| Book
Reviews |
| One of the qualities
of books is that they can be timeless and continue to elicit joy and
inspiration decades after they first appeared. The Independent Gay Writer includes
book reviews from readers who want to share books that they have
enjoyed. Sometimes they are just now in print; but sometimes they have
been in print in many iterations, and yet when a reader reads a book
for the first time, the book is brand new, the story fresh and
astonishing... |
from Cheri Rosenberg...
 The Front Runner, by Patricia Nell Warren, is the critically acclaimed, best selling novel, touted as being, “the most celebrated gay love story ever” and rightly so. This is not including the fact that it has been in print since 1974, in several languages, and by mainstream publishers. The 20th Anniversary Edition of this novel shows the impressive print history. Becoming aware of this book more than 20 years after it came out is a mixed blessing. One, I don’t have to wait 20 years for the sequel, Harlan’s Race, and, two, I get to enjoy it now. My expectations of this book, with all the hype, have been greatly exceeded. For anyone who is new to gay fiction this is a book that is NOT to be missed. Patricia Nell Warren wrote an amazing, timeless, authentic, and accurate portrayal of gay life in the 70’s, including all the feelings and struggles for equal rights, at that time, many of which are still prevalent today. Gay men are unable to comprehend how a woman could so perfectly capture their feelings and lifestyle to produce a believable, wonderfully written, piece of fiction. As a woman, I am proud of what she has achieved. The Front Runner is about a track coach, Harlan, who has had more than his share of discrimination and heartache because he is gay, so remains virtually closeted in order to maintain some sort of normalcy in his life—and protect his job at Prescott College. He is an ex-Marine who has been through it all, including marriage, loss of his coaching position at Penn State, and hustling to pay alimony, to name a few. By the time he gets to coach at Prescott, he is very careful not to jeopardize his position there, even if it means not allowing love in his life. For him coaching and running is what life is all about and he doesn’t like the thought of losing it again. Billy is a beautiful runner who comes to Prescott with two of his friends after they were kicked off a prestigious college team when it was discovered they were gay. Not to give up running, Billy, Vince, and Jacques, go to Prescott hoping to be accepted by the incredibly gifted coach, who is also gay. These boys are talented runners, with Olympic dreams, and they hope Harlan can get them there. The plot thickens when Harlan suppresses his love and intense yearning for Billy, only to discover that Billy loves him too. Harlan finally succumbs to his love and he and Billy form a special but potentially dangerous bond that could jeopardize both their careers. It is wonderful to read how Billy changes Harlan’s life and makes Harlan’s deep seated unhappiness dissolve. Love has a healing power like no other human emotion. The difference in the age between coach and student is insignificant as they are both consenting adults. Billy is the more mature one at times, especially in how he accepts his sexual orientation and deals with discrimination. Harlan is Billy’s mentor, friend, and lover. There is a harmonious balance between these two characters. What could be wrong or unnatural about two men being deeply in love? Ms. Warren’s opinions resonate throughout this novel and she makes many valid points about gay rights. One of the things that struck me as interesting is how society can oppose legalizing gay unions when it is promiscuity and noncommittal relationships that are so undesirable to the glue that supposedly holds this country together. Loose behavior is not exclusive to the gay community. With equal rights and legal bonds for gay couples, there would be far less “immoral” behavior. There’s no denying the fact that plenty of legally wed heterosexual couples cheat on their spouses. After reading this book, I will never look at running or the Olympics the same way again. It has touched me deep within my soul. The Front Runner depicts the numerous roadblocks gay athletes have to endure in order to compete in a hostile, homophobic world. When watching a race it is hard to think about politics, sexual orientation, or asinine rules governed by ignorant, inflexible, bigots. Races should be about the athletic ability alone in deciding who gets the gold. How any good can come out of evil is the cornerstone of this novel. One has to wonder why it takes a tragedy to open up people’s eyes to the absurdity of hatred. I am very passionate about recommending this book to those who have not yet read it and I strongly recommend a reread for those of you who enjoyed The Front Runner and possibly were helped by it 20 years ago. Patricia Nell Warren is easily one of the best writers of gay fiction and I am looking forward to reading more of her works. . |
 Do You Know That I Love You? by Mark A. Roeder is the book for you if you are in the mood for a fast-paced, exciting, love story about an ordinary boy, Ralph, and his obsession for a famous rock star, Jordan. Ralph lives on a farm in Indiana and he is madly, passionately, and deeply in love with the lead singer and keyboardist of the rock group, Phantom. Jordan is a talented rock star who loves his music, cares about his fans and feels blessed that he gets to do what he loves best, writing and performing his music. He is also a lonely boy with a secret. Jordan loves his life but sometimes he wishes he could live a normal life like other boys his age. Who hasn’t fantasized about meeting a favorite star? And what could be better than not only meeting him but getting to spend time with him as well? Not many of us have realized our dreams of meeting our idols, but it is fun to read about and imagine it happening to us. Mark Roeder is so good at putting readers in the characters shoes. Not only is this book a page turner, as you want to find out what happens to Ralph and Jordan, but it offers an inside look of how a rock band lives while on tour. It is the star’s version of traveling from city to city, endless scheduling of press conferences, photo shoots and autograph signing. It is not as glamorous as it seems to the hoards of screaming fans. Roeder also tells the story through a fan’s perspective and takes us along for the ride. It is an exciting ride for those who have had dreams of being famous themselves or of meeting their favorite star. I have had some pretty serious crushes in my life on actors I thought were amazing and I wanted desperately to meet. So when Ralph does meet Jordan after the Phantom concert, I had no trouble knowing exactly how he felt. This book is much more than a love story; it is a self-help book for members of the gay community who suffer from low self esteem and self doubt because of the negative opinions of much of society. Roeder hopes to teach our youth to love and accept themselves. He cites excellent examples of famous gays who have contributed greatly to society, so that they may feel better about themselves. The many gay people who have used their fame to make a difference in this world by coming out has significantly helped other gays feel better about themselves. The time has come for heterosexuals to give homosexuals the credit they deserve and to treat them with the same respect and afford them the same rights as straight people. Roeder said it best when he wrote, “Without the gay population, Western culture would not exist as we know it”. Read Do You Know That I Love You? You will be glad you did as Roeder has more than a few surprises for his fans. I have read many books I felt would make a good move but trust me when I say this book would make a great movie. Get me Harvey Weinstien of Miramax on the phone.
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