Arts & Culture :: Books

Olivia Newton-John: She's still the one that we want

Olivia Newton-John: She's still the one that we want

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Feb 23, 2021

Now in her seventh decade as an entertainer, Olivia Newton-John has proven herself to be a versatile artist, including recent duet with her daughter, and a recently published memoir.

All-male, reviewed: Brontez Purnell's '100 Boyfriends'

All-male, reviewed: Brontez Purnell's '100 Boyfriends'

  • by Jim Piechota
  • Feb 23, 2021

In Brontez Purnell's deliciously voyeuristic collection of salacious vignettes, we are drenched in the sights, smells, sounds, and hedonistic delights of orgasmic connection.

'Gay Grampas' book published

'Gay Grampas' book published

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Feb 21, 2021

In the tradition of 'Heather Has Two Mommies,' the first children's book featuring gay grandparents lovingly showcases extended family.

What drives desire - 'Kink: Stories' anthology explores sexuality

What drives desire - 'Kink: Stories' anthology explores sexuality

  • by Mark William Norby
  • Feb 16, 2021

'Kink: Stories,' edited by R.O. Kwon and Garth Greenwell, is an anthology of 14 blazing, vivid stories that come together and make up a collection that plunges into different definitions of the multi-layered discipline of intimacy.

Ruth Coker Burks' 'All the Young Men' - a big-hearted memoir

Ruth Coker Burks' 'All the Young Men' - a big-hearted memoir

  • by Tim Pfaff
  • Feb 9, 2021

Reading 'All the Young Men,' Ruth Coker Burks' big-hearted memoir, brings that singular kind of consolation, and even joy, that comes with the finding of meaning in tragedy.

AutoErotica's fundraiser gains new fans and donors

AutoErotica's fundraiser gains new fans and donors

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jan 31, 2021

While some Castro businesses have closed permanently, one unique store has gained support from a devoted fan. AutoErotica, the longtime resource for vintage gay-themed sexy collectibles, has already raised more than $11,000 of its $16,000 fundraiser goal.

Civilian superman: journalist Donovan Russo's action-packed novel 'Steven's War'

Civilian superman: journalist Donovan Russo's action-packed novel 'Steven's War'

  • by Jim Piechota
  • Jan 31, 2021

Media journalist Donovan Russo's debut novel, 'Steven's War' combines action-filled revenge with a coming-out story in the 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' era.

Mutual attraction: Jack Halberstam's 'Wild Things: The Disorder of Desire'

Mutual attraction: Jack Halberstam's 'Wild Things: The Disorder of Desire'

  • by Jim Piechota
  • Jan 26, 2021

Noted radical social thinker and Columbia gender studies professor Jack Halberstam's reputation precedes him, and his new creative exploration of desire reinforces his thought process behind how human sexuality becomes attracted to everything "wild."

Poet Amanda Gorman, Lady Gaga and other musicians bring arts to Biden/Harris Inauguration

Poet Amanda Gorman, Lady Gaga and other musicians bring arts to Biden/Harris Inauguration

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jan 20, 2021

As Americans and people over the world heaved a heavy sigh of relief and joy with the Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, one young poet stood out for her artistic contribution.

Welcome to the 'Doll' house: an interview with gay writer-filmmaker Jesús Canchola Sánchez

Welcome to the 'Doll' house: an interview with gay writer-filmmaker Jesús Canchola Sánchez

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jan 19, 2021

Author and filmmaker Jesús Canchola Sánchez's new bilingual children's book 'Pepito Has a Doll' challenges stereotypes about masculinity in teen boys.

SF author's 'No Obits' poem set to music

SF author's 'No Obits' poem set to music

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jan 14, 2021

The B.A.R. has been immortalized in films and TV series. But this is new; a poem about our famous 'No Obits' headline has been set to music.

Cary Grant's 'Brilliant Disguise': Scott Eyman's biography recounts the actor's life

Cary Grant's 'Brilliant Disguise': Scott Eyman's biography recounts the actor's life

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Jan 12, 2021

How small-town Brit Archie Leach became Cary Grant and how Grant finally assimilated that identity towards the end of his life, is the core of Scott Eyman's comprehensive, dense, meticulously researched, well-sourced, and probably definitive biography.

'New Queer Photography' book focuses on the marginalized

'New Queer Photography' book focuses on the marginalized

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jan 6, 2021

Published in November 2020,a new photography book from Berkeley-based Gingko Press shares the work of dozens of photographers, each carving out a vibrant niche in portraiture of LGBTQ lives.

Calendars, girls ... and guys

Calendars, girls ... and guys

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jan 1, 2021

It's never too late to restart your new year. Here are some creative, sexy and more-than-queer calendars to mark 2021.