Customer Reviews

Outsiders

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

 

 

Collection of short stories/novellas by Lynn Ames, Georgia Beers, JD Glass, SX Meagher and Susan Smith, that have the common theme of 'Outsiders', but each author 'interpreted' that theme very differently.

The book promises 'something for everyone', which I think also implies the reverse, that not everything is your cup of tea. Both are true for me.

The story that shines most, for me, is the one by Susan Smith, in which a butch lesbian falls for a transman. The questions that come up because of that are common in Smith's work, and they always trigger something in me. If we just got over this identity crap our lives would be so much easier, I think. Smith's exploration of these questions is moving and the story is very well written. After not liking Smith's last novel I was so, so very happy to find myself liking this story.

Georgia Beers' story is also very well written and has an intriguing premise. I'm always happy to read something by her.

I liked SX Meagher's story, the fluffiest of the bunch (just an observation, no criticism as such, I like fluff), but I really think her talents, i.e., really exploring her characters, come through better in novel format.

I don't think I've ever read anything by Lynn Ames, I liked the story ok.

Finally, I just don't get why I don't like JD Glass' stuff. It's well written, but the characters just don't interest me. It didn't help that they were recurring characters from a novel I hadn't liked. It would have been interesting, for me, to see if I liked something by her that wasn't linked to something I couldn't connect with before.

I'd give the Smith and the Beers story more than 3 stars, definitely 4, maybe even 5 for Smith, I think the book is worth buying just for these two stories alone, but it averages out at three.

I am a huge fan of Susan Meagher; I absolutely love everything she has written. When she announced that she was doing an anthology, I practically marked the days off on my calender til the release date. Once again, Susan didn't disappoint me - her contribution to this book was great. Susan creates characters that you're sure are real people. They're warm, funny, intelligent women that you'd love to have as friends. In fact, I've read her IFMHISF series so often, Jamie and Ryan ARE my friends.

I had not read anything by the other contributors to this anthology but thought a short story would be a great way to introduce me to some different authors. Of the other 4 stories, I'd have to say "In a Flash" by Lynn Ames was my favorite. Here again were two characters who sprang to life on the pages of a book. The story starts off as a fast-paced adventure but soon slows to a breathtakingly beautiful romance story. And Native-American Yahzi Begay proves to be a refreshingly different character than is found in most lesbian novels. I loved this story so much, I ordered a full-length novel by Ms. Ames.

Another standout story is Susan Smith's "Billy Boy." This one really made me think which is what any good storyteller is supposed to do. I loved middle-aged professor Joan; she has a sarcastic wit and a brilliant mind. Billy is both endearing and sexy as hell.

If you're looking to find new authors, buy this book for yourself. If you'd like to introduce a friend to great lesbian fiction, buy this book for her.

5 established, popular authors take the word "outsiders" & return to you 5 unique & entertaining variations on the theme. From out-of-towners to lives outside of "normal" society to out-of-doors, all different angles are covered in tightly packed stories filled with wonderful characters.

Lots of enjoyment & variety in 1 book. Now, that's a heckuva deal.

tlc
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