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The Goldberg Variations #1
The Rites of Passage
Most coming of age novels suggest this ‘coming of age’ is the defining moment in your life. The Rites of Passage takes a different view:
Jamie Goldberg faces the classical “who am I?” question. His search brings more questions than answers. Follow him on his bumpy journey of self-revelation as he learns the difference between the self we can remake and reinvent as opposed to the other self —our integrity or our soul— which we can betray only at our peril. It’s a story of compassion and the yearning for the coming of age that never quite happens in real life—or rather happens again and again and again.
Jamie Goldberg suspects his homosexuality at an early age and manages to hide it from his homophobic Seventies Detroit community, his Jewish political activist parents, and even from himself until his rape, at the hands of a male prostitute, at the age of 16. Profoundly ashamed, he hides in two worlds. One world is an intellectual cocoon spun from music, art, theater, and literature. The other is a darker world where sadomasochistic desires attempt to obliterate his sexuality. His elaborate fantasies are no match for real life or his true affections, which blossom in spite of his constant attempts to thwart them. When his carefully constructed imaginary world begins to crumble, Jamie must face his demons, both real and invented, then the emotional sparks fly.
“Jonathan A. Taylor’s The Rites of Passage is marketed as the first in a series of novels; it also ably stands on its own. The story follows Jamie Goldberg from elementary school to college, as he grows from an abused boy into a self- possessed young man. His life is a symphony of pain, humor, filth, and beauty as he struggles to come to terms with his identity in homophobic America.” Foreward Reviews
“The Rites of Passage is like encountering a gay Portnoy’s Complaint in its distinctive blend of Jewish-ness, sex, moral panic, and maternal dominance." Seven time Emmy award winning writer Patrick Mulcahey.
Taylor tells the story from Jamie’s perspective in a polished prose enlivened with the protagonist’s neurotic humor ... Jamie is thoughtful and highly sympathetic, and readers will be happy to follow him through the formative years of his youth. Taylor succeeds in capturing various moments (however painful or awkward) and revealing their importance.” —Kirkus Review
“When I read the searing tale of Jamie’s journey from childhood through adolescence and young adulthood, I lived it as if it were my own. It chronicles his anguish as he finds himself on the outside, increasingly isolated from family, school and college, his coming to terms with transgressive fantasies and his authentic self …” Kunal Mukherjee, author of My Magical Palace
“Reading The Rites of Passage reminded me of the fragile time in one’s youth when one may or may not mistakenly believe that all information is somehow related to one’s self. So, rather irrationally and hilariously, I started to assume the book was about me …” Rene Capone, gay figure painter and author of many graphic novels including The Legend of Hedgehog Boy
Jamie Goldberg faces the classical “who am I?” question. His search brings more questions than answers. Follow him on his bumpy journey of self-revelation as he learns the difference between the self we can remake and reinvent as opposed to the other self —our integrity or our soul— which we can betray only at our peril. It’s a story of compassion and the yearning for the coming of age that never quite happens in real life—or rather happens again and again and again.
Jamie Goldberg suspects his homosexuality at an early age and manages to hide it from his homophobic Seventies Detroit community, his Jewish political activist parents, and even from himself until his rape, at the hands of a male prostitute, at the age of 16. Profoundly ashamed, he hides in two worlds. One world is an intellectual cocoon spun from music, art, theater, and literature. The other is a darker world where sadomasochistic desires attempt to obliterate his sexuality. His elaborate fantasies are no match for real life or his true affections, which blossom in spite of his constant attempts to thwart them. When his carefully constructed imaginary world begins to crumble, Jamie must face his demons, both real and invented, then the emotional sparks fly.
“Jonathan A. Taylor’s The Rites of Passage is marketed as the first in a series of novels; it also ably stands on its own. The story follows Jamie Goldberg from elementary school to college, as he grows from an abused boy into a self- possessed young man. His life is a symphony of pain, humor, filth, and beauty as he struggles to come to terms with his identity in homophobic America.” Foreward Reviews
“The Rites of Passage is like encountering a gay Portnoy’s Complaint in its distinctive blend of Jewish-ness, sex, moral panic, and maternal dominance." Seven time Emmy award winning writer Patrick Mulcahey.
Taylor tells the story from Jamie’s perspective in a polished prose enlivened with the protagonist’s neurotic humor ... Jamie is thoughtful and highly sympathetic, and readers will be happy to follow him through the formative years of his youth. Taylor succeeds in capturing various moments (however painful or awkward) and revealing their importance.” —Kirkus Review
“When I read the searing tale of Jamie’s journey from childhood through adolescence and young adulthood, I lived it as if it were my own. It chronicles his anguish as he finds himself on the outside, increasingly isolated from family, school and college, his coming to terms with transgressive fantasies and his authentic self …” Kunal Mukherjee, author of My Magical Palace
“Reading The Rites of Passage reminded me of the fragile time in one’s youth when one may or may not mistakenly believe that all information is somehow related to one’s self. So, rather irrationally and hilariously, I started to assume the book was about me …” Rene Capone, gay figure painter and author of many graphic novels including The Legend of Hedgehog Boy
- GenresLGBT
468 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2018
35 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Arnowitz Taylor
3 books5 followersJonathan Arnowitz Taylor
Summary
Jonathan Arnowitz Taylor’s life and work are a testament to the power of creativity and community. His contributions to literature and design, combined with his leadership in the LGBTQ+ community, make him a compelling figure whose work resonates with authenticity and depth. Through his books and professional achievements, Jonathan continues to inspire and engage audiences around the world, inviting them to explore the complexities and beauty of life through his unique lens.
Jonathan's blog: https://www.jonathantaylorauthor.com/...
Jonathan Arnowitz Taylor is an American-born writer and designer currently residing in Torino, Italy. His career is a rich tapestry of literary achievement and groundbreaking work in user experience design, all underscored by a deep commitment to community and social justice.
Early Life and Education
Jonathan was born and raised in the United States. His passion for the arts led him to Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Theater Arts. This academic background laid the foundation for his creative pursuits in both literature and design.
Career in Design
Jonathan's professional journey in design is marked by significant contributions to some of the world's leading technology companies. He has worked for Google, Nokia, IBM, and the Dutch design bureau Informaat, where he played a crucial role in creating user-friendly technology. His expertise in user experience (UX) design is widely recognized, and he has authored two influential books on the subject. Additionally, Jonathan has written over 80 articles on design and design management, and he served as an editor for *Interactions* magazine, where he influenced the discourse on UX design.
Literary Achievements
Jonathan’s literary debut, *The Rites of Passage*, is the first book in the *Goldberg Variations* series, a poignant queer coming-of-age trilogy. The series explores the life of Jamie Goldberg, tracing his journey from a sexually victimized child to a self-emancipated young adult. The second installment, *The Redemption of the Damned*, continues this narrative, delving deeper into themes of identity, resilience, and personal growth. Jonathan’s upcoming novel, *Slings and Arrows*, is set to conclude the series and is anticipated for release in the fall of 2024.
Community Involvement
Beyond his professional and literary pursuits, Jonathan was deeply engaged with the San Francisco Leather Community. In 2013, he and his late husband, Morris Taylor, held the title of International Master/slave, reflecting their leadership and dedication to this community. He is also a trained sex educator by the San Francisco Sex Information Hotline (SFSI). Jonathan’s personal experiences and community involvement add layers of authenticity and depth to his writing, particularly in exploring themes of identity and belonging.
Personal Interests
Jonathan’s diverse interests include theater, music, opera, travel, and social justice. These passions are not only personal hobbies but also integral elements that inform and enrich both his design work and his writing. His narratives often reflect a profound understanding of the human condition, underscored by a commitment to exploring and advocating for social justice.
Summary
Jonathan Arnowitz Taylor’s life and work are a testament to the power of creativity and community. His contributions to literature and design, combined with his leadership in the LGBTQ+ community, make him a compelling figure whose work resonates with authenticity and depth. Through his books and professional achievements, Jonathan continues to inspire and engage audiences around the world, inviting them to explore the complexities and beauty of life through his unique lens.
Jonathan's blog: https://www.jonathantaylorauthor.com/...
Jonathan Arnowitz Taylor is an American-born writer and designer currently residing in Torino, Italy. His career is a rich tapestry of literary achievement and groundbreaking work in user experience design, all underscored by a deep commitment to community and social justice.
Early Life and Education
Jonathan was born and raised in the United States. His passion for the arts led him to Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Theater Arts. This academic background laid the foundation for his creative pursuits in both literature and design.
Career in Design
Jonathan's professional journey in design is marked by significant contributions to some of the world's leading technology companies. He has worked for Google, Nokia, IBM, and the Dutch design bureau Informaat, where he played a crucial role in creating user-friendly technology. His expertise in user experience (UX) design is widely recognized, and he has authored two influential books on the subject. Additionally, Jonathan has written over 80 articles on design and design management, and he served as an editor for *Interactions* magazine, where he influenced the discourse on UX design.
Literary Achievements
Jonathan’s literary debut, *The Rites of Passage*, is the first book in the *Goldberg Variations* series, a poignant queer coming-of-age trilogy. The series explores the life of Jamie Goldberg, tracing his journey from a sexually victimized child to a self-emancipated young adult. The second installment, *The Redemption of the Damned*, continues this narrative, delving deeper into themes of identity, resilience, and personal growth. Jonathan’s upcoming novel, *Slings and Arrows*, is set to conclude the series and is anticipated for release in the fall of 2024.
Community Involvement
Beyond his professional and literary pursuits, Jonathan was deeply engaged with the San Francisco Leather Community. In 2013, he and his late husband, Morris Taylor, held the title of International Master/slave, reflecting their leadership and dedication to this community. He is also a trained sex educator by the San Francisco Sex Information Hotline (SFSI). Jonathan’s personal experiences and community involvement add layers of authenticity and depth to his writing, particularly in exploring themes of identity and belonging.
Personal Interests
Jonathan’s diverse interests include theater, music, opera, travel, and social justice. These passions are not only personal hobbies but also integral elements that inform and enrich both his design work and his writing. His narratives often reflect a profound understanding of the human condition, underscored by a commitment to exploring and advocating for social justice.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 23, 2019
Are Goldberg Variations just a religious movement?
Or part of a musical score? Can Jamie ever score again? Who with, as everyone has abandoned him? Music has been his life, but now theater has edged out most music.
College is the place to discover new sources for learning, how to learn, how to develop good study habits, integrate new friendships, explore new worlds (real, fantasy, fetish, future, fun, and fake), and choose a career and a partner. It is chaos and confusion, revealing and reveering. It is the race of a lifetime and autobiography of the moment.
Knowledge, skills, abilities, emotions, relationships, friendships, scholarships, and potato chips glued together with beer and wine. Sorting it all out takes a lifetime. But so does surviving. Friends and maybe some money is all there is to show and share.
Or part of a musical score? Can Jamie ever score again? Who with, as everyone has abandoned him? Music has been his life, but now theater has edged out most music.
College is the place to discover new sources for learning, how to learn, how to develop good study habits, integrate new friendships, explore new worlds (real, fantasy, fetish, future, fun, and fake), and choose a career and a partner. It is chaos and confusion, revealing and reveering. It is the race of a lifetime and autobiography of the moment.
Knowledge, skills, abilities, emotions, relationships, friendships, scholarships, and potato chips glued together with beer and wine. Sorting it all out takes a lifetime. But so does surviving. Friends and maybe some money is all there is to show and share.
December 30, 2018
Just finished reading a great book
"The Rites of Passage" by Jonathan A. Taylor.
Cover art by René Capone
A beautiful coming of age story full of angst and self discovery in the search for personal redemption. This book is a mirror to the resound of many coming of age stories set on the backdrop canvas of LGBT coming out. Mr. Taylor captures an opus of emotions and reflection in the most dramatic prose of acceptance.
"Who can cure you of being yourself? .... Whoever you are, you have nothing to be cured of. You are not a disease. (p.219)
This book will leave you wet... with thirst and anticipation for the rest of the Goldberg Variations.
You can purchase this must read book on Amazon.
The Rites of Passage (The Goldberg Variations) (Volume 1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999533630/...
"The Rites of Passage" by Jonathan A. Taylor.
Cover art by René Capone
A beautiful coming of age story full of angst and self discovery in the search for personal redemption. This book is a mirror to the resound of many coming of age stories set on the backdrop canvas of LGBT coming out. Mr. Taylor captures an opus of emotions and reflection in the most dramatic prose of acceptance.
"Who can cure you of being yourself? .... Whoever you are, you have nothing to be cured of. You are not a disease. (p.219)
This book will leave you wet... with thirst and anticipation for the rest of the Goldberg Variations.
You can purchase this must read book on Amazon.
The Rites of Passage (The Goldberg Variations) (Volume 1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999533630/...
July 20, 2019
Great read
It was a quick read about Jamie and his journey of self-discovery as a fully alive human. There were enough twists and turns to make it a consummate page turner.
It was a quick read about Jamie and his journey of self-discovery as a fully alive human. There were enough twists and turns to make it a consummate page turner.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews