From Library Journal
This very accessible basic guide for youth and those who care about them includes many valuable, practical suggestions and pointers to additional resources. Bass and Kaufman cover it all in chapters from "Friends" and "Love" to "Religious Life" and "Living in Your Community."
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Although the fact that June is Gay Pride Month has been well publicized in recent years, it may have escaped notice that June is also Lesbian and Gay Book Month (see News & Views, p.1636). This June brings the 13 titles reviewed here, one of which introduces a solid new mystery series hero: a trifle too hard-drinking reporter named Ben Justice. Other volumes of more than slight interest are a long-lost short novel by Margaret Anderson, who edited one of the most important little magazines in U.S. literary history; the first novel in 13 years from Andrew Holleran, the godfather, so to speak, of the modern gay novel; and Judy Nelson's report on life after Martina and Rita Mae and . . .
Like most popular literature on homosexuality, Bass and Kaufman's adviser for youth plays a mite fast and loose with social science research. Still, it is an excellent resource. The authors pepper the text with the words of a few dozen young people who have been through the experiences that the book's six sections address: self-discovery and coming out, dealing with friends and first love, dealing with family, defending and asserting oneself in school, finding solace in spirituality, and locating community support. Further, for the allies mentioned in the subtitle, Bass and Kaufman offer such chapters as "our pride and joy" (for parents) and "making changes in churches and temples" (no initial capitals are used in titles and headings). Of course, the book will infuriate those who give homosexuality no quarter and also, on account of its safe-sex counsel, those who don't want children to hear about sex. Even friendly adult readers may be discomfited by the glossing over of historical and religious complexities. Well, no book is perfect, and this one remains very good. Ray Olson
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