Reviews (6)

Beauty versus Despair--a draw
Andrew Holleran follows up "Dancer from the Dance", 1978, with his 1983 effort, "Nights in Aruba."
Excellent read if you like "literary" books

A classic of autobiographical fiction
Holleran's NIGHTS IN ARUBA is one of the first novels I read by those writers who are now described as having belonged to the Violet Quill--it was and remains one of the best.Here is a novel that reads in many ways like a memoir; at the same time, it has the dramatic movement of fiction.In this book, I particularly loved Holleran's dialogue, which is at once arch and sad and comic.A wonderful book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult children of aging parent    2. Adult children of aging parents    3. Domestic fiction    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - General    6. Gay    7. Gay men    8. Psychological fiction    9. Fiction / Gay   

Reviews (4)

Vicki Noble offers groundbreaking book
Vicki Noble has given us an indepth and detailed look into the rich archeological discoveries of female representations that help us to understand and explore woman's roles and knowledge at a time when woman were publicly prominent as healers and leaders. These historic double goddess figures have never before been documented like this!! This is original research done by the author herself in collaboration with other prominent scholar's work. This manuscript, complete with drawings of the figures, offers a wide historical glimpse of too often ignored and deliberately hidden cultural practices that affirm women. While reading this book I felt stimulated and inspired to reaffirm my committment to myself not to shrink in deference to the status quo but to let myself be a woman who helps to shape our society into a more livable nurturing one. The book offers positive historic female role models and affirms embodied numinous and female shamanic healing states that the unearthing of these powerful double goddess and other goddess figures have reaffirmed. Vicki Noble's work is profoundly needed in a time of backlash against all of the important progress that has been made toward equality in the US.

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss
I bought this book sight unseen, believing it to be a book about pairs of goddesses worshipped in the ancient world.It could have been great--it could have dealt with double goddesses such as Demeter/Persephone, Isis/Nephthys, and Inanna/Ereshkigal.And at first, that's what it seems to be.Noble draws on Jungian ideas and talks about the "bright" ovulatory half of women's cycles, and also the "dark" menstrual side of the cycle, and how this relates to double goddesses where one governs life and the other death.So far, so good. Remarkable!
Ms. Noble's courage and penetrating intelligence shine through every word of this remarkable, ground-breaking exploration of the history and imagery of the feminine shamanic psyche.Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Ancient Religions    3. Comparative Religion    4. General    5. Goddess religion    6. Goddesses    7. Lesbianism    8. Religious life    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Spirituality - Divine Mother, the Goddess, Quan Yin    12. Spirituality - Feminine    13. Women    14. Women And Religion (General)    15. Women's Studies - General    16. Body, Mind & Spirit / Spirituality / Divine Mother, The Goddess, Quan Yin    17. Lesbian studies    18. Women's studies   

Editorial Review

High tech meets high touch in actor B.D. Wong’s remarkable electronic parenting memoir, Read more

Reviews (19)

From the Point of View of a Preemie Mom
When I saw this book, I just had to read it.Not because of who the author was or that he was gay, but because he LIVED what I was LIVING.Mr. Wong's book is the ONLY book about NICU babies that I would suggest as a MUST READ for critically premature parents!It doesn't help you understand the medical terms, it helps you understand YOU, as a parent of a tiny ray of life in a plastic box. The book has helped me become, hopefully, a better woman
a perspective, from a single woman, with no children-yet: A Book of Hope & Celebration of Life
Let's face it, we know the ending when we start.But, once into the book, you are drawn into the world at the NIC unit.You see what is happening as if you were there experiencing it.To see the raw emotion, experience the day to day happenings is to fall in love with the little life that is so fragile at this stage.Then on the other level you see how much love is shared, how everyone is drawn to this family.And yes, it is a family just like any other.I keep going back to the book and reread passages - when after a bath, little Jackson has a breathing problem, you read the "prayer" that BD Wong has going through his head.You get so imvolved that you actually feel emotionally exhausted after you put the book down. I so hope for more books by this particular author!Bravo!I am a Foo Follower for sure! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Actors    2. Alternative Family    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    8. Family    9. Gay parents    10. Personal Memoirs    11. United States    12. Wong, B. D    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Wong family   

Editorial Review

Written from a therapeutic and academic perspective and filled with the insights of gay fathers themselves, as well as the authors (Bryan Robinson is a professor of child and family development, Robert Barret a professor and psychologist), Read more

Reviews (2)

A little dated; a little disappointing.
Simply put, I was disappointed with the book. The material and examples of gay fatherhood seemed dated. The style was also troubling--the book was written from a therapist's perspective, and it was clearly meant for other mental health professionals (although not necessarily marketed as such). With that said, the only therapists who might benefit from reading it would be straight ones, who have had little or no experience treating gay patients (or gay parents). If you are a gay person considering parenthood, spend your money elsewhere.

An excellent start in this topic area--we need more
The book is now nearly 8 years old, but many of the anecdotes and much ofthe research is still relevant to those of us going through a divorce orparenting a child with an alternative lifestyle.The book includesexcerpts from individuals with their personal experiences and theirfeelings, along with practice pointers for practitioners in the mentalhealth field.It is an excellent resource for anyone going through adivorce as a result of the sexuality issue.However, I think that if thebook were written today, the anecdotes would be more relevant to how oursociety is now dealing with gays and Dads who are gay.I think the bookshould also include a section stressing the fact that it is possible tohave a perfectly normal relationship with your child as raising a child haslittle or nothing to do with the sexuality of the parent, as parents do notrelate to children on a sexual level.There are thousands of gay dads outthere that could use even more information such as this.I hope thatBarrett will consider a follow-up or sequal that is current with our changein society regarding homosexuals and their contribution to society. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Family    2. Counseling of    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Gay Studies    5. Gay fathers    6. Homosexuality    7. Parent And Child    8. Parenting - Fatherhood    9. Parenting - General    10. Psychology    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. Sociology - Marriage & Family    14. United States    15. Child care & upbringing    16. Gay studies (Gay men)    17. Parenthood    18. Social Science / Gay Studies   

Reviews (6)

Pure - Unconditional Love
Here is a pure spirit who knew no bounds as she grew mentally & physically and at the same time continued reaching out to those who turned their backs on her & her family.Her devoted love for her son makes a mother feel proud yet she keeps within the framework of a True Christian.She battles family, church, townspeople, school & government.She soars above hate & bigotry to stand tall yet finds enough love and strength within her to reach out to love and aid others.She has most certainly inspired me.Hats off!

Especially Recommended for Newly `Outed' Parents
This was recommended to me by P-FLAG and it was a great read.I bought it for my parents.Ms. Murray summarizes her message beautifully in chapter 12 of the book..."I'm certain, many in the audience that day were seeing gay people as genuine human beings for the very first time.Presenting gays and lesbians as the real people they truly are is the key to dispelling stereotype-based images of lewd, immoral, subhuman sexual predators so important to the success of the antigay propaganda being churned out by religious and political extremists." I hope she enjoys a long prolific life!

The remarkable story of a mother's journey to her own truth.
"A Journey to Moriah" is unequivocally the finest book I've ever read by the mother of a gay child. This is a story of a mother who takes responsibility for her own feelings, faces her demons, and grows as awoman. Too often parents of gay children project their own fears ontotheir children. Rhea Murray is clear from the start that she loves her sonunconditionally and any demons she faces are her own demons - not herson's. Her turmoil over facing the church, facing family, facing her son'sschool, facing her small suburban community in Indiana, is her"own" turmoil - not her son's. To watch Rhea unfold as a humanbeing as she faces these demons, is to watch a woman with a capital"W" come into her own strength and wisdom.The book's titlerefers to the biblical story of Abraham who was tested by God with thecommand that he sacrifice his son Isaac. Rhea realizes that she can havethe approval of her church and the parishioners she has called"friends," if she sacrifices her son - if she turns her back tohim as they have. "I will not sacrifice my son for the approvalof a few people," she says. Rhea knows from the beginning that shewill not sacrifice her son to church,school, family, or community - not toanyone. She honors her power and her ability to think for herself.Rhea faces her fears of public speaking, speaking out as the mother of agay son, and facing authority. One of the most powerful moments in the bookcomes when she stands up to the school principal who is doing nothing toprotect her son. At that moment she blossoms into a full and powerfulwoman. "A Journey to Moriah" is the story of a mother'sfierce love for her son. It is a woman's journey to finding her own truth,facing her fears, finding her own power and strength, and growing as ahuman being. Rhea's story is a lesson to us all that the love for ourchildren should not be compromised by any external forces and that findingour truth will unleash our power as human beings. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1950-    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Christian biography    5. Gay Studies    6. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    7. Murray, Rhea,    8. Parental Memoirs    9. Parents of gays    10. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    11. United States    12. Murray, Rhea   

Reviews (1)

Raises Awareness About Gay/Lesbian Families
ASHA'S MUMS by Elwin and Paulse is the story of a little girl, who is told by her teacher to have her field trip permission slip which was signed by her two mums re-done "correctly." While there is a bit of a mystery about what "correct" exactly means, the teacher blatantly tells Asha she can't have two mums, and if the form is not filled out correctly, she cannot go on the trip. Clearly Asha is devastated because she believes she, her brother, and her two mums are a family, and she wants to go on the trip. The next day, Asha tries to explain her family. This provokes discussion among the children abut whether or not a child can have two mums. One child says her parents told her that having two mothers living together is bad. While the class is in gym, Asha's mums have a talk with the teacher to clarify their family structure. Asha is able to go on the trip and the other children are informed that both of her mums are important to her. This books makes an important statement: children from gay- and lesbian-headed households do not always make distinctions between their parents such as the "real" mother or father. Parents are frequently distinguished most commonly by names, such as "Mama" and Mom" or "Papa" and "Daddy." ASHA'S MUMS is one of a few books which raises the issue of children's families not being accepted or represented in the classroom. It also highlights the difficulties children of gay and lesbian families encounter when their parents have not disclosed their family structure to the school or teacher. Some readers may feel a little uneasy that it was initially left up to Asha and some of her friends to defend and explain her family structure. Still, this may very well be the reality for some children from gay- and lesbian-headed families, especially as parents are not yet aware of the need to explain their family until a "crisis" occurs. The wonderful illustrations add to the beauty of the story. They portray Black, Asian, Latino/a and European-American children. This storyworks well with a discussion on exclusion, acceptance and diverse family structures. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Family - General    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Lesbians    8. Mothers and daughters    9. School field trips    10. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    11. Social Issues - Homosexuality    12. Children's Books/Ages 4/8 Fiction    13. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. Children of gay parents    2. Family relationships    3. Gay parents    4. Parenting    5. United States   

Reviews (8)

Second edition is first rate!
This book is in its second edition -- updated in the 90's to include information about HIV and AIDS.One of the things that it stresses when coming out is to make sure to include the statement "BEING GAY DOES NOT MEAN YOU HAVE TO GET AIDS." -- a few times if necessary.
Courage and Understanding this book will give you.
I just finished reading this book since it was recomened by so many. I can say that the author put allot of time into this book and has done a wonderful job. A great guide for GLBT youth and their parents
Coming out to my mom and dad was the most terrifying prospect I ever had to deal with, but I knew the day would come eventually when I had to face them with my being gay.Like so many gay people, I had no idea how to do it or even how to know that I was ready.Thank God for this book!It helped to make a potentially horrible experience better for me and for them.Thank you, Ms. Borhek! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult children    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. Gay Studies    6. Gay men    7. General    8. Lesbians    9. Parenting - General    10. Parents of gays    11. Religion - Socialissues   

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - General    2. Case studies    3. Children of gay parents    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Gender Studies    6. Lesbian mothers    7. Motherhood    8. Parenting - Motherhood    9. Sex role    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. Sociology - General    13. United States    14. Family & relationships    15. Lesbian studies    16. Social Science / Sociology / General    17. Women's studies   

Reviews (4)

honest, endearing and sweet portroyal
As a child of two moms myself, there were few resources that positively modeled my family situation."What Are Parents?" is an honest, endearing and sweet portroyal of what it means to be in all kinds of families that are uniquely special.I only wish that I could have seen this book when I was growing up.Kyme and Susan Fox-Lee are to be applauded for their heart warming portrayal of families of millions of kids who the media deniesexposure or acknowledgement.I hope that "What Are Parents?" can reach and touch all the different kinds of families it joyously portrays!

A delight to read aloud and share with the very young
What Are Parents? is an upbeat, friendly picturebook follows the questions of an infant to journeys through a birthday hospital wondering, "What are Parents"? Clear, bright color illustrations sharply contrasted with thick outlines bring to life the celebrations of parenthood and new mothers and fathers of all types sharing the joy of holding their newborn children, and embarking upon the long, difficult, and ultimately rewarding experience of raising a human being. A delight to read aloud and share with the very young.
This is the meaning of the word Parent.
I'm a grandmother who is raising my grandchildren and I love the way the authors included all families.Parent is a word that describes "love", someone who is willing to do all the things that is necessary to raise and care for a child.I believe that the author's book really talks about the issue on a very basic level that children can understand and not feel like they are alone in being in a non-tradional but loving family. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Babies    2. Children's All Ages    3. Children's Books/All Ages    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Family    6. Family - General    7. Family - Parents    8. Fiction    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Parents    11. Preschool Picture Story Books    12. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    13. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Parents    14. Gay & Lesbian    15. Gay parents    16. Adopted children    17. Single-parent families    18. Family - Adoption   

Editorial Review

Marilyn Hacker's dark, complex poetic vision has a strange, often formal, beauty to it. Yet, when she writes in Read more

Reviews (2)

I Want to Be Marilyn Hacker When I Grow Up!
I suspect she can rattle off blank verse in iambic pentameter without thinking about it. She can be as earthy as Sharon Olds ("Mother II"), self-deprecating as Philip Larkin ("Riposte") or amusingly Byronic ("Ballade of Ladies Lost & Found.") I appreciate her older poetry, but my admiration increases as I read the newer work, particularly the poems from the most recent collection in this book, Going Back to the River; I would mention "April Interval," "Nights of 1964-1966: the Old Reliable," "Elevens" and `Against Silence" as being particularly striking. She is a diva at my favorite forms: the sonnet and the sestina, and now, thanks to her I have found a new one, the canzone.

Truly Deserving of its National Book Award
Hacker is a master of the sonnet, sestina, and villanelle.I'm always amazed when I arrive at the end of one of her poems and discover that elegant and natural words are arranged in one of these structured ways. Her words and images pull you into the poems and into Hacker's mind. Elegant.Beautiful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Lesbians    3. Mothers and daughters    4. Poetry    5. Women   

Editorial Review

In the foreword to Read more

Reviews (3)

Portraits of Undeniable Love
This book is an in-your-face statement of the love and "normalcy" existing in lesbian families.The women are all different, at different stages of their lives and of their developments of their families.The women speak in interviews with the sincerest of passion and pride for their children.This is a touching piece of work that I go to over and over.The photographs are stunning.I highly recommend this book!!!

Wonderful portrayal of a cross-section lesbian moms.
A can't miss for lesbian moms, lesbians considering parenthood and anyonewho wants to experience the joy and love of life expressed again and againby these women who are bringing children into the world.The diversity ofthe women portrayed and their ever-varying paths to motherhood creates awonderful view of lesbian moms and all lesbians in America today.This isa must have for a lesbian home with children.Stunningly photographedpictures of nearly a hundred lesbian families will enthrall all.Greatgift, coffee table book.

Excellent Book, very well done
This book is written not just for a gay audience, as you might initiallysuspect. It offers touching stories that women, who happen to be lesbian,face in raising their families.The photos are beautiful and capture theemotion and love that these special families feel for one another.Welldone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    2. Interviews    3. Lesbian Studies    4. Lesbian couples    5. Lesbian mothers    6. Photoessays & Documentaries    7. Pictorial works    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - Marriage & Family    11. Subjects & Themes - Portraits    12. United States   

Reviews (3)

Not exactly what I expected
I was very excited to get this book, but was slightly disappointed upon reading it.I was hoping it would focus more on problems and solutions unique to lesbian parents.While it did touch on these subjects, it focused more on basic parenting skills.The ideas were very good, just a little broader than i had expected.

I love the Lesbian People
I love the Lesbian people.This is one of the greatest books I have ever read that helps us raise our children in a difficult, homophobic world.Highly recommended.

The Dr. Spock For Lesbian Families!
One of the best and most comprehensive books I have ever read concerning lesbian parenting. This book addresses child development and provides a common sense guide to raising kids, all with a lesbian twist. In addition to the usual parenting issues, the book also addresses concerns specific to lesbian headed households, including homophobia from outsiders, how to deal with school issues, and more. I recommend this book to anyone who has children whether they are lesbian or not. This book has much to offer in the way of advice to all parents who are committed to raising healthy, happy, and tolerant children ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Family    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Children of gay parents    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Gay parents    7. Lesbian Studies    8. Lesbian mothers    9. Parenting    10. Parenting - General    11. Advice on parenting   

Reviews (7)

Don't trust this book - or the author
PhD my fanny...I've known a few people who had "graduated" from Summit University and wouldn't trust any of them.It's an unaccredited "school" where you get to prescribe your own course of study and even name your own degree.Pay enough money and you too can be a PhD - after all, it sells better to publishers whether it's accurate or not.
Families of Value or Lesbian and Gay Families Speak Out
"Lesbian and Gay Families Speak Out", also known as "Families of Value", is a fascinating introduction to families of same sex parents and the children thay are raising all over the United States.Drucker really shows that these people are living with the same concerns, joys, and love that all American families go through.Everyone who is interested in human nature should read this book!

Families of Value a fair value
A somewhat informative book.Answered some questions I had, like what do the kids call you?I was disappointed that there was not more information told from the kids' perspective.Mostly parents.Also, was almost exclusively a book told from a lesbian point of view.Some, but relativelyfew comments from gay male parents.Many of the themes told from theperspective of lesbian parents can be generalized to include men asparents, but nevertheless, the gay male parenting experience is a uniqueone and is not well represented here.An average book covering a topic onwhich little substantive, quality information is available. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Family    2. Children of gay parents    3. Family    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Gay Studies    6. Gay fathers    7. Gay parents    8. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    9. Homosexuality    10. Lesbian mothers    11. Social Science    12. Sociology - Marriage & Family    13. United States    14. Family & relationships    15. Gay & Lesbian studies   

Reviews (17)

Great Read
I am in a diversity book club where I work and we chose A Departure from the Script as one of our reading selections.What a great read!This book explored multiple levels of diversity - not only homosexuality but religion and weight issues.Additionally, the book delved into husband/wife, man/woman and parent/child issues with equal ease.The book spawned lively discussion and thought-provoking introspection.Although dealing with meaty issues, the book was an easy page turner.I not only recommend A Departure from the Script as a great book highlighting diverse issues but just simply a good book.

Difficult issues well dealt with in a delightful story
Rochelle Schwab uses the vehicle of a delightful, fun story to deal with difficult issues in a sensitive, thoughtful, and effective way.In presenting the struggles of Sheila Katz as she deals with the homosexuality of her daughter, and the reactions of her husband, family, and friends, Schwab uses a variety of situations and characters and some delightfully funny happenings.The book doesn't stop at dealing with the sexuality of Sheila's daughter.It takes a hard look at the fluid and sometimes surprising sexual reactions we find in ourselves when we look deep enough.Schwab also takes careful and loving aim at the American cruelty towards those carrying extra weight and deals with the effects it has on the individual as well. Schwab demonstrates a remarkable understanding of human nature, with all its foibles and faults, draws her characters with real clarity--something too few authors do--and builds a story filled with humor, fun, and a little suspense.
Humorous and touching
Departure from the Script takes emotional family issues and wraps them in humor.The characters are richly drawn, complex, and very funny.This is one of those books you don't want to put down until you find out how everything resolves.It's real-life stuff done in a very touching way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Domestic fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Fiction / Lesbian    5. General    6. Lesbian    7. Lesbians    8. Mothers and daughters    9. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (4)

Brilliantly crafted.
I read NAVIGATING THE DARWIN STRAITS by accident. Assuming it was going to be a true adventure story, I jumped in only to discover it's a novel --- about an adolescent kid with a lesbian mother and no father. Disappointed, I thought, "Family angst can be so tiresome. I'll give it a chapter, or two..." Two chapters later, I was hooked. Forbes has created a beautiful journey of growing into adulthood, and the title fits the story perfectly.
Pretty good
I enjoyed this book quite a bit.It started off really great, with some incredibly funny parts about Jordy growing being the runt of the class and dealing with his Mom being a Lesbian and Grandma being a holy roller.There's an awesome line about the Grandma looking at you as if she's calculating the number of BTU's you'd generate burning in hell.I was howling with laughter in these sections. The joys of being human
Jordy McNeil moves with his mom back to the small town where she grew up. He's always been picked upon, due to his small size and his habits, but when the kids find out his mom's a lesbian, then his troubles get worse for a while. Jordy learns to adapt to each situation throughout his life, which is part of his charm. After high school, he works for a while in Silicon Valley, where he makes a ton of money, and when those empty feelings overwhelm him, Jordy travels to Latin America on a quest for renewal. From there he goes to Seattle, where he falls victim to a drive-by shooting. He flees across the country to Maine, trying to wake up to life again, and it's only through the interactions with his mother's partner Pat that he succeeds in grabbing a hold of life again. Forbes's novel is connected to her earlier novel, "Alma Rose", but this can be read without reading the previous. Her writing is lively and skilful. This is a beautiful story about finding one's place in the world and in one's family, and about living every experience fully. "Navigating the Darwin Straits" is a perfect example of a book that's an utter joy to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children of gay parents    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. General    5. Internet industry    6. Popular American Fiction    7. Seattle (Wash.)    8. Young men    9. Modern fiction   

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    4. Family - Single Parent & Non-traditional    5. Family relationships    6. Gay couples    7. Gay male couples    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Same-sex marriage    10. Social Issues - Homosexuality    11. Social Problems (General) (Young Adult)    12. Social Science - Sociology    13. United States    14. Social Sciences   

Reviews (2)

Excellent!
This book is an excellent resource for same-sex parents in explaining their lifestyle to their children.My partner, Pat, and I found this invaluable in explaining to my daughter, Mary, about her Mommy's alternative lifestyle.Mary really seemed to understand and absorb the story.Sure, she is going as a lumberjack instead of a princess for Halloween this year, but I see nothing wrong with letting her express her masculine side.I'm so proud - she says that she too would like to be a lesbian when she grows up. You might like it
This is an autobiographical-like story told by young Zack about his very full and well rounded life with his lesbian parents. It is illustrated but with photographs rather than drawings. I prefer fictional stories withcolorful and creative illustrations. But if you or your child wantsomething more reality based this book could be for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children of gay parents    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Family - General    5. Homosexuality    6. Juvenile literature    7. Lesbian mothers    8. Mothers and sons    9. Gays & Lesbians   

Reviews (3)

A secret power that Gays, lesbians and other minorities utilize!
As a gay man, the cover photo on this revised edition (by Chantel Regnault)
Admirable Effort
A L-I-T-T-L-E too academic for me! However, I admire the effort and would like to read more about queer families.

Families We Choose
I found Kath Westons book "Families We Choose:lesbians, gays, kinship" to be a very interesting and informative book.This book brought many issues to the table regarding the idea of a family.What is afamily?family is not solely limited to biology. This book explored theidea of kinship in lesbian and gay relationships and the family that isformed within this community.Also, the difference and the importance of"biological" family vs. chosen family and which becomes or ismore important based on acceptance.This book explores issues concerningthe lesbian and gay community in regards to raising children and creatingfamilies of their own in the nineties incorporating both biological andchosen families. In overview, The idea of kinship is culturally relativeand it is suseptible to change.The word kinship and the meaing of familyis constantly being challenged and changed to incorporate and include thosepreviously unseen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family Relationships    2. Gay couples    3. Gay men    4. Gay parents    5. General    6. Homosexuality    7. Kinship    8. Sociology    9. United States   

Reviews (3)

A good book to read in the early days of the news
A good book to help understand the emotional journey that parents go through during the first year or so of the news that their child is a homosexual.It is written in a compassionate way. I Wish My Parents Would Have Read This Book
I "came out" to my parents when i was 16 years old. I really wished they would have had this book as a sort of manual to help me with my homosexual tendencies... buy this if you thinkyour kids may be wandering off the "straight" path. a great read for any parents!

Excellent resource for the family of gays and lesbians.
This book provided insight into the dynamics of "coming out" for gays and lesbians and the reaction of family members.I bought this book for myself as a sibling and my parents who are questioning and doubtingthemselves in relation to the fact they have one gay child, i.e. "whatdid we do wrong?"The book provided insight into the basic social andspiritual questions that arise in the minds of questioning parents.It waswonderful, insightful, and it made me more comfortable with this topicregarding discussions with others as well as my family. It also had somevery helpful additional resource information in the back.It's definitelya lot of book for a little bit of money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - Parenting    2. Family relationships    3. Gay Studies    4. Gays    5. Homosexuality    6. Parent and child    7. Parenting - General    8. Parents of gays    9. Religion    10. Religion - Socialissues    11. Christian social thought & activity    12. Sex & sexuality