The Shared Heart: Portraits And Stories Celebrating Lesbian, Gay, And Bisexual Young People [Hardcover]

Adam Mastoon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 5, 1997

A stirring combination of photography and na rrative, A Shared Heart showcases 40 exquisite portraits of gay, lesbian, and bisexual young people and their first-pers on accounts of coming out to their friends and family. '

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Adam Mastoon's beautifully reproduced photographs of gay, lesbian, and bisexual young people are a revelation: each subject, posed yet casual, looks directly into the camera and invites us into his or her life. But the book is more than a photo gallery, and the personal statements written by each young person brings a sense of what it means to be a gay youth today. In a world in which gay teens are told that they either don't exist or should change their sexual orientation, The Shared Heart is a beacon of hope, clarity, and joy.

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up?A remarkable collection of 40 narratives and photographs of gay, lesbian, and bisexual young adults. All in their late teens and early 20s, they tell in frank, open narratives what it is like to be bisexual and homosexual. They speak of the moments in their lives when they came to realize they were not heterosexual, how they struggled with their decision to come out, how their families and friends reacted, and how they have been treated by loved ones and strangers. These young people are activists, artists, athletes, class presidents, and performers. Some live in small towns and some in big cities. Some have the loving acceptance and support of their families and some are totally estranged. While no one story is the same, all have shared some experiences. For instance, they all have been victims of intolerance to some extent. They all speak of how coming out enabled them to become truly comfortable with themselves. Candid, black-and-white photographs of the subjects bring their words to life. Mastoon does a wonderful job of capturing the personalities of these young people. Beneath their photographs are brief statements written in their own handwriting. What is most admirable about these narrators is their courage to speak so openly. Their fearless, uninhibited celebration of themselves and their demand for dignity and respect are truly inspiring. Young adult readers, gay and straight, will find these passionate, life-affirming testimonies memorable and moving.?Edward Sullivan, New York Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow; 1 edition (November 5, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688149316
• ISBN-13: 978-0688149314
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,468,416 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully accomplished beyond my dreams, April 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Shared Heart: Portraits And Stories Celebrating Lesbian, Gay, And Bisexual Young People (Hardcover)

When I read this book, I cried. I cried because not only was I gay and still closeted, but I had lied to so many people I loved, and these people had the ocurage to come out. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! It was so lovely, and so elegantly mastered. I can't wait until Adam Mastoon does a sequel (HINT! HINT! HINT!) There are no words to describe how I felt when I realized that there are so many people out there that are like me. God bless you. God bless you all.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, moving book., January 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Shared Heart: Portraits And Stories Celebrating Lesbian, Gay, And Bisexual Young People (Hardcover)

This is a beautiful book that I received as a gift from my boyfriend. Anyone will profit from reading it. The stories in it, written by a number of lesbian,gay,and bisexual youth, are honest and very moving. It says to all the people who are still in the closet: wherever you are, you're not alone! And it also shows how gay people are just as diverse, talented, and lovable as straight people anywhere.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, August 10, 1999

By 

David LaRochelle (White Bear Lake, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Shared Heart: Portraits And Stories Celebrating Lesbian, Gay, And Bisexual Young People (Hardcover)

A beautiful and moving book. Had there been a book like this available when I was coming out, I would have felt less terrified and alone. Congratulations to the brave youth represented in this book, and thank you to Adam Mastoon for providing such a valuable resource.