f i c t i o n - v i n c e

l i t e r a t u r e

	Nightswimmer, Joseph Olshan A great novel about two men's loss and memory of the love of their lives. No pain is more transparent and no love is more haunting than the ones depicted in this novel. One of the best books I have read. Highly recommend it to everyone who is romantic at heart.		Like People In History, Fellice Picano Edmund White refers this book as the Gay Gone With the Wind. An American epic of two blond cousins, Roger and Alistair. Through their love and loss, the gay history of America gradually unfolded itself before your very eyes. Breathtaking and insightful.
	A Home at the End of the World, Michael Cunningham A gay man and a straight couple - a strange threesome which created a home at the end of the world. Each main character has his/her turn to tell the story. Sharp and powerful. Impressive writing.		Now and Then, William Colett It takes some time to get into the story and once you get into it, you are hooked until the last page. Great portrayal of the two main protagonists, as if you can feel them going through their emotional struggle before your eyes. It is a story about time and tide wait for no man.
	An Arrow's Flight, Mark Merlis The background is the last days of the Trojan War; the protagonist is the son of a greek demi-god hero. An Arrow's Flight is indulgent, creative and audacious. Just let your mind run free and enjoy the ride.		The Man of the House, Stephen McCauley This is the weakest novel by McCauley. Characters are still outstanding, yet the story doesn't seem to advance anywhere. You can call it existential if you want. I guess.
	The Beautiful Room is Empty, Edmond White A little slow-paced yet very literary. Makes you feel like you are reading a gay version of Fitzgerald or Hemingway.		Farewell Symphony, Edmund White This is the finale of Edmund White' critically acclaimed autobiographical trilogy (the first two books are A Boy's Own Story and the Beautiful Room is Empty). A literary piece, more beautifully written than the first two books. An epic story unfolds the romance and tragedies evolving around the sexually-charged gay sub-culture and AIDS epidemic.
	Desmond, Ulysses G. Dietz Some Anne Rice spinoffs with a homoerotic touch. It's a fast page turner, but severely lacks of depth, insights and style.		Sacrament, Clive Barker "Living and dying, we feed the fire." One of the very first supernatural-suspense bestsellers with an openly gay hero. An existential piece which explores profound subjects such as immortality, the meaning of life, creation, paganism and redemption. The story could be more succinct at times.
	Dream Boy, David Glimsley Winner of the Lamda award. The first 85% of the story is as beautiful as the film "les roseaux sauvages" and a Renoit painting. Then the story derails and twists in a peculiar way which makes you wonder "what is the point" ?		The Object of My Affection, Stephen McCauley More profound and insightful than the highly entertaining yet loosely adapted movie. It shed light in relationships in the most beautiful way.
	The Easy Way Out, Stephen McCauley McCauley's another great novel, illustrating relationships in different shapes and forms. It tells us to follow our heart when we make our decisions. Any other alternatives are just an easy way out.		Wings in the Snow, Jim Oliver A nice little family drama, a bit melodramatic in the beginning, it gradually gets on the right track that grips your attention. The story sheds some light upon certain ubiquitous issues surrounding gay couplehood and family.
	The Eye in the Door, Pat Barker Winner of the Booker Prize Award. The second part of the "Regeneration Trilogy". A novel about the struggle of gay people after WWI. Very meticulous and detailed. An instant epic classic.		Flesh and Blood, Michael Cunningham An American Epic. At times it can get a little soap-operatic, thanks to Cunningham's brilliant writing, the characters strike you with real flesh and blood.
	American Studies, Mark Merlis The lament of gay history for the past 50 years in America. Unlike other novels, AIDS is not the biggest tragedy to gay people, but prejudice and loneliness. From a 62 yr. old point of view, the story unfolds how far things have changed for the past few decades, and what will never change in time.		Blue Heaven, Joe Keenan Writer of TV hit series "Frasier", Keenan's extremely talented debut with our all time favourite characters Claire, Phil and Gilbert. It's about a hoax wedding that gets out of hand for all the wrong reasons in the world. It just cracks you up every other line!
	Giovnni's Room, James A. Baldwin One of the most outstanding writers in contemporary American lterature and the very first to write about the love and pain of homosexuals. Giovanni's Room is where gay literature all began.		Putting On the Ritz, Joe Keenan Keenan delivered another outstanding social staire, this time exploring the intricate entnglement of media sensationalism, elitism, fame, vanity, infatuation and $. It's a book that you can laugh out loud and appreciate the plot and substance behind the hilarity.
	The Boy in the Lake, Eric Swanson Another psycho-drama, about a shrink revisited the place he grew up and tried to find the boy he was once in love with. It was very predictable towards the end. Not as good as Dream Boy by Grimsley, far from Corlett's Now and Then and Olshan's Nightswimmer.		Frontiers, Michael Jensen An entertaining western suspense novel, almost like a John Wayne movie filled with gay characters. This is the debut novel of the author, hence the story appeared to be a bit loose and awkward. All in all, not a bad read.
	Closet Case, Robert Rodi Our main protagonist is a closet case in a he-man dominated advertising agency. This is a comedy about his trial and tribulations, which all the subplots come together for his coming out finale. Highly readable and funny. Quite a treat!		China Mountain Zhang, Maureen F. McHugh Winner of the James Tiptree Jr. Memorial Award, the Lamda Literary Award, the Locus Award anda Hugo and Nebula Award nominee, this is not a typical science fiction. The main protagonist is a gay Chinese man who struggles and survives in a brave new world.
	Fools Errand, Louis Bayard A delightful romantic comedy. Patrick was trying to look for the man of his dream. He didn't know his name, all he knew was his face and the sweater he wore. Throughout the process of tracking down this man of his dream, Patrick learned more about his father, his friends and his own life..... This is a cute little story about love is all around.		Endangered Species, Louis Bayard The second novel of Bayard, this is another extremely delightful romantic comedy. It explores the very idea of gay parenthood and examines both the psychology and logistics of adoption. A heart-warming and successful attempt! Also don't miss his debut novel Fool's Errand!
	Same Embrace, Michael Lowenthal Two twin brothers who choose their own way of life, one gay the other orthodox jewish, their dreams and values might differor even clash with one another, but what they embrace deep down inside is just the same. Author's debut.		Lord of the Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien "One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them. And in the darkness, binds them." In any gay bar on this planet, you can always find hobbits, men, elfs and orcs in all shapes and forms just like Tolkien described. This is also the greatest love story ever told between Frodo and Sam. A story that endures all time.