Editorial Review

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Reviews (125)

Touching
Once again Sarah Waters kept me enthralled, page after page.
Completely engrossing
I first read Sarah Waters book, Affinity, and had to read more of her work. I initially decided to go back to Tipping the Velvet but found something about Nan's narrative voice too similar to Margaret's and felt I needed a break from their meek, awkward, (sometimes girlish) obsessiveness and so decided to move to Fingersmith and return to Tipping the Velvet at another time. I am so glad I did! Fingersmith is a completely engrossing work of fiction with a bevy of unusual characters and unexpected twists that compell the reader forward - sometimes at a dizzying pace.
A tale of corruption and treachery
I've been indulging in historical novels lately, and one of the surprises that I have discovered is how much I have enjoyed the work of Sarah Waters. In particular, this book.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Historical    3. Historical - General    4. Lesbian    5. Mystery/Suspense    6. Thrillers    7. Fiction / General    8. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (49)

Very good introduction of transsexuals for nearly everyone
Transgendered persons, especially transsexuals, seem to be little understood by most people. There is still widespread ignorance, lack of understanding and prejudice against transsexuals. Some recent movies portraying transsexuals with understanding, empathy and tolerance, such as "Transamerica" and "Normal" should help many people better understand, tolerate and accept transsexuals.
Awsome book overall
My only complaint about this book is that all of the references and background deals with adult transexual people. It would be nice if it were updated with references for children and adolesents. Overall I would highly recommend it. It is comprehensive and well written and provides an excellent knowledge base for the reader.

Best taken with a grain of salt
This book gives a relatively good overall view of transsexualism for people who know nothing about it, but with some serious flaws. The author's descriptions of the experience are based entirely on accounts from therapy clients and her approach is objective, too much so in many regards. She presents outdated information without any genuine effort to refute it, such as the old freudian psycho-model of "gender identity disorder." She also mentions the horrid "treatments" visited on transsexuals, such as "aversion therapy" and "shock treatments" with no mention of their obvious cruel inhumanity. Her statement that we can't "change the brain," is downright sickening, and she presents it as though science should actually strive toward that Stepford Wives solution to transsexualism.
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Subjects:  1. Gender Studies    2. Human Sexuality    3. Psychology    4. Sex change    5. Sociology - General    6. Transsexualism    7. Transsexuals    8. United States    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / Human Sexuality   

Reviews (8)

Kouros: A Tribute to the Male Form
David Vance has produced a fine book of black and white photography of the male nude, the black and white format emphasizing his recreation of timeless attitudes and poses of athletic young men.The Kouros of Greek origin were statues of young athletes usually placed in courtyards or public spaces to either celebrate the glory of the male physique of prominent athletes, or to engender fertility!
Body Beautiful
The photography is exquisite in Timeless. The book features well proportioned males that are masculine without crossing the line to overly "muscle bound" or overtly "pornographic". I must admit that there are a couple of shots that are a bit on the "campy" side but these are far outnumbered by page after page of beautiful photographs that cannot help but to celbrate the art of the male nude. The book was a good value.

Breathless.....
Mr. Vance,
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Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. Individual Photographer    3. Photo Techniques    4. Photography    5. Subjects & Themes - Children    6. Subjects & Themes - Erotica    7. Subjects & Themes - Nudes    8. Erotic art   

Reviews (16)

Quite Possibly Radclyffe's Best Book Ever...
`Fated Love' is quite possibly Radclyffe's best book ever.A pseudo-sequel, but more appropriately a companion piece to `Passion's Bright Fury,' this novel introduces Rad's most colorful, well-developed, and unforgettable characters.
It'll make you melt.
Radclyffe is one of the best authors of romance around.
Radclyffe does romance right!
"Fated Love" is an engrossing romance and an excellent representation for the genre. Radclyffe brings to life the relationship and romantic love between two noteworthy characters who command respect and admiration. In a compelling medical setting, with prose that often rings poetic, and with a most satisfying conclusion, Radclyffe delivers what romance readers expect and what this reviewer and many readers believe is her best romance yet. Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbian    4. Romance - Contemporary    5. Romance   

Reviews (5)

0% believable - 100% fun
This fun, racy, raunchy who-dunnit is all of what it promises to be.It's the type of early 20th century English mystery that Agatha Christie would have turned out if she'd been born a gay man.There's just enough of a mystery plot to keep it from being total porn and just enough of the porn to keep it from being boring.
What Do the English Do at Home?
This book has all the elements to keep one entertained from the very beginning until the end; viz., this is a don't-put-me-down book until finished.It is well written and there are some surprises but still believable.I like this author and look forward to reading some of his future titles.It takes place in the 1920s and elucidates all the double-standards that was prevelant for the English "upper & lower crust" during that time period.If you liked Maurice by E. M. Forrester, you will also love this book.It is a good example of today's gay and lesbian literature.

Ridiculous.
Ridiculously fun.
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Subjects:  1. Americans    2. England    3. Erotica - Gay    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - Adult    6. Gay    7. Investigation    8. Murder    9. Mystery & Detective - Traditional British    10. Mystery And Suspense Fiction    11. Upper class    12. Erotic fiction    13. Fiction / Gay    14. Literature of special Gay interest   

Reviews (5)

Is Infidelity Every Excusable?
One could spend an inordinate amount of time trying to answer the question... "Is infidelity ever excusable?"When you're in a relationship with someone the answer should be obvious, right?Maybe not.Through this emotional story MacGregor, one of my top 5 favorite authors, explores all sides of the issue.And, she does it so covertly the reader doesn't know she's been had until she's in love with both protagonists.
A well told story
This is not a new story, but it is one told with style.One of the nice points is that MacGregor takes her time dealing with the issues between her characters.MacGregor gives her characters time to develop their relationship and then more time to deal with the problems that arise between them.They don't disagree one day and suddenly realize the next that they are soul mates meant to be together no matter what has happened between them.MacGregor also manages to make both characters human and people that a reader can relate to.Wynne has made some bad mistakes, but the reader will recognize how these occur in real life when people lose control of events in their lives.Paula's reactions are also perfectly understandable and ring true to experience.What this book demonstrates is a maturity of style and life.This isn't MacGregor's first novel and it shows that she is growing into her storytelling art.It's a pleasant read and a well told story.
KG does it again!
Somethings are not always how they really are. Do you overlook what you think the picture is about or do you trust your heart and take a risk? Is love worth it or do you throw yourself into your job so you don't have to find out? That is what this book is about in a nut shell. You will find yourself falling in love with these hardworking women. KG really brings out some great humor in this book. I really enjoyed it. Just This Once is a very easy, enjoyable read! This book will stay in my collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbian    4. Popular American Fiction    5. Romance - Contemporary    6. Romance - General    7. Modern fiction   

Reviews (17)

Welcome to Progressive Christianity
Eric Elnes is just one of many Christians trying to change the discussion of Christianity and Christian values in American culture today.This small book, built around the 12 affirmations he and colleagues, friends, and co-religionists in Arizona have put together, is a fine summation of what many Christians today would like folks to understand should be the character of 21st century Christianity.It is a book whose ideas resonate with those in other faiths as well.It should be an invitation to those who have walked away from the church to reconsider their faith and return to work with others to make sure the church is tolerant, inclusive, compassionate, and is a church that takes faith, prayer, and the Bible seriously (if not literally in the last case).Each chapter covers an affirmation, treating it in most cases with an incident drawn from Elnes's pastoral experiences.It is an easy read.Give it your consideration.
Connections Are What This Book is All About
One of the things I search for in any book, theological, true life story, or novel, is the ability to make me think, touch my emotional core, and move me to action. "The Phoenix Affirmations" does that through a very skillful use of "real-people" stories tied to affirming, life-renewing, theological principles that are grounded in Jesus' values - love of God, neighbor, and self.
An important and generous book, a bridge-builder's guide
Dr. Elnes' learned, measured, and accessible prose charts the resilient strengths of a fear-LESS Christianity. The vision of the Phoenix Affirmations challenges both our internal and external capacities to love. It's a recipe for prayer and action. The affirmations speak about commitments to the natural world, inclusiveness, art in worship, church-state separation, science, leisure. There is also an unapologetic commitment to openness to other faiths and even to those with none; yet love of Christ resonates on every page. Read it, study it, share it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Education - General    4. Christianity - Pentecostalism    5. Faith    6. Forecasting    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. Religion - Educational Resources    10. Religion & Beliefs    11. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (15)

Sexy
I took two books on my recent five day vacation. This one gave me an orgasm (I loved this book as you might guess), and because I'm going into the B&B business, I took along "I'm Living Your Dream Life" by Michele Cozzens. No orgasm, but did learn one hell of a lot about the B&B business. Both were very fun reads.

The Name Says It All
This book definitely lives up to its name.I was hooked from the introduction on.

A sexy book for all kinds
Wet is a highly erotic and explicit book that can be good for both lesbians and others interested in lesbian sex.It is sexy, provocative and a quick read.Some stories are better than others, but for the most part, all are quality. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Erotica - General    2. Fiction    3. Human Sexuality    4. Lesbian Studies    5. Lesbianism    6. Lesbians    7. Love / Sex / Marriage    8. Sexual behavior    9. Erotic fiction    10. Fiction / Erotica    11. Literature of special Lesbian interest    12. True Stories   

Editorial Review

There is a passage early in Augusten Burroughs's harrowing and highly entertaining memoir, Read more

Reviews (539)

Mental Illness Is Not Funny
I picked this book up after I had read that the author had been declared by some media outlet as one of the "fifteen funniest people in America."
Yes...some of it really is funny...
...But!! Not enough to grab me by the collar!I agree with others here who said they liked some of the aspects of this "memoir", save for the disturbing sex scenes. I do believe it's hard to take in when a 13 year old is having a very adult relationship with a 32 year old. I found nothing tasteful about this. Nor did I see much humor in this. However, to be fair, there are very funny moments here. Love the scenes with the shrink's family. But by page 125 or so--the writing gets a bit sloppy and the story begins to lose its muster.
This book is an act of self gratification
I bought this on a whim because a few people had told me it was "hysterical" and it was a best-seller, so I figured it must be pretty good.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Amherst    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography And Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Burroughs, Augusten    9. Childhood Memoir    10. Childhood and youth    11. Gay Studies    12. Homes and haunts    13. Homosexuality    14. Literary    15. Massachusetts    16. Novelists, American    17. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (12)

Turn Back Time
I have read 90% of Radclyffe books and I love them some more than others.This book because I am in the medical field felt real.The love between the women as usual in her books seems geninue.I loved it!

Drama in the Medical World!
Chief Surgical Resident Pearce Rifkin is on a fast track through her career so she doesn't have time for a lover. At least that's what she tries to tell herself. So imagine her surprise when someone she knew long ago re-enters her life in the form of one Wynter Thompson, the new surgical resident at the hospital where Pearce is now working.
This one will sound familiar
If you are a fan of Radclyffe's books, you may find that Turn Back Time seems very familiar.Not only are the characters standard Radclyffe fare, but the plot is very reminiscent of Fated Love.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. General    4. Lesbian    5. Popular American Fiction    6. Modern fiction   

Subjects:  1. Alternative Sexual Behavior    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health/Fitness    4. Lesbian Studies    5. Lesbians    6. Love / Sex / Marriage    7. Sexual Instruction    8. Sexuality   

Reviews (6)

A fine character study
Too Close To Touch is about a woman who has dedicated her life to trying to please "Daddy" and lost herself in the process.In becoming successful in her career, she has bottled up her emotions until she doesn't have any, except anger.Others have summarized the story, so I won't repeat that.Instead, let me tell you why you might want to read it.
A Classic in the Making...
WOW!
A satisfying modern day romance!
In her third novel, Georgia Beers delivers an immensely satisfying story in "a modern day romance," "Too Close to Touch." Warm-hearted Kylie O'Brien seems an unlikely match for tough gal Gretchen Kaiser, but the chemistry between them is undeniable, and the reader becomes readily invested in their future.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbian    4. Popular American Fiction    5. Romance - Contemporary    6. Romance - General    7. Romance   

Subjects:  1. California - Local History    2. Gay Studies    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: American    6. Lesbian Studies    7. Sociology    8. United States - General    9. United States - State & Local - West    10. American history    11. California    12. Literature of special Gay & Lesbian interest   

Editorial Review

Light and funny, with a bitter aftertaste, the action of Read more

Reviews (96)

I Loved It! Waiting for a Sequel!
I bought this book on the spur of the moment looking for something entertaining to read. The book surpassed my expectations! It's an awesome read. Fun, wickedly funny. LOL at times. I like books similar to this, like Tamarias Tyree's Delicious Housewives! which spoofs Desperate Housewives and other TV series including a chapter where the wives turn up as guests on The Jerry Springer Show. Sellevision isn't as (sexually) graphic as Tyree's book, but they have a similar tone. The books are kind of alike in the way they take jabs at pop culture!

WICKEDLY FUNNY!!
There's a laugh a minute in this satirical page turner about the trials, tribulations and foibles of the ego driven staff at "Sellevision".

Formulaic, trite, smellevision?
I bought this book because I went to a conference in which Burroughs gave a pretty decent speech.I read two of his books (Magical Thinking and Sellevision) and the humor must have gone over my head.I don't really care what grown ups do in their spare time, as long as it doesn't frighten the horses, but this one seems cliche-ridden and the jokes fall flat.I know the literary marketplace has niches, but Sellevision's only redeeming virtue was that it was a quick read.He missed some of his best opportunities at humor, and the "poetic justice" fizzled out when the exploititative director of programming John Smythe winds up happily divorced with his jailbait girlfriend at a cheap motel.Max, the gay protagonist goes from flop (no pun) to failure to porn star (I wondered how long it would take for him to get there, since the plot development almost telegraphed it). Thin on plot, two-dimensional characters with cardboard brains.How long did it take the author to dusctate this one? Mybe John Watters could do something with it, but he would have to bring it to life with a decent writer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Gay men    4. General    5. Humorous    6. Popular American Fiction    7. Scandals    8. Teleshopping    9. Television personalities    10. Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

Cure for cancer? End to world hunger? What's left to do after the publication of Felice Newman's definitive guide to lesbian sex? Drawing on a wide range of published sources as well as her own notoriously graphic questionnaire circulated by e-mail--stunning mild-mannered office workers as it reeled across their computer screens--Newman has compiled an exhaustively thorough how-to guide for practices as exotic as play piercings and as pedestrian as oral sex. Along the way, she offers a primer in sexual politics and lesbian manners at the turn of the century. The S/M hanky code is laid out once and for all. There is even a (brief, happily brief) section on celibacy. Read more

Reviews (25)

Useful ways to look at sex and sexual relationships
I am familiar with my anatomy and have a pretty good imagination; what I found useful in this book had little to do with technical sex.Newman provides some chapters early in the book with thought-provoking questions about relationships and flavors of sexuality.One chapter talks about sitting down and thinking beforehand about what you would like in a relationship other than really hot sex.You know, the things parents should be teaching their kids rather than just saying, "Oh, you'll know Mr./Mrs. Right when you meet him/her."One list contains a number of, shall we say, "non-vanilla" sexual activities and asks you to think about what you would and would not want to do at this point.That was a bit of an eye-opener, but was intriguing as well.
Wow.. this is fantastic
I think "The whole lesbian sex book" is just to attract the others. It's definitely a passionate guide for all of us, for everybody.
The Female Masturbation DVD's are an excellent video complement to The Whole Lesbian Sex Book
This book was an all-encompassing guide to female sexuality,
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Subjects:  1. Lesbian Studies    2. Lesbians    3. Love / Sex / Marriage    4. Sex instruction for lesbians    5. Sexual Instruction    6. Sexual behavior    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Social Science / Lesbian Studies   

Reviews (6)

My Kind of Vacation
Megan Maxwell is a workaholic.Anyway, ever since her ex, Rita, dumped her and stripped her of all possessions.She a VP for one of the major networks in Chicago.Her friends badger her into finally taking a 2 week vacation with them to Alaska.They'll be checking out the Last Great Frontier while kayaking and hiking.OHHHHH....Megan is not an outdoors person at all.
Drama! Adventure! Romance!
News Vice President Megan Maxwell is at the top of her game. She's good at her job and she's got the life she wants. So why isn't she happy?In an effort to help, her friends "talk" Megan into accompanying them on vacation...a trip kayaking in Alaska of all places.
Whitewater Fun!
I have been a Kim Baldwin fan from the begining and Whitewater is just another reason to enjoy this excellent writer!I really enoyed the book and liked the characters.I can't wait until Flight Risk comes out in the fall. Hats off to Kim for keeping us entertained! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbian    4. Popular American Fiction    5. Romance - Contemporary    6. Romance - General    7. Modern fiction   

Reviews (24)

Doom for married bisexuals
I came out to my husband five years before he read this book. He didn't believe I was bisexual, but the more often I tried to talk to him about the issue, the further he would shut down. Eventually, he read this book and decided that our marriage was doomed, despite that we had been together for close to twelve years at the time. Our marriage would have been possible to salvage if he'd not read this, bought the propaganda that being married to a bisexual was a disaster, and actually attempted to communicate about the issues both of us were having.
Life saving reading
No one ever expects to hear the words I heard my husband of 11 years say when he sat me down last January and told me he was gay. We had been together for nearly 16 years and have two young children. I was devistated. I went through (and am still going through) extreme emotional rollercoaster girations that left me dizzy. I felt every emotion nearly everyday. I didn't know which way was up. I didn't know what to do, who to talk to, who to trust. Trust was the first thing I started challenging in my day to day life. Friends, family, coworkers... any one I met I wondered if they too were lying to me. It was a destructive mind set that I eventually, through the help of counseling, got over. Like the book mentions, there is a moment when the strait spouse feels t