Under the Rainbow: Growing Up Gay (Stonewall Inn Classics) [Paperback]

Arnie Kantrowitz (Author)

Book Description

Series: Stonewall Inn Classics | Publication Date: August 1996

Originally pulbished in 1977, unavailable for more than a decade, Karnowitz's Under the Rainbow is one of the few genuine gay classics. In an immensely moving account, Karnowitz writes of growing up gay before Stonewall, trying to come to grips with his sexuality at a time when it was generally perceived as an illness; his discovery of the early gay rights movement; and becoming a nationally recognized activist for gay rights.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Originally published in 1977, Kantrowitz's account of coming to terms with his sexuality in the early years of the Gay Rights movement is brought back into print as part of the Stonewall Inn Classics series.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

"Kantrowitz wins us with his honesty and vulnerability," said LJ's reviewer of this story of a gay activist pioneer (LJ 6/15/77). This will probably find a bigger audience now than when first published.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 217 pages
• Publisher: St Martins Pr; 2nd edition (August 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312144393
• ISBN-13: 978-0312144395
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,351,939 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunningly honest...I identified with every page!, January 7, 2000

By 

Scott E Amundsen - See all my reviews

This review is from: Under the Rainbow: Growing Up Gay (Stonewall Inn Classics) (Paperback)

This coming out story should be required reading! To all those who thought the "classic" coming out story was John Reid's BEST LITTLE BOY IN THE WORLD, all I can say is, you must read UNDER THE RAINBOW. Arnie Kantrowitz is open and honest about his life in a way Reid never attempted. Reading this book, I was frequently moved to tears as I recognized in his story the same experiences I had had in my own coming-out process. It is a shame that this book is not better known; it is the best book of its kind that I have ever read. Don't miss this one!

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Coming Out Story Brilliantly and Honestly Written, December 2, 2011

By 

Scott E. Amundsen (Oneonta, NY, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Under the Rainbow: Growing Up Gay (Stonewall Inn Classics) (Paperback)

To all those who thought the "classic" coming out story was John Reid's BEST LITTLE BOY IN THE WORLD, all I can say is, you really must read UNDER THE RAINBOW. I read this book for the first time about thirty years ago when I was a student in one of Arnie Kantrowitz's classes and he read portions of the book to the class. I dug it up at the college library and devoured it. So when I saw that it had come back into print, I had to get myself a copy.

Arnie Kantrowitz is open and honest about his life in a way Reid never attempted. For one thing, he does not hide behind a pseudonym, and as far as I know he has not changed the names of other persons in his life. The book thus has a feel of authenticity that Reid's book fails to achieve. Also unlike Reid/Tobias, Kantrowitz does not spare himself; he makes mistakes, he hurts the people who love him without meaning to, and like most of us, even his best intentions do not always work out as planned.

Reading this book, I was frequently moved to tears as I recognized in Arnie's story the same experiences I had had in my own coming-out process. It is a shame that this book is not better known; it is the best book of its kind that I have ever read. If you can somehow get a copy, do so. You will not regret it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Best personal insight, March 29, 2004

By 

Donna (Staten Island, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Under the Rainbow: Growing Up Gay (Stonewall Inn Classics) (Paperback)

I had Professor Kantrowitz as my English teacher in college and I was glad I took his class. He mentioned during class that he wrote a book dealing with his sexuality. I think I might have been the only person to read it. Arnie makes the book his and flies with it. I am amazed that he is as bright and cheerfull as he is today considering. I spoke with him in office about the book and a brief shadow of sadness reflected on his face. I give due credit to him for the strength he has and the obstacles he overcame.