Customer Reviews

Loving Mountains, Loving Men (Ethnicity & Gender In Appalach)

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Talk about dual crosses to bear, in a small West Virginia town, if you cared what people thought........ [we had] the most colorfully freakish family in Summers County. Only my mother, bless her, was normal."

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Jeff Mann's "­Loving Mountains, Loving Men" is as enjoyable as it is painful. I grew up in small town Appalachia as a confused and lonely lesbian. I can relate to all Mann says in his memoir, needing only to replace names and places. It is a scary place to be when you know you are "different" from your peers. Mann's transformation from teenager to the man he is today is one that I am sure many of us or someone we know can relate to. And if you can't, then you need to read this book to understand.

Mann's writing is humorous and colorful. Just when I feel his anger, he gives me a chuckle. When he makes me cry at a loss, he feeds my hunger with a new passion. I cannot help but think of all the "Brokeback Mountain" stories like his there have been, are, and will be in this world. I can only hope that more of us will become strong like Mann in our convictions and struggle to stand up for what is right and good in this life

I cannot say enough about how much this book inspires me. The writing is sophisticated and highly compassionate. He is the first writer to put me to tears while reading. As a gay man in the mountains, I have identified so much with his life. I believe anybody who has ever been in love will be moved by his words. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up immediately!

Jeff Mann's book has been the most challenging works I have spent time with in a long time.The beauty of language lured me into the author's life. The simply poetry of existence that infuses he book certainly adde d to the mix that lead me deeper into this piece. As a gay man living in the city I learned a great deal about gay men in mountain regions of the south.His telling story of himself and his life and family was most inspiring.

The gift of Jeff Mann offers us is priceless. He offers us as clear of a view of his queer life as a poet can make it. I feel privileged to have shared Mann's deep exploration of spirit and flesh. I am grateful. I would encourage folks to take the time to read this book with intent, paying close attention to the stories one tells oneself as Mann skillfully weaves his within the readoer's own heart and mind.