genuine, as much as the author is capable. I found this a fascinating view into the life of a physical, although necessarily remote, personality and his attempts to deal with his own evolution. It seems that many of the other reviews(printed here) have approached the writing from their OWN perspective. I do not feel that that is valid and appreciate Mr. Shaw's revelations and insight into a whole world that is both limited and international. How delightful to find that these fantasy figures are also real people and have distinct and impressive talents beyond what most perceive as their "genre". Thank you Mr. Shaw.

Missing Core
This book starts out in a fast and exciting pace, but halfway through one begins to wonder "where is it all going?" Aiden Shaw tells an incredible narrative in a comprehensive, easy to read, subtlety poetic form.However, it's void of any and all emotion.Even in scenes of breakdown or crying, all the reader is offered is the notion he was crying but in no way do we know how he was feeling, other than obviously sad.I thought by reading this I would get an exclusive look inside the life of a porn star and hustler, gain a perspective and a respect for a niche of men whose lifestyles aren't something I would approve or emulate. But all I really got was a tremendous list of what the author had done, disastrously, from point A to B to C.In the end, I'm glad to have read this book as it gives the feeling of being let in on a secret.However, the secret isn't all together too interesting and lacks that personal edge in which I was hoping to find.

The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
The person who wrote the main Amazon review clearly misunderstood Shaw. I hate to think they might influence other people, especially if they turn young readers away. Those inexperienced in Shaw's world can learn a lot from his brave portrayal of how not to live life. He does this not by preaching, but in a much more clever way, Shaw shows from the inside, the pit falls, the drug come-downs, and the ruined relationships that can coincide with the lifestyle he chose. My Undoing is refreshing, heartbreakingly honest, sincere, very funny, and most of all very well written. He puts himself on the line, while most prefer to hide behind pretense and propriety. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    5. Gay Studies    6. Homosexuality    7. Personal Memoirs    8. Pornography    9. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    10. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts    11. Biography: general   

Editorial Review

When Read more

Reviews (27)

How many of us have the same story?
I could have written this book but I didn't. It's taken me nearly 60 years to do what Andrew Tobias did in his 20s. How many "best little boys" are out there somewhere? The personal telling of his story - with delving soul-searching analysis and a great geal of humor - makes this a necessity for anyone who has lived a secret life and learned the accepted norms of society in the days when there were no real choices.

Outdated and Overhyped
I bought this book because I thought I'd relate with the author's choice of the title "The Best Little Boy in the World".It took me less than fifty pages to realize that this was one of the worst books I've ever read.I can imagine that this book probably made a lot of difference when it was written, but today, I like to think we've progressed beyond the self-loathing, hatred of our own nature, and belittling of anyone that isn't like us to make this book less relevant for today.If I was recommending a book to a teenager to help them with their coming out process, I definitely would not recommend this book.I mean, come on, coming out is traumatic enough as it is, why would I want to make it worse by suggesting they read a book that will only put them down and make them feel worse about themselves?

Self-loathing and superior
The other readers pegged it nicely: this book is self-loathing and superior. I read this when I was fourteen and, fourteen years later, found myself rereading it when I cleaned out my closet. I can't believe the arrogance and myopia of its WASP narrator. This book is internalized homophobia coupled with upper middle class snobbery at its worst. No doubt if the author was born in Nazi Germany sixty years ago, he would be Hitler's right hand man in his pink triangle quest to oppress homosexuals, or at least, those too limp wristed and "icky" for Andrew Tobias' liking. I'm aghast other readers are recommending his book for those coming out of the closet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1947-    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Gay Studies    5. Gay men    6. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    7. Parenting - General    8. Reid, John,    9. Social Science    10. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    11. United States    12. Family & Relationships / Parenting    13. Fiction    14. Reid, John   

Editorial Review

Stephen Fry is not making this up! Fry started out as a dishonorable schoolboy inclined to lies, pranks, bringing decaying moles to school as a science exhibit, theft, suicide attempts, the illicit pursuit of candy and lads, a genius for mischief, and a neurotic life of crime that sent him straight to Pucklechurch Prison and Cambridge University, where he vaulted to fame along with actress Emma Thompson. He wound up starring as Oscar Wilde in the film Read more

Reviews (46)

Like Wodehouse?You'll Like This.
Fry is a Wodehouse-worshipper, and his elegant prose shows it.This discursive, digressive, sometimes profane and endlessly entertaining bio covers Fry's youth (with much reminiscing about Public School days in the manner of Wodehouse's Psmith) and the development of his areligious (anti-religious?) and homosexual tendencies... well, they're more than tendencies, really, as you'll see.
not bad, but . . .
Most of this autobiography was quite enjoyable. Stephen Fry is clearly a gifted writer, and based on this book I might try some of his fiction. However, a great deal of the middle of this book, say 100 pages or more, are devoted to his explaining and defending and preaching on his homosexuality. The picture of Dorian Fry
...Everything about this "autobiography" is constructed, fake and banal. This book is basically an endless enumeration of boyhood traumas, mostly related to Fry's homosexuality. We read uninspired, mandatory descriptions on how lucky he is with his parents and how he caused them so much pain. But most pages are devoted to anecdotes illustrating what a witty and tormented genius he actually is. Read more

Subjects:  1. 1957-    2. 20th century    3. Actors    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Childhood Memoir    9. Childhood and youth    10. Comedians    11. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    12. Fry, Stephen,    13. Great Britain    14. Literary    15. Novelists, English    16. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    17. Fiction / General    18. Fry, Stephen   

Reviews (6)

Uneven Tales
Like the literary conceit on which the book is based, My Lives is all over the place both in the quality of its writing and in the quality of its insights. For long streches I felt almost resentful at White's rambling discourses on the females, friends, and foes in his life--alleviated by occasional flashes of almost lyrical beauty (such as his description of the Ile St. Louis in winter) and sociological insight. Much of the time I felt robbed at having paid for the book rather than being paid for what seemed like asynchronous therapy sessions like which my dispersed hours with the book seemed to feel.
A Brilliant Memoir

Disarming frankness of a gay life spanning Stonewall
How many well-known gay people are there who are "out" and whose adult lives span Stonewall -- a Democratic Party politician? an English singer?For a thoughtful interesting life story who is left but Lily Tomlin, Larry Kessler, Ian McKellen, Rosie O'Donnell and writers like White, Felice Picano, Paul Monette, Stephen MacCauley, Rita Mae Brown and Tony Kushner (not that they've all written memoirs, and there are certainly other major personalities who don't come to mind at the moment).In terms of its simple beauty, Monette's On Becoming A Man is one of a kind.For sheer joie de vivre, Picano's "memoir in the form of a novel" Men Who Loved Me, would be hard to top.But for refreshing honesty and frankness about an indulgent gay sex life, White's My Lives is in a league of its own.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biographers    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Gay Studies    8. Gay men    9. General    10. Literary    11. Novelists, American    12. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    13. United States    14. White, Edmund - Prose & Criticism    15. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (37)

Very funny!
A great book to read if you need a few laughs in your life. Dave White's Texan perspective of L.A. is spot-on and absolutely hilarious. There's even a tale of relationships and friendships woven into all the laughter. A great read if you like biting wit. And if you need a gay-themed book for someone, don't hesitate to put this on your list.

I laughed...I cried...
OK, maybe I didn't cry, but I definitely laughed.I became familiar with Dave White's writing via msnbc.com.Every time I found myself chuckling at an article I'd notice it was written by him.That eventually led me to his blog and then to his book which I thorougly enjoyed.He has a way of pulling you into his neurotic thoughts and then showing you the genunine humor he finds in every one of them.I also enjoyed the fact that yes, he is gay, but he doesn't wave it like a flag.It's not used to prop up the ideas conveyed in this book.He communicates thoughts that are relative to anyone; gay, straight or purple.He portrays his relationship as something sweet, touching and enviable.I found myself identifiying with many of his hilarious psychotic episodes as his stories of surviving the very difficult task of being thrust into a completely different environment unfolded.What's even WAY cooler is that now that I've bought this book from Amazon.com they keep recommending this DVD called, "Puppetry of the Penis: The Ancient Art of Genital Origami".Awesome.
Before you say, "..oh god, not another GWM memoir..."
Really, give Dave White a chance.Yeah, he comes of as bitchy, stuck up, elitist, philistinic, and oh-so-smug-with-his-world.But he has good writing chops, and it shows.For one thing, he's not a walking, talking gay stereotype.He's folically challenged. Fat. Lazy. Mooching off his ever so supportive spouse, morocco mole.I was beginning to think when I read the book if he ever was going to get off the pity pot regarding his disdain for all things Los Angeles, and hey, I HATE L.A., TOO!!! but, I guess that's the point. Most things that come across his radar are subject for scorn and pitched carelessly upon the junk heap of things he no longer has a use for.Does this have anything to do with the review?Yes, and No.Thank your lucky stars that his spouse had the insight to persuade this redneck twanger out of the swamp cooler, double wide world of trailer park texas into West Hollywood and to have the material to write this book.Dave White has a unique perspective on life, and I am looking forward to more of his shiny happy rants.(yes, Mr. White; whether you like it or not, you are one of the shiny happy poseurs that make up the bulk (no pun intended) of West Hollywood.Now that you have my thirteen dollars, go buy some BBQ.I could have said "love it", but I wanted to diss on Mr. White, being that I'll never meet him.Kiss Morocco mole for me.Anywhere you like.
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Gay Studies    3. Personal Memoirs    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    7. Biography: general    8. Gay & Lesbian studies    9. Social Science / Gay Studies   

Editorial Review

In the sixties, David Mixner became an activist in the civil rights and anti-war movements, then emerged in the seventies as an influential Washington insider. Unknown to his comrades, he was also a closet homosexual, so scared of exposure he let hardly anyone know his secret. With good reason: when he came out in 1977 he lost a lot of his political clout. Undeterred he marched on a new crusade--gay liberation. He returned to national prominence as a political activist when he led a hugely successful drive in the gay community to elect his long-time friend Bill Clinton. That relationship, which has been bittersweet through Clinton's presidency, is one of the fascinating sidelights in this memoir of a radical life. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Fascinating
In this day of the modern Gay Rights Movement, no biography captures the true story of someone moderately simple, becoming the voice of a fantastic mission with true, heartfelt passion for the equality of gays and lesbians.Full of pathos, life lessons, screw-ups, ironies and inspiration that truly reflects the dichotomy of living as an evolving gay man during the sexual revolution, Reagan-Era AIDS, and the Clinton Era of Inclusion against the backdrop of a hidden sex life.I was glad to know this story!

I really enjoyed and would reccomend this book
I must say, this was one of the best books I've read in a while. It was just fascinating. It starts out describing David's childhood, goes onto his time in college, his antiwar activism, his many struggles with his homosexuality, finally with his coming out and becoming a gay activist, and then to his time spent working on the Clinton campaign all the way up to Clinton's innaguration. It's a very readable book, it draws you in from the first few pages and really keeps you wanting to know what will happen next in David's very exciting activist life. Another thing that kept me reading was I was dying to find out when he would finally come out. It is easy to relate to David's pain and I was inspired to see what he did with that pain and to read about the many remarkable things he has done with this life. I finished this book in a little over a week and wished there was more. I loved learning more about the political and activist worlds while at the same time learning about him. If you have any interest in politics, activism, AIDS, or gay and lesbian issues, or just like a good memoir, read this book. You'll like it :)

good book kinda of long
it was a good book for the most part but it kinda of ran on and on i still have a copy of it around some where ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Gay activists    5. Gay rights    6. Mixner, David B    7. Political    8. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    9. Political Science    10. Presidents    11. Sociology - General    12. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    13. Staff    14. United States    15. Biography & Autobiography / Political   

Reviews (2)

A poignant memoir, although ultimately sad.
I like Stephen Spender.That is, of course, I like his poetry that I've read as well as his introduction to my favorite novel:Malcolm Lowry's Under The Volcano.I like this book too.But, first of all, there's altogether too much name-dropping, which becomes rather tedious at times.Some of the anecdotes are quite rum, like the ones involving Lady Ottoline Morrel.But all this Bloomsbury-Virginia Woolf business gets on one's nerves (well, mine anyway) after a while.I don't think Spender's homosexual relationship is the most important thing in the book; though it was doubtless courageous of Spender to include it as well as indispensable to getting this book back in print!The most important thing in the book is the difference in the pre- versus post- Spanish Civil War mindset among sensitive, well-bred intelllectuals among whom Spender was a figure.Before the war, Spender says, it seemed that individuals (particularly idealists) could make a difference.After the war, all that had not been killed fighting Franco (and there were many) were disillusioned and glum, especially Spender.Finally, this book has a sad tone that runs from Spender's school days to his middle age.He was a cultured, gifted writer who had not, by his middle ages, produced a "great work."And, despite the Queen's Gold Medal and Knighthood in later years, his melancholy grew worse.He speaks of himself at the end of the book as "rotted by a modicum of success" and admits that "My mistake was to think that my own nature would make everything easy."-The strange thing is that he didn't shake this attitude off.He was only halfway through his life.I was going to make put forth some hypotheses as to why, but, really, it's anybody's guess. Isn't it?

Excellent Memoir
Memoirs have become ubiquitous recently, a favored literary form. World Within World is one of the best. Stephen Spender, one of England's leading twentieth century poets and literary figures wrote this book less than half way into his long life, covering his youth and early middle age through World War Two.While this book became notorious a few years back as the source of a lawsuit for plagiarism brought by Spender against David Leavitt over his book While England Sleeps, the book has merit far beyond the controversy. The incident which forms the basis of the dispute, Spender's rescue efforts on behalf of a former lover during the Spanish Civil War, is merely one of the interesting and illuminating episodes and set pieces of this book.Spender, growing up in the wake of World War One, in a well-connected family, encountered some of the leading literary figures of the Twentieth Century. He was a contemporary and friend of W. H. Auden, Christopher Isherwood and Cyril Connolly, whom he incisively sketches and analyzes, both in terms of personality and work. He was taken under the wings of such giants as Virginia Woolf and T.S. Eliot, who form the basis of two fascinating portraits. Most memorable perhaps is his description of a meeting with William Butler Yeats at Lady Ottoline Morrill's salon that started out quite disastrously but was rescued by Lady Ottoline's desperate telephone call to Woolf. Not only does he describe the literary scene in England, but also the atmosphere of Weimar Germany, Civil War Republican Spain and World War Two England. Indeed we get a glimpse of the Berlin boarding house immortalized by Isherwood and later in Cabaret.As memorable as he is in describing others, Spender is balanced, acute and unsparing in his self-analysis. Aware of the characteristics of his work that distinguishes it from that of others, he gives insight into his creative methods and process, rescuing poetry from misty philosophizing and dogmatic pronouncements. There is little self-aggrandizement or puffery and very little malice if any in this book. Its style is clear and its content admirable. It is well worth reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1909-    2. 20th century    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Critics    8. Great Britain    9. Literary    10. Poets, English    11. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    12. Spender, Stephen - Poems & Criticism    13. Spender, Stephen,    14. Biography & Autobiography / Literary    15. Biography: general    16. English    17. Literature: History & Criticism    18. Spender, Stephen    19. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -   

Editorial Review

Best known for his syndicated sexual advice column, "Savage Love," Dan Savage shares his own story in Read more

Reviews (120)

Honest account
This is such a cute, humorous and honest story; a very entertaining and easy read.

Made Me Weep
This is an incredibly honest recounting of how the author and his boyfriend adopted a child.It was fascinating to read about "open adoption", at the time of the book only legal in three states, Washington, Oregon and New Mexico. This system is where the birth mother is allowed to choose the adopting couple and continues to visit the child after giving birth.Worried that no young mother would choose a gay couple, they still go through with the grueling application and review process and are rewarded by being the first couple in their orientation group to be picked.The mother is truly a fascinatingly real character and Savage does a wonderful job portraying her.The scene at the hospital when they finally take the baby is heart wrenching and the author beautifully explains how experiencing the mother's grief completely validates the open adoption approach.This simple book encompasses so much about the human condition it becomes a spiritual beacon of tolerance and compassion.

A Defense of the Book
I felt I had to respond after one person failed miserably in reading comprehension.First, in the beginning of the book Savage made the point and he and Terry had discussed infidelity and were committed enough to their relationship that that would not be enough to break them up.As to the claims about the birthmother being mentally ill, they took care to show that she wasn't.She was able to care for herself, make logical decisions and was sane enough to know that her chosen lifestyle made it impossible to be a good mother to her son, hence choosing adoption.And they didn't relocate to get away from her.They lived in Seattle and used an agency there.She was currently living in Portland, but since she regularly moved from city to city, it wasn't an issue.In fact, those who bother to read the whole thing will discover a chapter in which they flew to L.A. to meet with her after the birth and to allow the birthfather to see the baby.(And according to the legal agreement they signed, they can't keep her from seeing the kid a certain number of times a year, and Savage himself deplored the fact that some adoptive parents don't follow the signed agreements.)A lot of the other complaints seem based on the fact that the reviewer could not tell sarcastic humor from genuine sentiment.Savage is not a hearts&roses style writer.He's a hardcore cynic and likes making shocking jokes, like his fake birthmother letter in which he jests about having drug addicted friends babysit.For every time he made a joke about a baby as an expensive hobby, he also mentioned looking forward to being able to teach him to walk and talk and later watching his Little League games.Plenty of other writers have made similar jokes about their children - Erma Bombeck said she wanted to trade hers in for dogs, Bill Cosby has written about wanting to send his to jail for being annoying.It has nothing to do with how they actually parent - they're just trying for a laugh.Plus, if he really thought it was just a lark, would he and his boyfriend have gone through so much to adopt?
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Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Alternative Family    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Literary    7. Parenting - General    8. Specific Groups - Male