Two journalists chronicle their life as a lesbian couple and the trials and rewards of writing the first syndicated gay column. A collection of Price's Detroit News pieces interspersed with commentary by Murdoch (formerly of the Washington Post) on their history and background, the book details the birth of this column in 1992 and its effect on readers, its author, and her partner. Currently in syndication to more than 40 newspapers, the column addresses topics ranging from Emily Dickinson to gay rodeo and gays in the military. Price is at times an advice-giver, at times an information desk as she writes of coming out at her high school class reunion and lists for her readers a variety of resources from a gay radio station to a newsletter for older lesbians. Known to Price's readers from Palm Springs, Fla., to Rochester, N.Y., simply as ``Joyce,'' Murdoch moves from subject to coauthor as her voice confidently guides us through the column's shaky beginnings, commending the editors at the conservative News who stood by it. Reading Price's mail, she shares examples of the public's response to the column. ``Bonded tightly enough to star in a Super Glue commercial,'' the authors can be a bit overemphatic about the joys of partnership—Price goes so far as to remind readers that ``someone can be happy single''—but their voices work separately here to form a cohesive whole, and their collaboration can't help but inspire. Most importantly, they urge Price's wide audience to become active against homophobia in simple ways (Price started a campaign for donations of books about gay issues to the public library in Sam Nunn's district) and gently encourage closeted gay men and women to come out. The Anna Quindlens of gay America: personal, committed, and engaging.
Pub Date: June 1, 1995
ISBN: 0-385-47365-6
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Doubleday
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1995
BOOK REVIEW
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
