Editorial Review

Paul Monette first made a name for himself in 1978 with his debut novel, Read more

Reviews (45)

Taps into the rage many of us felt growing up gay
I give this book 5 stars because of the intimate way in which I related to the story told here. I am not sure if a non-gay person would enjoy this quite as much, although I'm sure they would find it a worthwhile read. An important read, really, for straight and gay alike, because it explains by example how many of us felt violated and suppressed growing up in a society that had little tolerance for homosexuality. True, things have changed now, (though not enough), but this book details the state of growing up gay in 20th century America, and all that it entailed, written lavishly and flowingly.

Not incredibly written, but profoundly important
As a twenty year old heterosexual male I found this book to very insightful. Monette illuminates both the sturglles and the shame of the homosexual community. I understood that it was hard to be gay, but this book has really helped to show me that this strife comes not from any inherent feeling attached to homosexuality but is a result instead of the prejudice and hate of the public, many of whom are supposed closet cases. I think that eventually America's continuing and blatant homophobia will be seen in the same light that we now view the cross burning and racial pogroms that dominated our contry for centuries. I wish you all strength and courage in your battle against these evil forces. Thank you.

Important text in gay literature
Becoming a Man is the National Book Award winning memoir by Paul Monette, and was a landmark text in the literature associated with HIV. This book was, in many ways, the "little book that could," beating out such non-fiction heavyweights as David McCullough for the NBA.
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Subjects:  1. 20th Century American Novel And Short Story    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Gay Studies    6. Gay men    7. General    8. Homosexuality    9. Monette, Paul    10. Social Science    11. United States   

Reviews (11)

Dear me, I think I might be gushing...
I'm a bit of a sex nerd; consequently I read a lot of instruction manuals.Of the ones I've seen, Fairy Butch's The Ultimate Guide To Strap-On Sex was the most useful and eye-opening, not just on the subject of strap-ons, but of sex toys in general, genderplay, lube (includes a section rating 30 or so lubes for texture and taste!), and communication.
good guide but could use more drawings
In 13 chapters Karlyn Lotney, otherwise known as Fairy Butch, gives us a good guide on how to use strapons. The focus is on women so there isn't so much really enough about men to call it "the ultimate". While there are some images there need to be more to help those trying to figure how to use them and especially on the positions you can use because a strapon is never in the same position as biological penis. A good book to help someone start out and feel more comfortable. It even includes very rare topics such as clit pumping. "101 Sex Toys" is a better guide to dildos and the equipment but this is a good solid place to start exploring strapons.

It's good but not...quite...great
Karlyn Lotney, aka Fairy Butch, has deployed hir extensive experience as a columnist to write this book. I decided to buy the book after spending a weekend reading Fairy Butch archives on http://planetout.com. Sadly, the book didn't go far beyond what I had already read, much of it is reproduced verbatim from hir column. For those of you out there low on cash, I recommend reading hir column archives and forgetting this book. Read more

Subjects:  1. Gay men    2. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    3. Lesbians    4. Love / Sex / Marriage    5. Sex instruction for gay men    6. Sex instruction for lesbians    7. Sexual Instruction    8. Sexual behavior    9. Sex & sexuality   

Reviews (9)

Whatever!
I don't know about anyone else but I do not know to many gay men that are into animal sex, yes I said animal sex - who in the hell thought it would be okay to put that in a book??An ordinary straight person would pick this book up and see that and deffintly say we are all sex addicts!I do have to give the book a lot credit it covers a lot of ground but some in very little detail and some in great detail.I just think they could of done better!

More of a gay book than gay sex book
First of all, this book is not for lesbians (In case you can't tell by the cover). This book does a good job at previewing a diverse collection of topics related, some only mildly related, to gay sex. It covers just about every aspect of gay sex you could think of however, it does not cover them in much depth. If your looking for a book that is going to tell you how to blow your boyfriends mind with a innovative trick under the sheets, this is not the book for you. If does cover a lot of sexual tips and techniques, but just about all of that information you probably already know, or can find online for free. Every now and then there is some new or obscure information that is quite interesting and the section at the back of the book listing gay related websites and book references is handy.
A Must read!!! LOTS of info!
I absolutely loved this book! It was chalk-full of clearly presented, mostly objective information. There wasnt preachy like some books can be... It was very objective, gave u the option of assigning ur own opinion... The only preachiness was of things that could be hazardous to your physical/mental health. The authors have a very optimistic attitude toward sex, which is extremely refreshing, and they basically say that if you follow safe sex guidelines and avoid people, places, and situations that might cause unsafe sex, u can lead a satisfying and healthy sex life.Read more

Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. Gay men    3. Gender Studies    4. Homosexuality    5. Homosexuality, Male    6. Sex instruction for gay men    7. Sexual behavior    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Social Science / Gay Studies   

Reviews (1)

How homosexuality was cured!
This is an important book for anyone interested in how the diagnosis of homosexuality was dropped by the American Psychiatric Association in 1993.The author of this book gives a reasonable history of the events leading up to that decision and through interviews with psychiatrists who both supported and opposed the decision, illustrates the political nature of using medical diagnoses to determine what constitutes normal and abnormal behavior. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. History    3. Medical    4. Mental Illness    5. Psychiatry - General    6. Psychology    7. Psychopathology - General    8. History of Science and Medicine, Philosophy of Science    9. Homosexuality    10. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / History    12. Psychology & Psychiatry / Pathological Psychology    13. Psychology-History    14. Psychology-Mental Illness    15. Sociology, Social Studies   

Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. Heterosexuality    3. Homosexuality    4. Human Sexuality    5. Lesbianism    6. Philosophy    7. Sex    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - General    11. Cultural studies    12. Gender studies    13. Sexual behaviour    14. Social Science / Lesbian Studies   

Reviews (4)

This book will be remembered...
REVIEWED BY: Francis A. Martin, Ph.D.
Perfectly describing how I feel about kids
I not a big reader but I just got it tonight and finished it.I am touched by what he says in his book because it's how I am feeling. All You Need is Love
I'm not a big reader - can barely keep up with the newspaper and my work stuff. One reason I liked this book is that people like me can make time for it.It's short, to the point, and got me crying at least twice during the first three chapters.Like the author I'm a single gay guy still figuring out gay men, hoping for that monogamous never-ending relationship. This book showed that although being a father would probably be easier if part of a couple, the biggest qualification is a strong desire to be a father.Clearly not all men (gay or straight) are cut out for it, but Kevin proves that one's sexual orientation does not bear on his ability to be a dad.If I adopt I will pick up this book, probably cry again as I extract just the how-to parts, unable to avoid parts that choked me up.It's a great primer - one that doesn't overwhelm you with too much detail yet has all the necessities.Think of the barriers Kevin had - (1) gay, (2) single, (3) male, (4) adopting in a faraway developing country (5) doing it a second time.This man clearly has guts and, you'll see from all his preparation, was made to be a father - a role model.Through his story and guide, he makes easy what till now I would not have thought possible.Although the book's target is gay men, it's an inspiration for anyone contemplating parenthood. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (Kevin P.)    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family/Marriage    5. Gay Studies    6. Gay adoption    7. Gay fathers    8. McGarry, Kevin    9. Parenting - Fatherhood    10. Parenting - Single Parent    11. Sociology - Marriage & Family    12. Advice on parenting    13. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Reviews (1)

A Genealogy of Queer Theory
From experts to beginners, Bill Turner provides the key to knowing how queer theory began and evolved.This historian and queer theorist maps the various themes and directions the major writers took while founding his book on the essential thoughts of Michel Foucault.This book helps keep my studies on track.I would help a novice gain a perceptive overview. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    3. Gays    4. Gender Studies    5. History    6. Homosexuality    7. Identity    8. Lesbianism    9. Philosophy    10. Sociology    11. United States - General    12. Gay & Lesbian studies    13. USA   

Reviews (1)

Disperesed yet good
Good book. Warner's reflections on the public(S) is helpful and enlightening, both for media students but also relevant across disciplines. The variety of the essay topics, however, disables readers to be interested in the whole book in a uniform way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. Gender Studies    3. Social Science    4. Sociology    5. Cultural studies    6. Gay & Lesbian studies    7. Social Science / Gay Studies    8. Social theory   

Editorial Review

A candid memoir of Vidal's first 40 years of life. Hisfamous skills as a raconteur, his forthrightness, and his wicked wit are brilliantly at work in these recollections of a difficult family, talented friends, and interesting enemies. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Unlikeable
Gore Vidal is pretty unlikeable and it's hard to finish a book about someone so unlikeable.He's a very cold fish.The first 2/3s of the book are depressing to read, the last 1/3 with some info on the Kennedys is more interesting but not worth the journey.

Dry As Old Sticks
How could anyone who lived such an interesting life write such a boring book? (...)It's like the only point of this memoir is to score points off his contemporaries. And in so doing, further puff up his already inflated ego.
Actually 4.5 Stars!!!!
A fine memoir from one of America's best writer. I have read and re-read this book and each time found something new that I haven't noticed before. Reading this is like being privy to some really good gossip. Like you are in the presence of Mr. Vidal himself, and he is telling you the most interesting stories of his life. When I first read this, I thought that there is no way a person could have known so many famous people that we call legends today. My favorite chapter is the one on Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsburg. This is a must read for all Vidal fans. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Gay Studies    3. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    4. Literary    5. Social Science    6. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (1)

Fun fun fun!!
This book was really great. As a "other mother" myself, I was thrilled to hear about this book, and it is all it says it shouls be- funny, sad, cute. I loved reading it, and have telling friends to buy it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Gay Studies    4. General    5. Lesbian mothers    6. Nonbiological mothers    7. Parental Memoirs    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Specific Groups - Lesbians    11. Women    12. Social Science / Gay Studies   

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Gay Studies    4. General    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Travel - General    8. United States - South - New Orleans    9. United States - South - South Atlantic (General)    10. American history    11. Gay & Lesbian studies    12. Louisiana    13. Social Science / Gay Studies   

Reviews (4)

A Slice of Life
I first found Ms. Bechdel's work in, of all places, a science fiction bookstore.I was in the mood for cartoon books, picked up hers, and noticed that her characters had four fingers to go with their thumbs, weremostly female, had women of all races and shapes, and they were drawn in areasonably anatomically correct manner. About the "Lesbian Nation"
When I first read this book I became fascinate with the story, thecharacters seems to be very representative of the so call "LesbianNation" about the sisters and queers. Also establish thetransformation suffer by the lesbian "type" between the decadesof 1960, 1970,1980 and 1990.

I'm so glad I bought this book
I borrowed this book from a friend and finally had to buy my own copy because I liked it so much.I sometimes miss these "standalone" cartoons, even though I really like her later works with Mo and the gang.I now have all of Alison Bechdel's books and can't wait for the next ones ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American wit and humor, Pictor    2. American wit and humor, Pictorial    3. Comic books, strips, etc    4. Comics & Cartoons    5. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    6. Humor    7. Lesbian Studies    8. Lesbianism    9. Lesbians    10. Topic - Relationships    11. United States    12. Cartoons & comic strips   

Reviews (2)

A witty look at gay life in the early 1990s
"The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green," by Eric Orner, is a series of comic strips that focus on the book's title character: a young gay man.Because there are some continuous story elements, the book almost reads like a graphic novel.The copyright page notes that the book's contents have copyright dates from 1990 to 1992. Sexy, Stirring, Funny & Wise!
Author Eric Orner has his finger (ahem) on the pulse of Gay America. His character, Ethan Green, is a kind of gay Everyman. He makes wrong choices in dating, fashion and sexual positions. But we love him anyway. Because heis us. And we are him. We bottoms of the world really should unite, atleast for brunch some Sunday afternoon. I say, July in Provincetown. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Humor    3. Social Science / Gay Studies   

Reviews (1)

Award winning book
Winner of the RESILIENT RESISTANCE:THE MYERS OUTSTANDING AWARDS 2003!Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Gay Studies    3. Gay activists    4. Homosexuality and education    5. Interviews    6. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    7. Popular Culture - General    8. Sex discrimination in educatio    9. Sex discrimination in education    10. Sociology    11. United States    12. Education / General    13. Gay & Lesbian studies    14. Sociolinguistics    15. Teaching of a specific subject    16. Teaching skills & techniques   

Reviews (4)

He explains the Scriptures
Intellectualy very attractive and much more than intellectual considerations. Alison really explains Gospel to me so that it becomes a really Good News. And does it with brilliant style, a bit camp, what i like very much.

Thoughtful and evocative book -- readable
Everything James Alison writes has enabled me to see what Jesus is up to in a new refreshing and challenging way.He has helped me to reject bad atonement theory -- the sort of theory that makes God out to love sacrifice, the bloodier, the better, even the sacrifice of his beloved because his justice and honor requires such a sacrifice. In that understanding, Jesus' death becomes the best example of sacrifice. He has helped me to see Jesus' death as the subversion of the sacrificial system, as the end of the system of exclusion of a victim rather than the divine example of sacrifice. Jesus is up to ending a system of social solidarity from exclusion and violence and enabling humans to live based on gratuity. In brief, when I read James Alison, I ask myself -- perhaps I should become a Christian some day.

well worth reading and recommending
I have read all of James Alison's books and, as Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams said in the November 10th, 2001 London Tablet of this book, "The very best theological books leave you with a feeling that perhaps it's time you became a Christian; this is emphatically such a book." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Catholic gays    3. Christianity - Catholicism    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    5. Christianity - Theology - Catholic    6. Doctrines    7. Gay Studies    8. Religion    9. Religion - Classic Works    10. Religious life    11. Religion / Spirituality    12. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church   

Reviews (9)

Why don't you own this?
We have three editions of this essential s/m book. I'm especially fond of the 1972 edition, since Larry signed it "To Laura, my editor" back in 1994. It's a great combination of guidebook and hot leathersex, and while the current editions left out the slang of the day (I'm especially fond of the "groovy sex" in the first edition), the essential bits that give a good look into the 70's leather community makes this a classic.

Nice intro, but not a comprehensive guide
I should preface my comments by stating that I am not a Leatherman.I enjoy the leather "costume," but felt a need to learn about what it really symbolizes.It was out of respect for the leather community that I picked up the book, in hopes of educating myself on its practices.
When There Was Only One
Back in the seventies, it was still a very risky proposition to attempt a gay publication of any sort. But in the California Seventies, books like "Song Of The Loon" (from the sixties) and eventually the likes of "Tales of The City" began breaking down the barriers, allowing homosexual men to be presented not as crazy or unstable, but as regular people in love. Larry Townsend went even farther out on a limb. He sat down in 1972 and spelled out, for the first time in book form, the codes of conduct that the underground Leather Scene and S&M men lived by. There were also several accounts of steamy real life kink encounters.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Sexual Behavior    2. Gay Studies    3. Homosexuality    4. Social Science    5. Social Science / Gay Studies    6. Sociology    7. Gay & Lesbian studies    8. Gay men    9. Handbooks, manuals, etc    10. Homosexuality, Male    11. Leather lifestyle    12. Sadomasochism    13. Sex instruction for gay men    14. Sexual behavior    15. Sexuality - Manuals   

Reviews (4)

Why not Marriage Equality? Here's why
This is an invaluable source and resource for anyone interested in the subject of marriage equality.
Advance Praise for Gay Marriage: For Better or For Worse?

Is it really gay marriage?
I am in favor of gay marriage.However, the cause is not advanced by methodological confusion.As I understand the matter, Scandinavian countries do not have gay marriage, but a version of domestic partnership, which is less sweeping.Gay marriage exists in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and Canada.Why not study those countries? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Constitutional    2. Family Law - Marriage    3. Gay Studies    4. Gay couples    5. Law    6. Law and legislation    7. Legal Reference / Law Profession    8. Legal status, laws, etc.    9. Public Policy - General    10. Same-sex marriage    11. Scandinavia    12. United States    13. Law / Domestic Relations / Marriage    14. Law | Family and Child Law   

Reviews (1)

Straightforward, Unadorned, and Informative
The adjectives are few and far between in this no-nonsense, unsentimental, and extremely thoughtful study by an acedemic who obviously cares deeply for the health and welfare of young men in the sex trade.Based on a series of detailed interviews with 40 male sex workers in Montreal and Quebec City, the author and his team of researchers have distilled four distinct "types" of life-patterns into which his subjects may be classified.And while Dorais admits that the lines between these categories are quite permeable, the four types nevertheless provide a useful framework with which to understand the history, psychology, and motivations of men who rent themselves to others. Even more provocative, however, is the suggestion that each of these types require a tailored approach to "extraction strategies" when the sex workers themselves decide that it's time to leave the life of prostitution.Although rigorously academic, this book is far from dry -- and highly readable. At exactly 100 pages, it can be completed in a couple of hours.And that's a small price to pay for the chance to have permanently dispelled all the tawdry and tired misconceptions about what it means to be a modern-day male sex worker. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Men's Studies - General    2. Social Science    3. Sociology    4. Prostitution   

Reviews (71)

A Call to Arms
(3.5 stars actually, rounded up) As noted by others, responses to this book are typically polarized: either supportive if one is Christian and alarmed at this 'agenda,' or homosexual-supportive and insist the book presents 'bigotry, lies and hate-speech.' If a balanced review of this item is possible, I will attempt a concise one here.
Truth needs to be heard
This book deserves a wide hearing. While all homosexuals deserve to be treated fairly and with respect, societies have a right and an obligation to consider whether they allow the homosexual lifestyle to be embraced and normalised on a large scale. Most societies have recognised the public health risks of the homosexual lifestyle, and have chosen to carefully allow some tolerance while not fully endorsing the homosexual agenda.
Claptrap, to put it politely. Bigotry and lies, to tell the truth.
I have a gay brother and sister, and they are exactly the same people now they were as small children -- except they've grown up to become a doctor and a respected business executive, each still with a partner they met over 30 years ago.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - Political Issues    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    3. Gay Studies    4. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    5. Religion - Socialissues    6. Sexuality & Gender Studies    7. Social Science   

Editorial Review

The authors of this essential new guide maintain that lesbian and gay adolescents "rarely receive health education and counseling in a way that is relevant to them." Health and emotional risks to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered youth are heightened by prejudice and the chance of antigay violence, as well as by the need for secrecy. In fact, the problems of disclosure may be the greatest impediment to appropriate health care for gay minors, who (often rightly) fear that their parents will be informed of their sexuality or their medical conditions. Health care providers have been working without clinical care guidelines for gay youth, let alone a single resource that brings together protocols for assessment, treatment, and psychosocial care. Named the 1998 Book of the Year in Psychiatric Nursing by the Read more

Reviews (1)

Required reading for any youth service provider!
This incredible book takes the reader on an easy to follow journey that starts with the basics necessary to the understanding of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered youth.A well organized summary of existing knowledge is combined with progressive new knowledge to offer up concrete information about assessing, intervening, and supporting this gravely underserved population of youth and their families.Read more

Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. Gay teenagers    3. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    4. Gender Studies    5. Health Care Delivery    6. Health and hygiene    7. Life Stages - Adolescence - Sexuality    8. Medical care    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Social Science / Social Work    12. Lesbian Studies    13. Adolescent Psychology    14. Adolescent Psychiatry    15. Counseling    16.  Diseases - AIDS & HIV