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Visible Lives:
Three Stories in Tribute to E. Lynn HarrisBestselling author and literary icon E. Lynn Harris captivated millions of readers with his powerful, groundbreaking stories of black men searching for love in a taboo world. Now three outstanding writers and friends honor the late author with this trio of original novellas in the genre E. Lynn helped create--each accompanied by a special personal tribute remembering the important role he played in their lives. Evoking the hope, romance, and complexity of this gifted writer, this unique collection will serve as a living legacy for fans old and new. "A creative way to pay homage to a writer who paved the way for so many other authors. . .something I'm sure E. Lynn would have appreciated." –ZANE, New York Times Bestselling AuthorTerrance Dean is the author of the Essence® bestselling memoir Hiding in Hip Hop as well as Reclaim Your Power! He has worked in the entertainment industry for many years as a producer and is the founder/creator of Men's Empowerment, Inc.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
25 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
Stanley Bennett Clay
10 books132 followersStanley Bennett Clay received 3 NAACP Theatre Awards and 3 Drama-logue Awards for writing, directing and co-producing the stage play “Ritual.” He made his film writing/directorial debut with the film version, which was voted the Jury Award at the 2000 Pan African Film Festival. Recently he wrote and directed the documentary "You Are Not Alone," and examination of depression among black gay men.
He wrote the plays “Lovers” (Theatre of Arts), wrote and composed the musical “Street Nativity” (Celebrity Centre Theatre), and wrote and starred in “Armstrong’s Kid” (Roy Arias Off-Broadway Theatre/NY).
He directed the west coast premiere of the play “Jonin’” (Estelle Harmon Theatre, Drama-logue Award/Direction), produced the GLAAD award-winning “Children of the Night” (Ebony Showcase Theatre), and produced the world premiere of “Willie & Esther” which was a Los Angeles Times Critics’ Choice and won 2 L.A. Weekly Awards, including Best Play. He most recently directed the premiere production of "B-Boy Blues: The Play" adapted from the James Earl Hardy classic novel. The production won The Audience Award at New York City's Downtown Urban Theatre Festival.
As an actor, Clay starred, guest-starred and was featured in more than fifty TV and film productions including “Good Times,” “Cheers,” “Minstrel Man,” "James Michener’s Dynasty,” “Cannonball” and “All The President’s Men.” On stage, he did leads in “Zooman and the Sign” (Drama-logue Award/NAACP Image Award Best Actor nominee) “Anna Lucasta” (NAACP Image Award Best Actor winner) and “Six Pieces of Musical Broadway” (Dorothy Chandler Pavilion). He also appeared in Albert Camus’ “Caligula” (Zodiac Theatre) Bill Duke’s “Sonata” (Theatre of Arts) and “A Hatful of Rain” (Argo Repertory Company).
He’s the author of 6 novels: “Diva” (Fleming & Sons), “In Search of Pretty Young Black Men” (Atria), “Looker” (Atria), "Aching For It" (Ellora's Cave), "Hollywood Flames" (Ellora's Cave) and "Madame Frankie" (Ellora's Cave). “Search” won the 2005 New York HOTEP Society Award for Best Gay Novel. He also co-authored “Visible Lives: Three Stories in Tribute to E. Lynn Harris.”
For ten years (1991-2001) he edited and published SBC Magazine, then the most widely distributed national monthly for the Black LGBT community. He received Genre Magazine’s Life Guard Award, The National Black Writers’ Founder’s Award, the first Black Gay and Lesbian Cultural Alliance Award, the 2008 Oakland Black Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, Blatino Oasis 2010 Award for Literature, the Indianapolis Black Pride/Brothers United Lifetime Achievement Award for Literature, and the first Better Brother Los Angeles Lifetime Achievement Award.
He lives in Manhattan, New York with his husband Reny.
He wrote the plays “Lovers” (Theatre of Arts), wrote and composed the musical “Street Nativity” (Celebrity Centre Theatre), and wrote and starred in “Armstrong’s Kid” (Roy Arias Off-Broadway Theatre/NY).
He directed the west coast premiere of the play “Jonin’” (Estelle Harmon Theatre, Drama-logue Award/Direction), produced the GLAAD award-winning “Children of the Night” (Ebony Showcase Theatre), and produced the world premiere of “Willie & Esther” which was a Los Angeles Times Critics’ Choice and won 2 L.A. Weekly Awards, including Best Play. He most recently directed the premiere production of "B-Boy Blues: The Play" adapted from the James Earl Hardy classic novel. The production won The Audience Award at New York City's Downtown Urban Theatre Festival.
As an actor, Clay starred, guest-starred and was featured in more than fifty TV and film productions including “Good Times,” “Cheers,” “Minstrel Man,” "James Michener’s Dynasty,” “Cannonball” and “All The President’s Men.” On stage, he did leads in “Zooman and the Sign” (Drama-logue Award/NAACP Image Award Best Actor nominee) “Anna Lucasta” (NAACP Image Award Best Actor winner) and “Six Pieces of Musical Broadway” (Dorothy Chandler Pavilion). He also appeared in Albert Camus’ “Caligula” (Zodiac Theatre) Bill Duke’s “Sonata” (Theatre of Arts) and “A Hatful of Rain” (Argo Repertory Company).
He’s the author of 6 novels: “Diva” (Fleming & Sons), “In Search of Pretty Young Black Men” (Atria), “Looker” (Atria), "Aching For It" (Ellora's Cave), "Hollywood Flames" (Ellora's Cave) and "Madame Frankie" (Ellora's Cave). “Search” won the 2005 New York HOTEP Society Award for Best Gay Novel. He also co-authored “Visible Lives: Three Stories in Tribute to E. Lynn Harris.”
For ten years (1991-2001) he edited and published SBC Magazine, then the most widely distributed national monthly for the Black LGBT community. He received Genre Magazine’s Life Guard Award, The National Black Writers’ Founder’s Award, the first Black Gay and Lesbian Cultural Alliance Award, the 2008 Oakland Black Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, Blatino Oasis 2010 Award for Literature, the Indianapolis Black Pride/Brothers United Lifetime Achievement Award for Literature, and the first Better Brother Los Angeles Lifetime Achievement Award.
He lives in Manhattan, New York with his husband Reny.
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June 30, 2010
A Most Fitting Tribute to an Innovative Mentor
VISIBLE LIVES: THREE STORIES IN TRIBUTE TO E. LYNN HARRIS is a treasure. Even if the initial concept for the production of this book weren't so worthy (and WORTHY it is!) this little triptych of novellas is by three superb writers whose works stand well on their own past glories, but whose spirits are elevated by this homage to the man who in many ways introduced the quality of literature about African American sexuality to a new and higher level. Before E. Lynn Harris there were authors who embraced stories about both bisexual and gay black men (James Baldwin is probably the progenitor), but none so honestly and so free of sterotypes as E. Lynn Harris. Harris' first daring step into the open light was his novel 'INVISIBLE LIVES', a book he self-published and sold from his trunk, a well written novel that opened the public's eyes to the trait of living on the down low (DL) - and this was only as recently as 1991 (the book was later published by a firm in 1994).
The three stories here are excellent and reflect the maturity of voice that Harris introduced. Each story is introduced by a moving tribute from each author. The stories that follow are frank love stories, stories that just happen to have as their protagonists gay black men. The content is different (all good) and the technique of story telling varies as well it should. Terrance Dean, James Earl Hardy and Stanley Bennett Clay are polished veterans of writing. For this reader the story 'House of John' is the most complex and involving, but then this may be because of prior commitment to the extraordinary skill of author Stanley Bennett Clay. Writing of this quality on the part of all three authors is rare to find in a collection of stories written as a tribute. But that again shows the power in the literary world that was, and will continue to be, E. Lynn Harris.
Grady Harp
VISIBLE LIVES: THREE STORIES IN TRIBUTE TO E. LYNN HARRIS is a treasure. Even if the initial concept for the production of this book weren't so worthy (and WORTHY it is!) this little triptych of novellas is by three superb writers whose works stand well on their own past glories, but whose spirits are elevated by this homage to the man who in many ways introduced the quality of literature about African American sexuality to a new and higher level. Before E. Lynn Harris there were authors who embraced stories about both bisexual and gay black men (James Baldwin is probably the progenitor), but none so honestly and so free of sterotypes as E. Lynn Harris. Harris' first daring step into the open light was his novel 'INVISIBLE LIVES', a book he self-published and sold from his trunk, a well written novel that opened the public's eyes to the trait of living on the down low (DL) - and this was only as recently as 1991 (the book was later published by a firm in 1994).
The three stories here are excellent and reflect the maturity of voice that Harris introduced. Each story is introduced by a moving tribute from each author. The stories that follow are frank love stories, stories that just happen to have as their protagonists gay black men. The content is different (all good) and the technique of story telling varies as well it should. Terrance Dean, James Earl Hardy and Stanley Bennett Clay are polished veterans of writing. For this reader the story 'House of John' is the most complex and involving, but then this may be because of prior commitment to the extraordinary skill of author Stanley Bennett Clay. Writing of this quality on the part of all three authors is rare to find in a collection of stories written as a tribute. But that again shows the power in the literary world that was, and will continue to be, E. Lynn Harris.
Grady Harp
September 12, 2010
E. Lynn Harris is surely smiling, that infectious smile that he was known for. It’s that beaming pride, of a parent whose kids are performing, extremely well. The protégés of E. Lynne, have done a first class tribute in Visible Lives. Terrance Dean, James Earl Hardy and Stanley Bennett Clay, have done an outstanding job in honoring his legacy. His encouragement to these authors, as well as many others, read like melodies from heaven.
Visible Lives Three Stories in Tribute to E. Lynn Harris, is definitely a 5 star read. These novellas are stellar performances, beautifully and well written that could have been great stand alone stories. Each author wrote an engaging tale of love, life and connections, The Taboo Sex in the City. I highly recommend this wickedly delicious read.
5 Stars
So while E. Lynn is up in heaven hanging out with Langston, James and Zora, He will be very proud of his students that he left the door wide open for and yes they are coming through
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odebdeb@aol.com
Visible Lives Three Stories in Tribute to E. Lynn Harris, is definitely a 5 star read. These novellas are stellar performances, beautifully and well written that could have been great stand alone stories. Each author wrote an engaging tale of love, life and connections, The Taboo Sex in the City. I highly recommend this wickedly delicious read.
5 Stars
So while E. Lynn is up in heaven hanging out with Langston, James and Zora, He will be very proud of his students that he left the door wide open for and yes they are coming through
www.simply-said.net
www.simplysaidreadingaccessories.blog...
www.facebook.com/simplysaid
odebdeb@aol.com
March 30, 2011
I attended the tribute reading for the late E. Lynn Harris that took place at Oakland’s SMAAC Youth Center on 5/22/2010 at 6:30pm, and it was an honor to be a part of the celebration of a life that touched and inspired so many writers and non writers near and abroad.
The center had a quaint welcoming feel to it, and smiles were on every face as authors, James Earl Hardy and Stanley Bennett Clay read excerpts from their contributions to “Visible Lives“ a Three Story Tribute to E. Lynn Harris. In addition to reading their excerpts, both authors reflected, fondly, on their personal encounters with the late author. Both mutually agreed that he was a courageous literary innovator who changed the literary scene with his tales of African-American, same gender love, and he did it in the unique way of speaking from the voice of black women. His approach to writing tales of inner struggles and the battles associated with self-acceptance won the heart’s of people; straight, gay, female and male — regardless of race or color his stories crossed all cultural lines.
Terrance Dean, the third renown author was not able to attend the event, but he was there in spirit as both James and Stanley acknowledged his contributions to the 3-author project. The subject matter is the only common thread that all of these inspirational authors share, for they all have different writing styles and perspectives when it comes to romance, sex, and love.
Stanley Bennett Clay delighted the crowd with recounts of his travels to places far and near — his witty share about his visit(s) to the Dominican Republic was honest, sexually provocative and straight forward, as were his detailed descriptions of how bringing a screen play to life is met with opposition and challenges from producers and potential financial backers when it comes to projects with same-gender content.
James Earl Hardy added his laid back charm and sparkle to the conversation when he explained the publishing process from his own personal experiences, letting the audience know that, when dealing with the large publishing companies, it’s all about dollars and cents as opposed to getting to know the author. He elaborated by saying that the number of books sold may entice potential producers and financial backers, however, the fight to keep the integrity of your content as an author is yet another battle in the creative experience.
Both authors agreed that the “Visible Lives” project came together quickly, and said that the idea came as a result of them wanting to make sure that this groundbreaking literary wizard would be acknowledged for the inspirational legacy that he left behind, and for his courage in shining a positive light on the GLBT community.
The generous host of this fabulous evening was a local Reporter and Columnist by the name of Jesse Brooks who works for the Marin County Post, Oakland Post, Berkeley Tri-City Post, Richmond Post, San Francisco Post, South County Post, and El-Mundo. He facilitated the reading eloquently and is an innovator in his own right.
The after party was held at the Bench & Bar Club in Oakland California and we all danced into the wee hours of the morning. I have never felt so honored and humbled to be associated with and in the company of such remarkable, creative, and insightful individuals.
I suppose two of the most profound quotes of the evening came when Stanley Bennett Clay said that, if you are ashamed of yourself, it is an insult to God, and when James Earl Hardy said that, if you are trying to duplicate E. Lynn Harris’ style you never will; he was one of kind.
As a new author, this event assured me that you are only limited by the limitations you place on yourself.
Thank you E. Lynn Harris, your spirit lives on in all of us.
(HUGS)
Author, G. D. Grace
The center had a quaint welcoming feel to it, and smiles were on every face as authors, James Earl Hardy and Stanley Bennett Clay read excerpts from their contributions to “Visible Lives“ a Three Story Tribute to E. Lynn Harris. In addition to reading their excerpts, both authors reflected, fondly, on their personal encounters with the late author. Both mutually agreed that he was a courageous literary innovator who changed the literary scene with his tales of African-American, same gender love, and he did it in the unique way of speaking from the voice of black women. His approach to writing tales of inner struggles and the battles associated with self-acceptance won the heart’s of people; straight, gay, female and male — regardless of race or color his stories crossed all cultural lines.
Terrance Dean, the third renown author was not able to attend the event, but he was there in spirit as both James and Stanley acknowledged his contributions to the 3-author project. The subject matter is the only common thread that all of these inspirational authors share, for they all have different writing styles and perspectives when it comes to romance, sex, and love.
Stanley Bennett Clay delighted the crowd with recounts of his travels to places far and near — his witty share about his visit(s) to the Dominican Republic was honest, sexually provocative and straight forward, as were his detailed descriptions of how bringing a screen play to life is met with opposition and challenges from producers and potential financial backers when it comes to projects with same-gender content.
James Earl Hardy added his laid back charm and sparkle to the conversation when he explained the publishing process from his own personal experiences, letting the audience know that, when dealing with the large publishing companies, it’s all about dollars and cents as opposed to getting to know the author. He elaborated by saying that the number of books sold may entice potential producers and financial backers, however, the fight to keep the integrity of your content as an author is yet another battle in the creative experience.
Both authors agreed that the “Visible Lives” project came together quickly, and said that the idea came as a result of them wanting to make sure that this groundbreaking literary wizard would be acknowledged for the inspirational legacy that he left behind, and for his courage in shining a positive light on the GLBT community.
The generous host of this fabulous evening was a local Reporter and Columnist by the name of Jesse Brooks who works for the Marin County Post, Oakland Post, Berkeley Tri-City Post, Richmond Post, San Francisco Post, South County Post, and El-Mundo. He facilitated the reading eloquently and is an innovator in his own right.
The after party was held at the Bench & Bar Club in Oakland California and we all danced into the wee hours of the morning. I have never felt so honored and humbled to be associated with and in the company of such remarkable, creative, and insightful individuals.
I suppose two of the most profound quotes of the evening came when Stanley Bennett Clay said that, if you are ashamed of yourself, it is an insult to God, and when James Earl Hardy said that, if you are trying to duplicate E. Lynn Harris’ style you never will; he was one of kind.
As a new author, this event assured me that you are only limited by the limitations you place on yourself.
Thank you E. Lynn Harris, your spirit lives on in all of us.
(HUGS)
Author, G. D. Grace
January 30, 2011
Terrance Dean's opening tale was my introduction to his work, and I was quite impressed with the poetic style and sexual intensity that was "The Intern". The 2nd, "Is It Still Jood To Ya?" by James Earl Hardy gives us the characters that made him famous with 'B-Boy Blues'. Admittedly, I wasn't as moved by this tale; possibly because there was nothing new for me having read about the ups and downs of Raheim and Mitchell before. Still, there is one scene depicting a dinner with E. Lynn which warmed my heart and was probably the best E. Lynn connection of the three tales - all of which brought the late author into the narrative at some point. That one scene by Hardy left me smiling, contemplative, and mourning the man - the late author, the mentor to all same gender loving writers coming up after him - whom none of us will have the chance to break bread with. Yes, I always felt that one day I would, but fate had other plans.
The 3rd tale, "House of John", is the best of the three. Though I almost didn't write this review because I didn't want to compare best and worst, but Stanley Bennett Clay (author of "In Search of Pretty Young Black Men" and "Looker") delivers such a powerful love story I couldn't contain myself. Set in exotic Santo Domingo at a house of, well, ill-repute, where a jaded mid-life-crisis man finds himself heartbroken and navigating the well-charted seas all gay men must travel as the clock ticks and we are no longer boy candy. It was truly a moving, erotic and fitting wrap up to this tribute to our beloved E. Lynn. ~
The 3rd tale, "House of John", is the best of the three. Though I almost didn't write this review because I didn't want to compare best and worst, but Stanley Bennett Clay (author of "In Search of Pretty Young Black Men" and "Looker") delivers such a powerful love story I couldn't contain myself. Set in exotic Santo Domingo at a house of, well, ill-repute, where a jaded mid-life-crisis man finds himself heartbroken and navigating the well-charted seas all gay men must travel as the clock ticks and we are no longer boy candy. It was truly a moving, erotic and fitting wrap up to this tribute to our beloved E. Lynn. ~
Read
July 29, 2010Visible Lives, I am sure, would make E. Lynn Harris very proud. With warm tributes before each story, this book packs a mighty blow to the heart and mind. I recommend Visible Lives to E. Lynn Harris fans as well as readers who enjoy vivid, entertaining, enlightening, and well-written fiction.
June 24, 2010
I enjoyed the three stories in this tribute. They were all very different in tone and style, but all had the same theme, finding love is never easy.
Read
March 16, 2011once i really got into it i liked it. especially how they each worked E Lynn Harris into the story. he is missed.
June 20, 2017
An introduction for me into a genre I never knew existed. It was a gift to a world that I never knew I needed. Engaging tales of gay black romance.
Read
March 8, 2021The book was divided by different stories from different authors. I think they should do a part of this book to update the stories.
Read
September 4, 2010Even if I have to admit that I haven’t read many books by E. Lynn Harris, it’s also true that he is probably the first gay romance authors I noticed, well before I started reading this genre. I remember to have noticed the nice cover of I Say a Little Prayer and thinking, mmh, interesting. E. Lynn Harris was probably the only gay romance author at the time that was able to reach the top selling lists with the various ladies of romance. And so it was with sadness that I read of his sudden death, when still so many years where in front of him, and many books and stories and possibilities. I have never thought who E. Lynn Harris was for his colleagues, black gay men who were fighting with double/triple prejudices, being of colour, being gay and writing romance. Apparently E. Lynn Harris was a lighthouse for all of them, the man who was able to, able to write, able to come out, able to have success, always remaining one of them. In this tribute, three different black man are telling their version of the story, but it’s always the same story, how you can be gay, black and in love with romance.
The Intern by Terrance Dean: this story is all about fashion and romance, glitter and love. Chase was always used to be the boy, the one other macho men pursued, the prized arm candy. But now Chase is pushing forty, and sincerely he is tired to be someone else little secret: Chase has a successful career and a beautiful house, he is still an handsome man and he is still able to pick his choice among men. His best girl friend tells him to stop to search for the macho man of his dream and to play “cougar” with his pretty, and very young intern, Quincy. Indeed Chase surrenders to temptation, but sincerely there is not much difference, since Quincy, even if young and a subaltern of Chase, is for sure very self-confident and able to well balance the difference in age with his positive attitude.
The feeling of this story is young and fresh, like a glossy magazine, well highlight but the almost obsessive pointing up to all the fashion brands.
Is It Still Jood To Ya? By James Earl Hardy: Raheim and Mitchell have a past together, a past made of good and bad days, of bringing up together two sons, of family parties and knowing everything of each other; when the story starts Raheim and Mitchell are not together, but sincerely the reader doesn’t understand why and so do Raheim, that is indeed trying to woo Mitchell back in his bed and life. Above all, Raheim is worried since Mitchell is leaving for a business trip that will give him the chance to meet someone else, and Raheim doesn’t like the competition. A blackout will allow Raheim to block Mitchell in his apartment for a few days, and the forced cohabitation will also prove that they are still good together, as and better than before.
The strength of this story is the time construction and the double writing style: in the first part the reader is plunged in the middle of Raheim and Mitchell’s story without much notice, and I tried to collect little pieces of info here and there to build the structure; in the second part Rahein and Mitchell are interviewed together, and basically they give you all those info all together, in a constructed way.
House of John by Stanley Bennett Clay: Jesse has an enviable life and a job he likes, but he is not lucky in love. At 38 years old, he is so desperate for love that he easily mistakes sex for the real thing, only to be bitterly awakened soon after. Since he is slow to learn the lesson, he decides to join a group of friends at Santo Domingo, with the only purpose of finding cheap sex without string attached. On the island, he meets Etienne, but the young man is not what Jesse was expecting: romantic, with strict and old fashioned principle, Etienne doesn’t believe in the easy sex, and Jesse has to woo him, at the same time being the joke of his friends who are enjoying as much as possible the natural “beauties” of the place.
This is probably the most romantic of all the three stories, the romance is all around in the air, and basically when there is love, everything seems easier.
E. Lynn Harris plays the role of the fairy godmother in all above stories, the one who is able to give the right advice to set the men on their right path towards love, being always truthful to themselves and the men they love.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0758255756/?...
The Intern by Terrance Dean: this story is all about fashion and romance, glitter and love. Chase was always used to be the boy, the one other macho men pursued, the prized arm candy. But now Chase is pushing forty, and sincerely he is tired to be someone else little secret: Chase has a successful career and a beautiful house, he is still an handsome man and he is still able to pick his choice among men. His best girl friend tells him to stop to search for the macho man of his dream and to play “cougar” with his pretty, and very young intern, Quincy. Indeed Chase surrenders to temptation, but sincerely there is not much difference, since Quincy, even if young and a subaltern of Chase, is for sure very self-confident and able to well balance the difference in age with his positive attitude.
The feeling of this story is young and fresh, like a glossy magazine, well highlight but the almost obsessive pointing up to all the fashion brands.
Is It Still Jood To Ya? By James Earl Hardy: Raheim and Mitchell have a past together, a past made of good and bad days, of bringing up together two sons, of family parties and knowing everything of each other; when the story starts Raheim and Mitchell are not together, but sincerely the reader doesn’t understand why and so do Raheim, that is indeed trying to woo Mitchell back in his bed and life. Above all, Raheim is worried since Mitchell is leaving for a business trip that will give him the chance to meet someone else, and Raheim doesn’t like the competition. A blackout will allow Raheim to block Mitchell in his apartment for a few days, and the forced cohabitation will also prove that they are still good together, as and better than before.
The strength of this story is the time construction and the double writing style: in the first part the reader is plunged in the middle of Raheim and Mitchell’s story without much notice, and I tried to collect little pieces of info here and there to build the structure; in the second part Rahein and Mitchell are interviewed together, and basically they give you all those info all together, in a constructed way.
House of John by Stanley Bennett Clay: Jesse has an enviable life and a job he likes, but he is not lucky in love. At 38 years old, he is so desperate for love that he easily mistakes sex for the real thing, only to be bitterly awakened soon after. Since he is slow to learn the lesson, he decides to join a group of friends at Santo Domingo, with the only purpose of finding cheap sex without string attached. On the island, he meets Etienne, but the young man is not what Jesse was expecting: romantic, with strict and old fashioned principle, Etienne doesn’t believe in the easy sex, and Jesse has to woo him, at the same time being the joke of his friends who are enjoying as much as possible the natural “beauties” of the place.
This is probably the most romantic of all the three stories, the romance is all around in the air, and basically when there is love, everything seems easier.
E. Lynn Harris plays the role of the fairy godmother in all above stories, the one who is able to give the right advice to set the men on their right path towards love, being always truthful to themselves and the men they love.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0758255756/?...
October 12, 2010
Visible Lives was published to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the death of E. Lynn Harris, one of gay fiction’s best-loved authors. This is a collection of three novellas from African-American gay fiction writers who had some association with Harris. Each story begins with a heartfelt introduction outlining how the author knew Harris and the effect Harris had on their work.
The First story, The Intern by Terrance Dean, tells the tale of Chase, a television executive who has dated a string of losers until a summer intern working in his office comes on to him. The intern is sexy, caring, passionate and hung – everything Chase needs. The problem? The intern is much younger. This is basically a story about how Chase got his groove back.
This turned out to be a moderately entertaining story. I found the characters to be somewhat one dimensional and the plot overly predictable. There were, however, several clever scenes and the dialog was often funny. It’s not a story I would rank high on my list, but it was certainly an enjoyable read.
Story number two, Is It Still Jood to Ya? by James Earl Hardy, tells of how Raheim tries to lure his ex-lover back in order to save their family, at a time when his ex-lover is getting ready to fly off and spend time with another man. Fate steps in and grounds all flights, giving Raheim the opportunity he needs.
I had significant issues with this story. Cardboard characters, page after page of useless dialog that failed to move the story forward, and ending with forty pages of questions and answers in an interview format that was so utterly boring that I couldn’t finish it. This story, in my opinion, is poorly written and tedious. To top it off, every time the author used the word “good” (which was often) he replaced it with “jood”, which pulled me out of the story every time. It became extremely annoying. I can’t recommend this story.
The third and last story, House of John by Stanley Bennett Clay, turned out to be my favorite of the three. A middle-aged man, Jesse, is devastated when he finds that his long-term lover is cheating on him. To retaliate he joins a group of other gay men on a sex vacation in the Dominican Republic that promises a wealth of sexual opportunities with the local hustlers. Although he craves uncomplicated sex with sexy young studs, he finds that he has issues exploiting the locals. But then he meets a local guy who is not only drop-dead-gorgeous, but is also NOT a hustler. The two begin a very sweet romance. But where will it lead?
This story is unique, intelligent and fun. The characters seem real and have depth, and the situations are interesting, sometimes even gripping. It is very well written and the pace moves along at a good clip. This one story made the trilogy worth reading. I can highly recommend it.
I have never read any of E. Lynn Harris’s works, so I’m no judge of how closely these stories come to his style or quality of writing. All three had a heavy erotic content, which seldom detracted from the storyline. And all three had two other things in common, they centered around an African-American man looking for a relationship, and all three managed to work Harris’s name into the storyline. For the most part, the way each one weaved Harris into the story seemed awkward, and somewhat cheesy. Overall, two of the three stories are certainly worth a look. I do recommend this book.
The First story, The Intern by Terrance Dean, tells the tale of Chase, a television executive who has dated a string of losers until a summer intern working in his office comes on to him. The intern is sexy, caring, passionate and hung – everything Chase needs. The problem? The intern is much younger. This is basically a story about how Chase got his groove back.
This turned out to be a moderately entertaining story. I found the characters to be somewhat one dimensional and the plot overly predictable. There were, however, several clever scenes and the dialog was often funny. It’s not a story I would rank high on my list, but it was certainly an enjoyable read.
Story number two, Is It Still Jood to Ya? by James Earl Hardy, tells of how Raheim tries to lure his ex-lover back in order to save their family, at a time when his ex-lover is getting ready to fly off and spend time with another man. Fate steps in and grounds all flights, giving Raheim the opportunity he needs.
I had significant issues with this story. Cardboard characters, page after page of useless dialog that failed to move the story forward, and ending with forty pages of questions and answers in an interview format that was so utterly boring that I couldn’t finish it. This story, in my opinion, is poorly written and tedious. To top it off, every time the author used the word “good” (which was often) he replaced it with “jood”, which pulled me out of the story every time. It became extremely annoying. I can’t recommend this story.
The third and last story, House of John by Stanley Bennett Clay, turned out to be my favorite of the three. A middle-aged man, Jesse, is devastated when he finds that his long-term lover is cheating on him. To retaliate he joins a group of other gay men on a sex vacation in the Dominican Republic that promises a wealth of sexual opportunities with the local hustlers. Although he craves uncomplicated sex with sexy young studs, he finds that he has issues exploiting the locals. But then he meets a local guy who is not only drop-dead-gorgeous, but is also NOT a hustler. The two begin a very sweet romance. But where will it lead?
This story is unique, intelligent and fun. The characters seem real and have depth, and the situations are interesting, sometimes even gripping. It is very well written and the pace moves along at a good clip. This one story made the trilogy worth reading. I can highly recommend it.
I have never read any of E. Lynn Harris’s works, so I’m no judge of how closely these stories come to his style or quality of writing. All three had a heavy erotic content, which seldom detracted from the storyline. And all three had two other things in common, they centered around an African-American man looking for a relationship, and all three managed to work Harris’s name into the storyline. For the most part, the way each one weaved Harris into the story seemed awkward, and somewhat cheesy. Overall, two of the three stories are certainly worth a look. I do recommend this book.
January 2, 2011
This book was a recommended read for a book club I belong too. The book is made up of three short stories, "The Intern" by Terrance Dean, "Is it Still Good to Ya?" by James Earl Hardy and "House of John" by Stanley Bennett Clay. The Intern was a well written and engrossing story and this is where it stops, James Earl Hardy's story was trite and boring I could not get myself to read pass the first couple of pages of the story, I have yet to read the "House of John", only because I hated "Is it Still Good to Ya?" I threw the book in a corner and it has been sitting there ever since. Since I do know Stanley Bennett Clay personally, I feel that I should attempt to read his story, from what I have heard, his story is the best written out of all three stories. My only problem with stories written by gay authors, is the constant opening of the stories with sex, as if that is all gay men do, don't they have other interest going on in their lives? Although I did enjoy Deans story I was a bit offended with the opening chapter of The Intern, but the story got better as it went along, I loved the cliff hanger at the end and can see it continue as a full fledge novel. As a black gay man I would like to read something more than the same cliche of someone performing oral or anal sex in the very beginning of the opening scene. Until I read more, I cannot see myself giving this book more than a 3 star rating.
December 14, 2017
"The Intern" was so refreshing. In reading it, all I could think about how in Black gay reality, younger/older relationships are not as openly prevalent. It is like it is TABOO, so it was refreshing to see the younger guy, really into the older guy. This needs to be developed into a full fledged novel.
"Is It Still Jood To Ya?" was simply OK and I am one who has the entire B Boy Blues series and love the authenticity of the story. This was nothing more than just a catch up on the lives of Rahiem and Mitchell nothing more, nothing less. It was filler for the book. It would have been better to see Errol's view of his father and step father.
"House of John", is the gay version of How Stella Got Her Groove back. I did enjoy the spin on it. I liked the openness of the guys not being shamed about seeking their delights while in the DR. Black gay men can be so condescending, so the no holds barred attitudes was a YES!!!
"Is It Still Jood To Ya?" was simply OK and I am one who has the entire B Boy Blues series and love the authenticity of the story. This was nothing more than just a catch up on the lives of Rahiem and Mitchell nothing more, nothing less. It was filler for the book. It would have been better to see Errol's view of his father and step father.
"House of John", is the gay version of How Stella Got Her Groove back. I did enjoy the spin on it. I liked the openness of the guys not being shamed about seeking their delights while in the DR. Black gay men can be so condescending, so the no holds barred attitudes was a YES!!!
August 27, 2012
I loved the first story by Terrance Dean. Loved Chase and Quinn. Chase is an older black man who meets a younger black man, Quinn. Quinn is very sincere and not what I would call a player. But he knows that he wants Chase and he pursues him. Theres a surprise twist in the last chapter and I hope a full novel comes of it. Would like to see how it plays out.
The second novel was by Hardy and I couldn't even finish it. I think I read 15 pages and was done.
I didn't really like the 3rd novella either and didn't even finish it.
The second novel was by Hardy and I couldn't even finish it. I think I read 15 pages and was done.
I didn't really like the 3rd novella either and didn't even finish it.
August 29, 2010
I loved the book, although I must say that Terrance Dean's story stood out the most. He seemed to capture the spirit of E. Lynn Harris best. It could have been a stand-alone novel, and I didn't want it to end. Stanley Bennett Clay and James Earl Hardy did okay on their fictional tributes, as well. Overall, well-written and makes me miss E. Lynn all the more.
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September 20, 2010Read by ACRL Member of the Week Michelle Dartis. Learn more about Michelle on the ACRL Insider blog.
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March 16, 2014I love this book its so good
June 21, 2014
Three novellas celebrating the legacy of E. Lynn Harris.
September 19, 2014
A Wonderful Tribute!
January 27, 2015
This tribute to E. Lynn Harris was an interesting read. It is comprised of three novellas by three different authors. I just wished the explicit sex wasn't so explicit. It made them rather cliché.
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