Boonville: A Novel

Book Description

Surrounded by misfits, rednecks, and counterculture burnouts, John Gibson -- the reluctant heir of an alcoholic grandmother -- and Sarah McKay -- a commune-reared "hippie-by-association" -- search for self and community in the hole-of-a-town Boonville. As they try to assemble from the late-twentieth-century jumble of life the facts of sexuality, love, and death, and face the possibility of an existence without God, John and Sarah learn what happens when they dare to try to make art from their lives.

Customer Reviews:

Fun read.......2007-05-10

I don't know anything about the real-life basis of this book and I don't really care. I picked it up as a quick read, with no expectations. It's not the Great American Novel

Downside: It needs some editing. The storyline with Balostrasi went nowhere, served no purpose, and should have been left out. Sarah's character never filled out beyond the descriptions on the page. There were a few too many undifferentiated rednecks. It's a bit wordy (I didn't mind this but I some people might). The last chapter could have been omitted completely; it tied up ends that didn't need any more tying-up.

Upside: It was funny (people, get over yourselves). Even the characters that other reviewers have complained were mocked earned a measure of the author's and protagonist's affection and admiration (and the protagonist himself is mock-able). Anyone who thinks the characters were over-the-top doesn't get out enough; I know plenty of people who are this eccentric and more. The descriptions and ideas, while overwritten, are entertaining and sometimes insightful.

Best novel I've read in years.......2006-09-25

Captures the essence of Northern Cal coastal towns -- at least as they were in the 80s when I toured the area.

The only other book I've read in recent years in the same league is The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen. But the subject matter of The Corrections (senile dementia) was painful, so The Corrections left me satiated but drained. Boonville left me satiated and energized.

Ugh..........2006-01-09

This book is a prime example of all that's wrong with the American fiction scene these days. It got published (I'm guessing) because 1) the author paid for a great agent; and 2) it's in keeping with the "I know more about the setting than almost anyone who's gonna read this book." It gets details about location, and some history correct. But when you actually delve into the characters, you can't find an original one among them.

The prose is so tortured, the characters so hackneyed, that it's hard to make out exactly what the author was going for. How a book can be simultaneously so overwrought and underwrought is beyond me.

A visit home...........2003-08-13

I bought this book in San Francisco on the way to visit the Mendocino Coast. I grew up in a small town ( We played Boonville in basketball)in the area and found this book to be a hoot and a fairly accurate portrayal of small town life in Northern California. From the "hip" alternative culture that can safely hide in a small town to the more established residents who have been there for generations, this brought a feeling of Deja vu to me. I am one of those who "escaped" and enjoyed the trip back, probably because it has been many years and was certainly temporary! Also enjoyed to references to small towns in the area, including my own, which I have never seen in print before. It is clear that the author has spent his time in Boonville. I enjoyed this book a lot.

I think it's good.......2003-07-04

bahl hornin'
I thought it was a great book.

Product Description

Wild - Wildcard By Cheyenne McCray Book 3 in the Wild series After four years abroad, Trace MacLeod has returned home to her family's ranch in southeastern Arizona. Everything in her life is going just the way she planned ita home in London, a brilliant career, and she's practically engaged to a gorgeous English gentleman. But when Trace meets Jess Lawless, the cowboy turns her perfect world upside down. He's a wildcardan unexpected, unpredictable wildcard who could win the game's hand instantlyor wreck it forever. Everything about him is virile and sexy, dark and dangerous. Definitely dangerous, and definitely not part of Trace's carefully arranged hand. From the moment Jess Lawless sees the sensual strawberry blonde, he knows he's got to have her. He manages to corner the green-eyed woman, and is intrigued by her combination of sophistication and innocence, boldness and shyness. Even when Trace tells him she's taken, Jess doesn't let that stop him. He's determined to make her his.

Customer Reviews:

Dare to be Lasso'd!!!.......2007-04-27

Just when I thought Cheyenne McCray couldn't write a more sexy and charismatic character than Jarrod Savage (Book 2-WILDCAT), she brings us Jess Lawless, the cowboy who can give a lady the ride of her life! Cheyenne McCray just keeps getting better. Jess Lawless is pure sin in cowboy boots and a Stetson. He is a determined man who lets little stand in his way when it comes to getting what he wants....and what he wants, what he needs is, Trace MacLeod. Jess seduces Trace a zillion times over, giving her a little touch here, a kiss there (you need a knife to cut through the sexual tension), but Jess stays true to his vow that they will not be together until Trace ends her relationship with Harold. Jess Lawless is relentless!

The explosive passion between Trace and Jess is lethal, undeniable and so very, very good! (Air conditioning won't help cool you down when reading this story).

Jess Lawless together with author Cheyenne McCray equals a lethal combination with steamy sex scenes, danger, humour and characters that kick-start a reader's heart.

Excellent erotic romance by prolific author Cheyenne McCray.......2006-03-05

Trace and Jess are an explosive combination on the pages of WILDCARD. I found myself wanting a cowboy like Jess for my own. He's rugged, sensual, and knows how to please a woman. Trace has returned home from England, practically engaged, and finds herself falling hard for this sexy cowboy. Neither of them will act on the magnetism between the two of them until Trace breaks her relationship with her former lover. But once she does, watch out! The book is no-holds-barred erotic, filled with passionate, sensual moments, and small doses of humor, too. Definitely a book for the keeper shelf.

Poor third in the Wild series.......2006-02-26

Cheyenne McCray's Wildcard is more of an extended plot summary than an actual book.

Tracilyn McLeod comes back home after living in England for four years and falls hard for ranch hand Jess Lawless. She has issues of vulnerability from growing up on the plump side. Jess wants to get in her pants and, oh yeah, he's a secret DEA agent trying to take down a cattle rustling operation that's a front for drug smuggling. Of course his mind is rarely on his job in this book.

Most of this book is dedicated to Trace and Jess' sexual exploits and, in the beginning, her need to decide if she wants to throw away a career and two-year relationship in England for this rugged, cliched cowboy.

The book lacks a certain substance that was actually present in book 2, Wildcat. And in this installment, the mystery of who is behind the cattle rustling is almost an afterthought.

Ellora's Cave isn't always the place to go for great reading, but it's worth it when you find some gems like Woman on the Run and The Protectors.

There are too many substantial issues in this book for them to be dealth with in a few sentences. Wildcard could be a great book with more development.

CARD SHARKS (WILDCARDS 1) (Wild Cards : Book I of a New Cycle)

Average customer rating:

A very nice continuation of the series
The best anthology ever!
New addition to Wild Cards series takes a darker turn.

CARD SHARKS (WILDCARDS 1) (Wild Cards : Book I of a New Cycle)
George R.R. Martin (editor)
Manufacturer: Baen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0671721593

Customer Reviews:

A very nice continuation of the series.......1998-06-26

This is actually the first book at a new publisher; there was another 12 novels released by another publisher. This is a pretty good Wild Cards novel. Just in case you've never read a Wild Cards novel, they are science fiction based on the earth where a virus was released back in the '50s. This virus killed 90% of the people infected, 9% of the people got a Joker (deformity with or without some sort of super-power) and 1% got an Ace (a super-power of some sort). This novel focuses on a search for a conspiracy against Jokers, a group that wants to eliminate all Jokers. Rather than several stories that are loosely or not related, this novel follows the recent pattern of a single plot tied together by several inter-related short stories. The novel includes several of my favorite characters: Croyd "Sleeper" Crenson and Jay "Poppinjay" Ackroyd. Several new characters are also introduced and add to the universe nicely. Of course, the story makes more sense by knowing some of the background from the previous novels, but they are not necessary. Especially with the ending which left me saying "Oh no" to myself.

The best anthology ever!.......1998-05-20

The characters almost come to life as you read, and the storylines are great. A must-read for anyone interested in science fantasy or comic books.

New addition to Wild Cards series takes a darker turn........1996-06-26

As an avid reader of Science Fiction, I must confess that there was a certain amount of reluctance to review this particular book.Because, you see, I am a fan of the Wild Cards series, and have been for many years. For those of you unfamiliar with the series, let me sum up. The series from number 1 to number 12 is based on the idea of what would happen if we had people with superheroic powers on Earth now. Then it goes further and says, well what if these people were given these powers by an alien virus, which could kill you or cause some kind of disfigurement? When you get the virus, one of three things happens. You die, which is what is called drawing the Black Queen, you can become disfigured in some strange way, like grow tentacles, or feathers or something wierd, then you draw the Joker. If you are really lucky, you can gain superhuman powers, which is called drawing the Ace. Now put all of this in our world as we know it and it gets a little strange. There has been a change in publishers and artists with the series. Baen Books has picked it up, and the new cover artist does a wonderful job. (Wish this one had been around when Tachyon was still around) There has been a fire at a church in what was the Bowery but is now called Jokertown, and a new fire inspector has been called in to investigate. What she uncovers is a web of lies, deception, and murder so entangling, that she is caught in the web. Now she must use all of her skills, and a few friends, to find answers.. But the truth is always more dangerous, especially when there are some who would rather not let it be known. If you like comic books, you will like this book, although I would reccomend that you run, don't walk, to get the series 1 thru 12 by Bantam Spectra, and then read this one. There are also graphic novels of the Wild Cards Universe, and other stuff.

Average customer rating:

NOT QUITE SURE HOW TO RATE THIS ONE!
2.5 stars.
Robert Ludlum move over.
Disappointed!
exhilarating international political thriller

Wildcard (MIRA)
Rachel Lee
Manufacturer: Mira
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0778321290

Book Description

When the deck has been stacked against you, working outside the law is the only card left to play

Following a victorious evening, shots ring out, leaving the Democratic presidential front-runner near death. As the official investigation begins, FBI special agent Tom Lawton is sidelined, given work intended to keep him out of the way. Determined to find out why, he launches an investigation of his own-and uncovers a web of deceit constructed by his own superiors. Soon he has uncovered far too much.

Working alone is no longer an option, and Tom's only hope is Agent Renate Bachle, a woman with secrets of her own. On the run for his life, he must determine whether he can trust this mysterious foreigner to guide him through the corridors of a conspiracy that threatens a nation, or whether she is simply another spider in the web. . .

Customer Reviews:

NOT QUITE SURE HOW TO RATE THIS ONE!.......2006-04-23

I could follow The Guatemala episodes, with Miriam, as they tied into the information FBI special Agent Tom Lawton was digging out.
And then Agent Renate Blachle shows up and manouvers Tom into following her to Idaho.

Tom's weak spot seems to be a lack of a real instinct for self-preservation. He did not exhibit enough suspecion and was led too easily. He had just come out of a deep cover operation and should have distrusted everyone.

It took quite a while for Kevin Willis to realize that there was a leak in his department.

The connection between the presidential candidate, Harrison Rice and Edward Morgan and his brother-in-law, Dixon, an ex-military man was woven into the fabric of the story with great skill. Way to go, Dad!

The religious aspects were very confusing and seemed a bit far out to the story. But what a plot! the books of Lawton Caine and Renate Bachle might prove to be a completely inthralling set.

This first one is a fair indication of plots and counter-plots.
Characters are neat, just not enough wild instinct for self-preservation.

Will definitely recommend - Hope Lawton keeps in touch [encryption]with Miriam and Terry. Lawton needs to get a snipers' mentality. Not one I will keep, with all the religious slurs.

2.5 stars........2005-07-01

When the president elect is shot, FBI agent Tom Lawton begins his own search for the truth that takes him in directions that he never anticipated. With the help of Renate Bachle, he begins a quest whose clues date back two millenia and takes them across the world.

*** While the plot is complex and fast paced, it is clearly skewed toward the crowds who have made the Da Vinci code a runaway bestseller. Had that angle been omitted, this would be a fine novel, with action, adventure, and a tight pacing that appeals even to non romance oriented readers. Yet, the low view presented of Christianity, misrepresentation of Calvinist theology, and so on harms it overall. ***

Reviewed by Amanda Killgore, Freelance Reviewer.

Robert Ludlum move over........2005-03-18

Rachel Lee's latest effort moves her squarely into Robert Ludlum's territory, after her wonderful splash into Dean Koontz's world with "Something Deadly". This author continues to delight with her freshness, and willingness to take risks. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this new series by Rachel Lee.

Disappointed!.......2005-02-28

I've always enjoyed Rachel Lee's books, and looked forward to the same with "Wild Card". Instead, I ended up reading a mix of "Fahrenheit 911", campaign speeches, potshots at the Catholic Church, and a variety of conspiracy theories. No one can claim to be completely free of bias, but I'd rather read a book where they are a little more subtly presented, or better yet, non-existent.

exhilarating international political thriller .......2005-01-26

With primary victories in Florida, Texas and Louisiana Senator Grant Lawrence becomes the Democratic Party's nominee for president. As he thanks the voters on national TV, someone shoots him. The FBI begins investigating the assassination attempt, but hot stuff out of the box maverick Tom Lawton is assigned work to keep him out of the prime inquiries. He feels the Los Angeles incident with his superior has turned him into a persona non grata maverick in the minds of his supervisors, but that will not stop him from doing the job.

Tom still manages to find important information so as his reward he is totally yanked from the case. He digs into who and why the removal, but as he uncovers links to a Guatemala group that recently killed the American ambassador and CIA actions in the 1950s, he finds he is now the target of his bosses. He flees with only Agent Renate Bachle willing to help him as long as his needs fit her secret agenda.

WILDCARD is an exhilarating international political thriller that never slows down from the moment Tom sees Grant shot on TV until the final altercation "ghosts" and all. The story line is action-packed and moves at quite a fast clip with Tom going from the frying pan into the fire. The political devices to manipulate people make this a fine tale as the romantic subplot takes a back seat to the global suspense.

Harriet Klausner

The Alcohol and Drug Wildcard: Substance Use And Psychiatric Problems in People With HIV (Ucsf Aids Health Project Monograph Series, No. 2)

Average customer rating:

The Alcohol and Drug Wildcard: Substance Use And Psychiatric Problems in People With HIV (Ucsf Aids Health Project Monograph Series, No. 2)
Joan E. Zweben , and Patt Denning
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

AIDS | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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Average customer rating:

An unusual fantasy

The Creature of the Wildcard
Jon Fischer
Manufacturer: PublishAmerica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1424118557
Release Date: 2006-06-19

Book Description

Alaric Fischer was born into the promise of eternity. An artist and highly advanced dreamer of things to come, he built a small empire around his artwork. Yet hungry for things that come from beyond, he loses sight of the natural world. Entering the road to tame his delusions, he is faced with the challenge of altering the course of reality. The opponent of death becomes a matter of reinventing the wheel on the level of a cosmic chess board. Coming closer to define an alternative to existence, Alaric discovers he is the artificial intelligence of an author gone mad with the game of God. What comes of these dreams that soar through the soul of devouring one meager life may have a hunger for all of mankind. He who writes of the weather controls the course of human evolution.

Customer Reviews:

An unusual fantasy.......2006-09-12

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/06)

I have never read a fantasy as unusual as "The Creature of the Wildcard." It is a cross between a metaphysical philosophical book and a fantasy novel. The fantasy part, involves a story about a man named
Alaric Fischer. The metaphysical philosophy that I feel is in this book comes from Alaric's musings.

Alaric is a talented artist that gets caught up in the dream world. He gets involved with the Neuro Art Institute. The institute views the mind as a work of art and the brain as its artist. He goes there to take a course on dream imaging. Alaric wants to test a program called "The Eclipse" which is designed to bring an escape from suffering.

While Alaric is trying to learn how to control some delusional thoughts, he discovers that he has the power to change reality. As he further explores who he is, he uncovers some shocking truths about who he is and why he has his talents. He is told that he is the God of Alternity. Alternity is described as "being coined by John C. Lilly, the inventor of the sensory deprivation tank, to express an altered state of being on the drug ketamine. In actuality it is an alternative to death." The doctor, helping Alaric learn what his purpose is, tells him that it is his job to "condition mankind in the paradox of being alternative to known existence." Alaric will be going into an alternative state of existence and be able to achieve immortality to accomplish what he needs to.

The author's style of writing makes it easy to visualize the scenery as it unfolds around Alaric. It made me feel like I had entered into a psychedelic state. The story holds a great deal of depth and involves concentration and contemplation to seek out the deeper meanings. It is not a light fantasy. It is a book that will be enjoyed by people who enjoy the deeper, darker side of fantasy.

$Bet Me: The Ace\The Joker\The Wildcard$
Average customer rating:

exciting police procedural romantic suspense thrillers

Bet Me: The Ace\The Joker\The Wildcard
Debra Webb , Catherine Mann , and Joanne Rock
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0373837151

Book Description

They don't call Vegas Sin City for nothing. And now that prime tourist season is around the corner, it's time to kick some criminal butt. Enter three full-throttle Vegas detectives, ready to eat their undercover assignments alive….

Clarissa Rivers can't believe she's got to play fake maid to weasel her way into some of the city's dirtiest criminal activities.

But pretend she's hitched, too? Meanwhile, Kim Wong is all over her undercover sting operation at the Great Wall Casino. Only problem: an old boyfriend's got intel on Kim's secret royal past. And Dorian Byrne is posing as a high-class call girl to take down a sex crimes ring. But what's with her wild-card FBI partner?

High-rolling scoundrels better watch their backs this weekend, because one wrong move and all bets are off….

Customer Reviews:

exciting police procedural romantic suspense thrillers .......2007-08-05

"The Ace" by Debra Webb. Las Vegas Police detective Clarissa is working undercover as a maid at casino hotel when she meets famous cyclist Luke. He offers her a deal to keep female fans away from him. They pretend to be married, which enables her to easily enter the VIP area currently off limits to her. However, when she tells him the truth about her profession and assignment, he tells someone else placing her life in danger.

"The Joker" by Catherine Mann. Kim masquerades as her cousin Ting while working a stolen diamonds case that leads her to Vegas' Great Wall Casino. However, her biggest concern is her former boyfriend Marc who poses as her boyfriend and he still calls her his "Princess".

"The Wildcard" by Joanne Rock. In an attempt to break up a prostitution abduction gang, Dorian pretends to be a call girl working the Johns at the Pompeii Hotel and Casino. FBI agent Simon Ramsey works as her backup. Having shared a tryst and police work with Simon before this collaboration she knows what to expect from this no bluffing risk taking joker.

These three police procedural romantic suspense thrillers are a sure bet to please sub-genre readers as the setting is exciting and the lead couples are enticing.

Harriet Klausner

Record-Setting Animals (Sierra Club "Wildcards")

Average customer rating:

Record-Setting Animals (Sierra Club "Wildcards")

Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 059042453X

Product Description

48 Full Color Cards14 exciting gamesHundreds of Amazing facts

Average customer rating:

Record-Setting Animals (Sierra Club Wildcards)
Melinda Bergman Burgener
Manufacturer: Little Brown & Co (T)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Average customer rating:

Well-wrought and unnerving

Wildcard
Ken McClure
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Well-wrought and unnerving.......2004-07-30

Humphrey James Barclay is onboard a flight from Ndanga to London when he starts bleeding uncontrollably, passing out almost immediately. Among the passengers is Dr Palmer who diagnoses haemorrhagic fever, one of its from being known as Ebola, an extremely contagious disease. Although every precaution is taken after the plane has landed in Heathrow, several passengers, Dr Palmer and a stewardess die a few days later of the same symptoms as Barclay because they had come close to the sick man without any protection. Dr Steven Dunbar, a Sci-Med investigator, is commissioned to investigate the case and when a post-mortem is performed on Barclay's body, a filovirus is discovered as being the cause for his haemorrhagic fever. However, this is surprising because scientists agree on the fact that there is no haemorrhagic fever in Ndanga. Even more surprising is the fact that a young woman, Ann Danby, is found dead in her flat in Manchester, also having succumbed to haemorrhagic fever. As more and more cases are reported with completely unrelated patients throughout the British Isles, a race against time starts for Dr Dunbar and his colleagues to find and eradicate the mysterious disease.
An entertaining medical thriller in the same vein as Michael Palmer or Robin Cook.

Average customer rating:

Wildcard
Ken McLure
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster UK
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0684021900

Book Description

The magic of the druid in an ancient Celtic land, woven within the customs and ways of the old Celtic world.

Customer Reviews:

Just a good story.......2005-11-24

The magic of the celt come alive in this intriguing tale of a young man coming of age in a land that has has seen strife and yet continues to prosper. There are fairies and the forces of good and evil with a twist of an ending. Very pleasant read!
recommended by a Celt enthusiast

Magic and more magic.......2005-09-12

This is a wholesome cute tale of a young man named Cavan who comes of age in an ancient world full of adventure, fairies and magic. Cavan's grandmother, Muire is a much respected Druid. Muire instructs Cavan on many secrets before the boy sets off to begin his study at a Druid compound in the capital city of Cliath.

The protective goddess of their island Maeve intervenes and greatly assists in the boy's preparation. Her magic conjures visions of the past and future to be viewed by Cavan to permit him to live the history of family and nation.

The authors have succeeded in bringing me back to early Celtic times of heroes and villains. Cavan and Muire's family are characters so real and their lives so magical that I was sad to reach the book's end. On entertainment and informative Celtic Lure, I rate the book 9 out of 10 in satisfaction. - Missy Madra.

Average customer rating:

Pathetically Weak on Argument - Empty Assertions

A Must Read on the Whole "Bible-Homo" Question

Men, Homosexuality, and the Gods: An Exploration into the Religious Significance of Male Homosexuality in World Perspective (Haworth Gay & Lesbian Studies) (Haworth Gay & Lesbian Studies)
Ronald E., Ph.D. Long
Manufacturer: Harrington Park Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Man Jesus Loved: Homoerotic Narratives from the New Testament

Jesus and the Shamanic Tradition of Same-Sex Love

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Sanctity And Male Desire: A Gay Reading Of Saints

The Meaning and End of Religion

ASIN: 1560231521

Book Description

Compare worldwide religious regulations involving gay sex and masculinity!

Men, Homosexuality, and the Gods: An Exploration into the Religious Significance of Male Homosexuality in World Perspective is an eye-opening look at the traditions of particular religions and their edicts concerning gay sex. This book examines the origins of holy directives involving homosexuality—whether forbidden, tolerated, or mandatory—and establishes a link between theology, sex roles, and the sensitive issue of masculinity. This text draws a parallel between homosexuality and the idea of religion, suggesting that gay rights can be understood as a freedom of religion issue.

While most readers are familiar with the traditional Islamic, Christian, and Hebrew prohibitions against sex between two males, this book also reveals other historic religions from around the world that neither opposed nor looked down on homosexuality. Men, Homosexuality, and the Gods argues that masculinity is the universal theme that formed historical interpretation—warriors and men of high status could not be sexually receptive or "feminine" and still be called "men." This intriguing text shows how the modern homophile movements are in effect redefining masculinity to obliterate the stigma of being a sexually receptive man.

Men, Homosexuality, and the Gods examines the significance of homosexuality in such religions as:

the Sambians of New Guinea
the Taoists of Ancient China
Plato and the later Stoics
Islamic Sufism
Native American culture
Hebrew Scriptures
early Christianity
Buddhism

Men, Homosexuality, and the Gods is an enlightening book that honors homosexual claims to moral integrity and appreciates religion and religious figures without rancor. Easy-to-read and free of technical language, this volume is for anyone who has an academic, professional, or personal interest in theology and homosexuality.

The author is available for speaking engagements and can be contacted at Ronldlong@aol.com

Customer Reviews:

Pathetically Weak on Argument - Empty Assertions .......2005-04-11

Bought this book hoping for a properly constructed thesis, very disappointing. If you don't subscribe to his thesis to begin with that the world is agin men being receptive like women, and that religions that disdain homosexuality are in fear of losing their patriarchal structure; ie. receptive male intercourse undermines male hierarchy and confuses sexual roles - well if you don't accept this to start with you won't after reading this book.

It would be good to read a proper logical argument instead of frantic efforts to heap sand into ramparts before the tide of critical opinion comes in and washes these soluble ramparts away; but I have not yet found it, and this book doesn't either.

It is actually quite pathetic, there is an absence of hard logic or reasoned fact. Men may well engage in same-sex relations because it pleasures them, or for some dysfunctional reason; it is the hedonism that offends religion, not the feminist line about threats to male hierarchy...............then again Dr Long can hardly use "penis envy" as a rationale but otherwise he re-hashes feminist jargon to pose some great threat to male family structures if one of them decides to bend over and be receptive to male advances.

It is like tackling a souffle; the book has no coherent argument and merely reinforces existing prejudices; if you want to believe this nonsensical thesis you will enjoy the book provided you are not given to rational thought; otherwise you will feel you have just read some flaccid prose in a third-rate magazine.............maybe you have !

A Must Read on the Whole "Bible-Homo" Question.......2004-10-08

Professor Long provides a much needed and long awaited treatment of homosexuality in religious perspectives. His focus on the issues of "gender-threat" and its relation to why some religions are antagonistic to male homosexuality is right on target. He combines his knowledge of religious traditions with a cultural eye that gives the reader tremendous insight. I devoured this book, as should anyone interested in the whole "bible-homo" question.

Men, Homosexuality, and the Gods: An Exploration into the Religious Significance of Male Homosexuality in World Perspective

Average customer rating:

Men, Homosexuality, and the Gods: An Exploration into the Religious Significance of Male Homosexuality in World Perspective
Ph.D. Long Ronald E.
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MUBXB8

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