Customer Reviews

Cool Thing: The Best New Gay Fiction from Young American Writers

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

There's a lot to like about this anthology. Each story offers a glimpse into the deliciously warped minds of young gays, allowing the reader a chance to view the world through a rainbow-sprinkled lens. For the most part, the stories are edgy and sinister, while some offer glimpses into the sweeter side of life. There's some beautiful poetry to be found within many of these pieces, and it's great way for gay fiction fans to see where genre is headed in the future. Gone are the days of how-to pamphlets, AIDS, and coming-out stories. For these young writers, there is no out. Gay is a way of life, and for once, that's a joy to see.

It's good to see gay fiction headed in a more risk-taking direction than the typical, humdrum coming out tales. Here, authors like Blair Mastbaum, Bennett Madison, Anthony Paull, and Wil Frabro craft grand tales in the vein that is a diverse as the GLBT community itself. Most of the tales are dark, edgy, and full of fire. While a few add a breath of campy humor and laughst to the mix. I will be interested to see where the days takes these talented writers.

I couldn't finish it. The stories all revolve around shock value. Each one contains rape, murder, or abuse. One of the stories seems to be inspired by the Columbine school massacre. In another a youth briefly molests a dog. You get the picture.

The writing is good enough but it certainly wasn't entertaining.

i was really expecting something from this book, maybe find a new author that i could follow, but none of these were inspiring. being under 30, i hoped that i could relate to something from a young author, but these stories are very short and pointless. more like vignettes, no way to connect with the characters. maybe if i read this when i was 13 i could have been shocked and enthralled (not likely). i geuss everyone can't be christopher rice; such a let down after devouring his books.