Arts & Culture :: Books

Oliver Sacks: His Own Life

Oliver Sacks: His Own Life

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Sep 29, 2020

Virtually every issue of importance about what it means to live a life and to be a human being, was concentrated in Oliver Sack's unusual life story, says director Ric Burns of his new documentary about the gay neurologist and best-selling author.

'Life' story: an interview with Branden James

'Life' story: an interview with Branden James

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Sep 29, 2020

Branden James has enjoyed success as a gay classical crossover musician in the duo Branden & James (with his husband James Clark). But his triumphs were not without trauma, something he goes into detail about in his new memoir, 'Lyrics of My Life.'

Friday night frights: 'The Bright Lands' by John Fram

Friday night frights: 'The Bright Lands' by John Fram

  • by Jim Piechota
  • Sep 22, 2020

Set in his home state, Texas-born writer John Fram's distinctive debut novel examines the dark occurrences circling around the small hamlet of Bentley.

B.A.R. launches memberships

B.A.R. launches memberships

  • by Cynthia Laird
  • Sep 18, 2020

In a continuing effort to receive support from readers, the Bay Area Reporter has launched its membership program.

Literary grants, fellowships and awards update

Literary grants, fellowships and awards update

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Sep 16, 2020

Literary arts emergency grant recipients have been announced, George Takei wins an award, and Lambda Literary's LitFest schedule is announced.

Fall forward: a reading list for early autumn

Fall forward: a reading list for early autumn

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Sep 15, 2020

Pick from an autumnal harvest of praiseworthy books in fiction, nonfiction and poetry.

Spirit in the sky: various faiths with queer-friendly aspects

Spirit in the sky: various faiths with queer-friendly aspects

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Sep 8, 2020

The following faith-focused books written in the last year strive to help readers deal with an ambivalent, still-evolving history, but also act as resources to provide thought-provoking meaning and consolation for these erratic, precarious times.

Orange you glad I asked?- an interview with St. Sukie de la Croix

Orange you glad I asked?- an interview with St. Sukie de la Croix

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Sep 1, 2020

Gay historian and writer St. Sukie de la Croix's new novel, 'The Orange Spong and Storytelling at the Vamp-Art Café,' returns his readers to the Bohemian neighborhood of Chicago's Towertown during the roaring `20s.

Bodies and Barriers: new anthology shines light on queer health

Bodies and Barriers: new anthology shines light on queer health

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Sep 1, 2020

There are few topics that aren't included in the new anthology 'Bodies and Barriers: Queer Activists on Health.' Edited by Adrian Shanker, a Pennsylvania-based activist, Shanker was inspired to put the book together because of his own experiences.

Movie stars in bondage: 'Hollywood Bound's all tied up

Movie stars in bondage: 'Hollywood Bound's all tied up

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Aug 25, 2020

'Hollywood Bound,' a coffee table book published by Reel Art Press, isn't about starstruck kids heading to Tinseltown in search of stardom. Rather, it's a picture book featuring black and white photos of movie stars either tied up or in chains.

Morris Kight's life & times: 'Humanist, Liberationist, Fantabulist' gives gay rights activist his due

Morris Kight's life & times: 'Humanist, Liberationist, Fantabulist' gives gay rights activist his due

  • by Jason Victor Serinus
  • Aug 18, 2020

Biographer Mary Ann Cherry shines the spotlight on Morris Kight (1919-2003), the L.A.-based gay rights leader who did everything possible to ensure that the spotlight shone as much on the movement as on himself.

Family affair: 'Determined To Be Dad's a dynamic debut

Family affair: 'Determined To Be Dad's a dynamic debut

  • by Jim Piechota
  • Aug 18, 2020

In this dynamic debut memoir, Steve Disselhorst passionately recounts his journey to co-parenthood and all the joys and pains involved in the process.

Begin Again:  James Baldwin's America and its Urgent Lessons for Our Own

Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and its Urgent Lessons for Our Own

  • by Tim Pfaff
  • Aug 13, 2020

Eddie S. Glaude Jr.'s new book about James Baldwin -and what it meant to be an African-American and gay writer- joins a shelf of books whose timings is perfect.

Armistead Maupin and Ian McKellen share an online conversation Aug. 12

Armistead Maupin and Ian McKellen share an online conversation Aug. 12

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Aug 8, 2020

Since moving to London with his husband Chris Turner, Bay Area fans of best-selling 'Tales of the City' author Armistead Maupin have missed his local appearances. On August 12, he'll discuss his life and writing with his friend, actor Sir Ian McKellen.