This examination of the ex-gay movement is pitiless, blunt and catty. While I generally don't approve of the master's tools being used to dismantle the master's house, the spiteful queen inside this loveable ol' Bear silently snaps up in this instance, if only because it is detailed and well documented in its exploration of the twisted and vile ex-gay movement/homosexual 'healing' ministries.
My one qualm is not much related to the text. While the author rightly points out that one thing that may drive the troubled gay to these institutions is the lack of welcome and support found in much of the queer community, he is guilty of numerous remarks about people being fat and ugly, which I suppose might prove his point, but which I still found distressing and irrelevant, while admitting my conflict of interest on both points. It hardly prevented me from enjoying the book and appreciating its extensive scholarship, but it WAS a distraction. Nevertheless, a work whose truth will hopefully set some people free, including a friend of mine who is, sadly, unlikely to read the book. :(
Having had some less-than-pleasant experiences around athletics growing up (and having had a few unfortunate encounters with 'masculine' gay men who have invaded lesbian territory and become sports fanatics... ;o) ), I must say the notion of a novel set around a group of flag football faggots initially gave me serious pause.
However, there's a bit more to this book than that. The nine people making up the team have issues ranging from internalized homophobia to destructive families to romantic entanglements within and without the group, and the novel explores these with a range of voices and styles that evoke everything from Gordon Merrick to Hubert Selby Jr. and John Rechy along the way, depending on the personalities and outlooks that the characters exhibit. Plus, as it's a Hollywood team, there is serious name dropping and dishing (remember, it's fiction, so the references are to fictional versions of the famous ;o) ), to whose lure I cannot claim immunity.
There's still a lot of discussion of football and men's sweaty bodies crashing into each other and rolling on the ground (oh, wait - this is starting to sound interesting...), but there's enough brain and heart to balance the brawn and heat in play too.
This poetic novel by a man best known for his verse and short fiction is reminiscent of Edmund White's NOCTURNE FOR THE KING OF NAPLES - apt, as it is about family dynamics and coming out. It is, however, considerably more gritty and less surreal.
From a subjective point of view, I considered it a plus that the 'love interest', Vince, is a punky anarchist lawbreaker (and, judging from his description, a cub in training...). However, that is disappointingly lusty of me. I should be ashamed...I'm not, though... :)
The main character, Neil, is struggling throughout the book with sexuality and his brother Peter's cancer.
Perhaps it is because of my admiration for punks and my identification with damage and fragility, but I was disappointed that the book ends as it does; however, I acknowledge it was unlikely that Vince and Neil would remain together. It is to the author's credit that he gets this across subtly and in a poetic fashion. The description and language throughout is both succinct AND imagistic, if you can picture that combination.
All told, a worthy debut, and one that inclines me to look for more, both past and future.
As usual, I find myself, upon reading self-help books, both gleaning some useful advice and feeling somewhat chastened or cautioned. :)
As someone in a relationship for five years, mostly long distance (oh, and the things the book has to say about THAT - some possibly even true...), it was useful to read some perspectives and considerations in the broadening and examination of that partnership (not having many coupled friends, cohabiting or not, and really only knowing ONE male pair, getting this point of view personally has often been tricky...).
The volume offers sage advice on body image, self-defeating messages (please - my mailbox is full of them...luckily, I've learned to return some to sender...), the closet, and so much more.
Fortunately, my neuroses and Arne's complement each other, so some of the warning signs of the book may not be applicable (to some extent, deprecation and domination is part of the fun in our wacky setup... ;o)). However, on balance, the author has created a balanced work not too burdened with psychobabble, while not succumbing to the tendency of some gay books to apologize for the queer community's narcissism and couple-busting tendencies, and also providing real-life examples of issues that can be encountered.
As I have said on more than one occasion, I feel a greater affiliation with dykes than with (most) gay men. Perhaps it�s just because the people I tend to share musical and literary tastes are self-identified thusly (well, along with some straight men, but you have to draw the line somewhere�and, while I have no problem with being a dutch boy (guy who hangs with lesbians), the notion of being metrosexual by association is too much to bear�) � maybe it�s because, as a bear, I relate more to people who might not be so obsessed with meeting the beauty myth (and also may be more forgiving of extra pounds and facial hair) � then again, I could just be a carpet-muncher trapped in a cock-sucker�s body.
There is also the fact that people like Dorothy Allison and Pat Califia (yes, I know the latter case is now somewhat more complicated, but I am speaking of the past�) have expressed an interest in S/M, for which I have a certain affection as well.
In any case, along comes this book, which deals with lesbianism, bondage, dominance/submission AND vampirism (vampires aren�t that big a thing for me � I prefer werewolves (I wonder if there�s been a werebear, other than Bjorn from THE HOBBIT)� but I�ll take my supernatural sexy predators where I can find them�), all in a historical context, with sex scenes that will doubtless excite the lesbian S/M activist in us all (including breeder boys � but, again, don�t make me dwell�) � as I related to the author, which somewhat bemused her, these descriptions even had ME on the, er, edge of my seat (I figured it might have been the sadistic components, but, as the chestnut goes, the mark of a great writer is s/he takes you somewhere that you might not have thought of going but that you now know and appreciate in intimate detail�).
For the queer boy reader who wants there to be gents in a book too (there are, by the way, some sympathetic portraits of decent straight men in here, which tend to suggest such creatures might truly exist�ah, fiction�:)), there happen to be a couple of Nosferatu nancies in the book as well, in case you wanted to know, though neither especially belongs to the exotic Anne Rice school of homo hemophiles.
All told, a fast-paced but well-developed sort of murder mystery, with elements of romance and history and even politics, paying equal attention to both erotica and emotion and concluding on a twist that might call for a sequel (or perhaps not). Now all I have to do is learn to read German so I can check out the author�s first novel, whose title suggests it might actually be about werewolves (note: straight (as it were) from the author's mouth, THE SIGN OF THE WOLF is not about werewolves, sadly - evidently, its sequel, QUEST OF THE DRAGON, had a werecat, but it has not been published (neither has been put out in English), as, ironically, Germany, a country that produces children's books in which a suitable punishment for running with scissors is having your thumbs snipped off, apparently has a thing against publishing S/M....go fig, esp. since Taschen is based there and produces Tom of Finland retrospectives galore...). Of course, my Boy can read that language � maybe I should hogtie him and hold the book in front of him and refuse to let him go �til he simultaneously translates it for me.
This book, like its main character, is a shape shifter. At some points it is a romance - then a work of fantasy - blink again, and you are in a historical novel - once more, and you find yourself in a medical thriller.
However, I considered this eclecticism part of its charm - genre purity can be stifling, and leads to some formulaic books. To emulate a couple of hooved creatures in a Disney movie (and, yes, I AM going to Brother Bear...), if you are going to read only one gay romantic historical medical fantasy novel this year, this should be the one (so put down that Mercedes Lackey...until you finish this one...).
A wry murder mystery, featuring a private dick who prefers dicks publicly. I believe I read this book when I was a teenager, in my �it's gay, so I HAVE to read it...oh, in order to understand my friends!� period (luckily, it was just a phase, before I turned queer). Enjoyable, with an ironic take on the state of late 70s culture, het and gay!
John Waters, Crackpot: The Obsessions Of... (Scribner, Toronto, $13 US/$21 CAN, 2003 (originally published 1987))
In which everyone's favourite twisted director waxes on things he adores and despises, ranging from Pia Zadora (likes) to The Pope (not), with stops at serial killers, billboard celebrities in Los Angeles, Katherine Hepburn (out of deference to her death, I shall decline to share his views on her... :) ) and very bad Liz Taylor/Dick Burton films (I know, where to start?). The bonus features are revealing too, if not quite as vicious at times as the original articles reproduced here. Campy, yes, but I like it too... :)
(b) Maybe it's your copy of Rubyfruit Jungle - maybe you're writing your own...
(i) I just wanna be in your fanorama
ed. by Paul Moore, Ambiguous Ambrosia one page double-sided comic supplements (Paul Moore #650402, 12120 Savage Drive, Midway, Texas, 75852; easiest obtained, and with the least chance of creating problems, from Reb c/o Fanorama Society Global Headquarters, 109 Arnold Avenue, Cranston, Rhode Island, 02905, USA, fanorama1@aol.com...and I would suggest sending a American dollar or two if that is all you are ordering, as a donation - with other stuff, request some 'toons to be tossed in...)
These sharply drawn, thick-lined illustrations, with storylines by various contributors, are editorial cartoons crossed with caricatures, dealing with: John Ashcroft; penis size anxiety; a production of The Wizard of Oz that is WAAAAAY over the rainbow; somber meditations on AIDS; a story that may cause you never to order creamy dressing again; and the tale of a riot kitten with a whip that reminds me of my Boy for reasons modesty forbids trotting out. Fun stuff that happens to be done by an inmate (now get over it, babe).
ed. by Ted Mangano, Double Underground #1 (Ted Mangano #50157 WSCC, POB 8045,
Carson City, Nevada, 89702, USA; that address is for correspondence only, and should not have 'zines sent to it without writing first - to avoid corrupting the environment of the prison industrial complex (horrors!), it is best obtained from Reb for $2 US or more)
Very moving stories and poems, also including pen pal information for prisoners, my favourites being �Barring the Storm�, about how your mind need not be caged if your body is, and �The Night They Killed Raggedy Ann�, about family love and survival. There is evidently a second issue coming, and I anticipate it greatly.
ed. Reb, Fanorama #26 (109 Arnold Avenue, Cranston, Rhode Island, 02905, USA, fanorama1@aol.com; $5 US or more, free to prisoners, specify the 'clean' or 'dirty' version)
In which a fag zinester older than me (I know - incredible...) waxes romantic about Neil, his inmate Boy (see his 'zine below) - prints the works of several other inmates, including pornography (gasp! sex behind BARS!?) - shows off new sigils/tattoos - destroys the fabric of society with perverted photographs of the depraved sinner Scott Treleaven (note: sarcasm was engaged for the preceding phrase...) - rants about fake queers in music (I still think the boys in Turbonegro are woofy, even if they prefer girls) - calls someone out on a 'prison=club med' distortion - shares a variety of letters - provides 'zine and music reviews (including yours truly on both points) - and even includes a crossword puzzle!! Muy nifty, to say the least. Remember to state whether you want the clean or dirty version (I don't like innocence, so I have no idea how they differ...).
ed. Neil, Wiener Society #7 (again, best obtained from Reb, particularly as the institution imprisoning the editor recently raided his cell and stole some of his property (also happened to Ted from Double Underground), for $3 US or more if you can afford it)
Given his humble resource base, Neil produces a very effective and hard-hitting personal 'zine, in which he discusses his recent hepatitis C diagnosis, eulogizes punk artist Marc Hoffman and generally ofers an articulate and strong picture of his world view. Certainly not pretty, but an artistic accomplishment all the same.
ed. Jacob David/The Zealot, Zealot Mind Signal Transmission one page, double sided rantfest (can be obtained from Reb for $1 or more, or from Jacob at P.O. box 3050, Eureka, California, 95502, who also offers the 'zine Nero Fiddled While Rome Burned for three stamps or a trade)
This two-sided polemic deals with Bush, the War and the general drift of society towards New World Chaos. Having read Jacob's work before, I had expected this, of course, though I am heartened to see not quite as much alliteration (it could get distracting in the past); The Zealot fits right in. Entertainingly nasty and radical...
(ii)Canada is the Center of the Known Universe
ed. by Matt Dornan, Comes With A Smile #12 (also with a CD :) ) (69 St. Mary's Grove, Chiswick, London W4 3LW, England, UK, approx. $12 US/$16 CAN, Summer 2003)
My favourite glossy Canuck-loving Brit 'zine, featuring maple leaf music from Hayden and The Sadies, while also profiling such personal faves as The Go-Betweens (forget Hemingway and Genet - try Atwood :) ) and Mark Eitzel (I'd sponsor him to immigrate *woof*). Stylish, committed, uncommercial. Buy it...
ed. by Ninj and Liz, Infiltration #21 (PO Box 13, Station E, Toronto, ON, M6H 4E1, Canada, $2 CAN, August 2003)
In which our beloved editors explore the depths of the University of Toronto and all it has to offer. You never know what's lurking in places you are not supposed to go - and, thanks to this magazine, you can find out
vicariously without risking being grabbed and roughed up by burly young security guards....hmmmm...where can I do some investigation around HERE? :)
ed. Emily Pohl-Weary, Kiss Machine #7 (PO Box 108, Station P, Toronto, ON, M5S 1S8, $4 CAN/US direct, probably $5 or so in stores)
This is the 'What Do You Do and Why Do You Do It?' issue, in which numerous people were solicited to answer nosy questions about their personal lives and motivations, and actually did it. Combined with fiction, essays and photographs, in which even MORE is revealed, it is a witty and diverse publication in a series which has ranged from aliens to sex and condiments in the past.
ed. by Jon Pressick, Trade Queer Things Autumn 2003 (#302-135 Bleecker Street, Toronto, Ontario M4X 1X2, Canada, $4 CAN)
Mucho queer goodies, including: trans activists standing up for cows and justice; musicians and DJs working it on OUT; reclusive 'zine editors (er, hi) interviewing film/zine/art gods; a visit to the queer world of Nova Scotia - and so much more, in a package of ultimate style and substance *jealousy darts*.
ed. by Mike Stax, Ugly Things 21 (3707 Fifth Ave. #15, San Diego, CA, 92103, USA,$6.95 US/$10.95 CAN, 2003)
More Can Con, including The Paupers, a eulogy of Zal Yanovsky (I live in his adopted hometown), and a profile by Canadian SF writer William Gibson of Skip Spence (who my sources tell me was also Great White North material). Include another part of the Misunderstood article, and many ads/reviews, and you have garage heaven (again).
(iii) Weirdos, Cranks and Other Potential Lust Objects
John Fahey, Vampire Vultures (Drag City Books, P.O. Box 476867, Chicago, IL, 60647-6867, USA, 2003, $17.98 US)
A haunting glimpse, in the form of letters, stories and essays, into the mind of a man and the bones of a novel that, based on the excerpts herein, could have been on a gonzo par with John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces. Sadly, while he remembered Blind Joe Death (the title of the Bearish guitarist's first album in 1959), it also remembered him, and renewed its acquaintance in 2001. I could relate to the musings about never being happy in
general or satisfied with one's work specifically too well, I fear...
Michael Moore, Dude Where's My Country? (Warner Books, NY, 2003, $24.95 US/$36.95 CAN)
In which everyone's favourite shrill Bearish author drops weapons of mass destruction in the general vicinity of Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington. Sadly, a few miss their targets this time or fail to go off; this book is not quite as focussed as its predecessors, or his films (at their best) and TV series. However, he still has some valid points to make, if you use the critical mind he repeatedly urges you to throughout - and some of those seven
questions he proposes of the Resident really OUGHT to be responded to...
Robert Rankin, The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse (Gollancz, London, UK, $10.99 CAN, 2002)
The first chapter is like Quentin Tarantino script-doctoring Horatio Alger's treatment of Oliver Twist, with maybe a smidgen of Deliverance tossed in.
From there, this book careens into a murder mystery/fantasy/detective parody of dizzying turns, including the obligatory 'but no-one could have seen that coming' climax and numerous inventive ways of killing off nursery rhyme favourites. This author has evidently had quite a few books, none of which I've seen besides this one and the new one The Witches of Chiswick, though I DO want to read one called 'Sex and Drugs and Sausage Rolls'.
And, at the risk of confirming your general perceptions of what draws me to a book, one of the protagonists is a Bear - literally, a Teddy Bear. That was NOT the only reason I got it, though...cross my furry big heart and hope to die (as it were). It's extremely twisted and evil (okay, so now I've allowed you to check off another item on the list of assumptions about me... :) ) - but also quite rewarding.
