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Title: Outlaw: John Rechy by Charles Casillo ISBN: 1-55583-734-4 Publisher: Alyson Pubns Pub. Date: December, 2002 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.56 (9 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: What A BOOK!!!
Comment: I love this book - a comprehensive, fascinating study which sheds a lot of light on one of the most mysterious most interesting characters in the history of American fiction!!
I love this book so much I carry it with me and pull it out on the train to read it at whim!
A GREAT READ!
Rating: 3
Summary: Skin Deep
Comment: I think the statement in the preface is interesting - about biographers being "literary liars" - because despite the author's "honest intentions" I think he was compromised by John Rechy's direct contribution to the project as a "primary source". One is left with the impression that everything has been filtered through the sure and certain knowledge that Rechy will read the book himself.
Consequently, the portrait is more flattering than Rechy might deserve. Outrageously so, in the case of the quote where he is ranked alongside Norman Mailer and said to "outshine" Philip Roth and Gore Vidal. Even accepting that Casillo is a fan, it's preposterous. Jaw-dropping even. What a load of baloney!!
The pandering to his subject continues through the portrait of Rechy's mother. I found it extremely unsatisfactory - shallow and one-dimensional. Casillio presents her through the rose-coloured recollections of others - not least, Rechy's own. And never really attempts to scratch the surface of a complex - even bizarre - relationship.
Sadly, it's the same story with Rechy himself. Is he really as superficial and lacking in self-awareness as this biography suggests? Has he learnt nothing during his 70+ years on Earth? Or is it just down to a superficial treatment of the subject? Rechy's self-obsessed narcissism is handled with kid gloves. Casillo does not examine it in any depth. Though he does occasionally make half-hearted attempts to excuse it.
Ultimately, for me, this book raised more issues about the authenticity of biography than anything else. As a genre I find it increasingly dissatisfactory.
If you can get past the blarney and the misplaced reverence you may find the book interesting in terms of a gay history. But if you are expecting an insightful, in-depth treatment of it's subject, you will be sorely disappointed.
Rating: 4
Summary: An Informative and Fascinating Read
Comment: I read this book while traveling on a long flight, and I had a hard time putting it down. I was aware of John Rechy, as an author, but this book allows us a view into Rechy the man, with his inner turmoil and obsessions. While it is true Rechy's books were autobiographical in nature, Charles Casillo provides insight from obviously many sessions with Rechy, as well as his peers and friends, that motivates the reader to want to read more of Rechy's works. The biography is well written and documented, and even began to challenge some of my own inner development and feelings. I found this a very fascinating and good read!
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Title: The Coming of the Night by John Rechy ISBN: 0802137423 Publisher: Grove Press Pub. Date: 30 October, 2000 List Price(USD): $12.00 |
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Title: City of Night by John Rechy ISBN: 0802130836 Publisher: Grove Press Pub. Date: March, 1988 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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Title: Beyond Paradise: The Life of Ramon Novarro by Andre Soares ISBN: 0312282311 Publisher: St. Martin's Press Pub. Date: 01 December, 2002 List Price(USD): $27.95 |
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Title: Pulp Friction: Uncovering the Golden Age of Gay Male Pulps by Michael Bronski ISBN: 0312252676 Publisher: St. Martin's Press Pub. Date: January, 2003 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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Title: Strapped for Cash: A History of American Hustler Culture by Mack Friedman ISBN: 155583731X Publisher: Alyson Pubns Pub. Date: May, 2003 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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