Reviews (5)

An engaging novel about lesbian parents
I am so sick of reading the same lesbian novels over and over again.Coming out stories.Predictable romances.So it was really nice to read a lesbian book that was about something other than *being a lesbian*.There were good complex characters and enough plot to keep me turning the pages.Really nice visual images too, done in a way that didn't annoy or slow things down too much.
a rare find
This is the kind of book that comes along so infrequently--a truly insightful, empathic, lovingly crafted look at the real stuff of life: relationships, identity, culture, our place in the world... all that. D'erasmo's voice struck me as utterly transparent. Although I admired her use of language from time to time, I never had the feeling I was being pushed or prodded along in my thinking, only that I was discovering this peculiarly vivid (and vividly peculiar) little nexus of individuals as they were--as they are, even, because they are still alive for me. It's not uplifting, or side-splittingly funny, but if you read novels for all those other reasons that many of us do and can't articulate, this is a tremendously worthwhile book.

good base to story, flags somewhat as goes on, good close
A Seahorse Year sounds from its premise as if it's trying a bit too hard:lesbian mother raised in abusive household raising about-to-be-diagnosed-with-schizophrenia adolescent son with the help of his gay searching-for-love dad and her lesbian searching-for-love-and-herself lover/artist.All set in San Fran of course.And at times, it is true that it does strain a bit.But perhaps the most endearing and insightful aspect of Seahorse is that amid this scattershot collection of "modern family" lies the same old pitfalls, fear, flaws, jealousies, bravery, compassion, and love as lies in the "traditional" family.
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Subjects:  1. California, Northern    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Lesbian mothers    5. Literary    6. Problem youth    7. Runaway teenagers    8. San Francisco (Calif.)    9. Fiction / Literary   

Reviews (5)

autobiographical?
I liked all the references to early 1970's New York but I was a little confused about what the focus was supposed to be. I never figured out who Sydney was, there wasn't enough character development. I guess the real focus was supposed to be the mother, the author probably wanted the book to revolve around the mother but in 1972 I guess the world wasn't ready for that. A good afternoon read.

highly enjoyable!
This is a rare gem about a lesbian mother and her teenage son without the earnest eagarness of the "Heather Has Two Mommies" genre. The son is funny and sarcastic and has weird sexual experiences of his own; indeed some of the scenes involving his various girlfriends are a little bizarre. But they're fun, and it's real. Though no one wears bellbottoms anymore or says things like super-fabulous, this novel is still very relevant.

Great quirky fiction!
This coming-of-age story, published in 1972, is aptly compared to Catcher In The Rye, on the book jacket, several times. I can see why. This is quirky, smart, funny, sad, touching, dark at times but always real and connects you with it's characters in a way that popular fiction rarely accomplishes today. A great read. I read it twice in one sitting! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family Relationships    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Lesbian mothers    5. Models (Persons)    6. Mothers and sons    7. Sagas    8. Sexual Instruction    9. Triangles (Interpersonal relat    10. Triangles (Interpersonal relations)    11. Fiction / Family Saga   

Subjects:  1. Foster parents    2. Gay Studies    3. Gay adoption    4. Gay parents    5. General    6. Great Britain    7. Lesbian Studies    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Child care & upbringing    11. Child welfare    12. Gay & Lesbian studies   

Reviews (2)

Good information, some clarifications
Challenging Conceptions was a useful book for any woman considering artificial insemination.It had good advice in both the practical and emotional arenas.However, Saffron should not have portrayed using a donorof another race in such a negative light.Studies have shown thatmixed-race children have as high or even higher self-esteem than childrenof unmixed origin (as well as a lower incidence of birth defects, accordingto a study done in England).Otherwise, though, the book was good.

Exhaustive coverage of all involved with self-insemination
This is a fantastic book -- a thorough, exhaustive text on all that is involved with self-insemination.Lisa Saffron discusses everything from the how-to's for the do-it-yourselfer (down to how to transport sperm, howto inseminate, etc), to the experiences of donors, to discussions from thechildren.She covers the choices that must be made between anonymous andknown donors, finding donors, telling others, etc.The legal aspects arefairly UK-specific, but all the rest is an absolute MUST for thoseconsidering self-insemination.Fantastic book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Family    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Great Britain    4. Health/Fitness    5. Lesbian mothers    6. Parenting    7. Reproductive Medicine & Technology    8. Self-insemination    9. Single mothers    10. Lesbian studies    11. Pregnancy, birth & baby care    12. United Kingdom, Great Britain   

Reviews (9)

Courtroom drama andpersonal relationships = an intriguing novel
I was intrigued at the description of the varied courtroom discussions and legal procedures(and precedents). This most interesting work is well written and obviously throughly researched.It is a great accomplishment to write about so many persons knowing the reader needs to keep relationships clear and to convey a not-too-easy topic expressing all participants moods' in an understanding manner.
Ambitious Book full of Heart and Hope
Janice and her partner, Sonya, would like to have a child. Sonya has three grown kids, but she lost them in a custody battle when they were young, and after all these years, she is ready to be a parent again. The two women meet with two acquaintances, Keith and Aaron, a long-time gay couple, and after a variety of fits and starts and concerns from lawyer Aaron, Keith agrees to help out the two women by being a sperm donor for Janice. After the first try, little Heather, who is the spittin' image of her father, is conceived and born. Janice and Sonya are over the moon with joy. Moving and though-provoking
Certainly the issue of gay parenting is very timely; this novelillustrates in a very human way the intricacies and problems faced bygay men and lesbians in raising families and the inadequacies of the legal system for dealing with gay families. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Domestic fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Gay parents    5. General    6. Popular American Fiction    7. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (2)

Nice little book
This is about a small boy dealing with the divorce of his two Moms and having a special Saturday with his other Mom Patty.

Children's Book Explores Lesbian Divorce
SATURDAY IS PATTYDAY is Leslea Newman's fourth book about a child with two moms. Here, Newman focuses on the divorce of Frankie's two moms. The author and illustrator depict the events that follow the divorce, i.e. one parent moving and Frankie visiting her, the particular emotions that are felt when a child is separated from a loved one and how this young child is comforted and loved by both parents. Although the sadness is felt, there is also a strong sense that Frankie, and his moms, will be OK. Similar to HEATHER HAS TWO MOMMIES and GLORIA GOES TO GAY PRIDE, the story is about a white family and the illustrations of other people help to support diversity, i.e. girls playing basketball and children/adults of color in the park. This book would be appropriate for even a three year old who has had a similar experience as Frankie and would be most helpful in a classroom curriculum on family. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Family - General    5. Fiction    6. Gay women    7. Lesbians    8. Mothers and sons    9. Preschool Picture Story Books   

Subjects:  1. Lesbian Studies    2. Lesbian couples    3. Lesbian mothers    4. Lesbians    5. Psychology    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. United States    9. Social Science / Social Work   

Editorial Review

How do people come out of the closet to their families and their own children? These true stories of lesbian and gay parents opening up with their children are both heartbreaking and heartwarming, but above all, they are honest. The stories explore such questions as How does one begin? Why do some children react well while others never accept the truth? Why do these parents feel they must risk changing their child's world by telling them? For anyone sensitive to the dilemma of explaining a socially difficult subject to a child, this is an excellent book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Finally
"Coming out" is the most difficult thing I could have ever done in my life.After a long, tormented marriage, I finally came to realize what was going on inside of me.I have finally been able to love, and beloved, by someone who understands me, and who I understand.Having otheraccounts to read brought comfort and common experience to a very lonelyperiod in my life. Bravo!Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Children of gay parents    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family relationships    5. Gay parents    6. Parenting    7. United States    8. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms   

Reviews (1)

Helpful Guide
This book is geared mainly towards young teenagers whose parents have just come out. It is helpful for its target audience in providing support and tips on dealing with difficult situations as far as homophobia is concerned and also provides a fairly extensive list of resources that children can contact to meet others in similar situations ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children of gay parents    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Gay parents    4. Juvenile literature    5. Parent and child    6. Parenting - General    7. Sociology Of The Family (Young Adult)    8. United States   

Subjects:  1. Bildungsromans    2. Children of divorced parents    3. Fiction    4. Gay youth    5. Love stories   

Subjects:  1. Anthologies (multiple authors)    2. Children of gay parents    3. Family relationships    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - General    6. Gay Studies    7. Gays    8. Lesbian Studies    9. Lesbian mothers    10. Short Stories (Anthologies)    11. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms    12. Parenthood   

Reviews (6)

The Perfect Gift for the Family of a LGBT Person.
The stories are unmistakably from the heart and the courage that these people display would be remarkable except for the love they have for their lgbt family member, which makes it all make sense. A mention of a relative who always wore dresses in a matter of fact way is refreshing. A mother riding on the back of a daughter's motorcycle in a 'dikes on bikes' contingent in a gay pride parade show the fun parents can have when they get over society's biases, they no longer claim as their own. The best book that I have read about gay family members
Reading "Out of the Closet Into Our Hearts" was a joyful experience.All too often, books and stories about gay family members who come out to their straight family members are about coping with the experience instead of celebrating it.Our gay family members have added much happiness to our lives.This book tells stories of family members who have had many positive experiences because of a gay sibling, child, parent, cousin, or other loved ones.It simply was an incredible book and a must for everyone.It will certainly open your eyes and your heart.

Finally a book that celebrates our lives!
A beautiful book filled with honest heart warming stories. It was so refreshing to read about people that not only accept their gay family members but celebrate and cherish them. Highly recommended for all people that have a gay or lesbian loved one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    2. Family Relationships    3. Gay Studies    4. Gay men    5. Lesbian Studies    6. Lesbians    7. Parents of gays    8. Sociology    9. United States    10. Gay & Lesbian studies   

Reviews (8)

A MUST READ; POWERFUL STUFF
While browsing I came upon a curious photograph on one cover, after flipping open the jacket and reading the liner notes I decided to make a purchase. I have heard people say it before and thought it to be malarkey but I honestly did not want to put this book down. I was actually admonished by my fiance' in front of company for being "...a bad host" as I took a hasty departure from a dinner engagement we hosted so that I may get back to reading 'Mothers'. Jax Peters Lowell's character development is superlative, she endears her "world" to you by showing you their true faces and drawing the parallels to the good in us all. Mrs. Lowell is a true wordsmith, the last of a breed thought to be extinct (at least by myself considering what is being published nowadays). She 'paints a picture' that is both luminary and lush. From her verbose descriptions of a room to brilliant exchanges between characters this book is summarized in 2 words...BRAIN CANDY. What a treat to the sensibilities. This is a very popular topic of conversation lately, same sex parents, and it was fascinating to see how things are for someone on the other side of the proverbial fence. Perspective is how we perceive things to be, reality is how they actually are. This book is like a wake-up call serving notice that change is well overdue. I gauge a books worth and general merit by what I get from reading it. This is a book that not only tells a tale with luxuriant and engaging prose but also teaches us a little something about ourselves along the way. I am enhanced for having read this and am thankful for people like Mrs. Lowell who create such beauty out of 'mere words'.

JAX, PLEASE WRITE ANOTHER BOOK!
This was one of the best books I've read in 2000, last years favorite was "Memoirs of a Geisha." Really wonderful.

Worth it in hindsight
This book started off a slow and tedious read, but eventually became a page-turner.In the end, though the subject matter seemed dated (or at least small-town), the characters came alive, and the story was worthreading.The book was all the more enjoyable for it lack of violence, sexand profanity. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. General    4. Lesbian mothers    5. Lesbians    6. Mothers and sons    7. New York (N.Y.)    8. Literature of special Gay interest    9. Modern fiction   

Subjects:  1. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    2. Lesbian Studies    3. Lesbian mothers    4. Parenting - Motherhood    5. Single mothers    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. United States   

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Gay Studies    3. Homosexuality    4. Life Stages - Adolescence    5. Parent And Child    6. Parenting - Parent & Adult Child    7. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction   

Subjects:  1. Alternative Family    2. Family/Marriage    3. Human Sexuality    4. Identity    5. Legal status, laws, etc    6. Legal status, laws, etc.    7. Lesbian Studies    8. Lesbian mothers    9. Lesbians    10. Parenting - Motherhood    11. Psychology    12. Psychology Of Homosexuality    13. Social Science    14. Sociology    15. United States   

Reviews (2)

The political is wedded to the personal
I'm the author of a novel about a Jewish mother whose lesbian daughter wants a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, so when I came on this true life account of a gay Jewish wedding, I had to read it. I was drawn to it also because I have a gay child myself, and am active in Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), an organization which offers support, education and advocacy for equal rights. I've seen even the most "accepting" parents draw back in dismay when their son or daughter desired a same-sex wedding ceremony. Is this really necessary?
That's the ongoing question that confronts two of the authors of this fresh and insightful book as they progress through their plans to be married. The issue, of course, is that these same authors, Doug and Andrew, happen to be two gay men trying to pull off a wedding in a society that either doesn't recognize or simply doesn't know what to make of same-sex marriage. From the point they decide to become engaged, to the night of their wedding, Doug and Andrew find themselves constantly confronted by family and friends (including gay friends) who can't understand why they feel a need to have a wedding or what they are trying to prove by having one. Read more

Subjects:  1. Attitudes    2. Gay Studies    3. Gay couples    4. Gay male couples    5. Gender Studies    6. Homosexuality    7. Marriage    8. Merling, Andrew    9. Parents of gays    10. Same-sex marriage    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. Sociology - Marriage & Family    14. Weddings    15. Wythe, Douglas    16. Gay studies (Gay men)    17. Social Science / General   

Subjects:  1. Children    2. Children's Studies    3. Children's rights    4. Congresses    5. Family    6. General    7. Legal status, laws, etc    8. Legal status, laws, etc.    9. Parent and child (Law)    10. Political Science    11. Politics - Current Events    12. Politics / Current Events    13. Politics/International Relations    14. Public Policy - General    15. Sociology - Marriage & Family    16. Sociology Of Children    17. United States    18. ADOPTION_UNITED STATES    19. CHILD WELFARE    20. CHILDREN OF GAY PARENTS    21. CHILDREN_LEGAL STATUS, LAWS, ETC.    22. Central government policies    23. EDUCATION_PARENT PARTICIPATION    24. Family & relationships    25. Political Science / Social Services & Welfare   

Subjects:  1. Alternative Family    2. Autism    3. Biography    4. Body, Mind & Spirit    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Inspiration & Personal Growth    7. Lesbian mothers    8. Motherhood    9. New Age    10. New Age / Parapsychology    11. Parenting - General    12. Parenting - Motherhood    13. Parents    14. Patients    15. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Reviews (4)

A must read - Heart warming and heart wrenching -
This is a book for everyone, male or female,lesbian or not.The earlier reviews are spot on true.To the wonderful stories mentioned by earlier reviewers I would add JM Redmann's'Lost Daughter', Cameron Abbott's 'Train Tracks', Gabrielle Goldsby's Long Way Home', SX Meagher's 'That Way', Cate Swannell's 'Damaged Good's' and Therese Szymanski's 'Disconnected'.
Leaves an indelible impression
Carefully chosen to show various facets of the mother-daughter relationship, The Milk of Human Kindness anthology offers observations, reflections, and experiences from an accomplished group of lesbian writers. Some tales are fictional and entertain and inform the reader. Comparing one's own experiences to those of the various characters provides a special treat.
An absolutely phenomenal collection of stories!
An outstanding book containing terrific stories by incredibly talented writers! The reader is carried along on a journey through many emotions: hurt at a mother's betrayal; disbelief at a father's unimaginable cruelty; love by a daughter for her aging parents; agony of a daughter's bedside vigil; remorse by a mother struggling to come to terms with her daughter's sexuality; tenderness as a kindly woman "lends" an ear to a tearful young woman; fright as a daughter does the "unthinkable" to a parent; determination as a young woman struggles with her health; reserved happiness as a daughter returns home with her lover after several years.
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Subjects:  1. Anthologies (multiple authors)    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Lesbian    5. Fiction / Lesbian    6. Fiction anthologies & collections    7. Fiction-Anthologies (multiple authors)    8. General & Literary Fiction    9. Lesbians    10. Mothers and daughters