Ancient Prejudice, Break to New Mutiny

Gay Youth Chronicles Complete Chronology #9

by Mark A. Roeder

Mark is an eighteen-year-old boy who wants what we all want: to love and be loved. His dreams are realized when he meets Taylor, the boy of his dreams. The boys struggle to keep their love hidden from a world that cannot understand, but ultimately, no secret is safe in a small Midwestern town.
Ancient Prejudice is a story of love, friendship, understanding, and an age-old prejudice that still has the power to kill. It is a story for young and old, gay and straight. It reminds us all that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect and there is nothing greater than the power of love.

Genres: Gay, Queer, LGBT, Romance, M M Romance

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

About the author

Mark A. Roeder grew up in southern Indiana - near a small town similar to those that appear in his novels.

Reviews

[John Sontag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously this was one of Mark's earlier works. I believe it was written for shock value. It was written 14years ago, at a time when gay suicide was at an extreme rate. Homophobia is the central theme, made all the more realistically relevant by the location, being that of a small town in the Midwest Bible Belt. Set in a small town in Indiana, it speaks of extreme cruelty to two young gay lovers caught up in a frenzy of hatred and isolation. After being outed by a parent in a most despicable manner, the two young heroes, and I most definitely consider them heroes, find a tragic method of ending their pain. Although I wish that the young men could have found an alternative answer, as well as support, I realize that this is a realistic and all too common end to many relationships in this most intolerant and polarizing national mindset. Although published in 1999, I truly hope and believe that today, we as a country have progressed to a more tolerant and accepting attitude. With more than ever support groups and the ease of internet access, I believe that more tragedies like this can be avoided.. What I found most compelling was the first person voice given to the central character in order to feel his fear of exposure to a completely homophobic environment. This reads as a full blown modern tragedy, made all the more compelling in that it is presented posthumously. One point is made very startlingly clear.:with suicide there is no turning back. A most heartbreaking story and one that will haunt me forever.c

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Soccer Feild is empty before I read this so, I felt like I was missing somethings. But I am glad I read it, to see the differences in books mostly, but also to read, because I wont be able to read in the future :P

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a very simple and quick read. I could feel the feeling there... Mark just didn't go deeper.

[Barry · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little disappointing, I thought it would have be better than it was. Reading this after reading "someone is watching" I found this just a poor supplement.

[Nathon]

i thinkk i want to read this book the most
just because of the title! im sure it'll be good!