Arts & Culture :: Books

His lion eyes: Henry Hoke's 'Open Throat'

His lion eyes: Henry Hoke's 'Open Throat'

  • by Tim Pfaff
  • Jun 13, 2023

There's such sinewy, feral strength in the voice that powers Henry Hoke's new novel, "Open Throat" that the term "genre-bending" doesn't suffice. The novel is literally in a class of its own.

Anastacia-Renée's 'Side Notes From the Archivist'

Anastacia-Renée's 'Side Notes From the Archivist'

  • by Laura Moreno
  • May 30, 2023

Anastacia-Renee is an award-winning writer. Her fascinating new book of poetry is called "Side Notes from the Archivist," a historical document that provides insight into five decades of American history.

Brandon Taylor's 'The Late Americans'

Brandon Taylor's 'The Late Americans'

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • May 30, 2023

In Brandon Taylor's 'The Late Americans,' intelligent millennial characters argue with each other about race, power, politics, and especially class, trying to ascertain how social forces have shaped their identities, which seem in constant flux.

Aaron Hamburger: 'Hotel Cuba' author on his third novel

Aaron Hamburger: 'Hotel Cuba' author on his third novel

  • May 23, 2023

Even though it only spans two years in the life of immigrant Pearl, Aaron Hamburger's third novel "Hotel Cuba" has the feel and weight of an epic.

Chita Rivera's memoir shares the Broadway legend's life and career

Chita Rivera's memoir shares the Broadway legend's life and career

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • May 16, 2023

Chita Rivera, star of the original 'West Side Story,' 'Chicago' and other musicals, recounts her career as a dancer and musical star for 70 years in her captivating memoir.

Catherine Lacey's 'Biography of X'

Catherine Lacey's 'Biography of X'

  • by Tim Pfaff
  • May 16, 2023

Catherine Lacey's new novel, "Biography of X," tries to be all things — and succeeds. It's being praised for its genre-bending, but somehow entertainment seems too small a word.

Spring books 2023 round-up, part 3

Spring books 2023 round-up, part 3

  • by Jim Piechota
  • May 9, 2023

Our final installment of Spring books includes Edmund White's provocative latest novel, a collection debut from a local Bay Area poet, memoirs from a former meth dealer, an outspoken queer female cultural critic, and a queer Black nurse.

Ana Castillo's 'Dona Cleanwell Leaves Home'

Ana Castillo's 'Dona Cleanwell Leaves Home'

  • by Laura Moreno
  • May 9, 2023

"Dona Cleanwell Leaves Home" is the latest collection of short stories by literary legend Ana Castillo. It features seven beautifully told stories that come to life as they seamlessly straddle the cultures and move between locations in the US and Mexico.

Christine Barker's 'Third Girl from the Left'

Christine Barker's 'Third Girl from the Left'

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • May 9, 2023

Along with her career highlights in 'A Chorus Line,' Christine Barker's personal story, intertwined with cultural history, offers a unique searing testimony about the impact of AIDS from the straight perspective of families and friends.

Spring books 2023 round-up, part 2

Spring books 2023 round-up, part 2

  • by Jim Piechota
  • May 2, 2023

Continuing with the sequel to our spring book picks, here are nine new selections. We have a mind-bending tale of a tech worker's life gone awry, a memoir from a Tony Award-nominated actor, a cult survivor's childhood memories, and more.

Raymond Luczak's 'Widower, 48, Seeks Husband'

Raymond Luczak's 'Widower, 48, Seeks Husband'

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • May 2, 2023

The city of Minneapolis figures prominently in prolific gay author Raymond Luczak's new novel, "Widower, 48, Seeks Husband," which spans 40 years, incorporating many significant community events.

Spring Books 2023 roundup, part 1

Spring Books 2023 roundup, part 1

  • by Jim Piechota
  • Apr 25, 2023

Book lovers have many reasons to be excited, as it's already promising to be another stellar year for queer books. Presented here, in a series of installments, are just a few examples of the amazing literary delights this season.

Alison Riley's 'Recipe for Disaster'

Alison Riley's 'Recipe for Disaster'

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Apr 25, 2023

Alison Riley's "Recipe for Disaster: 40 Superstar Stories of Sustenance and Survival" folds in humorous and heartfelt tales to satisfy almost every appetite.

Craig Seligman's astonishing 'Who Does That Bitch Think She Is? Doris Fish and the Rise of Drag'

Craig Seligman's astonishing 'Who Does That Bitch Think She Is? Doris Fish and the Rise of Drag'

  • by Michael Flanagan
  • Apr 18, 2023

Doris Fish was everywhere in the 1980s. It seemed if she didn't exist someone would have had to invent her. Craig Seligman's "Who Does That Bitch Think She Is? Doris Fish and the Rise of Drag" reminds us that someone did. That someone was Philip Mills.