|
Post by susurrus on Apr 7, 2008 6:46:21 GMT -5
I was wondering what everyone's favorite gay books were, or if you read anything (gay related) at all. I myself haven't read too many gay-themed books, mostly because I have higher standards when it comes to books than I have for movies and it's so hard to know what is good. My favorite book so far is "Die Mitte der Welt" by Andreas Steinhöfel. It's written in German but it has been translated into English as well (by Steinhöfel himself if I'm not mistaken). It's a story about a 17-year-old boy who comes from a messed-up family and falls in love with a new student at his school. I know that sounds all very clichéd but it's really beautifully written and it's not a coming-out story. A. Steinhöfel's writing style has often been compared to John Irving but I can't comment on that because I've never actually read anything by Irving. Anyway, if you're interested in finding out more about this book, you can find the German version here and the English version here.
|
|
|
Post by lolaruns on Apr 7, 2008 7:02:29 GMT -5
While it shouldn't matter, I generally get the impression that there is often a difference between books with gay themes that are written by women (like Poppy Z. Brite for example) and books written by men. If you don't object to female writers, I have heard a lot of good things about Swordspoint by Ellen Kushner which is basically a fantasy book with a gay couple.
|
|
|
Post by susurrus on Apr 7, 2008 7:28:31 GMT -5
This sounds interesting, thanks! I don't really care if the writer's male or female since I know from reading fanfiction that there are women who can write pretty good gay stories. And Andreas Steinhöfel, who is gay himself, has written books about both gay and straight couples, which were equally convincing.
|
|
alex
New Member
Posts: 71
|
Post by alex on Apr 7, 2008 15:35:53 GMT -5
I myself haven't read too many gay-themed books, mostly because I have higher standards when it comes to books than I have for movies and it's so hard to know what is good. I agree with you. But one of my favorite books is a gay book or gay related (depend of the reader), it's "The Power of the Dog" of Thomas Savage. Some critics and a short summary : "Thomas Savage is a writer of real consequence... a masterful novelist." -Jonathan Yardley, Washington Post Book World "The Power of the Dog offers so many pleasures readers will be forgiven if they do not immediately notice that it also engages the grandest themes-among them, the dynamics of family, the varieties of love, and the ethos of the American West. Put simply, The Power of the Dog is a masterpiece." -Larry Watson, author of Montana 1948 and Justice "Thomas Savage is a writer of the first order, and he possesses in abundance the novelist's highest art—the ability to illuminate and move." -The New Yorker "Gripping and tense...a work of literary art." —Annie Proulx, from her afterword This new edition of The Power of the Dog marks the return of one of the most powerful and distinctive voices in the literature of the American West. Set in 1920s Montana, this compelling domestic drama tells the story of two brothers—and of the woman and young boy, mother and son, whose arrival on the brothers' ranch shatters an already tenuous peace. From the novel's startling first paragraph to its very last word, Thomas Savage's voice—and the intense passion and cruelty of his characters—holds readers in thrall.
|
|
alex
New Member
Posts: 71
|
Post by alex on Apr 7, 2008 15:40:29 GMT -5
A another book have his place here, even if it's not a gay book. The catch in the Rye - JD Salinger. Every teenager must read this book, and every adult must read it again, to remember what's important, and how you feel when you're young...
|
|
|
Post by susurrus on Apr 9, 2008 4:12:18 GMT -5
I agree with you. But one of my favorite books is a gay book or gay related (depend of the reader), it's "The Power of the Dog" of Thomas Savage. Thanks for the rec! It sounds very interesting. A another book have his place here, even if it's not a gay book. The catch in the Rye - JD Salinger. Every teenager must read this book, and every adult must read it again, to remember what's important, and how you feel when you're young... I've heard millions of people praise this book but so far I haven't had a chance to read it yet.
|
|
alex
New Member
Posts: 71
|
Post by alex on Apr 9, 2008 17:41:11 GMT -5
The catch in the Rye ( l'attrape-coeurs in french, it means The catch-hearts ) - JD Salinger, is the only story who talk to everyone. JDS write it in 1951, but it talk to everyone... If you feel lonely in any way , this book is a good friend. You're gay, or lonely, or not good looking, or whatever, JD Salinger talk to you, he understand you the way nobody can. The first time I read this book, I don't want to live anymore, and now, it's help me to remember how difficult the life is for younger. I think that all western government must oblige (?? I don't know if it's the good word) every student and especially every parents to read this book : suicide rate must shut down.
|
|
alex
New Member
Posts: 71
|
Post by alex on Apr 9, 2008 18:11:41 GMT -5
I don't know if this author is translated, but one of my favorite is Boris VIAN, who also wrote under the name of Vernon Sullivan. He was a jazzman, a writer, an inventor, a poet ... in his all life, he was against dicrimination. He didn't write gay books, but race or sexuality discrimination, for me it's the same thing. In 40s or 50s, he wrote a book about racism in a way nobody has done after (Roth try, but he don't get it) : an afro american, who looks like a white man, hind who he really is, his family ... For me there's no differences with some gay stories And Boris Vian was very funny, the worse love story might be so fun and so sad at the same time... ;D
|
|
alex
New Member
Posts: 71
|
Post by alex on Apr 9, 2008 18:22:29 GMT -5
My favorite book so far is "Die Mitte der Welt" by Andreas Steinhöfel. I don't find this book in french, I can read in English only if it's books for kids (like Harry Potter). Do you know if I can find it in french, or other good german books (gay or not) ? I don't know German Literature, and i'm sure there're great authors.
|
|
|
Post by susurrus on Apr 10, 2008 1:19:18 GMT -5
My favorite book so far is "Die Mitte der Welt" by Andreas Steinhöfel. I don't find this book in french, I can read in English only if it's books for kids (like Harry Potter). Do you know if I can find it in french, or other good german books (gay or not) ? I don't know German Literature, and i'm sure there're great authors. I'm sorry,but I don't know of any French translation of the book. It's a shame because it's really good. Well, it depends on what kinds of books you like. There are a lot of great German writers. For example there's "Das Parfum" by Patrick Süskind (I recommend reading the book instead of watching the movie). If you like funny fantasy books I really recommend reading all of Walter Moers' books (at least the Zamonia serial). I'm currently obsessed with them because they're so imaginative and witty! All of these are translated into French but I don't know if the translation is quite as good as the original version. As for gay books, like I said, I don't really know that many. I once read Stefan Zweig's "Verwirrung der Gefühle" (confusion of feelings) which has some gay elements but all in all it isn't really that exciting.
|
|
|
Post by lolaruns on Apr 10, 2008 2:46:30 GMT -5
A book I really loved though it is mostly out of print now is Pforten des Paradises by Jerzy Andrzejewski. It was written in 1960 and it's a very strange dreamlike book. It's not broken down into sentences and consists essentially of one long one. It's set during the Children's Crusade and tells the story of the young shepherd who had this vision that he should collect all children and lead them to Jerusalem. Essentially the book is about an aging tired priest who joins the procession of these children and teenagers as they walk through Italy and takes their confession. Only that through hearing all those stories he finds a tangled web where essentially everybody is secretly wanting to sleep with somebody else in the group (including m/m). Very strange book, but I loved it (I read it in German).
|
|
|
Post by susurrus on Apr 23, 2008 3:08:36 GMT -5
Another book I can recommend is "Born on a Blue Day" by Daniel Tammet. It's an auto-biography of the high-functioning autistic savant Daniel Tammet who also happens to be gay. I was really touched by this book and very impressed by what he achieved with his condition. He also writes a lot about how his mind works, e.g. he sees numbers as shapes and colors and therefore he can calculate very fast, or how he learns foreign languages pretty easily (I think he's fluent in 10 so far). He also has a life partner and he talks a little bit about how he got to know him / fell in love with him. There's not much of the "gay stuff" in it but I still thought the book is worth recommending. I also ordered the book "Running with Scissors" on amazon a few days back. It's again an auto-biography (or more like a memoir) by Augusten Burroughs. I have seen the movie which is a nice mixture of funny, weird and touching/sad but I heard that the book is much more explicit, which is part of the reason why I wanted to read it. Has anyone read it and can say anything about it?
|
|
alex
New Member
Posts: 71
|
Post by alex on Apr 30, 2008 19:08:31 GMT -5
Another book I can recommend is "Born on a Blue Day" by Daniel Tammet. ... I also ordered the book "Running with Scissors" on amazon a few days back. It's again an auto-biography (or more like a memoir) by Augusten Burroughs. The first book don't really interest me at the moment (probably later), but "Running with Scissors" seems great, please tell us what you think about it Susurrus, you seems to be a real reader, what's your favourite "classical" books and authors? I don't know if classical mean the same thing in english and in french, for me it's great books and authors (usually dead authors), sort of books you want to keep all your life. My fav international is Steinbeck, and in french literature, it's Racine and Vian. And there's Neil Gaiman (he's not dead, and I hope he'll live a very very long life, abd write a lot ... I'm in love ), oh and Pratchett (he might be a Monty python). Good night, Love, Alex
|
|
alex
New Member
Posts: 71
|
Post by alex on Jun 21, 2008 19:48:55 GMT -5
is there anyone who read books here ? It's not gay story, but i read 4 tomes of shaman's crossing of Robin Hobb, I don't think she's a great( author, but when I began one of her stories, I can't stop... I read the 4 in 5 days !!! I finished one in the night, and buy the next in the next morning. If you can suggest good books, you're welcome ;D Good night
|
|
|
Post by tyranamiros on Jun 22, 2008 1:10:42 GMT -5
I love Robin Hobb, even though I get depressed every time I read her books. The Farseer Trilogy was one of the first "adult" fantasy series I ever read, and they made me cry by the end.
I'm a big fan of Robert Jordan, too, but there aren't any gay characters in the series. Same with my newest favorite author, Brandon Sanderson.
|
|
|
Post by shanuti on Jun 22, 2008 2:56:42 GMT -5
I also love Robin Hobb - the Farseer (and also the Tawny Man series) were beautifully written.
As for Gay books...
Desert Sons is wonderful, in my opinion, despite its mixed reviews. The way it captures emotion and builds believable conflicted characters, to me, is just amazing. I'd also recommend the sequel (Into this world we're thrown), too.
|
|
mikey
Junior Member
Posts: 548
|
Post by mikey on Jun 29, 2008 23:01:29 GMT -5
I have a few suggestions:
A Home at the End of the World by Michael Cunningham. Story is told by four characters: Jonathan, Bobby (Jon's childhood friend), Clare (their NYC roomate) and Alice (Jon's mother). It's a story of love and how it challenges our ideas of relationships and family. Same author as The Hours. There's also a movie, but the book is infinitely better.
A Density of Souls by Christopher Rice. Amazing story of coming out and friendships, with a bit of mystery and thriller thrown in. Hey, he is Anne Rice's son!
At Swim, Two Boys by Jamie O'Neill. Coming of age and young love story between two teens that takes place in Dublin in the year leading up to the Easter Rising of 1916.
|
|
|
Post by aussie54 on Jul 15, 2008 4:41:37 GMT -5
I also ordered the book "Running with Scissors" on amazon a few days back. It's again an auto-biography (or more like a memoir) by Augusten Burroughs. I have seen the movie which is a nice mixture of funny, weird and touching/sad but I heard that the book is much more explicit, which is part of the reason why I wanted to read it. Has anyone read it and can say anything about it? I guess you've read this by now, but I enjoyed "Running with Scissors" and managed to borrow Augusten's other books as well. I didn't see the movie, because I heard it wasn't much like the book. I'd prefer to keep my own imaginary world, rather than being disappointed by an inadequate movie interpretation. I love reading, and have read many gay books. At the moment, I'm re-reading the " Raised by Wolves" books, written by W A Hoffman ... This is an epic gay historical series set among the buccaneers of Port Royal in the 1660s, exploring the enduring question of how two lonely and crazy people can make a relationship work in a world gone mad. The tale of the search to find peace, redemption, and happiness through love and friendship amidst war and violence. A love story about men, for men, and women who love reading about men. They're very readable stories. You can see more about them here. I also like Lynn Flewelling's Nightrunner series; she's just published the fourth book in the series "Shadows Return". When young Alec of Kerry is taken prisoner for a crime he didn't commit, he is certain that his life is at an end. But one thing he never expected was his cellmate. Spy, rogue, thief, and noble, Seregil of Rhiminee is many things-none of them predictable. And when he offers to take on Alec as his apprentice, things may never be the same for either of them. Soon Alec is traveling roads he never knew existed, toward a war he never suspected was brewing. Before long he and Seregil are embroiled in a sinister plot that runs deeper than either can imagine, and that may cost them far more than their lives if they fail. But fortune is as unpredictable as Alec's new mentor, and this time there just might be...Luck in the Shadows. Alec and Seregil are friends for the first two books, but gradually develop into a more loving relationship for the third one. I haven't read "Shadows Return" yet, so I can't say what happens in that one. Mikey, I liked "A Density of Souls", and two other books written by Christopher Rice. I wasn't so keen on Jamie O'Neill's "At Swim, Two Boys" - very well written, but . I've read many more gay books, but I'm not sure if there's much interest here. I'm happy to share, if people comment.
|
|
neand48
Full Member
'It isn't about who has the power or who doesn't, but the power you share when you love each other.'
Posts: 1,154
|
Post by neand48 on Jul 15, 2008 16:54:54 GMT -5
I'm going to take you all back a few years, but I find that Patricia Nell Warren's books have really stood the test of time.
My favourites: The Front Runner... (from Amazon.com) First published in 1974, The Front Runner raced to international acclaim - the first novel about gay love to become popular with mainstream. In 1975, coach Harlan Brown is hiding from his past at an obscure New York college, after he was fired from Penn State University on suspicion of being gay. A tough, lonely ex-Marine of 39, Harlan has never allowed himself to love another man.
Then Billy Sive, a brilliant young runner, shows up on his doorstep. He and his two comrades, Vince Matti and Jacques LaFont, were just thrown off a major team for admitting they are gay. Harlan knows that, with proper training, Billy could go to the '76 Olympics in Montreal. He agrees to coach the three boys under strict conditions that thwart Billy's growing attraction for his mature but compelling mentor. The lean, graceful frontrunner with gold-rim glasses sees directly into Harlan's heart. Billy's gentle and open acceptance of his sexuality makes Harlan afraid to confront either the pain of his past, or the challenges which lay in wait if their intimacy is exposed.But when Coach Brown finds himself falling in love with his most gifted athlete, he must combat his true feelings for Billy or risk the outrage of the entire sports world - and their only chance at Olympic gold. I've re-read it a couple of times.
The Fancy Dancer (from Amazon.com) Tom Meeker is a handsome rookie priest stranded in a dying rural parish. Vidal Stump is a proud, gay half-breed with a criminal record and unlawful desires. Father Meeker must choose between his sacred vows and his secret attraction to this Fancy Dancer who lures him into forbidden love. First published two decades ago, this provocative, hard-hitting novel was the first bestseller to portray a gay priest and to explore gay life in a small town. The first gay book I've ever read... Still a favourite... all these years later.
|
|
|
Post by sheepiefarm on Jul 15, 2008 17:04:01 GMT -5
I read The Front Runner a long time ago and quite enjoyed it. I used to read a lot of gay fiction when I was "coming out" but have lost them all in the many "moves" I have made over the years - sadly I can't for the life of me remember what they were called or who wrote them One of my favourites was one which began with a Q jeez - the memory just goes when you hit 40 ;D
|
|
|
Post by aussie54 on Jul 15, 2008 18:03:20 GMT -5
Neand48 - I've heard about "The Front Runner" but didn't choose to read it. Did you know they're making it into a movie ? Another book I've read that's being filmed is called "The Vintner's Luck" by Elizabeth Knox. Imdb link. Amazon.co link for the book. This is a unique story. It starts out in 1808 in France, and a young winemaker, Sobran, meets an angel names Xas. Really, it's amazing. Sobran and Xas meet on the same night for many years, and their story is compelling reading. I liked this so much that I bought it after borrowing it from the library so many times. I can't wait to see the film. Sheepie - you're right. And the memory gets worse after you hit 50 (and just wait until you've had an operation with general anaesthetic ) ;D
|
|
eldanesh
Junior Member
insane in the membrane.
Posts: 251
|
Post by eldanesh on Jul 16, 2008 19:07:54 GMT -5
a good gay bok i read was called "the commitment" and it's about two guys who want to get married... but they live in the US. it's pretty funny, and a good read, by dan savage.
|
|
|
Post by calaeb on Jul 16, 2008 22:57:50 GMT -5
a good gay bok i read was called "the commitment" and it's about two guys who want to get married... but they live in the US. it's pretty funny, and a good read, by dan savage. he also wrote 'the kid' which surveys his childhood alongside their adventures adopting their son... hilarious read!
|
|
neand48
Full Member
'It isn't about who has the power or who doesn't, but the power you share when you love each other.'
Posts: 1,154
|
Post by neand48 on Jul 17, 2008 15:22:28 GMT -5
When I wrote that The Fancy Dancer was the first gay book I'd ever read... I lied... not intentional... I'd forgotten about Gordon Merrick's The Lord Won't Mind. Typical boy meets boy loses boy meets boy again... and they were happy together for the rest of their lives... Nothing to write home about now, but then... Of course there's Maurice. Saw the movie first and was pleasantly surprised that it had stuck to the book... wonderful read; mind you I'm a fan of E. M. Forster... really enjoyed A ROOM WITH A VIEW and HOWARDS END. Re. Forgetting... Rats... forgot what I wanted to write... maybe next time. But you'll have to remind me...
|
|
|
Post by alexlovesroman on Aug 12, 2008 3:59:59 GMT -5
A WONDERFUL gay book is "Am Ende der Nacht: Abschied von Bob" by Lutz van Dijk, although very sad.
|
|