Telling Tales Out of School [Paperback]

Kevin Jennings (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2000

In more than 30 essays, gays, lesbians, and bisexuals look back at their school days to find that they are still trying to unlearn a basic lesson imparted by the educational system to homosexuals: "Hate yourself".

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Jennings (One Teacher in Ten: Gay and Lesbian Educators Tell Their Stories, LJ 10/1/94) gathers recollections from 37 gays, lesbians, and bisexuals about their experiences at school. Some of the contributors came out in school; others came out later in life and now reflect on their youth and the signs of their sexual orientation. Because the contributors range in age, their comments provide glimpses of gay life across the decades. Virtually all the writers offer painful stories, from loneliness and isolation to being beaten. This book will give straight people some insight into the struggles of growing up gay or bisexual and will resonate with gay and bisexual readers. Recommended for public and school libraries.?Debra Moore, Loyola Marymount Univ. Lib., Los Angeles
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Kevin Jennings is the executive director of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. He lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Alyson Books; 1st edition (August 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555834183
• ISBN-13: 978-1555834180
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,277,498 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent -- Jennings delivers again, October 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Telling Tales Out of School (Paperback)

Telling Tales is an outstanding collection of moving stories about being gay in school. Kevin Jennings has proven himself as an editor with his earlier book, One Teacher in Ten, and he delivers again here. It is relevant to anyone interested in gay and lesbian studies and/or education.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For Everyone Who Went Through High School, October 20, 2001

By 

Michael S. Waren "schoeder" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Telling Tales Out of School (Paperback)

Regardless of your sexual orientation, even if you were just perceived as different or the oddball in the crowd, this book strikes a nerve. Everyone feels they had it bad until you read of other peoples journeys. I recommend this book to everyone. I don't look at it as depressing but it is comfort to know that as a small towm boy I was not the only one.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Misleading, But Interesting At Times, September 26, 2001

By 

"princesssweetpea" (Spanaway, Wa USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Telling Tales Out of School (Paperback)

This book gives the impression that it has more to say. But it never really does. For some, it certainly will be a wonderful validation of a kindred type of experience. I grew a little bored with each individualized story that all to soon seemed to sound like the next. My purpose for choosing this book, was not fullfilled, I found it witty, even charming, poignant, but lacking.