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Queer
Author Seth King was born in a time when homosexuality was illegal in his state, and fell in love with a male for the first time only months after it was decriminalized.
He's here, he's queer, and for the first time, this is his story.
He's here, he's queer, and for the first time, this is his story.
58 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2018
21 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Seth King
53 books1,869 followersSeth King is a twenty-eight-year-old American author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 24, 2019
***** 5 Stars *****
I am giving this story five stars for its honesty and bravery.
Dear, Author,
I am sorry your family failed you, and I am sorry you have felt so ashamed.
I am sorry for all intolerance, bigotry, hatred and prejudice you had to take in life.
I am sorry for all abuse and mistreat.
I am sorry green eyes was such a coward.
And just to let you know, that gay-ass cover with a gay-ass title is
I hope you find someone very special.
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June 30, 2018
Wow, just wow! I feel kissed by the sweetest lips and sucker punched in the gut all at once reading this unforgettable short memoir. A genuine, laid bare work of art in mere 40 pages.
Seth King's life story brought me new insights, both glimpses of contemporary life in the US (I don't live there myself) and about how being born gay can make you a target of hate from a very, very young age. Sure, I knew of the latter but in this memoir it gets very real, very close and personal.
Thoughts, experiences and feelings carefully selected by the author across almost two decades, and yet flowed together with such ease. Within these pages are several passages so beautiful and thoughtfully crafted, quotes I will come back to again and again.
How do you rate someone's life story? Impossible. For sharing hard won life experiences and skilfully crafting the bits and pieces together into a short story format, I can give it nothing less than 5 stars.
Seth King's life story brought me new insights, both glimpses of contemporary life in the US (I don't live there myself) and about how being born gay can make you a target of hate from a very, very young age. Sure, I knew of the latter but in this memoir it gets very real, very close and personal.
Thoughts, experiences and feelings carefully selected by the author across almost two decades, and yet flowed together with such ease. Within these pages are several passages so beautiful and thoughtfully crafted, quotes I will come back to again and again.
How do you rate someone's life story? Impossible. For sharing hard won life experiences and skilfully crafting the bits and pieces together into a short story format, I can give it nothing less than 5 stars.
February 20, 2023
Dear Author, thank you for sharing your story with us!!!
Heartbreaking, but it's also spreading hope. All the stars for this amazing book!
Heartbreaking, but it's also spreading hope. All the stars for this amazing book!
June 27, 2018
A very raw outpouring of one man’s truth.
Queer reads as if it was written in one sitting, unedited and raw, but is in many ways more powerful because of that. Seth King allows himself to bleed his truth onto the pages and I don’t doubt he will make many of his readers weep for the little boy he was, and the parts of that boy he still carries to this day.
His analogy about the invisibility he felt growing up, being unrepresented in art, music, films, sport et al was incredibly powerful to read. I tried to imagine what it would be like to come of age straight and only see, hear and read about queer love. To have nothing that reflected my reality. To feel not only invisible but despised by members of my own family, my peers and far too many vocal sections of society. It’s unimaginable. Even if that was all I took away from reading Queer it would still be a worthwhile, if shocking, revelation. I thought I got it. I thought I understood. This raw little book made me realise that I didn’t. Not fully.
The world needs more stories like this. Little slices of real life that open our eyes, our hearts and our minds. The LGBT+ community in particular needs them. It’s wonderful to see more and more books being written that represent society’s spectrum. Books like this one that offer a harsh truth, but also hope, will help adults heal and young people realise they aren’t alone in their struggles, and it really does get better.
Queer reads as if it was written in one sitting, unedited and raw, but is in many ways more powerful because of that. Seth King allows himself to bleed his truth onto the pages and I don’t doubt he will make many of his readers weep for the little boy he was, and the parts of that boy he still carries to this day.
His analogy about the invisibility he felt growing up, being unrepresented in art, music, films, sport et al was incredibly powerful to read. I tried to imagine what it would be like to come of age straight and only see, hear and read about queer love. To have nothing that reflected my reality. To feel not only invisible but despised by members of my own family, my peers and far too many vocal sections of society. It’s unimaginable. Even if that was all I took away from reading Queer it would still be a worthwhile, if shocking, revelation. I thought I got it. I thought I understood. This raw little book made me realise that I didn’t. Not fully.
The world needs more stories like this. Little slices of real life that open our eyes, our hearts and our minds. The LGBT+ community in particular needs them. It’s wonderful to see more and more books being written that represent society’s spectrum. Books like this one that offer a harsh truth, but also hope, will help adults heal and young people realise they aren’t alone in their struggles, and it really does get better.
July 18, 2018
I have not read a book so raw in emotion or related more to a text in the modern day world of being gay. Seth’s experiences that he shares in this text are ones that many of our cultural collective go through from the sting of first love to reflecting on the man that got away, while discussing his struggle to find his identity among our LGBTQIA+ community. I would highly recommend this text for anyone feeling alone with the struggle for identity or just for anyone who needs to be reminded that us gays have feelings too.
I look forward to reading more in the future from this promising voice of a gay man.
I look forward to reading more in the future from this promising voice of a gay man.
July 15, 2018
Never have I finished a book and yearned with all of my heart to drop everything, get on a plane, fly somewhere I’ve never been and hug a man I’ve never met. But I do know him. I know him not only from his writing - I know him because I’m a mom, I know him because i have compassion, I know him because I’m a fucking human being. I know him and I love him. I love his strength, I love his heart, I love his beauty and I love his doubts and vulnerability - because those are just as much a part of him as everything else. Reading Seth’s words is like seeing the sun shine through a stained glass window. It’s beautiful, stunning, multifaceted and ever changing. I don’t ever want to look away, I never will. And I am so damn proud and lucky to know him.
June 15, 2019
★★★★★ ~ 5 Stars
WOW, these 60-pages pack a whopper in. Live with Seth through his trying childhood and puberty and then one day, he meets green eyes - his first love - and his life will never be the same.
I was so impressed, I picked up
Fem by this author, let's see if he keeps up his winning streak.
WOW, these 60-pages pack a whopper in. Live with Seth through his trying childhood and puberty and then one day, he meets green eyes - his first love - and his life will never be the same.
I was so impressed, I picked up
Fem by this author, let's see if he keeps up his winning streak.
June 6, 2019
A wonderful piece of the rainbow landed in my hands the day I picked this book up! I read it in an hour and it made my day and life brighter - it’s such a beautiful piece of gay art in the written form and I, as a gay person, feel truly enlightened and uplifted by such a beautiful person and his words. I hope to read more from Seth, would highly recommend!
June 11, 2019
Powerful and thought provoking from a gay man's perspective. Very honest account of his life and also certaìn government policies that seems more regressive than progressive, with the latter touched briefly in the book.
July 3, 2018
Heartfelt and thought provoking by
For me though I am not a gay man,I am a bisexual woman but still I could relate. I have known what it's like to be told I'm not good enough and that I was an abomination bound for hells fires. I cried tears that I had thought I had worked through years ago. To readers everywhere struggling with these things know there are others like you. To you the author of this beautiful book I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I met you years ago in tulsa Oklahoma I was and at times still struggle with the fact that my father and most of his family will never except me or my decision to love a woman. My brown eyed girl and I have since parted ways and moved on to live lives of our own but we still speak and we are still friends and we still love eachother while it's on another level now as she put it "she is mine and I am hers always". know that when the rest of the world seems to be against you that you are loved and you will be loved. Know that your pain and your abuse resonates with others who have been through similar situations and know above all else that you matter more than you know! I love you and I love your books!!💞💕💓💖🌈🌈🌈
For me though I am not a gay man,I am a bisexual woman but still I could relate. I have known what it's like to be told I'm not good enough and that I was an abomination bound for hells fires. I cried tears that I had thought I had worked through years ago. To readers everywhere struggling with these things know there are others like you. To you the author of this beautiful book I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I met you years ago in tulsa Oklahoma I was and at times still struggle with the fact that my father and most of his family will never except me or my decision to love a woman. My brown eyed girl and I have since parted ways and moved on to live lives of our own but we still speak and we are still friends and we still love eachother while it's on another level now as she put it "she is mine and I am hers always". know that when the rest of the world seems to be against you that you are loved and you will be loved. Know that your pain and your abuse resonates with others who have been through similar situations and know above all else that you matter more than you know! I love you and I love your books!!💞💕💓💖🌈🌈🌈
November 5, 2018
Seth you are beautiful. You are at your most shining moment of beauty speaking the truth. This was unequivocally amazing and truthful. The honesty and openness the writing of your past and your today are what many people need to hear. I read this first as a fan. Meeting you and watching you dance your ass off to Thriller made me search out your books. After a few pages in, I began to read this as a friend and an ally. I have always grown up with gay friends. Your words echoed many late night conversations with them. The pain in your words reminded me of the pain in their words that I can't take away. I can want to help. I can love them hard but I can't wipe away those scars. Lastly, I read this as a parent. I read this as a mother that doesn't want her children to grow up in a world where they can't be themselves. In all their glory, no matter what that means. I know that intolerance and ignorance can only be fought if we learn, do better, and teach our children better. So, that's what I'm doing. Thank you for being you. Thank you for writing about your life even though it isn't easy. Thank you for sharing your beauty with us. P.S. I really just want to give you a big hug. <3
July 12, 2018
Nobody is required to tolerate intolerance.
Gay people deserve human rights. This is not “our opinion.” It’s just the truth. We deserve respect, because we are fucking humans. Period.
Two of the most real, powerful sentences Seth wrote. This is a short (40 pages) but extremely powerful Memoir. Seth's message is such an important one and even more I hope this helped him heal more.
As a Canadian, it is so hard to wrap my brain around how this is even possible in my lifetime, which isn't very long. The fact that I was halfway through high school before it wasn't illegal is heartbreaking and extremely shocking. I struggled to sleep last night because of this. This book opened my eyes to how hard it is for any LGBT to survive in the states, but mostly what gay men have to deal with.
This message is so important and needs to be heard. To end this review by the words of Seth,
We are going to walk for the people from yesterday who couldn’t, and so the little gay kids of tomorrow can run.
Gay people deserve human rights. This is not “our opinion.” It’s just the truth. We deserve respect, because we are fucking humans. Period.
Two of the most real, powerful sentences Seth wrote. This is a short (40 pages) but extremely powerful Memoir. Seth's message is such an important one and even more I hope this helped him heal more.
As a Canadian, it is so hard to wrap my brain around how this is even possible in my lifetime, which isn't very long. The fact that I was halfway through high school before it wasn't illegal is heartbreaking and extremely shocking. I struggled to sleep last night because of this. This book opened my eyes to how hard it is for any LGBT to survive in the states, but mostly what gay men have to deal with.
This message is so important and needs to be heard. To end this review by the words of Seth,
We are going to walk for the people from yesterday who couldn’t, and so the little gay kids of tomorrow can run.
July 7, 2018
I thought this book was gut wrenching to read. It was exquisitely and very thoughtfully written. Must have been cathartic for Seth. And living in California my entire life, my experiences have been vastly different. A lot of it was shocking to me that people treat anyone that way gay or not. I think he's a tremendous writer and have read most of his books. Wish him continued success. He is so worth reading. And hot!!!!!!!
August 20, 2018
Yet another great book / autobiography by Seth King.
I can’t say how deep and meaningful this book is, you just have to experience it by yourself.
Queer was heartbreakingly beautiful and at times I had to stop reading and just pause for a few seconds. This book just has all the emotions, it’s raw and deep and shows us how life of young gay kids can be.
No other author could capture the life of LGBT so accurate and real as Seth King.
With his stories and his life he inspires us all.
I can’t say how deep and meaningful this book is, you just have to experience it by yourself.
Queer was heartbreakingly beautiful and at times I had to stop reading and just pause for a few seconds. This book just has all the emotions, it’s raw and deep and shows us how life of young gay kids can be.
No other author could capture the life of LGBT so accurate and real as Seth King.
With his stories and his life he inspires us all.
June 28, 2018
Live in fierce not fear
Once again Seth King offers that he is a work in progress. A light that will shine hope in the darkest of thoughts. The emotions as I read this were rawer than I ever could have imagined. He is unapologetic and now only freer to be who he is, in his own words-living out loud for him and those still in their closets.
Once again Seth King offers that he is a work in progress. A light that will shine hope in the darkest of thoughts. The emotions as I read this were rawer than I ever could have imagined. He is unapologetic and now only freer to be who he is, in his own words-living out loud for him and those still in their closets.
July 23, 2018
Big hug, Seth. I honestly thought I might have greased the skids for you, but growing up secular in the Northeast and not admitting to myself that I was REALLY gay until I found myself in San Francisco in the spring of 1971 was really nothing compared to what you went through. You write about it very well, and I know that men younger than yourself will see themselves in your book.
June 29, 2018
Loved this book
Seth's books always invoke so many emotions, it is what I love most about his writing. In this book he gave us a big piece of himself, a look into his struggles. If you are a fan of Seth King then you must read this book!!!
Seth's books always invoke so many emotions, it is what I love most about his writing. In this book he gave us a big piece of himself, a look into his struggles. If you are a fan of Seth King then you must read this book!!!
December 2, 2018
Esta mini autobiografía me llegó más profundo de lo que pensé que lo haría.
Es tan linda y tan triste a la vez que cuando terminé de leerla no supe si me sentía bien o mal, sólo sé que no me arrepiento de haberlo hecho y que me gustaría darle un abrazo a la persona que la escribió.
Es tan linda y tan triste a la vez que cuando terminé de leerla no supe si me sentía bien o mal, sólo sé que no me arrepiento de haberlo hecho y que me gustaría darle un abrazo a la persona que la escribió.
June 29, 2018
Seth you amaze me!
This book, your feelings, everything you went through all made you who you are today. This is sad, raw, heartbreaking, but real life. Thank you for being you.
This book, your feelings, everything you went through all made you who you are today. This is sad, raw, heartbreaking, but real life. Thank you for being you.
June 30, 2018
To read this memoir by Seth King is to realize how far we have come as a society and how far we still have to go. To live and love fiercely, that should be everyone's goal in life.
July 7, 2018
Eye opening!
Everybody needs to read this book! Seth King is telling his story and it will tear you apart. I was barely into this book when the tears started flowing. The cruelty in our society against gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual citizens is alarming. I grew up in a small town of 800 people and remember it being a hush hush subject. Nobody talked about it and, like Seth clearly points out in this book, many stay closeted and live a life they are not happy with it just adapt to. It angers me that in this day and age so many people are still small minded. I am a mother myself with a bisexual daughter and another daughter that is still finding her true identity. Do I treat them differently? Absolutely not! To me it is heartbreaking that so many people are judgemental. Wake up and look around you once. Love is love and it should not matter who we fall in love with. Everybody deserves happiness.
Thank you Seth for sharing your story. You are an incredible human being with a huge heart that you carry on your sleeve. Not only are you incredibly talented, funny, thoughtful and caring, you are also very humble. Don't let anybody steal your crown. Keep shining bright like a diamond. We will always have your back.
Everybody needs to read this book! Seth King is telling his story and it will tear you apart. I was barely into this book when the tears started flowing. The cruelty in our society against gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual citizens is alarming. I grew up in a small town of 800 people and remember it being a hush hush subject. Nobody talked about it and, like Seth clearly points out in this book, many stay closeted and live a life they are not happy with it just adapt to. It angers me that in this day and age so many people are still small minded. I am a mother myself with a bisexual daughter and another daughter that is still finding her true identity. Do I treat them differently? Absolutely not! To me it is heartbreaking that so many people are judgemental. Wake up and look around you once. Love is love and it should not matter who we fall in love with. Everybody deserves happiness.
Thank you Seth for sharing your story. You are an incredible human being with a huge heart that you carry on your sleeve. Not only are you incredibly talented, funny, thoughtful and caring, you are also very humble. Don't let anybody steal your crown. Keep shining bright like a diamond. We will always have your back.
October 7, 2018
Seth King once again kills me with this extraordinarily authentic account of his life. In Queer, Seth details his journey of going from the ashamed gay kid to the out and proud queer guy that he is now. Seth manages to pack so many feels into this short, yet incredible memoir.
Seth's story gives us an up close and personal look into his life in the south, as he was targeted from a young age for being gay. Seth expertly details different experiences from his youth that will leave you gutted.
In a short time, Seth King has easily become one of my favorite authors in his genre. His writing is unparalleled, as it's real, raw and honest. He has quickly become a master of words, using them not only to write fantastic gay fiction, but also to share his experiences with the world. And these are stories that all should read!
Seth's story gives us an up close and personal look into his life in the south, as he was targeted from a young age for being gay. Seth expertly details different experiences from his youth that will leave you gutted.
In a short time, Seth King has easily become one of my favorite authors in his genre. His writing is unparalleled, as it's real, raw and honest. He has quickly become a master of words, using them not only to write fantastic gay fiction, but also to share his experiences with the world. And these are stories that all should read!
March 29, 2020
Think Im addicted to his style. He always makes me feeling like I’m reading a letter from an old friend. And I guess anyone who grew up as a gay boy trying very hard to pass as straight can find many things Similar in others like him. All I ask Seth, is keep putting pen to paper, maybe should rephrase that :-)... went thru so much of the same pain and self hate as you...carried it a little farther thou, Got married and had three kids by 23 ..Took me a little longer to deal with it finally . At 30 choice the first person to tell was my wife ...guess that’s when everything did turn around thou .. found an amazing man to love and love me.
Sorry ..Got off track. This is about you. And the great talent you share with us
Sorry ..Got off track. This is about you. And the great talent you share with us
July 9, 2018
This was an interesting read. I generally try to stay away from non-fiction, but I’d read a couple books from the author and I was intrigued. I wasn’t disappointed. It is a bit painful to read, just as painful as life itself, but I would recommend to anyone to read it. It is very short and it’s very easy to read.
The only thing that it bothers me a little about it is that I think the persons who need the most to read it, the most intolerant ones, won’t give it a try. It is interesting to see the difference in cultures because to me, to where I live, it doesn’t seem too different from the past told in the book. It does bring a little hope to think things can change.
The only thing that it bothers me a little about it is that I think the persons who need the most to read it, the most intolerant ones, won’t give it a try. It is interesting to see the difference in cultures because to me, to where I live, it doesn’t seem too different from the past told in the book. It does bring a little hope to think things can change.
June 13, 2021
Queer was another beautifully written book by Seth King. It broke my heart to read the trauma that he endured as a child. No child should be made to feel different or worthless. But he was by his own family. Then he talks about his first love and his heart was broken by this boy. Everyone needs to read this book. It taught me so much.
A favorite quote from the book,” Freedom is life.” There is so much truth to this quote.
A favorite quote from the book,” Freedom is life.” There is so much truth to this quote.
June 29, 2018
Deep and Beautiful
*takes a deep breath and wipes tears* Beautiful! Brava to you Mr King. My heart and soul find pride for you and your strength. This was truly awe inspiring. What strength and love. If this story saves one or opens a new door for someone.. Yes! Just yes! Thank you for this sharing of such Beautiful strength.
*takes a deep breath and wipes tears* Beautiful! Brava to you Mr King. My heart and soul find pride for you and your strength. This was truly awe inspiring. What strength and love. If this story saves one or opens a new door for someone.. Yes! Just yes! Thank you for this sharing of such Beautiful strength.
October 12, 2018
Heart wrenching and powerful
This is an amazing view into the shame society forces onto people from the LGBTQIA community. Beautiful in it's pain. Thank you for writing this for the next generation.
This is an amazing view into the shame society forces onto people from the LGBTQIA community. Beautiful in it's pain. Thank you for writing this for the next generation.
April 9, 2019
Short auto-biography but definitely worth a read for a real look at what many in the queer community experience (which just breaks my heart)
November 6, 2019
3.5 stars--a touching, worthy story by an obviously talented author that, in my opinion, deserved better proofreading and editing.
July 2, 2019
It wasn't exactly what I expected. It was more autobiography about coming out, and less story about first love. Still, it was very well written and heart felt.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews