THEGAYUK

Category: Books

  • BOOK REVIEW | Faitheist by Chris Stedman

    Chris Stedman is an atheist with a humanistic ethical code. Stedman, through his interfaith work, encourages the religious and nonreligious to come together and share their stories to humanise and understand one another for the greater good. He is the Assistant Humanist Chaplain at Harvard University and writes on his blog NonProphet Status, for the Huffington Post as well as on various other media platforms.

    In Faitheist, Chirs Stedman shares the story of his life (so far). The full title of the book is longwinded (Faitheist: How an Atheist Found Common Ground with the Religious) and the introduction is off-putting. The introduction is full of terminology that is unfamiliar, unless you’re an Atheist Activist or an Interfaith Worker/Volunteer. This terminology and the elongated words are both unnecessary.

    But get past the introduction and Stedman’s story is fascinating. Told in his warm and engaging writers voice his story is educational, enlightening, completely honest and emotionally resonant.

    Stedman starts with his childhood; describing it as ‘not particularly religious.’ He discusses his search for a place to belong and a community to be a part of. Towards the end of his childhood he joins a church and becomes a Christian.

    Stedman moves into his adolescence and tells us of his developing homosexuality. He describes a difficult time in his life, one where his sexuality and his extreme Christian beliefs are at odds. He discusses his self-hate, guilt and his loss of faith in God. He reveals how his mum discovered that he was gay and how she supported him. Lost, Stedman sets out on journey to find himself.

    Stedman tells of his early adulthood; describing his journey to find himself and what he wants to do with his life. He tells that through Voluntary & Community Work he served others (a recurring theme throughout his entire life), he realised that the religious and nonreligious need to work together (interfaith working). He explains that he realised this has to start with understanding one another’s perspective.

    Stedman writes about his set and strong convictions towards the end of this book, clearly promoting humanism. However he has a history of changing some of his views, based on his life experiences. So this left the question as to whether some of his views may change over time. Not his core values, those have always remained a constant, but some of his views on complex ‘grey’ areas in life.

    As Stedman shares his story he describes his patchwork of tattoos and their meaning to him and his life. Stedman demonstrates his wonderful ability to reflect on his own experiences and learn from them. He reveals his unique passion, vibrant personality and how so alive he is. A gorgeous man with a beautiful, caring soul.

    Stedman concludes his book, not surprisingly, advocating the bringing together of the religious and the nonreligious (atheists). He suggests that they should share their life stories with one another. This he states will lead to a better understanding of one another, so that they can work better together. He encourages the reader to open a dialogue with people from all walks of life, to listen to their stories and share yours.

    Stedman could have included some glossy photo pages to match his autobiographical style of story sharing, which would have been great for visual learners. Faitheist by Chris Stedman is a thought-provoking read and will appeal to anyone who is interested in the study of religious or atheism, the effect of religion on homosexuality, humanism, philosophy, ideology, interfaith work and/or bringing communities together.

    Faitheist: How an Atheist Found Common Ground with the Religious by Chris Stedman is available to buy on Amazon.

  • BOOK REVIEW | Grand Slam

    Ok, being a Brit, I have to admit that the rules of baseball are an anathema to me – I have no idea who does what to whom or where, only a scant knowledge that its a little like rounders…. with a bigger bat and tighter trousers.

    Being given a gay romance novel to review that revolves around the game of baseball may seem strange, and it being written by a woman even stranger. This is her debut male/male romance novel and the initial idea came about over a family lunch involving her oldest son. An off the cuff remark by his girlfriend that ‘if he were ever to have a “gay” experience, then it would be with his best friend,’ led to the author picking this up and using it in her book.

    The story revolves around the budding romance of Spencer Hightower and Brock Kinkaid – great all American names, conjuring up images of muscle, sweat and Gap… and this book does a great job of supplying you with imagery.

    I’m not going to spoil the story for you, suffice to say, Spencer is the minor league baseball player with ambition and Brock the audience, after his nephew wins tickets to go see Spencer in action… on the pitch. They meet, fall heavily in love and then the story does something I really love, it shows them dating… not jumping straight into bed, a back seat or handy dark alley… no – actual dating. For me, this is what I love… normal life.

    Too many gay themed books are “one handed reads”, going straight for the crotch from word one, but Grand Slam, although it has no shortage of very well written and highly charged sex scenes, also shows that we, as gay men, actually eat food at times too, we do laundry, we shop as well as all the other stuff we’re fabulous at!

    Of course, being fiction, the normality doesn’t always last and their romance is soon under pressure from outside influences, bigotry and another man, but I’ll leave you to read it and get the juicy details. It is worth the purchase.

    The book is available as both paperback and download and I love that. Too many books of this genre are simple downloads which can almost cheapen the experience. Having said that, I am a convert to the whole e-reader experience, both via tablet and dedicated e-reader.

    Grand Slam is available to purchase here

  • BOOK REVIEW | Confessions Of A Gay Rugby Player – Books 1 and 2, By Patrick Darcy

    What is it recently with me and ball playing books? First, there was Grand Slam by J.T. Cheyanne and now along comes Confessions of a Gay Rugby Player by the talented Patrick Darcy.

    Patrick takes the world of rugby, gay rugby at that, and makes it real. So real, you can smell the sweat on those players, even if you have no idea why they scrum or whatever it is they do….

    The first title isn’t overly long, at just 44 pages in total and is a fully fledged, paid up member of the gay erotica club. This book has no pretensions to be literary or a full novel….it does what it says on the tin, its erotic, its truthful and honest, and above all else, its sexy as hell!

    The storyline is simple, it follows our hero, Conor Murphy as he takes part in a gay rugby tournament in New York. Rubbing up against teams from all over the world gives him plenty of chances to get up to mischief and he doesn’t disappoint, including a quickie with a cowboy!

    In the introduction, Charlie Harding sets the scene when he asks whats hotter than a manly, burly, masculine rugby player? And believe me, if this is your thing, this title wont disappoint you.

    The sex scenes are written with one thing in mind, so hold your e-reader securely… in the one hand…

    Book 2 follows a similar vein, if you will. Connor and his close team mate Sean take Copenhagen, one man at a time. Once again, there are realistic rugby scenes in here that sit convincingly alongside Connor and Sean’s conquests. This isn’t surprising as the writer identifies himself as gay, Irish and a rugby player himself. Also, similarities with Connor continue in that Patricks day job allows him to travel and experience “local colour” which surely must provide fodder for the books.

    I admire both titles for their honesty – Patrick has an innate talent for producing work that entertains the head whilst also appealing to somewhere further south.

    If rugby is your game, or rugby players are your type, treat yourself and download these now…there is a 3rd available but I’ll leave that up to you to discover.

     

    Buy from Amazon

  • BOOK REVIEW | The Magician’s Assistant, by Ann Patchett

    Pleasure & Pain are this month’s theme here at THEGAYUK and The Magician’s Assistant by Ann Patchett has got plenty of both. It is one of my favourite all-time books, one that I have read time and time again.

    The story is about Sabine who we meet when she looses her gay husband Parsifal unexpectedly. Sure she knew he had HIV, but expected it to be a few more years before his death.

    Parsifal was a great magician and Sabine his loyal assistant.

    Parsifal had been in love with Phan who just a short time ago had died from AIDS.

    Parsifal knowing that he was HIV positive and that he had no family decided to marry his life long friend Sabine. This was so that she would be entitled to his inheritance and because on a deep level he truly loved her.

    After Parsifal’s death the lawyer explains to Sabine that Parsifal has family in Alliance, Nebraska. Sabine is grieving and shocked at this revelation. Why didn´t she know about them? Why did he never talk about them and deny all knowledge of having a family?

    We join Sabine on an emotional journey as she meets this family and discovers more about Parsifal´s childhood. During the days Sabine learns more about Parsifal, and in the nights she dreams meeting first Phan and eventually Parsifal.

    Along the way Sabine learns more about herself and realises that Parsifal has given her a most precious gift, more precious than money and security she thought he´d left her.

    This book becomes an absolute page-turner as we connect with Sabine and need to know what will happen next.

    The Magician’s Assistant by Ann Patchett is available to purchase on Amazon and is essential reading for anyone who’s ever loved and lost and then found love again.

  • BOOK REVIEW: It’s Okay To Be Gay, Edited by Alison Stokes

    BOOK REVIEW: It’s Okay To Be Gay, Edited by Alison Stokes

    It’s OK to be Gay is a brilliant new book featuring the coming out tales of a number of high profile personalities. Edited by Alison Stokes, It’s OK to be Gay has been created to raise money for the charity Diversity Role Models.

    It’s OK to be Gay contains the coming out stories of a diverse range of LGB people. It may have been too easy for the book to comprise of the usual gay celebrities telling the same tales we have heard many times before. What It’s OK to be Gay does is feature a number of prominent LGB people who discuss their sexuality, their coming out, and how it has shaped their lives. It’s an interesting read and I found myself relating to many of the situations the contributors had faced and the emotions they had experienced.

    The balance of It’s OK to be Gay is just right; the tone is frank and matter of a fact, but not in a way that is shocking or headline grabbing. It’s a collection of real accounts that many readers will relate to. There is something for everyone.

    The one story that stuck out for me was that of the great Phyllis Opoku-Gyimah, co-founder and director of UK Black Pride. Many of the stories show that coming out can be a positive experience, but this particular story shows that it is not always plain sailing. There are some of us who experience negative reactions when coming out and Phyllis’ story is a stark reminder of that. It covers not only being a lesbian, but also black and from a religious household. However, it’s not a story that focuses on the doom and gloom, and Phyllis’ journey demonstrates that each negative experience can be turned into something wonderfully positive.

    Another story that drew my particular attention was the inclusion of the singer Diana King. A long-time admirer of Diana having been brought up on her music in my own mixed race, multi-cultural household, it was interesting for It’s OK to be Gay to feature a coming out story from someone who lives in a country where being gay is not widely accepted. In Jamaica it is a real risk that LGB people can be beaten or even killed due to their sexuality. I feel it is of the utmost importance that a book of this kind covers cultural difficulties that some LGB people can face, and it achieves that with flying colours.

    As a whole package, It’s OK to be Gay covers all bases. The inspiring people who have contributed their stories come from all walks of life, which instantly makes this book endearing. Perhaps it’s true to say that several of the stories are quite similar, but it does prove that although our coming out experiences are as individual as the people we are, there will more often than not be those similarities. The majority of us experience the same worries and apprehensions when faced with coming out.

    I thoroughly recommend getting your hands on It’s OK to be Gay. It’s a delightful and well put together book. I believe it will serve to help and inspire younger LGB people as well as reminding the rest of us that it can and does get better.

    It’s OK to be Gay is available on Amazon.

  • BOOK REVIEW | Hombres by Joan Crisol

    ★★★★ Publishers of distinction – Bruno Gmünder, releases Joan Crisol’s rather wonderful Hombres.

    Described as the look book for Spanish fashion brand ES, photographer Joan Crisol has managed to capture some incredible photos. It makes for a perfect Coffee Table book or dare we say early Christmas present for the man admirer in your life – or just you!

    81 full colour pages of more muscle perfect men in various states of undress, than you could shake a stick at.

    Absolutely recommended coffee table reading.

  • BOOK REVIEW | God Believes in Love – Straight Talk about Gay Marriage by Gene Robinson

    Firstly it’s presented really well – hardback with parchment-like paper and a easy to read font. On the back cover there’s a quote, which instantly sparked my interest from President Barack Obama that says:
    ‘My friend Bishop Gene Robinson has long been a voice for equality – not with anger or vitriol, but with compassion and faith. He has been guided by the simple precept that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us.’

    Gene writes in a conversational style throughout the book making it feel like you’re sat somewhere warm and cosy listening to him speak, a writing style that I found captivating. He starts with an introduction sharing his story of being in love with and marrying his best friend (a woman); having two daughters but later realising that his attraction to the same gender could not be suppressed or changed.

    Gene writes that he and his wife divorced and that he later met and fell in love with Mark his husband. In this introduction he explains what marriage means to him, that he and Mark had a ‘Civil Union,’ before getting married (after it was made legal for them to do so) and the he later became IX Bishop of New Hampshire. It is a heart warming that he chose to share his life experience and I have a huge respect for him doing this as it would make most people feel exposed & vulnerable.

    Gene answers ten questions commonly posed by Christians:

    1. Why Gay Marriage Now?

    2. Why Should You Care About Gay Marriage If You’re Straight?

    3. What’s Wrong with Civil Unions?

    4. Doesn’t the Bible Condemn Homosexuality?

    5. What Would Jesus Do?

    6. Doesn’t Gay Marriage Change the Definition of Marriage That’s Been in Place for Thousands of Years?

    7. Doesn’t Gay Marriage Undermine Marriage?

    8. What If My Religion Doesn’t Believe in Gay Marriage?

    9. Don’t Children Need a Mother and a Father?

    10. Is This About Civil Rights or Getting Approval for Questionable Behaviour?

     

    Gene’s answers are intelligent, insightful and obviously well thought out. His knowledge of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans history and civil rights activism was fascinating. I thought I was well educated on gay history, but he conveyed some history of which I was unaware.

    Gene recognises that straight people need to advocate for gay people and encourages them throughout the book to ‘get to know us,’ listen to gay people’s stories and believe them as their truth. He asks them to try and imagine walking in a gay persons shoes.

    Gene examines the meaning and context of scriptures used to condemn homosexuality which would help any gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans Christians accept their sexuality within their faith.

    Gene discusses the concept of marriage and it’s evolution over centuries; this chapter of the book was absolutely engrossing. I’ve never really looked into marriage as a concept or how it’s developed over time.

    Gene shares his vision for the future; where the State recognises marriage regardless of the sexuality of the people involved legislatively (giving them the same benefits, rights and protections) and that Church’s role (regardless of religion) is to invite God to bless and be a part of the marriages. Gene states that religious institutions need to look at their own stance on homosexuality and the issue of gay marriage.

    Gene concludes with a chapter on God Believes in Love stating that to selflessly love another is how God feels about us his children. He encourages all to love your neighbour, as you would want to be loved.

    Now you’ll notice throughout this review I’ve referred to the author by his first name, Gene. That’s because by the end of the book I feel as though I’ve made a friend; one who’s educational, non-preachy and represents the best of human spirituality.

    God Believes in Love: Straight Talk about Gay Marriage by Gene Robinson is available to buy on Amazon.

  • BOOK REVIEW | Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

    ★★★ | Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

    Tales of the supernatural and dark vampires stalking dystopian worlds seem to have abounded in recent years and are; it seems, here to stay.

    If you’re looking for an erotic vampire story with a gay twist then J.R. Ward’s ‘Black Dagger Brotherhood’ series are the ones to look out for. ‘Lover at Last’ is the 11th book in the series but works well as a standalone also.

    The story follows the stories of Qhuinn, a disavowed aristocrat who is now a brutal fighter in the darker corners of a ravaged New York and Blay, who after years of unrequited for Qhuinn has finally started to move on. What follows is a multi layered story with good dramatic tension and erotic scenes. If you like Twilight but just wish there’d been more male on male action then this series is for you

    Buy the book here

  • BOOK REVIEW | Blackout by Joey Jameson

    ★★★ | Blackout by Joey Jameson

    Dice Valentine is a nightclub stripper with the body of an Adonis and dance moves which leave the crowds of men watching hot under the collar.

    Becoming tired of the life of hedonism and the darkness of the world he inhabits, Dice is considering quitting stripping when he hooks up with a stranger for a night of casual sex. When the stranger is found dead the next day Dice finds himself drawn into a mystery which he needs to unravel in order to clear his own name.

    ‘Blackout’ is by turns erotic and thrilling with a plot which manages to keep the reader turning the page until the end. Jameson evokes an atmospheric world inhabited by shady characters and skilfully handles the genre of erotic mystery with a deft touch.

    Whilst being no great literary work in terms of style and execution, the novel is essentially fun and diverting which is great for a summer read or for an autumnal night by the fire as the seasons change.

    Buy it here

  • BOOK REVIEW | Speed Demons by Gun Brooke

    Speed Demons by Gun Brooke is quite essentially a lesbian love story that was kindly sent to me by Publishers Group UK.

    Evie is a NASCAR Racing Driver that has had a crash and is planning a come back. Blythe is a Professional Photographer and was snapping the day of the crash. Blythe has heard about Evie’s comeback and wants to document her journey back to the racetrack in the form of a photography book.

    Blythe convinces Evie to agree to the photography book idea and a relationship starts to develop – far to quickly to be believable to the reader. Along with the waves of closeness between Evie & Blythe they both help one another to overcome the current challenges in their lives.

    For Evie the challenge is apparent: her recovery and return to the racetrack. In order for Evie to achieve her goal she must undertake her physical training and find a way of dealing with her post-traumatic stress disorder. Blythe’s challenge is to deal with her lost family connection and her feelings about it. Blythe feels that her family indirectly blame her for the attack on her brother many years ago.
    Evie & Blythe’s characters are well developed with good backstories. Brooke‘s use of character perspectives and of Evie & Blythe psychoanalysing one another makes the reader care about them.
    Brooke‘s description was sparse at times and the reader would have benefited from more detail. The are a few sex scenes; it was strange that Brooke used the word ‘sex’ to describe lady-parts in one part of the book and yet later on used the word ‘clit’ quite blatantly.

    The storyline was fair but somewhat predictable. Blythe’s family challenge felt like an after thought, being thrown in towards the end of the book. The ending felt rushed and not thought out. It had a few loose ends – such as Evie’s family approval and a resolution of Blythe’s family issues. The most unsatisfying part of the ending was Blythe’s seemingly sacrificing her life for Evie’s.

    Yet despite the criticisms it was a reasonable piece of lesbian literature. Speed Demons by Gun Brooke is available to buy on Amazon.

  • BOOK REVIEW | In His Secret Life, by Mel Bossa

    In His Secret Life is Mel Bossa‘s latest book. Allan has taken care of his sister Elise and her daughter Fay ever since Elise was dumped by Fay’s father. But when Elise meets Dayton, Allan knows things are going to change. It’s not long until Elise & Dayton get engaged and Allan gets to meet Dayton’s family.

    Allan meets Davinder, one of Dayton’s brothers who is married with two kids. Something about Davinder captivates Allan and he’s about to break his one and only rule: never fall for a straight guy.

    In His Secret Life is a love story about a seemingly impossible relationship, which is told over decades. It gives the reader a moral dilemma. On the one hand Davinder is a married man, but on the other it’s clear that he’s unhappily married and that he loves Allan.

    The story is written in three parts. In the first part the characters are introduced and Allan & Davinder meet. The second part is about Allan & Davinder’s affair and the duality of their double lives. The third and final part is about Allan & Davinder’s journey on separate paths back to one another.

    There’s something magical about Mel Bossa‘s writing that hypnotises the reader from the first word. All of the characters are likeable and the story is written from Allan’s perspective. The reader empathises with Allan’s loneliness, as well as the highs and lows of love – that he likens to drug addiction. The use of perspective and these emotions – that everybody has experienced at sometime in their life, creates a connection between Allan and the reader.

    Allan & Davinder’s sexual relationship develops a bit too quickly in the beginning and their was a scene that gave the impression that Allan had drunkenly drove home. But apart from these minor details the plot is perfectly paced, well thought out and exceptionally well written.

    Mel Bossa‘s use letters and emails to show other characters perspectives was a really clever idea. The description ignites the readers imagination, giving a flawless image of the characters, settings and events. The end this book made me cry (with happiness) and was heartwarming.

    In His Secret Life is Mel Bossa‘s best book to date and is one of those incredibly rare books that comes into your life and leaves you feeling changed somehow.

    If you want a book about impossible love made possible, that will make you question yourself, leave you feeling satisfied and joyous then I recommend In His Secret Life by Mel Bossa.