Took a bit of a break today to read some poetry ( Read more... )

I was searching for Dave Brandstetter fanfiction and came across this 2006 article about the history of fictional gay and lesbian detectives/spies/cops. It's quite thorough and has given me a nice list of authors to check out. The article includes a couple of books that chronicle the history of the genre; those might be worth adding to my ( Read more... )

I am currently perusing "The Adventures of Roderick Random" by Tobias Smollet, and yes, it is as ridiculous as it sounds. This tome was published in 1748 and it expounds on the high-spirited adventures of Roderick and his friend Strap.

Yes, it's gay as hell. And it's more than 200 years old.

( In which Lord Strutwell offers an impassioned defense of homosexuality and Roderick presses a gift upon the Earl since he is ever so grateful for his wisdom and counsel and wherein there is a lot of hand-squeezing and bosom-hugging )

1. From yesterday's post, I have concluded that most girls did not use their Barbies and Kens as Mattel intended. For those mothers and fathers who say Barbies do not lend themselves to creative play, I invite you to take a look and see just how creative kids could be ( Read more... )

I dunno, but I would think this guy might have a serious chafing problem. Notice the strategically placed ferns in the background.


( Read more... )

I didn't need another private detective to love. I really didn't. But Dave Brandstetter isn't giving me a choice ( Read more... )

I just finished this poignant novel this morning and wanted to tell you about it while my heart still aches. A picture of the first edition is behind the cut.

"Two People," published in 1965, was a rare book in that it discusses frankly, but not explicitly, an affair between an American businessman and a 17-year-old Roman boy. Here is a review of ( Read more... )

I thought I would show you Chapter 20, one of the most emotion-packed in the entire book. As a refresher, this story was written in 1870.

( A Crisis )

I feel a sense of urgency as I read this book. It crumbles in my hands as I turn the pages; it's as if its begging me to finish it before it disintegrates and the story is gone forever. The story of Joseph and Philip has lived since 1870, and I want to tell you about it, to preserve it and to pass it on.

( I shall let Joseph speak for himself )

I've started "Maurice" by E.M. Forster, and I'm about 8 chapters into it. I've decided I need my own copy so that I can highlight the many wonderful passages. This is a beautiful coming-of-age story written so long ago but so appropriate for a modern audience. Written in 1913-1914 but not published until 1971 (a year after the author's death which ( Read more... )