This collection of 24 short stories, 18 of them previously published, explore aspects of both gay-Jewish life and gay life in general.
Addressing issues such as coming out to one’s self and family, tradition and faith, child abuse, teenage sexual identity angst, dating and relationships, HIV/AIDS, parenting, and old age, the tales of love, yearning, desire, confusion, loss, and finding oneself are heartwarming and heartbreaking. They all draw readers into situations anyone might encounter. In one story, a respected spiritual leader takes advantage of a young boy, and community ostracizes the boy’s family rather than supporting them. In another, one of a newly-wed couple explains he identifies as trans. Jaffe’s intimate stories show his sensitivity.
Erotic stories may call for the book’s placement in the adult section while a savvy librarian might recommend the collection to some teenagers.
Reviewer: s.n.