Nonfiction Books

Running with Scissors: A Memoir

Augusten Burroughs

Amazon Price: $7.99 List Price: $7.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: St. Martin's Paperbacks Amazon Marketplace: 172 new & used starting at $0.95

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Biographies & Memoirs -> Arts & Literature -> Authors
Subjects -> Biographies & Memoirs -> Family & Childhood
Subjects -> Biographies & Memoirs -> Memoirs

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 822 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

RUNNING WITH SCISSORS is the true story of a boy whose mother (a poet with delusions of Anne Sexton) gave him away to be raised by her unorthodox psychiatrist who bore a striking resemblance to Santa Claus. So at the age of twelve, Burroughs found himself amidst Victorian squalor living with the doctor’s bizarre family, and befriending a pedophile who resided in the backyard shed. The story of an outlaw childhood where rules were unheard of, and the Christmas tree stayed up all year-round, where Valium was consumed like candy, and if things got dull, an electroshock therapy machine could provide entertainment. The funny, harrowing, and bestselling account of an ordinary boy’s survival under the most extraordinary circumstances…

 

Running with Scissors Acknowledgments
Gratitude doesn’t begin to describe it: Jennifer Enderlin, Christopher Schelling, John Murphy, Gregg Sullivan, Kim Cardascia, Michael Storrings, and everyone at St. Martin’s Press. Thank you: Lawrence David, Suzanne Finnamore, Robert Rodi, Bret Easton Ellis, Jon Pepoon, Lee Lodes, Jeff Soares, Kevin Weidenbacher, Lynda Pearson, Lona Walburn, Lori Greenburg, John DePretis, and Sheila Cobb. I would also like to express my appreciation to my mother and father for, no matter how inadvertently, giving me such a memorable childhood. Additionally, I would like to thank the real-life members of the family portrayed in this book for taking me into their home and accepting me as one of their own. I recognize that their memories of the events described in this book are different than my own. They are each fine, decent, and hard-working people. The book was not intended to hurt the family. Both my publisher and I regret any unintentional harm resulting from the publishing and marketing of Running with Scissors. Most of all, I would like to thank my brother for demonstrating, by example, the importance of being wholly unique.

The Big Penis Book

Amazon Price: $43.79 List Price: $59.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: TASCHEN America Llc Amazon Marketplace: 38 new & used starting at $34.17

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Equipment
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Erotic Photography
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Subjects -> Nudes

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

When it comes to pleasure, size doesn't matter; as we all know it s quality, not quantity, that counts. But let's admit it: a big penis is undeniably compelling. Big shoulders, big lapels, and big hair may come and go, but the big penis never goes out of fashion. With those possessing more than 8 inches (20 cm) making up less than 2% of the world's population, this rare accessory will always fascinate.

In The Big Penis Book we explore the centuries-old fascination with the large phallus, a fascination common to men and women alike. This hefty book is profusely illustrated with over 400 historic photos of spectacular male endowments, including rare photos of the legendary John Holmes. The majority of the photographs are from the 1970s, when the sexual revolution first freed photographers to depict the male entirely nude. Photographers include Bob Mizer of Athletic Model Guild, David Hurles of Old Reliable, Colt, Falcon, Sierra Domino, Third World, and Champion Studios, with each of these iconic photographers interviewed or profiled, along with information about each of their models. And if this isn t enough, the book closes with a special surprise comparable to the Guinness Book of Records Norma Stitz featured in The Big Book of Breasts! Can you guess what body part Dian is dissecting next?

Invisible Monsters (Unabridged)

Chuck Palahniuk

Amazon Price: $10.48 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: audible.com

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Gay & Lesbian -> Nonfiction -> Transgender

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 292 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

GREAT 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I'm studying to be a Secondary English teacher and hope to use this book along with the first "Persepolis" in my classes. Satrapi illustrates her life in a charming and hilarious way, guaranteed to grab many types of readers and learners. After reading her graphic memoirs I have a better idea of what life in Iran for women is like as well as a thirst for more novels like this.

My Unexpected Favorite 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

After having knocked out about the majority of his novels, I can safely say that Invisible Monsters is my favorite Palahniuk novel so far. I never thought that a book so campy and ludicrous would resonate so well with me, but behold, it's one that I know I'm going to be reading over and over again.

It's shocking, it's satirical, it's campy, it's glossy, it's outrageous, it's insightful, it's jaw-dropping, and it's wonderful. Do yourself a favor and read this book; chances are you'll be glad you did.

Editorial Review:

She's a fashion model who has everything: a boyfriend, a career, a loyal best friend. But when a sudden freeway "accident" leaves her disfigured and incapable of speech, she is transformed from the beautiful center of attention to an invisible monster, so hideous that no one will acknowledge she exists. Enter Brandy Alexander, Queen Supreme, one operation away from becoming a real woman, who will teach her that reinventing yourself means erasing your past and making up something better. And that salvation hides in the last places you'll ever want to look.

Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America

Mitchell Gold, Mindy Drucker

Amazon Price: $16.29 List Price: $23.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Greenleaf Book Group, LLC Amazon Marketplace: 34 new & used starting at $15.27

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Gay & Lesbian -> Nonfiction -> General
Subjects -> Gay & Lesbian -> Nonfiction -> General AAS
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Social Sciences -> Special Groups -> Lesbian Studies

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Raising the Curtain on Growing Up Gay 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Gold, Mitchell, editor with Mandy Drucker. "Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America", Greenleaf Book Group, 2008.

Raising the Curtain on Growing Up Gay

Amos Lassen

This is the book that many have waited for because we are in desperate need of ways to save our gay teens who suffer from depression, rejection, isolation, persecution and just plain fear. They often have nowhere to turn and no one to talk to. A large percentage of them turn to drugs and alcohol and some lean toward suicide. We know the causes---discrimination, bullying and homophobia (from their families and their peers) and these kids (as well as many adults) suffer great pain. We need to find ways t give them the love and support that they need.
"Crisis" was written as an effort to help and is directed at those who cause harm to our youth and is a wonderful aid for clergy, parents and teachers and counselors who have no idea to deal with the issues. Forty diverse stories gave us a background. We learn the problems that many had accepting themselves and we have looks at what parents and straight clergy have to say by offering support and looking at gay people for what they are--human beings who are guaranteed equal rights but may not get them because they are guilty of loving people of the same sex as they are.
As people it is our responsibility to learn about gay people, teach one another what we know and make sure that the next generation understands the meaning of diversity and difference in order that the future generations will not have to face the problems that others have felt. If we commit ourselves to changing the way things are, it is our duty to rid the world of prejudice.
It's a pity that we have not always has this book because if we had, many would have understood the pain that is felt by our GLBT youth. We know that many feel that they are not worthy of our love because they are afraid of rejection. They want to be able to hold jobs, to love, to practice their faith. We need to give them the love they need as parents and allies so that they can feel complete and not alone. This book is a way to start. Some of the stories will break your heart and others will shine a light on you. If you are interested in saving children and if you buy no other book this year, this is the one that should be in your personal library.

Editorial Review:

A mental health crisis faces American teens right now--and it is one we can solve. Hundreds of thousands of gay teens face traumatic depression, fear, rejection, persecution, and isolation--usually alone. Studies show they are 190 percent more likely to used drugs or alcohol and four times more likely to attempt suicide. Homophobia and discrimination are at the heart of their pain. Love, support, and acceptance--all within our power to give--can save them.

This book is for: clergy, parents, educators, and politicians who cause harm with their words and actions; parents of gay teens; teens navigating this difficult time; and fair-minded people who want to help end the harm. Here are revealing stories by forty diverse Americans, some well known and some not, plus insights from straight clergy and parents explaining their support of gay people as whole human beings guaranteed equal rights by our Constitution.

Lesbian Sex: 101 Lovemaking Positions

Jude Schell

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Celestial Arts Amazon Marketplace: 29 new & used starting at $10.52

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Self-Help -> General
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Self-Help -> General AAS
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Sex -> Sex Instruction -> Lesbians

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

AMATEURS ONLY!!!!!!! 1 out of 5 stars.
2 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I was given this book by someone with the most sincere intentions...

Opening it was was giddy.. i was in my car and almost crashed trying to read of new positions and take my sex life to the next level...

I'm not sure what pulled the other reviews in and why they are so excited about this book because it was one HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. Half this stuff is obvious... the other half is really ridiculous. I'm assuming the target audience is for women who are pretending to be a lesbian - or maybe those who want to sample it out bc their husband is interested in a 3some...

for the hardcore lesbian who has had a time rolling around in teh sack - this isnt the book for you. Been there done that... its not going to take you to the next level.. at all. You're imagination is alot better than this book. Its for amateurs and belongs in a photography book. Only positive is the pictures are beautiful in an artistic kind of way. Who needs art when she is trying to get a girl sprung?

Editorial Review:

Discover 101 positions for tonguing and grooving with this innovative and clever sex guide for women who love women. Enticing lovers to broaden their repertoire, this lesbian Kama Sutra offers dozens of lovemaking ideas to inspire women to pleasure themselves and each other using touch, toys, and other techniques. One position will tease and delight her, another will deepen intimacy, and still another will culminate in mind-blowing orgasms.

The Mayor of Castro Street: The Life and Times of Harvey Milk

Randy Shilts

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: St. Martin's Griffin Amazon Marketplace: 28 new & used starting at $10.34

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Biographies & Memoirs -> Leaders & Notable People -> Political
Subjects -> Biographies & Memoirs -> Specific Groups -> General
Subjects -> Biographies & Memoirs -> Specific Groups -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A LEADER IN THE GAY RIGHTS MOVEMENT 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Randy Shilts was a great writer, his books are always a good read. This was his first, and perhaps best book. It tells the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected politician in America. I bought this book after reading the reviews of "Milk," the new movie starring Sean Penn as Harvey Milk. It's a good history of how gay men were treated in America in the 1940's and 1950's, tells about Stonewall, then moves to San Francisco and the Castro, when Harvey Milk does.The Castro grew up around the time Harvey Milk first came here, started his camera store and ran for City Supervisor. Milk comes across as someone with compassion and a clear vision of what city governement should do, but also someone with a wicked sense of humor, and a sense of theatre, which makes it a fun read. He really comes alive in this book. The book goes through his assasination by a former police officer, Dan White, the candlelight procession after his death, the trial of Dan White, and subsequent "White Night Riots." A must read for anyone interested in the gay rights movement.

Editorial Review:

Known as “The Mayor of Castro Street” even before he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Harvey Milk’s personal life, public career, and final assassination reflect the dramatic emergence of the gay community as a political power in America. It is a story full of personal tragedies and political intrigues, assassinations at City Hall, massive riots in the streets, the miscarriage of justice, and the consolidation of gay power and gay hope.

Harvey Milk has been the subject of numerous books and movies, including the Academy Award–winning 1984 documentary, The Times of Harvey Milk.  His life is also the basis of a 2008 major motion picture, Milk, starring Sean Penn.  

The History of Sexuality, Vol. 1: An Introduction

Michel Foucault

Amazon Price: $10.36 List Price: $12.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Vintage Amazon Marketplace: 113 new & used starting at $4.50

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Gay & Lesbian -> Nonfiction -> Philosophy
Subjects -> Gay & Lesbian -> General AAS
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Psychology & Counseling -> Sexuality -> Human

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 29 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Hard...but worth it. 4 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

Foucault is one of the most important thinkers of our time. He is a historian, a cultural theorist, and a philosopher. When looking at the History of Sexuality Foucault does not see powerful figures repressing sex, but actually encouraging people to discuss it. This discourse was encouraged so that sex could be controlled and this discourse actually created what is today called sexuality--a norm that we believe to be culturally independent or universal. The belief that sex is repressed is only another strategy formed through a series of power relationships that desires for people to keep discussing sex in order that this "sex" can be classified and controled. For example: Encouraging a discourse on the act of sodomy enabled a catagory of homosexual to be created. Instead of sodomy being a act that a person may engage in, that person instantly became a homosexual, his sexuality constituting his entire being--how he/she should talk, act, and live in general. The discourse that was encourage to develop around sex enable power to classify and control sexuality--power actually created what we believe to be the "real sexuality". Foucault explains the complicated relationship between power and discourse that developed a set of complicated and sometimes contradicting--and always changing--ideas about what sex is and how we are to approach it.
This book is not easy. I will have to read it again. However, I believe that this book is a good intro to Foucault's very important theories on power relationships. An important factor to be recognized is that this book is a translation from french and, as many people have already expressed, has made it more difficult to comprehend. I did not understand everything in totality but I feel that the most imporant concepts were revealed. If you get confused take a deep breath and reread the previous paragraph, doing this helped alot and gives your brain a second chance to wrap itself around the really difficult parts. This is a very rewarding book that will give you valuable tools for confronting and interpreting the ideologies and power relationships we are confronted with. Good Luck!

Editorial Review:

The author turns his attention to sex and the reasons why we are driven constantly to analyze and discuss it. An iconoclastic explanation of modern sexual history.

The Whole Lesbian Sex Book: A Passionate Guide for All of Us

Felice Newman

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Cleis Press Amazon Marketplace: 50 new & used starting at $15.44

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Sex -> Sex Instruction -> Lesbians
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Sex -> Sex Instruction -> General
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Sex -> Sex Instruction -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 30 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Great on the Basics 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I read the 2005 German edition of the 1999 US book. It is on the basics of lesbian sexuality and beyond. There are other books recommended for saving the bored done-it-all inner city sexpert from lesbian bed death. But let's face it: Most of us aren't that lucky. It depends on what book you are seeking. It is not the book's fault that a few already know most of its content. This book is also for those who lack imagination, knowledge and/or experience in lesbian sexuality. Meaning, you don't have to be a lesbian to find this book informative. Which can't really be said about many heterosexual sex books vice versa. In fact, one or the other information, many gay men should be aware of, as the author isn't squeamish about anal sexuality.

You will find not only virtually everything from masturbation to sex parties, but also on safer sex. Especially this section is important for heterosexuals as well, as most of the latter hardly engage in it, when it comes to oral sex on females. Lately, I went into a classic straight sex shop to buy some dental dams and the sales person didn't even know what I was talking about, even though they offered them in some corner. This expensive, that I am glad that this book gives instructions to the public on how to make them yourself from cheaper and more readily available items. Again, recommendable information for everybody else in the anilingus version.

I find it noteworthy that this book takes the pressure off political correctness, when it comes to sexual fantasies. And yes, there's a difference, when this lesbian sexpert does it or some creepy sexual release magazine.

Be aware that the traditional hanky code has many variations. The meanings to the colors provided here are mostly shared. However, some may lead to misunderstandings. For example, white is decoded here as seeking/being a newbie. I know it rather as: "Leave me alone, today I am here just for the beer." It should also be noted that some colors look very similar in the usually softly lit places, where you find them.

You may be interested in specialized topics, like Female Ejaculation and the G-Spot: Not Your Mother's Orgasm Book! (Positively Sexual).

Editorial Review:

Witty and personal, The Whole Lesbian Sex Book is most comprehensive sex guide available for lesbians, offering information and support for all lesbian lifestyles. It speaks to lesbian and bisexual readers of diverse experiences—young and old, partnered and single, trans- and traditionally gendered, sexually experienced and naive. The Whole Lesbian Sex Book offers basic information, techniques, advice, support, and playful discourse on the subject of lesbian sex, including: where to find partners, G-spot stimulation, oral sex, vaginal fisting, dildos for fun and fashion, dynamics of butch/femme sex, anal sex, the pleasures of lube and latex, where to cop the best cybersex, and leather, piercings, tattoos, high heels, and other fetishes.

Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity

Judith Butler

List Price: $21.95 By: Routledge Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $7.75

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Gay & Lesbian -> Nonfiction -> Philosophy
Subjects -> Gay & Lesbian -> General AAS
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Mental Health -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 25 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Fascinating Ideas, Infuriating Writing Style 4 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Readers who are willing to tolerate labyrinthine sentences and brain-cramping scholarly vocabulary and who already have a working understanding of Freud, Lacan, Foucault, and deconstruction will find in Butler a challenging, highly stimulating theorist of sex, gender, and sexuality.

Readers looking for a breezy and accessible discussion of gender roles in modern society should definitely look elsewhere.

Editorial Review:

Since its publication in 1990, Gender Trouble has become one of the key works of contemporary feminist theory, and an essential work for anyone interested in the study of gender, queer theory, or the politics of sexuality in culture. As Judith Butler writes in the major essay that stands as preface to the new edition, one point of Gender Trouble was 'not to prescribe a new gendered way of life, but to open of the field of possibility for gender.' Widely taught, and widely debated, Gender Trouble continues to offer a powerful critique of heteronormativity and of the function of gender in the modern world.
Judith Butler's new preface situates Gender Trouble within the past decade of work on gender, and counters some common misconceptions about the book and its aims.

The Commitment: Love, Sex, Marriage, and My Family

Dan Savage

Amazon Price: $10.20 List Price: $15.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Plume Amazon Marketplace: 57 new & used starting at $4.88

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Biographies & Memoirs -> Memoirs
Subjects -> Biographies & Memoirs -> Professionals & Academics -> Journalists
Subjects -> Biographies & Memoirs -> Specific Groups -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 28 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Funny, intelligent personal memoir and comment on Gay Marriage 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

One of the things I liked best about this book was that Dan Savage didn't just destroy the arguments against gay marriage, but he also correctly criticized many of the popular arguments in favor of gay marriage for succumbing to the same double-standards as the opposition. What was left was arguments that are rational, clearly stated, and funny.

Savage's personal story is well told, reflective, and entertaining.

Editorial Review:

In a time when much of the country sees red whenever the subject of gay marriage comes up, Dan Savage—outspoken author of the column "Savage Love"— makes it personal.

Dan Savage’s mother wants him to get married. His boyfriend, Terry, says "no thanks" because he doesn’t want to act like a straight person. Their six-year-old son DJ says his two dads aren’t "allowed" to get married, but that he’d like to come to the reception and eat cake. Throw into the mix Dan’s straight siblings, whose varied choices form a microcosm of how Americans are approaching marriage these days, and you get a rollicking family memoir that will have everyone—gay or straight, right or left, single or married—howling with laughter and rethinking their notions of marriage and all it entails.