Reviews (1)

raw and riveting
David Wojnarowicz's brief monologues from the street may indeed be somewhat romantic, as one reviewer put it, but they are also raw and riveting because they give readers a glimpse, albeit from Wojnarowizc's perspective, of the dark, rich underside or "other"-side of dominant American life.The monologues describe worlds that only suggest themselves occasionally to most of us, perhaps in the face of a homeless person or a panhandler or a tranny hustler.We tend to forget or blind ourselves to these compelling lives because they may seem so "abnormal" or so "disgusting," especially if they appear to be "chosen" lives, which some are, not just the lives of those who are desperate or despairing or impoverished or mentally ill.Whether the lives are of the latter kind or the former, we need to remember to embrace them as a part of the continuum of all American life, and Wojnarowicz helps us to do that with insight and compassion. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Gay    4. General    5. Short stories    6. Literature of special Gay interest   

Reviews (5)

An overlooked and underrated gem
There are many novels and short stories that never receive the attention they so rightly deserve. Especially this extraordinary piece of literature. I cried, laughed out loud, and cheered on the quirky characters in this collection of short fiction. Harvey writes with an immeasurable amount of determination that I have never seen before. It is two months later and I am still thinking about these characters. That is talent.
yet another review about why EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS
the book explores homosexuality, gender, and transgender themes (among others). Ordinary People?s Extraordinary Lives
Ken Harvey's stories have appeared in numerous literary journals. If You Were With Me Everything Would Be All Right, his first book, collects a baker's dozen. Every story is a polished gem sparkling with insight into ordinary people's extraordinary lives. With quiet dignity lonely characters struggle with the human condition in a world where comic relief is dark, bizarre, and inscrutable.Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Gay    4. General    5. Short Stories (single author)    6. Gay men    7. Homosexuality    8. Modern fiction   

Reviews (2)

Confused
I would like to know if this author is the same author who wrote set the captives free, unbroken curses, vessels of honor!! Ethereal beauty
Rebecca brown's main talent in her writing is being able to portray a feeling of intimacy and love between two people that everyone can relate to. Although the author is in fact a lesbian, you are not able to tell inher stories, because gender does not become an issue. Her use of pronounsand usage is so simple and straight-forward that you find yourself thinkingof your own lover in her terms-whether they are same sex or not.AnnieOakley's Girl gives a glance into this emotionally complex and beautifulworld that she is able to weave. From selfish lovers to being haunted bysomething or someone none of us can seem to find, her stories will staywith you and teach you something as well. It gives both sides of thespectrum: the simple and the twisted versions of what love can become.Iwas spellbound and speechless when I was done.I recommend it to everyone.Her point of view is something we should all recognize at least once. (andthis is a great place to start) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbian    4. Popular American Fiction    5. Short stories    6. Fiction / General    7. Modern fiction   

Reviews (2)

Excellent assortment of authors
Some of the best fiction from the past thru 1990. I can't say who I enjoyed more, although I did buy it initially when I saw that one of the short stories was from the terrific author Lee Lynch.
Offers passionate insights into the lesbian experience ...
28 stunning stories by some of America's best-known Lesbian writers and new voices in lesbian fiction. Not all of these stories are about sex, but all explore relationships and are seen from a point of view not heard from often enough. "... to live, to observe, to write as a lesbian is to live, observe, and write from a position of difference."Stories range from slow and sensual to hot and hard, and appeal to a wide variety of readers, including heterosexuals and couples. Featured writers include: Willa Cather, Sapphire, and Jewelle L. Gomez.In their introduction, the editors say: "Irreverence and exuberance are perhaps at last becoming integrated into the lesbian experience in a manner that will help give still more varied forms to lesbian lives and literature."To find more books of lesbian fiction, along with erotica and sexuality, please visit my Amazon.com Associate Bookstore:http://www.accelnet.com/victoria/bookshelf.html ... Read more

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

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Gay women    4. Jewish fiction    5. Jewish women    6. Lesbians    7. Short Stories (single author)    8. Fiction / General    9. Modern fiction   

Editorial Review

This anthology has a tremendous range. The first story, by Hannah Bleier, begins with a lesbian who gets an infection from a trick and ends with the same woman beating an obnoxious anti-gay neighbor. The prose is tough, lean, pointed. The second story, by Elizabeth Crowell, is about a long-term lesbian couple who discover that the gracious old lady who sits in front of them at the Boston Symphony is a lesbian. It's written with a wit and ease that is about as far as you can get from the first story. Terry Wolverton and Robert Drake, who have edited four other anthologies of queer fiction, have collected an impressive mix of new and established writers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Lesbian    5. Lesbians    6. Lesbians' writings, American    7. Popular American Fiction    8. Women As Authors (American Literature)    9. Women authors    10. Literature of special Lesbian interest    11. Modern fiction    12. Short stories   

Reviews (1)

AGOOD BOOK
I personally had a dificult tine getting into this book,but once I did, Iwanted to finish to see how it ended. ..Not one of my favorite books, butone worth reading.If you liked this book, or want to read one that goesstraight to your heart, read Stolen Moments by Barbara Jeanne Fisher. . .Itisa beautiful story of unrequited love. . .for certain the love story ofthe nineties. I intended to give the book a quick read, but I got so caughtup in the story that I couldn't put the book down. From the very beginning,I was fully caught up in the heart-wrenching account of Julie Hunter'sbattle with lupus and her growing love for Don Lipton. This love, in theface of Julie's impending death, makes for a story that covers the range ofhuman emotions. The touches of humor are great, too, they add some nicecontrast and lighten things a bit when emotions are running high. I'venever read a book more deserving of being published. It has rare depth.Julie's story will remind your readers that life and love are precious andnot to be taken for granted. It has had an impact on me, and for that I'mgrateful. StolenMomentsis written with so much sensitivity that it mademe want to cry. It isa spellbinder. What terrific writing. Barbara doeshave an exceptional gift!This book was edited by Lupus specialist Dr.Matt Morrow too, and has the latest information on that disease. ..Aperfect gift for someone who started college late in life, fell in love toolate in life, is living with any illness, or trying to understand a lovedone who is. . .A Christmas gift to be cherishedforever. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbians    4. Medical novels    5. Popular American Fiction    6. Short Stories (Anthologies)    7. Adventure / thriller   

Reviews (3)

Only connect
This collection of short stories is extraordinary.Unlike other anthologies of gay male fiction, In Another Part of the Forest features work by men and women, gay and straight.English and American fiction dominate but there are also selections by Canadian and Australian writers, and a handful of translated works (from Spanish, French, Japanese, Russian, and Yiddish).The effect is a multi-dimensional book that has true moral value.Modern gay identity can only be understood as kaleidoscopic, always shifting, never reduceable to a single ghettoized form.Yet most gay male short fiction anthologies offer up stories exclusively from the perspective of the gay male author.By illuminating the gay experience not only from within but also from the perspective of the outside observer, Manguel and Stephenson seem to be suggesting that to be gay is also to be part of the wider sphere of being human.So alongside works by the closeted E. M. Forster and the very uncloseted Edmund White, we also have superb selections by Sherwood Anderson and Alice Munro andIssac Bashevis Singer.Another highlight is a lusciously sexy (of course) piece by D. H. Lawrence.The editors also include works from the sci-fi realm, as well as one great crime thriller piece (Marco Denevi's "Michel.")Perhaps the main link between these works is that they are all examples of excellent writing.Most important, however, is the profoundly ethical dimension to this book, in which all the gay men featured do not come off as heroes or victims (some are downright cads), an editorial choice that means to embrace the entire human community, including gays, as equally flawed, and equally deserving of respect and the right to happiness.For myself, "Contact," by John Lonie, an author I was not familiar with, stands out as the most exhilarating story in the book.In it the author illustrates the poignant challenge and the urgent necessity of Forster's mantra: Only connect.Connecting with people unlike oneself seems to be the most difficult thing there is, yet it is fundamental to our survival.And, as this anthology of glorious writing reminds us, once we connect we may discover that we are not so different from each other after all.

More Trees In The Forest Than In Some Other Anthologies
I don't know how Manguel did it. He offers more "variety plus quality" than some or even than many other gay male fiction anthologies. (1) Big and international author-names. Francoise Sagan, AliceMunro, Yukio Mishima, Isaac Basheivis Singer, others.....(2) Nice servingof gay-gay classic writers. E. M. Forster, James Baldwin, TennesseeWilliams, James Purdy, Christopher Isherwood, Edmund White, Truman Capote.(And Denton Welch's overlooked but crisp tale "When IWasThirteen.") (3) Heterosexual American writers. Anderson, O'Hara,Hemingway, oh and John Cheever.... A classic collection of gay fiction
In Another Part of the Forest is a must buy for the Collector of gay literature. Manguel and Stephenson have assembled an anthology of gay short fiction by some of the worlds most reknowned authors that depicts the role of the homosexual in the course of recent history. At times sad and frustrating these stories expose the bigotry and hatred spawned by prejudice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Gay men    3. Homosexuality    4. Sexuality In Literature    5. Short stories    6. World Short Story Collections    7. Non-Classifiable   

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbian    4. Lesbians    5. Popular American Fiction    6. Short stories   

Reviews (11)

This Hamburger is juicy
As one who has weak interest in reading about Arab-Israeli politics, finding one's fatih, or mother/son relationships, it took a lot for me to decide to settle down with this book. But I was redeemed with a refreshing read well outside of the typical gay-novel niche.
A very accomplished first novel about Michiganders passages to Isreal
Faith for Beginners involves a Michigander Jewish family (mother, father, gay son) on a package tour of Israel. The father, who had been a clinical psychologist, has terminal cancer. His wife and son have erotic/romantic adventures in Israel. Helen Michaelson's is with a very hirsute rabbi who migrated from the US and is leading the tour along with his mother.
Basically lame
This is a quick, easy read, but it's generally pretty lame. The characters are extremely contrived and not very believable -- especially the rabbi. It's the Jewish fictional equivalent of a chick lit beach book with a dash of spiritual modern Judaism peppered in. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americans    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Gay college students    5. General    6. Israel    7. Jewish American Novel And Short Story    8. Literary    9. Middle class families    10. Popular American Fiction    11. Short Stories (single author)    12. Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. English Short Story Collections    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Gay    5. Gay men    6. Short Stories (single author)    7. Fiction / Gay    8. Literature of special Gay interest    9. Short stories   

Subjects:  1. American Short Story Collections    2. Fiction    3. Lesbians    4. Lesbians' writings, American    5. Short stories, American    6. Women As Authors (American Literature)    7. Women authors    8. English    9. Literary studies: general    10. Literature of special Lesbian interest    11. Modern fiction    12. Short stories    13. USA   

Editorial Review

Twenty years ago lesbian fiction thrived in a number of independently produced, alternative literary journals. Many of those journals have since folded, leaving fewer places for short fiction to appear. Susan Fox Rogers's Read more

Reviews (2)

Eclectic reading
I have to say that I was greatly impressed by the diverse content of this anthology. I bought Close Calls six months ago, and have read it several times since. In many of the stories, I find things in the main character's personality, life, or problems that I can relate to. I would recommend it firsthand for a good read - lesbian, straight, or otherwise - as it offers glimpses into aspects of our lives that even some of us would not think of.

Evocative and poetic.
The reviewers have said it well:"Rogers's criterion for selection was unpublished stories that kept her glued to her seat -- in this case, an appropriate description for a collection that is without exception well written, original, and compelling."(Library Journal)"'. . .[T]he stories in this collection encompass all the possibilities of the form in general, yielding some delightful results.... With very few exceptions, the tales here are of high literary quality."'(Publisher's Weekly). . ."Close Calls provides a revealing survey of lesbian lives -- young and old; black, white, and Asian -- and deserves to find an audience of both lesbian and mainstream readers." (Booklist) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthologies (multiple authors)    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Lesbian    5. Literature of special Lesbian interest    6. Modern fiction    7. Short stories   

Reviews (3)

Pop Shelf, Not Top Shelf
D. J. Murphy's book of short stories, "Sons Like Me" failed to distinguish itself from the caliber of the writing of a couple of the (popular) contemporary African-American gay authors. If you are starved for books reflecting the lives of brothers "in the life" and want to support African-American gay authors so much so that you're willing to purchase "pulp fiction", then this book may be just your taste. As with works by other authors of this genre that I've read, the writing here is not "characterized by skill, lucidity and polish" (one of Webster's definitions of "literate"). The plot lines and character development have some merit. I gave this book two stars (instead of one) only because I've seen worse. What do I know, though? Other books in this vein are pop sensations.

Eye Opening and Entertaining
This author has managed to fit several issues within the Black Same Gender Loving Community all in the same book.It is informative and entertaining from start to finish.Once I started reading, I couldn't stop until I was done.I am looking forward to D.J. Murphy's next book.

All About US!!!
This Author has done a great job in his short stories in bring out the good and the bad about black gay men.Unlike many other authors he did not water down anything from sex to what really happens to gay men.The characters are real and any one can relate to these character reguardless if you are gay or not.I Strongly recommend this book to anyone who runs across this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Gay Studies    4. Short Stories (single author)    5. Gay studies (Gay men)   

Subjects:  1. English Short Story Collections    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Gay    5. Modern fiction    6. Short stories   

Reviews (6)

Anyone can get published, doesn't mean everyone should...
I've had the misfortune to come into constant contact with Blanche Boyd seeing that she's a professor at my college. She berates students' work if it doesn't match her narrow definition of what "good" writing is and trashes well known authors, probably because she is nowhere near as successful. She is self-absorbed and abrasive, as is this book. Do yourselves a favor and DON'T waste your time on it.

She's the Real Deal
Years ago I came across this book and found it to be one of the most authentic, funny, and enjoyable reads in a long while.It remains one of my favorites.As a Southerner, I can attest that Blanche gets it right.As a straight male, I find her perspective refreshing and her humor irresistible. I feel the same about her novels.No pressure Blanche,but when is the next one coming out?

Horrible and tasteless
I will not waste time with a plot rehashing. This book was a nouveux piece of trash.I had the unfortunate experience of not only reading this book but being is Ms. Boyd's creative writing class at Connecticut College.I feel the author garnishes attention toward her writing by attempting towrite outlandish plots...she conducted herclass the sameway...anything for attention, Blanch.I am an avid reader of literatureand this book hardly qualifies.Superficial it is.If you would like toread a good book revolving around the south, I recommend anyone of thefollowing, YaYa Sisterhood, New Orleander, Crazy Ladies, or DorothyAllison's work.Do not waste your precious time reading these pointlessattempts at humor and life.I would have given this negative starsbut I could not.Most people are not amused by the brash, senseless,and pathetic tone of this book.As I said before, it hardly qualifies asliterature...maybe a 90's version of a Danielle Steel novel. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1945-    2. 20th century    3. Authors, American    4. Biography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Boyd, Blanche M.,    7. Fairy Tales, Folklore & Mythology    8. Fiction    9. Lesbians    10. Literary    11. United States    12. Women    13. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs    14. Boyd, Blanche M    15. Modern fiction    16. Short stories   

Reviews (1)

A Most Excellent Collection

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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. American fiction    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - General    5. Gay    6. Gay men    7. Lesbians    8. Short Stories (Anthologies)    9. Sociology   

Reviews (2)

Once upon a time, to tell your lover for a goodnight.
Cashorali takes the old well known tales and shifts them the little to the pink side and makes them a little treasure, so close to gay men's livesthey never were. Sometimes simple, sometimes touching, but always with thatdeep, eternal wisdom the original tales had as well.With "the QueerGarment", a remake of "the emperors new clothing", he adds arefined ending to the plot and it seems as if he tells the true story, oneHans Christian Andersen never dared to tell.

Nice to hear gay themes in fairy tales
I liked this book.I've always had an interest in fairy tales and the different ways that various cultures tell the same stories.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adaptations    2. Fairy tales    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - General    5. Gay    6. Gay men    7. Popular American Fiction    8. Short Stories (Anthologies)    9. Folklore    10. Literature of special Gay interest    11. Myth & legend told as fiction   

Reviews (1)

A different world
With a subtle and graceful precision, Jones renders the lives of gay men and boys in Wales and of Welsh heritage. Through varying viewpoints, he explores notions of family, homophobia, coming out, and more in this excellent collection of short stories. Some of the stories tease and beg for more, and there are a few that are just not as compelling as others. All told, this is a remarkable book that will interest anyone curious about other cultures. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Gay    4. Gay men    5. Gay youth    6. Short Stories (single author)    7. Wales    8. Literature of special Gay interest    9. Short stories   

Reviews (1)

Transcendentally Excellent
I saw that this book had not yet been reviewed. It was so good that I had to try to encourage others to pick it up. I read it at work & many of my co-workers could not understand how a book on AIDS could be good. It must be too depressing. Well, yes. It is sad. But so is Long Days Journey into Night, Anne Frank's Diary & many other works of an enduring nature. Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Literature of special Gay interest    3. Modern fiction    4. Short stories