Reviews (1)

Some real gems in this book
This is a truly wonderful book of poetry.I borrowed it from a college friend eight years ago, and NEVER RETURNED IT.I know, that's really rude, but every time I think about returning it, I can't bear to part with it.Now that I can buy it from Amazon.com, I'll finally return my friend's copy."The Truth About High Heels" is my absolute favorite Poem in the book.Nancy has a wonderful gift of translating life into words.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Feminism    3. Fiction    4. Lesbians    5. Literary collections    6. Poetry    7. Women    8. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (1)

Oooh la la!
My first day on the net ... I didn't just dip my toe in ... I posted a few Chrystos lines from this book and received some mighty powerful responses.This collection is not just erotic poetry ... it is the butch/femme dance done with lust, grace, joy ... a pleasure to behold and even more of a pleasure to share.This book was my first gift to my new love and ahhhh, what a dance it inspired.Chrystos puts it out there blatantly -- let's us see and feel the arousal -- head held high as she twirls in that bright red dress.Take this book to bed and feel the tingle ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. American Contemporary Poetry    3. Lesbians    4. Poetry    5. English    6. Gay & Lesbian studies    7. USA   

Subjects:  1. American - Asian American    2. Asian American gays    3. Gay men    4. General    5. Poetry   

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. California    3. Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies    4. Indian lesbians    5. Indians of North America    6. Lesbian Studies    7. Maidu Indians    8. Poetry   

Reviews (7)

Writers Notes 2004 Book Award Winner
In the form of a refined diary, Avery provides a nearby view of the falling of the World Trade Center. A brief window of ten days reveals the immediacy and raw emotion of a gathering opinion, and as the smoke clears, she passes through panic, fear, grief, and a bit of naivety, while her life, city, and country change forever.

beautiful.moving.
I read this book slowly: it was too compelling to not want to read, too beautiful to stop and too hard to read in one swallow.It is personal and intimate.But it gives a much deeper appreciation of not only one woman's experience of that trauma, but also what the nation must have felt.I recommend it to anyone who wants a personal account of that time.Something much deeper, more heartfelt and ultimately more sane and thoughtful than any kind of "war on terror" reactionary work that might be out there.

"Stay Human"
Ellis Avery's The Smoke Week is an extraordinary book.By turns telegraphic, conversational, intimate, and lyrical -- even, around the edges, a little funny -- she writes of the first hours and days after the destruction of the World Trade Center with an attention to detail and a refusal of clich� that puts most other accounts of those days to shame.It's as though, right there downtown with disaster coming on, she began to observe as carefully and compassionately as she possibly could, to keep herself sane -- and the fine sentences here, the precisely rendered stories, are the result.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Lesbian Studies    3. Literary    4. Personal Memoirs    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. United States - 21st Century    8. United States - General    9. Biography & Autobiography / General    10. Ellis Avery    11. USA    12. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -   

Subjects:  1. Anthologies (multiple authors)    2. Gay & Lesbian    3. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    4. Gays' writings    5. Homosexuality    6. Lesbians' writings    7. Poetry    8. Gay & Lesbian studies    9. Literary Criticism & Collections / General    10. Poetry texts & anthologies   

Editorial Review

This is the new, expanded edition of a groundbreaking volume of poetry first published in 1978, 11 years before Parker's early death of breast cancer. Based in the Bay Area and steeped in the radical politics of the late 1960s, Parker was the contemporary of Audre Lorde, Adrienne Rich, and LeRoi Jones/Amiri Baraka. In her introduction, Cheryl Clarke identifies Parker as a "lead voice and caller" in the lesbian-feminist cultural scene, but chides her for careless editing, as if Parker feared that her vernacular poems would lose their power if she subjected them to cold critique. Her most potent works do rely on an inspired punch line rather than carefully plumed images or language, as in "For Willyce," when she describes making love to a woman: Read more

Reviews (4)

A wonderful lady
I was introduced to this book by a professor at my University.She asked me to make copies of one of the poems.I started reading it and had to have my own copy.I had never heard of her before but I will certainly search for more of her work.All of the poems were excellent.Its a short volume that can be read in one sitting which I highly recommend you do.This lady has been added to my list of favorite poets.I think she put her soul in this book.You must read it.

A true poet of the people
Pat Parker died of cancer in 1989, the year of her 45th birthday. But she left behind a body of poetry in which she celebrated life. Parker wrote directly from and about her experiences as an African-American lesbian and feminist, but her work is relevant to readers regardless of their own gender, ethnic heritage, or sexual orientation. Parker's work sparkles with humor and compassion even while it confronts painful subjects. Poetry to be Read Aloud
Pat Parker is an incredible poet, I had the pleasure of being introduced to, while attending college.She speaks simply, she speaks reality, she speaks energy.I could never read a Pat Parker poem, silently.Her words were meant to be spoken aloud.So, I did and I still do.I recomend her poetry to everyone.You do not have to be black to understand her.You do not have to be a lesbian or a woman, for that matter.She speaks to the soul about a common thread, human frailty. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African American lesbians    2. African Americans    3. American - General    4. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    5. General    6. Lesbian Studies    7. Poetry    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. American English    11. Black studies    12. English    13. Poetry & poets: from c 1900 -    14. USA    15. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (1)

Forty Compelling Stories
Forty Individual Stories of warmth and blessing that cover the history and growth of the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered movement within the Presbyterian Church (USA).Told from the point of view of those who havelived it, one cannot help but find God's Love and Blessing in each of theirlives.All too often, only one side of this complex issue of inclusion isheard, without the fairness of balance.This book makes and excellentattempt at telling the other side.It is non-judgmental, nor is itdefensive.The words written and shared here are done so in love. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bisexual    2. Christian    3. Gay    4. Homosexuality    5. Lesbian    6. Presbyterian Church    7. Transgendered   

Reviews (22)

Sensitive Beauty
Mark Wunderlich is one of the most talented poets of his generation.Period.

A man of profound insight
Having the good fortune to take a class from Mark Wunderlich Ifound him enormously intelligent, familiar with a vast array of poets, and supportive of our many (and sometimes limited) efforts.He was patient and helpful; the perfect teacher.Only after the class had finished did I discover this book of poems that spoke to me in a clear and compelling voice.Reading Continent's Edge my own experience loomed large.His poems about illness are painfully true to what I know in my life.In All That, Stammering he writes so honestly about himself that I caught myself feeling the voyeur.Mark knows a great deal about life as a gay man and a great deal about life as a human being in this first year of the new century.He has much to teach us.

should have worked on this longer
This is a terribly weak collection of poems. Most give the impression of early drafts.He recycles images frequently and you get the feeling that somewhere there is a good poem in there but ultimately the poet is unableto endow the words with the epic poignancy that I am sure he was tryingfor. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. American Contemporary Poetry    3. Gay men    4. Poetry    5. English    6. USA    7. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -   

Subjects:  1. American    2. American - General    3. American Contemporary Poetry    4. Lesbian Studies    5. Poetry   

Reviews (2)

Brilliant
It is so rare to encounter a writer who handles difficult material--life, death, love, joy,--yet does it with a light touch, a unique voice, exquisite prose, and most important, with a wicked sense of humor.Wicked, wicked.Justin Chin is the real thing.

Complex resonance
Rarely does a book of poetry leave a reader with an experience of so many deep mixed emotions: joy, despair, anger, humor, etc. The longer complex poems ("Imagining America", "Little Everest In Your Palm", "Homomonument") contrast sharply with the humorous short prose poems like "Neo Testament" showing the range of Chin's writing ability. Some of the pieces are downright silly, like "Contents Page to the Book of Poems I Have Yet to Write", but that's okay because they provide relief from the heavy weight of a young poet's reflections on mortality. Great reading for times of personal reflection... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Asian American gays    3. Asian American men    4. Asian Americans    5. Gay Studies    6. HIV-positive men    7. Lesbian Studies    8. Poetry    9. Literature of special Gay interest    10. Poetry / Asian    11. Poetry / General    12. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (2)

Safe Sex: On Tidy Endings
The last one act play in Harvey Fierstein's book SAFE SEX is called "On Tidy Endings".I think it is a wonderful play, and I plan to produce and direct it this fall because I feel it explores social acceptance -- or lack thereof -- of homosexuals, and this topic was thrust again into public debate recently by the Supreme Court's recent decision. Two plays by a great gay man
At first, I only knew Harvey Fierstein from the film "Torch Song Trilogy."Then, I've seen him on many TV shows where he plays the overly typecast, essentialist gay man.(Even though I loved his Carl character on "The Simpsons.")Finally, I read this book and it made me realize what an artist, activist, and pioneer he is.This book has two plays about gay men and couples dealing with their identities and loves years into the AIDS crisis.I think it would be a good idea for some producer to get these plays performed nationally. (Maybe someone, probably Harvey, already has and I just don't know it.)Despite his status as stereotype, he truly isa role model and a good guy.Read more

Subjects:  1. AIDS (Disease)    2. American    3. Drama    4. Gay men    5. General    6. Plays    7. Poetry   

Reviews (4)

It has its moments, but they are few.
T. Cole Rachel and Rita D. Costello (eds.) Bend, Don't Shatter: Poets on the Beginning of Desire (Red Rattle Press/Soft Skull Press, 2004)
Direct, Honest, and Admirable
Great art - and in turn, great literature - often possesses a rare quality, the ability to speak on an innate level to its audience, to make the audience feel as if the artist is speaking about an unspoken, universal quality of our own lives. And although it is difficult to say that the poets and poems of Bend Don't Shatter, are attempting some universal or transcendental quality, what they do - and do admirably well - is speak directly and honestly to the book's audience, all with an empathetic understanding.
An amazing, eclectic collection of poetry
This book is full to the brim with beautiful poems that address the confusion of youth. I found it inspiring to read. Any young person would find it hopeful and may be driven to write about their own feeling because of it. I think this a great book for highschool libraries where young people can find it and know that they are not alone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Contemporary Poetry    2. Anthologies (multiple authors)    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Erotic poetry, American    5. Gay youth    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile poetry    8. Poetry    9. Poetry - General    10. Sexual orientation    11. Young adult poetry, American    12. English    13. English literature: poetry texts & anthologies    14. USA   

Reviews (1)

At Last Bryher's first Novels in Print again!
I am thrilled that this title is finally available.It consists of the first two novels by the British author known as Bryher. An amazing and under appreciated author, philanthropist, educator and more. The two novelsare "Development" which has been called "the story of theartist as young dyke" and "Two Selves" a coded-lesbian lovestory.Read more

Subjects:  1. Autobiographical fiction, Engl    2. Autobiographical fiction, English    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - General    5. General    6. Lesbian    7. Lesbians    8. American English    9. Biography: general    10. Literature of special Lesbian interest    11. Modern fiction    12. Other prose: from c 1900 -    13. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Poetry    3. Poetry / Single Author / American    4. 20th Century American Poetry    5. American Contemporary Poetry    6. Gays    7. Love poetry    8. Single Author - American (General)   

Reviews (1)

Good, but has she lost her relevance?
I have long been an admirer of Rich's beautiful poetry and ideas.Even though a male reader, I have found her company through her books over theyears some of the best.However, in this volume, there is a real lack ofvision.Rich comes accross at times like a parody of herself and hercauses--instead of celebrating the victories, she acts as if she is hiddenand on-the-run.This attitude hurts this otherwise interesting book.Hermeditations on aging that appear throughout several poems in this volumeare affecting and exciting, but there is still something missing.Ifyou've never read Rich before, start with the works of the seventies; ifyou have read and loved Rich, then pick this up and settle in with a dear,if slightly crusty, slightly out-of-touch old friend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    3. Lesbian Studies    4. Poetry    5. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (3)

Wow
Emanuel has captured the sometimes cold, sometimes dangerous world of growing up gay, poor, latino and in the ghetto.And from these experiences he has created some of the most powerfully charged poetry around. While reading Americano, I felt a wide range of emotions - I was sad. I was happy. I was angry. I was enlightened. But most of all I was hopeful. And glad that one more of my ghetto brothers has made it.

Excellent
Excellent collection -- an authentic voice, at times wildly lyrical, at other times brutally honest and painful, but always speaking from the heart of poetic passion.

Go, Emanuel!
Emanuel Xavier is a force to be reckoned with. His poetry touches on (or in some cases charges full-force into) the themes of love, sex, Latino culture, religion, and patriotism. Americano is fantastic: the poems heartfelt, personal, brave, and passionate. And sexy. Poetry sexy? Yes, very sexy! Go, Emanuel! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Gay Studies    3. General    4. Poetry   

Reviews (10)

proto-fem/experimentalist
advice: read tender buttons as though you've never read before/as though you're a child being introduced to an english language primer- now create (as participant-reader) with aforesaid text allowing the emergence of"un-meaning" as a sort of distilled thingness. what stein attempted with words/pastiche-paralleled the work of analytic?cubists-proto-objectification that made things of words not (not necessarily)in reference to parrticulars but rather retaining a certain concretized essence.

Ms. Stein fires large dusty electronics daily, how satisfying.
Looking for plot, conflict and character developement? Then move on, this is Gertrude's free-flowing automatic writing.
(un)lost generation
Mimic and talk and write like some kind of Gertrude Stein. We don't know what roots are - rootless - my generation is not lost - we're staying put on the couch where we live. No one can say we're not (or are) expatriate because the shores of our big sea end at the edges of a computer screen - are virtual (and not) reality - no one travels to get there. No hurt feelings (disaffected) because we're all equal - a populist nightmare with the volume turned down. The self-leveling society. Every idea is as good as another is as good as none as all are included. Our defects become differences become diversity become democracy become diluted and die. An eye for an eye made the whole world blind or one-eyed and only some (although they don't want to be singled out) try to make something new something cyclopean (formerly one could say at least but that is pejorative) toward the future but that detracts from the past which we defend on principle only but not in actuality so as soon as we can think of it we'll change that name too but don't pressure us. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Gay    3. Poetry   

Subjects:  1. Gay studies (Gay men)    2. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -