Customer Reviews

Stranger Among Friends

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In this day of the modern Gay Rights Movement, no biography captures the true story of someone moderately simple, becoming the voice of a fantastic mission with true, heartfelt passion for the equality of gays and lesbians. Full of pathos, life lessons, screw-ups, ironies and inspiration that truly reflects the dichotomy of living as an evolving gay man during the sexual revolution, Reagan-Era AIDS, and the Clinton Era of Inclusion against the backdrop of a hidden sex life. I was glad to know this story!

I have always admired David's courage and dedication to his causes. I recently re-read this book and found it to be just as inspirational now as it was in 1996. It gives a deep sense of perspective to the political movements of the '60s and '70 that is just fascinating. It then paints a spellbinding portrait of the Gay Rights Movement. Most important, however, "Stranger" is a Profile in Courage of an extraordinary man who has helped all Americans who pursue "Liberty and Justice for ALL. I re-read "Stranger Among Friends" as I was completing my most recent book "Pathways to Inner Peace" and it gave me just what I was looking for -- a dose of courage to continue helping others. (Rev. Jim Webb, author of "Pathways to Inner Peace").

A very interesting account of a political activist who staked his hopes on the Clinton presidency to write the executive order permitting gays in the military. He was instrumental in organizing the gay community in support of the Clinton campaign. Intertwined in the political activism is Mixner's account of his own homophobia and his difficult times in coming to terms with his sexual orientation. A long time friend of Clinton, Mixner belived he would keep his promise to overturn the ban on gays in the military. The rest is history, including their former rather close relationship.

I must say, this was one of the best books I've read in a while. It was just fascinating. It starts out describing David's childhood, goes onto his time in college, his antiwar activism, his many struggles with his homosexuality, finally with his coming out and becoming a gay activist, and then to his time spent working on the Clinton campaign all the way up to Clinton's innaguration. It's a very readable book, it draws you in from the first few pages and really keeps you wanting to know what will happen next in David's very exciting activist life. Another thing that kept me reading was I was dying to find out when he would finally come out. It is easy to relate to David's pain and I was inspired to see what he did with that pain and to read about the many remarkable things he has done with this life. I finished this book in a little over a week and wished there was more. I loved learning more about the political and activist worlds while at the same time learning about him. If you have any interest in politics, activism, AIDS, or gay and lesbian issues, or just like a good memoir, read this book. You'll like it :)

Whether interested in homophobia, politics, or gays in the military, Mixner's book is excellent. From his struggles with his own homophobia to his struggles with the White House, Mixner shows us the personal and the political and the sometime disastrous mix.

i feel like i finally read the history book that was never written. i loved looking at the country's history through his eyes. now i know why history books are so boring...verses reading history through the eyes of someone who lived it and not just reported it. as a gay woman i wish david could have followed his dream into the white house. i think we need him there. the clinton administration sure lacks his authentic way of being. he is a real hero in my book. thanks david for being who you have been. and don't let them stop you.

it was a good book for the most part but it kinda of ran on and on i still have a copy of it around some where