The GLBTRT has been reviewing books and movies in its newsletter since the early 1990s. Trace the evolution of queer publishing through these historic reviews. This review was originally published in Vol. 4, No. 2, Summer 1992.
The eighteen short stories in this anthology portray varied situations in which boys, teenagers and young men experience homoerotic awakenings, love, sex, and violence. Although the overall quality of the prose is acceptable, one-dimensional characters and predictable plots trivialize the contents. Relevant themes such a manboy love, coming out, self-acceptance and dealing with peers, family and society are not realistically explored. Unprotected anal and oral sex are often graphically described, but safe sex and health issues are ignored. Amateur photos of teenage boys scattered throughout the book further detract from the work’s appeal to serious readers. Not recommended for any public, academic or special library collections.
Reviewed by Joseph Eagan
Enoch Pratt Free Library
Baltimore, MD