Reviews (2)

top-notch collection of short stories
Bestselling Irish native Emma Donoghue (SLAMMERKIN) delivers a top-notch collection of 19 short stories featuring a variety of everyday characters caught in the middle of the unexpected. On the surface, each offering is grouped according to one of five themes: Babies, Domesticity, Strangers, Desire, and Death. On a deeper level, these broadly defined boundaries intersect throughout many of the stories, as they often do in reality, creating a series of snapshots that are both unique and true to life.
"Perhaps discretion was the better part of motherhood, after all."

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Subjects:  1. English Canadian Novel And Short Story    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Gay    5. Lesbian    6. Short Stories (single author)    7. Fiction / Short Stories (single author)   

Reviews (7)

The final story...
I really loved this book - it grabbed me from the beginning to end. Its so much more than "lesbian fiction". The last story where her mother dies, had me cold. It really made me feel so depressed and sad that I had to call home just to hear a voice I knew. That part...its harrowing.
Highly dissapointed
I purchased this book with the intention of reading gritty tales of growing up in the South, not lesbian porn.I do not have a problem with Ms. Allison's sexual preference; some of what she had to say about being a lesbian was interesting.However, I found this book to be pornographic and disgusting.I did not realize that 80% of this book was detailed sexual encounters.For example, one story describes her partner urinating on her face. I do not recommend this book.

i am fat from the honey of her prose
This book is hot. There is heat, and there is fire. I agree with others...the later stories do not compel as the early. Even in "River of Names," the scenes between the persona and the lover make me cringe--it seems like too much of a Device. Without those parts, "River of Names" is layered and astonishing. Sure, shocking, too, if your childhood is not full of dead cousins, but I am using "astonishing" to describe the grace of Allison's prose. She picks you up and drops you into each episode...lets you fall through it like you're in it. Only to catch (you, caught, are breathless) and drop again. "Gospel Song" is the real heat. So hot you oughta know it'll end with real flames. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbian    4. Lesbians    5. Literary    6. Poor women    7. Short Stories (single author)    8. Social life and customs    9. Southern States    10. Working class women    11. Fiction / Lesbian   

Reviews (16)

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Maybe viewed as a sociological document, the book can be viewed as of some value.Ms. Tea documents about a decade of her life 14-24.Grew up in Boston area, seemed able to run into Boston and hang out with various crowds.Lots of drinking, living a "wild" life, I guess.Her boyfriend Ian, with whom sex was a chore.Moving into a lesbian life, which it almost appears she wills herself into because she does not seem to develop any sort of deep emotional attachment.She works some; has girlfriends; Lize gets her into whoring and they become a couple.Back and forth to Tucson a couple of times.Denouement, of sorts.
Not for everyone
The typos and run-on sentences were killing me, but this memoir was hard to put down and definitely worth my time.

worth a read if you like ms. tea
although this wasn't a life changing, earth shattering book by any means i thought it was worth my time.it was fun and personable.a good first attempt and worth a read when you consider the effect she has had on young, queer liturature.don't expect perfect prose or classic liturature, but if you're looking to kill a few hours with a "querky" queer gal or want to read the debut by the author of valencia, than give this book a shot. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boston (Mass.)    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Lesbians    5. Literary    6. Short Stories (single author)    7. Modern fiction    8. Other prose: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (4)

Moving and Strong
The title story is just devastatingly beautiful.I've read and heard many stories about coming to the United States from Cuba, but this one so vividly conveys the emotions of discovery and loss that a part of being anexile, I wept.I teach a course on US Latino Literature, and I will nowask my students to read this.And anyone else I can convince.

A great mix of fun stories
I loved this work from Obejas.It was such a fast read that I read it again.If you look beyond the surface, you see a world that many will relate to in their own lives...maybe not in whole, but at least partially.

important topics, poor writing
The important topics that Abejas broaches can not override the overall flawed structure, lazy sentences, and underdeveloped characters.Lousy writing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cuban American women    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. General    5. Lesbians    6. Short stories    7. Modern fiction   

Reviews (15)

An Author's gift to her readers

Kallmaker's continuations
These stories are not really sequels, but continuations of and additions to all of Kallmaker's novels published to this point. What a Treat!
For those of you out there who are fans of Kallmaker's, you MUST read this book.It's so much fun to see where your favorite characters end up.If you haven't read any of Kallmaker's books yet, read the other ones first and then get this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbian    4. Romance - Contemporary    5. Romance - Short Stories    6. Literature of special Lesbian interest    7. Short stories   

Reviews (3)

Spotted an author I wanted to read in the Table of Contents

Excellent lesbian fiction
A wonderful and diverse mix of stories in one anthology. This book isn't breathless declarations and slurpy kissing, these stories are thoughtful, emotive, sometimes funny, sometimes wry, sometimes poignant, but always entertaining. Took My Breath Away
This book really took my breath away.The first story in the book, Lucy Jane Bledsoe's "The Breath of Seals" was amazing...sweet, subtle, with believable characters I related to.There's something in this book for everyone, whether you're jaded about lesbian love, just starting a relationship, or are an old hat at the lesbian love game.The writing is top-notch and the stories aren't saccharine. Some of my favorite lesbian writers - including Karin Kallmaker and Leslea Newman - also have really lovely, well-written pieces in this book.Not fluff!The real stuff!Now I want to buy the 2003 volume.Also - look on the last page of the book. The editor is sooo cute!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthologies (multiple authors)    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Lesbian    5. Lesbians    6. Lesbians' writings, American    7. Love stories, American    8. Romance - General    9. Fiction / Anthologies (multiple authors)    10. Literature of special Lesbian interest    11. Modern fiction    12. Short stories   

Reviews (15)

A black lesbian bookshelf basic
This book unites the coming out experiences of black women from different socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds.
Thanks to the author
I'm still reading this book and it has brought many good things to light for me.I'm sending my copy to a friend so she can read it and understand more things about herself.

Great book!
Readers will absolutely love this book.It is filled from cover to cover with great stories.I've read some of the stories more than once.Read more

Subjects:  1. African American authors    2. African American lesbians    3. Coming out (Sexual orientation    4. Coming out (Sexual orientation)    5. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    6. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - Lifest    7. Fiction    8. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    9. Lesbian Studies    10. Short stories, American    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. Modern fiction    14. USA   

Editorial Review

The 25 stories in Read more

Reviews (2)

An honest, subtle book to read during a rainstorm
I bought this book because I wasn't interested in the "Erotic Lesbian" anthologies that seem to dominate the gay and lesbian fiction section. It was a pleasant surprise. I have devoured this book like ice cream on a hot day. Every story (I can think of only one exception- "Shelling Peas"-too much "telling" and too preachy) had a unique voice and honest tone. I have found something to relate to in each separate story. "If This Were..." was exceptionally clever, "Swing Shift" was timely, "The View From Inside" had me laughing out loud, "Members of the Wedding" had me crying, "Wood" was a moving novella. Most lesbians will find something in each story to take with them. If you enjoy reading lesbian stories that are subtle, yet have many layers to them, this is the book to buy.

Slightly the "dumb blond" version of a book
Besides the story with the rabbit, "Bunrab" which was very amusing, the rest are moreless boring. It was a dissapointment after "Tasting life twice", which I have found absolutely 5 stars. Iguess I was hoping for something "heavier"... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Short Story Collections    2. Anthologies (multiple authors)    3. Fiction    4. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    5. Lesbian    6. Lesbians    7. Lesbians' writings, American    8. Literature - Classics / Criticism    9. Short stories, American    10. Women As Authors (American Literature)    11. Women authors    12. English    13. Fiction / Anthologies (multiple authors)    14. Literature of special Lesbian interest    15. Modern fiction    16. Short stories    17. USA   

Reviews (1)

funny,lighthearted and truthful
This was the first book I have read since high school. I was so engrossed with the stories and words that I just couldn't put it down. What usually takes me weeks to read only took me 4 days. I always look for more books bythis talented writer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbian    4. Lesbians    5. Popular American Fiction    6. Short Stories (single author)    7. Young women    8. Modern fiction   

Editorial Review

The 11 short stories and one novella in Read more

Reviews (3)

A pinch of laughter, a dash of love, .....
Can't say enough about this book. The stories in this collaboration of short stories will leave you wanting more, so make sure you have another one of the authors books handy.there are so many aspects of lesbian life being paid tribute to in this book.The jewish woman were the funniest story, and then there were stories that will make you cry, ones that will make you think, ones that will make you hate characters, and love them at the some time.An awesome collection.Everyone should own this book.

You'll never think of eggs the same way again.....
I've read this book twice, and loaned it out to a girlfriend and she read it twice also!It is amazing to me that Leslea Newman can authentically speak in so many different voices about so many different issues. Shetackles old age, menopause, lesbian bed death, infidelity, love...and thereare some great sex scenes, although I don't know about all those raweggs....

I'll read it again!
Having read Leslea Newman's "Out of the Closet and Nothing to Wear", I was expecting this book to also be fluffy and fun.On the contrary, it was a well-written selection of short stories of excellentquality.I've already read the book twice and will read it again.Shetouches on many issues: Jewishness, old age, lesbian bed death, anger,family, tradition, and lots and lots of love.It is amazing that one womancan deftly tell the stories of so many different women. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. General    5. Lesbian    6. Lesbians    7. Popular American Fiction    8. Social life and customs    9. United States    10. Literature of special Lesbian interest    11. Modern fiction    12. Short stories   

Reviews (4)

Bananamania continues
I can only say that these two stories are up to par with Banana's older books like Kitchen.Just read it.

Of Stone and Fruit

When death comes along
Yoshitmoto's new book (actually composed of two short stories) is about the human reaction when death comes along. It reveals our weakness to reject it and the urge for bravery and perspective to deal with it, as a living human being.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbian    4. Literary    5. Literature (General)    6. Short Stories (single author)    7. Short Story   

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbian    4. Lesbians    5. Fiction / Lesbian    6. General & Literary Fiction    7. Literature of special Lesbian interest    8. Short stories   

Reviews (4)

Tasty Morsels of Love
Stories of love, loss and affection are finely written in CALLALOO & OTHER LESBIAN LOVE TALES. LaShonda K. Barnett book consists of 17 tasty morsels, each one portraying a distinct flavor of black lesbian love.
Youthful fumbling, adult taboo.
Sixteen shorts are offered to us in LaShonda K. Barnett's first book titled Callaloo & Other Lesbian Love Tales. Many of the lesbian theme books available do not show the positive side of loving another women; the tender moments shared in a way that Callaloo does. Most of the stories in these 197 pages are from another era; a time when it was taboo to love another woman. Each story fills me with pride and appreciation for those who paved the way for us. This is good stuff!
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading her second book, "JAM!". This book gives you a look into the lives of African American lesbians, and touches on interracial issues as well.Ifound it to be passionate, thought provoking and real. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    4. Lesbian    5. Lesbians    6. Love stories, American    7. Literature of special Lesbian interest    8. Short stories   

Reviews (4)

Interesting collection of erotic vampire stories
I'm always on the quest for a good vampire novel. I have read my fair share of good vampire books and atrocious vampire books. My favorite are Anne Rice's vampire chronicle series. I first stumbled upon Pam Keesey with her first collection "Daughters of Darkness". I was curious when I saw a picture of Kim Deal reading this book in a local magazine several years ago. When I came across the book, I thought I would check it out. Being a big vampire fan, I am extremely open-minded about this particular subject matter. In this case, I thought the idea of lesbian vampires was intriguing. Fantastic lesbian vampire fiction!
This book was awesome.The stories were diverse and exciting, all containing the common thread of lesbian vampires.Many were erotic (though that was not the point of the book), and all had good action in them.If you haven't read this book, and its companion Daughters of Darkness, you're missing out on the best lesbian vampire fiction around.

Not scary.Not erotic.Disappointing.
This book was the sequel to Pam Keesey's other lesbian vampire anthology, "Daughters of Darkness", which was actually a better collection.Both books, however, suffer from too much lesbian politics and not enoughraw eroticism.Maybe that's because Pam solicits her stories from theserious "women's issues" oriented writers who are fine in theirway but can't write erotica worth a damn!VAMPIRES DON'T LOOK FORCONSENTING PARTNERS TO SHARE THEIR FEELINGS WITH!They're rapacious andevil and prey on the young & beautiful.These stories could easily becreative & imaginative and incredibly hot... but they're NOT, at leastnot the majority of them.But if you're looking for an ideological studyof feminist lesbian thought, then I heartily recommend you purchase thisbook! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Horror    3. Horror - General    4. Horror tales, American    5. Lesbian    6. Lesbian vampires    7. Lesbians    8. Lesbians' writings, American    9. Literature of special Lesbian interest    10. Modern fiction    11. Short stories   

Reviews (2)

Romantic and Hot!
This is the kind of book you want to read with your lover in the room, or better yet, to your lover. You won't be able to finish it. You have 4 novellas that build on each other but are complete by themselves. The editing could have been better and it was a little distracting when "then" was used instead of "than" so many times. But, honestly, the sex was so hot and plentiful that it more than made up for the distraction. This is not erotica but romance in it's purest sense. I loved it.

Four romances - four first times - what's not to love?

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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbian    4. Romance - Adult    5. Romance - Contemporary    6. Short Stories (single author)    7. Short stories   

Subjects:  1. American Short Story Collections    2. Canada    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - General    5. General    6. Lesbians    7. Lesbians' writings, Canadian    8. Short stories, Canadian    9. Social life and customs    10. Sociology   

Reviews (12)

Great stories, well-chosen
One of the best horror anthologies I have ever come across. Really well-chosen, well-written stories. Starts off with a bang with NIGHTGUARD and keeps getting better. HEY, FAIRY! is a great story. Real imagination here, all through the book. Can't wait for the sequel!

A Superb Achievement!
I loved this book! The stories were first-rate, including work by some of the best-known and accomplished horror writers in the field, including Michael Marano, Douglas Clegg, Caitlin R. Kiernan, and Brian Hodge. The stories ran the gamut from vampires and werewolves and ghosts, to more eclectic supernatural slitherings. The advantage of being the first book of this kind ever ("Bending The Landscape" is also good, though it came later than "Queer Fear") is that it breaks the ground and claims it as its own. This book, after all, was a finalist for two Lambda Literary Awards and a Spectrum Award. On the downside, there's somethingabout a book like this that seems to exacerbate homophobia and jealousy in some readers, some of whom have reviewed it online (proving that if you can't write or edit yourself--or are a bigot--you can always diss a book online). I advise readers to that (...) and get to "Queer Fear," post-haste. I only wish editor Michael Rowe (who also edited the vampire books "Sons of Darkness" and "Brothers of the Night") had contributed some of his own work. I've read his non-fiction in "Fangoria" and "Rue Morgue," and his fiction in the "Northern Frights" series. It rocks! Oh, well...maybe next time...hope there's a sequel!

Bursts of excellence
After reading some of the other reviews I felt compelled to throw in my 2 cents.The various reviewers are all over the map from "LOVED IT ALL" to "IT SUCKED" - which is to be expected in any collection of short stories, and while there were some that I thought should have been omitted, there are others that more than make up for it.I am a fan of the horror genre, and gay which of course means I'm the core audience for this book and probably a little biased - that said, I truly enjoyed most of the stories in this collection... Notably - Genus Loci, Bear Shirt, The Spark and Piercing Men.I also enjoyed The Goodbye, though it was far from Queer Fear and many would argue should not have been included, it was a nice "palatte cleanser" in the mix. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Horror    3. Gay    4. Gays' writings, American    5. Gays' writings, Canadian    6. Horror - Anthologies    7. Horror tales, American    8. Horror tales, Canadian    9. Lesbians    10. Fiction / Horror    11. Horror & ghost stories    12. Modern fiction    13. Short stories   

Reviews (3)

Glad I spotted an author I wanted to read
I picked this up when I spotted an author that always delivers a terrific story -
If you only buy one lesbian anthology, make it this one.
This has to be my favorite lesbian anthology of the year, and each year it doesn't disappoint. Once again, Angela Brown has assembled a collection of fine authors, writing some of the best lesbian fiction around. Stories are varied. The opener is a cheeky tale about an author trying to seduce her editor through the story line of her novel.Another one that made me chuckle aloud was a gloriously wicked story about two (...)driving to a Star Trek convention. But the majority of stories are reflective rather than uproarious, poignant and emotive tales, for the most part finely-crafted and incredibly readable. My personal favorites were "The Accident" by Mary Vermillion, a subtle little gem full of parallels and allusions, "Parting Agents" by Carol Guess with its poetic language, and "Dublin Buy & Sell" by Maggie Kinsella, a tale of unfolding love with a straight woman. Contributions by well-known lesbian authors Judith Nichols, Rakelle Valencia, and Karin Kallmaker certainly don't disappoint either. In all, out of 23 stories, there were only two that I failed to find engrossing--a pretty impressive percentage for any anthology

Sex Plus Heart and Soul
Best Lesbian Love Stories 2005 is a collection of well-written prose by a variety of national and international authors, including one from Ireland who has a wonderful sense of humor. These stories evoke well-drawn, believable characters that exhibit a compelling range of emotional depth. Yes, the majority of them are lesbians but they are also daughters, caretakers, mothers, sisters, and above all human beings who struggle, along with everyone else, to do the best they can and have a good life. The last story of the collection, Attempts At Rescue, combines three love stories - one involves an elderly man and woman, the second this elderly woman and her granddaughter and the third embraces the budding awareness of the granddaughter's sexuality as well as her first love relationship with another woman. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's eloquent contextualization of the three "types" of love that work together to suggest a few of the commonalities relevant to the human experience. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbian    4. Lesbians    5. Love stories, American    6. Romance - Contemporary    7. Romance - General    8. Fiction / Lesbian    9. Literature of special Lesbian interest    10. Romance    11. Short stories   

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbian    4. Vancouver (B.C.)    5. Fiction / Lesbian    6. Literature of special Lesbian interest    7. Short stories   

Reviews (1)

Best read ever.
This gave me a fulfilling insight in the lifestyles of lesbian lovers. I recommend this text for anyone interested in life.Especially our beloved First Lady whos lifetime commitment to these issues is unprecedented. Love, CT ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Lesbian Studies    2. Social Science    3. Sociology    4. American English    5. Fiction anthologies & collections    6. Short stories