Worst. Novel. Ever.
This book should have been titled My Worst Novel.
What is it with gay fiction? Why does it suck so? Why can't I find a decent gay novel, or at the very least, a decent gay novel that doesn't revolve around AIDS? I realize that the disease is of great cultural significance, but it seems to provide the dramatic tension in like 98% of all gay fiction. And 100% of all nonfiction (not like anyone reads nonfiction anyway).
There is a serious dearth of good gay novels out there (in my opinion). Oh sure, every once in awhile you get Holloran putting out a good one-- or there's Maupin for those gayer "Valley of the Dolls" type romps. But mostly the literary pool seems littered with "harlequin romance" style stories that just happen to involve gay pirates and their 'manhoods'.
Or worse- the whole "Men on Men FRICTION volume 7- True Tales of Nasty Locker Rooms" genre.
I like novels where the gay thing is more of an undercurrent. Like when you know the main character is probably gay and has a huge crush on a guy, but it is never realized. Or if it is, then things fall apart. You know... real life shit.
I am sure that I've read some good gay novels in the past few years- but no titles are ringing a bell. And this is sad because I have a LOT of books (I read quite a bit) and I have an entire shelf of gay or pseudo-gay themed books at home. But I draw a blank when trying to remember a good one.
Are there any good gay novels out there? Suggestions welcomed.
posted by cb @ 7:53 AM
8 Comments:
Have you read any of Michael Thomas Ford's novels? "Looking For It", or "Last Summer" are the two I recall having no center of AIDS. How about the book called "Male Model? Not sure about the author, but was entertaining. I'm looking for a good love story with gay characters. A romance. ANy ideas? Email me and we'll chat it up. From Greenville, SC.
Mark
You are so right.....they are difficult to come by. Every time I'm at Barnes & Noble or Borders, I spend a good share of time slowly going through all of the titles.....and usually end up with nothing. I posted a book that I'm in the middle of on my site in today's post...you can take a look. Not really a novel, but funny and entertaining....and doesn't center around any particular topic. Cheers
by law, gay stories can only center around 1 of 5 things
1) AIDS
2) Coming Out
3) Drugs & Clubs
4) Escorts/Hookers
5) Cher worship
It's clearly stated in sections 337.1 through 337.9 and further clarified by the "Queer As Folk" act of 2000.
Stuck Rubber Baby by Howard Cruse, which is actually a "graphic novel," but a great story.
i've read some novels by famous author rob byrnes, in my blogroll, and his stuff is good... i especially liked his last one...
I love reading the novels of Jay Quinn...Metes And Bounds and Back Where He Started.
rob byrnes wrote exactly one good novel - the night we met. the rest suck ass (and not in that good way).
you know there are good books..
last days of summer and almost like being in love for starters.
and you know you like mike tom ford.
While England Sleeps by David Leavitt, great novel. All of his work is terrific. Satyricon by Petronius Arbiter. Ancient Rome more fun than Manhattan. Maurice by E.M.Forster, great romance with a finale that will leave you breathless.
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