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ANKRBOY
A young, closeted TV newscaster tries to make his way during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Based on the true-life story of three-time Emmy award-winning anchorman and best-selling author turned actor, Mark Pettit.
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Published May 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 4, 2025
Mark Pettit’s ANKRBOY is a raw and unfiltered fictionalized memoir that pulls no punches in telling the story of a man navigating a double life, one in the limelight of television news and the other in the shadows of his own identity. Set against the backdrop of the late 20th century and early 21st century, the book takes us through the highs and lows of Pettit’s career, relationships, and self-discovery. He paints a vivid picture of ambition, love, betrayal, and survival, all wrapped in a style that is as direct as it is deeply personal.
Pettit’s writing is gripping, filled with humor, heartbreak, and an unrelenting honesty that makes the pages fly by. He doesn’t just tell his story; he pulls you into it, forcing you to feel every triumph and every crushing defeat. One of the most compelling moments comes early in the book, in Dead Man’s Party, where the protagonist is drugged at a high-profile event. The sensory overload, paranoia, and the life-threatening consequences of a single drink spike are so vividly described that I felt my own pulse quicken as I read. His ability to capture the highs of club life and the terrifying lows of its dangers is a testament to his skill as a storyteller.
Beyond the personal struggles, Pettit also delivers sharp commentary on the media industry. His accounts of being a rising star in TV news, only to be discarded when his private life became inconvenient, are infuriating but all too real. The moments where he faces rejection, particularly when his agent bluntly tells him, “They don’t put guys like you on the evening news,” hit hard. Pettit doesn’t sugarcoat anything; he lays bare the hypocrisy and cowardice of an industry that rewards deception while punishing authenticity. His narrative is peppered with humor, but the underlying rage is impossible to miss.
The relationships in ANKRBOY are another highlight, especially his hidden love affairs and the tension between who he is and who the world expects him to be. His love for Luke, a closeted co-worker, is heartbreaking in its inevitability. The scene where Luke refuses to acknowledge their love despite their passionate nights together is both frustrating and tragic. Pettit captures the pain of loving someone who isn’t ready to love themselves, and the emotional weight of that realization lingers long after the chapter ends.
This book is not just for those interested in LGBTQ+ narratives or media insiders, it’s for anyone who has ever felt trapped by expectations. If you like stories that are raw, confessional, and unapologetically real, ANKRBOY is a must-read. Pettit’s journey is not just about survival; it’s about reclaiming identity and refusing to be erased. He doesn’t ask for sympathy, only understanding. And by the time you turn the last page, you’ll be glad he told his story.
Pettit’s writing is gripping, filled with humor, heartbreak, and an unrelenting honesty that makes the pages fly by. He doesn’t just tell his story; he pulls you into it, forcing you to feel every triumph and every crushing defeat. One of the most compelling moments comes early in the book, in Dead Man’s Party, where the protagonist is drugged at a high-profile event. The sensory overload, paranoia, and the life-threatening consequences of a single drink spike are so vividly described that I felt my own pulse quicken as I read. His ability to capture the highs of club life and the terrifying lows of its dangers is a testament to his skill as a storyteller.
Beyond the personal struggles, Pettit also delivers sharp commentary on the media industry. His accounts of being a rising star in TV news, only to be discarded when his private life became inconvenient, are infuriating but all too real. The moments where he faces rejection, particularly when his agent bluntly tells him, “They don’t put guys like you on the evening news,” hit hard. Pettit doesn’t sugarcoat anything; he lays bare the hypocrisy and cowardice of an industry that rewards deception while punishing authenticity. His narrative is peppered with humor, but the underlying rage is impossible to miss.
The relationships in ANKRBOY are another highlight, especially his hidden love affairs and the tension between who he is and who the world expects him to be. His love for Luke, a closeted co-worker, is heartbreaking in its inevitability. The scene where Luke refuses to acknowledge their love despite their passionate nights together is both frustrating and tragic. Pettit captures the pain of loving someone who isn’t ready to love themselves, and the emotional weight of that realization lingers long after the chapter ends.
This book is not just for those interested in LGBTQ+ narratives or media insiders, it’s for anyone who has ever felt trapped by expectations. If you like stories that are raw, confessional, and unapologetically real, ANKRBOY is a must-read. Pettit’s journey is not just about survival; it’s about reclaiming identity and refusing to be erased. He doesn’t ask for sympathy, only understanding. And by the time you turn the last page, you’ll be glad he told his story.
March 8, 2024
"Ankrboy" by Mark Pettit is a fast-paced memoir that explores themes of professional success, personal authenticity, and reconciliation with family. Pettit, a formerly closeted TV newscaster, shares his journey with a raw honesty that helps readers feel immersed in his story.
I particularly enjoyed how Pettit wove in anecdotes from his career, such as his coverage of Rock Hudson’s death to the unreported AIDS crisis, capturing the spirit of the era with precision and emotion. The memoir includes details from the period such as personal ads in alternative weekly newspapers and circuit parties in Palm Springs. Pettit mentions his experience interviewing celebrities like Ann Landers and Henry Kissinger. Pettit’s relationship with the attractive Brazilian Paulo was particularly poignant, and the serial killer he interviews (John Joubert) added a thriller element to the story.
"Ankrboy" has an emotionally satisfying finale and the great cliffhanger chapters make it a compelling, speedy read from start to finish.
I particularly enjoyed how Pettit wove in anecdotes from his career, such as his coverage of Rock Hudson’s death to the unreported AIDS crisis, capturing the spirit of the era with precision and emotion. The memoir includes details from the period such as personal ads in alternative weekly newspapers and circuit parties in Palm Springs. Pettit mentions his experience interviewing celebrities like Ann Landers and Henry Kissinger. Pettit’s relationship with the attractive Brazilian Paulo was particularly poignant, and the serial killer he interviews (John Joubert) added a thriller element to the story.
"Ankrboy" has an emotionally satisfying finale and the great cliffhanger chapters make it a compelling, speedy read from start to finish.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews