Arts & Culture :: Books

Past Tense: Zak Salih's 'Let's Get Back To The Party'

Past Tense: Zak Salih's 'Let's Get Back To The Party'

  • by Jim Piechota
  • Mar 9, 2021

In his impressive debut, Washington, D.C. writer Zak Salih chronicles the ongoing reunion of two gay men who were friends throughout childhood yet became estranged by the ebb and flow of adult life.

X marks his spot: autobiography of John Amero, porn pioneer

X marks his spot: autobiography of John Amero, porn pioneer

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Mar 3, 2021

In his newly published memoir, 'American Exxxtasy: My 30-Year Search for a Happy Ending,' gay filmmaker Amero recalls those bygone days with wit, humor and heart.

Black queer experience in academia: Brandon Taylor's 'Real Life'

Black queer experience in academia: Brandon Taylor's 'Real Life'

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Mar 2, 2021

Shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize, Brandon Taylor's 'Real Life' is a reimagined campus novel from a fresh perspective, a gay African-American graduate student.

Saints & Sinners literary fest's online in March

Saints & Sinners literary fest's online in March

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Feb 28, 2021

With an entire literary festival, from readings to panels, all online, the 18th annual Saints & Sinners LGBTQ Literary Festival, usually held in New Orleans, returns with a robust roster on March 11-14.

Two photo books offer new and historic views on LGBT people

Two photo books offer new and historic views on LGBT people

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Feb 28, 2021

Two photo books, one new, the other re-issued decades after first being published, show stark differences, and similarities, in the depiction of their subjects.

Olivia Newton-John: She's still the one that we want

Olivia Newton-John: She's still the one that we want

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Feb 23, 2021

Now in her seventh decade as an entertainer, Olivia Newton-John has proven herself to be a versatile artist, including recent duet with her daughter, and a recently published memoir.

All-male, reviewed: Brontez Purnell's '100 Boyfriends'

All-male, reviewed: Brontez Purnell's '100 Boyfriends'

  • by Jim Piechota
  • Feb 23, 2021

In Brontez Purnell's deliciously voyeuristic collection of salacious vignettes, we are drenched in the sights, smells, sounds, and hedonistic delights of orgasmic connection.

'Gay Grampas' book published

'Gay Grampas' book published

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Feb 21, 2021

In the tradition of 'Heather Has Two Mommies,' the first children's book featuring gay grandparents lovingly showcases extended family.

What drives desire - 'Kink: Stories' anthology explores sexuality

What drives desire - 'Kink: Stories' anthology explores sexuality

  • by Mark William Norby
  • Feb 16, 2021

'Kink: Stories,' edited by R.O. Kwon and Garth Greenwell, is an anthology of 14 blazing, vivid stories that come together and make up a collection that plunges into different definitions of the multi-layered discipline of intimacy.

Ruth Coker Burks' 'All the Young Men' - a big-hearted memoir

Ruth Coker Burks' 'All the Young Men' - a big-hearted memoir

  • by Tim Pfaff
  • Feb 9, 2021

Reading 'All the Young Men,' Ruth Coker Burks' big-hearted memoir, brings that singular kind of consolation, and even joy, that comes with the finding of meaning in tragedy.

AutoErotica's fundraiser gains new fans and donors

AutoErotica's fundraiser gains new fans and donors

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jan 31, 2021

While some Castro businesses have closed permanently, one unique store has gained support from a devoted fan. AutoErotica, the longtime resource for vintage gay-themed sexy collectibles, has already raised more than $11,000 of its $16,000 fundraiser goal.

Civilian superman: journalist Donovan Russo's action-packed novel 'Steven's War'

Civilian superman: journalist Donovan Russo's action-packed novel 'Steven's War'

  • by Jim Piechota
  • Jan 31, 2021

Media journalist Donovan Russo's debut novel, 'Steven's War' combines action-filled revenge with a coming-out story in the 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' era.

Mutual attraction: Jack Halberstam's 'Wild Things: The Disorder of Desire'

Mutual attraction: Jack Halberstam's 'Wild Things: The Disorder of Desire'

  • by Jim Piechota
  • Jan 26, 2021

Noted radical social thinker and Columbia gender studies professor Jack Halberstam's reputation precedes him, and his new creative exploration of desire reinforces his thought process behind how human sexuality becomes attracted to everything "wild."

Poet Amanda Gorman, Lady Gaga and other musicians bring arts to Biden/Harris Inauguration

Poet Amanda Gorman, Lady Gaga and other musicians bring arts to Biden/Harris Inauguration

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jan 20, 2021

As Americans and people over the world heaved a heavy sigh of relief and joy with the Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, one young poet stood out for her artistic contribution.