Reviews (8)

2 in 20 is a Must
This book is a MUST for any teen who is questioning, just coming out to themselves, or don't have many other GLBT friends to relate to. I read this when I came out to myself almost 2 years ago, and it was an enormous breath of fresh air. FINALLY- some thing I could relate to. I've shared this book w/ my other gay and bisexual friends, and they love it too. It's a perfect "coming out" gift. :)It's worth every penny and share it with your friends!

You are not alone
A friend of mine was going through a tough time in college because he was starting to "come out" for the first time.He was terrified that nobody would accept him anymore.I ordered this book for him and he really enjoyed reading it (I read it as well).It helps to read about people who are going through the same thing you are.The stories are all real; some are happy & some are not, but that's true life.This book had a positive effect on my friend & I'm sure it will have a positive effect on you as well!

One of the best books for GLBTQ youth
This is a must read if you are questioning, or you know that you are lesbigaytrans.The positive outcome stories are reassuring, and there is a list of more resources at the end of the book. The list includes similar books, and I think there also is a list a groups that would be usefull. If this book sounds like it could help you, BUY IT!! You'll be GLAAD you did. (Pardon the pun) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Gay & Lesbian    4. Gay teenagers    5. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    6. Homosexuality    7. Juvenile literature    8. Lesbian teenagers    9. Life Stages - Adolescence    10. Literary Criticism    11. United States    12. Gay & Lesbian studies    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / General   

Reviews (19)

Great summertime read
Definitely some interesting points in here for someone in the dating scene! I think this book is a very good buy if you are gay and dating and curious about certain aspects of the gay dating scene like I am right now. I just took it to the beach with me and it was really fun. And the guys on the cover are hot, too!

It's Not That I Like Dating How-To's...But This Was Fun
I don't usually like dating how to books and usually don't write reviews but a friend recommended this for a beach read and it definitely served it's purpose. We were howling. There are some passages that are so eerily realistic in their depiction of the gay guy psyche that they read more like a documentary than a funny how to.
Funny
Loved it.It contains some wonderful, practical advice. But really, it's like spending the afternoon with a wise and witty friend who left me feeling better about myself than when I started it. I don't get the naysayers who act as if every so-called self help book has to be written in dense academic text or swamped in psychobabble. There's a lot of dreary stuff out there and I have read most of it. This was really enjoyable. There's some obvious satire in here, mixed with the stories. If you hate being entertained or laughing out loud then some parts of this are not for you I guess. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dating (Social customs)    2. Gay Studies    3. Gay men    4. Love & Romance    5. Love / Sex / Marriage    6. Sex Relations    7. Sexual behavior    8. Social Science    9. Social conditions    10. Sociology    11. United States    12. Family & Relationships / Love & Romance    13. Gay studies (Gay men)    14. Marriage & relationships   

Reviews (1)

It reads like a term paper
The book had lots of good information but was hard for me to wade through. It's a series of college papers on the subject of gender and two-spirit people. I think the second half was most helpful (the stories of several two-spirits). Like I said, there was lots of info, it was just a little hard to follow. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ethnic Issues    2. Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies    3. Gay Studies    4. Gays    5. Gender Studies    6. Identity    7. Indian women    8. Indians of North America    9. North America    10. Sexual behavior    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. Sociology - General    14. Indigenous peoples    15. Religious groups   

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Art, Modern    5. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - General    6. Criticism    7. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    8. History - Modern    9. Lesbian Studies    10. Lesbian artists    11. History of art & design styles: from c 1900 -    12. Painting & paintings    13. Sculpture & other three-dimensional art forms    14. The Arts: General Issues   

Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. Gay communities    3. Gay community    4. Gay men    5. Gender Studies    6. Homosexuality    7. Lesbian Studies    8. Lesbian communities    9. Lesbian community    10. Social Science    11. Social conditions    12. Sociology    13. United States    14. Cultural studies    15. Social Science / Gender Studies    16. USA   

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.
Read more

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