Broken Fever: Reflections of Gay Boyhood

by James Morrison

What are the roots of personal identity? In this collection of essays, James Morrison searches for answers within the experiences and emotional reality of his own childhood in an attempt to pinpoint the beginnings of his own gay self-identity.

"Although from the vantage point of my present self, I do not remember a time in my life when I was not 'gay,' I know that the arrival at any avowed identity is always a complex process of affirmation and negation, refusal and identification." It is this process, and specifically the ways gay identity circulates before it is even spoken, that Morrison seeks to distill in specific experiences. From the beginnings of questioning his religion to exploring his first boyhood attraction, Morrison's experiences are chronicled honestly and compellingly.

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 14, 2001

About the author

James Morrison is the author of a memoir, "Broken Fever" (2001), a novel, "The Lost Girl" (2007), and a collection of short stories, "Said and Done" (2009), as well as several nonfiction books on film. His novella, "Everyday Ghosts," was recently published in Gemma Media's "Open Door" series for adult literacy. He lives in Southern California and teaches at Claremont McKenna College

Reviews

[Jim Caton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suspect the lower ratings here are by readers who were disappointed not to find a simpler path. Morrison’s epiphanies are hard-won, and his validations encompass humanity, which is more inclusive than some care for. The essay ‘Hell’ won’t leave you. This is a beautiful, funny, heartbreaking book.

[Tami Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique and important voice.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read many queer youths coming of age and exploration of their sexual identity and I felt that this book took an interesting spin on the classic coming out story.