Brian Bouldrey Libri

In Wrestling with the Angel, twenty-one authors - gay men who are Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, and Mormon - explore in moving and powerful essays the paradox at the center of their faiths: If God creates each of us in His own image, then how can that image be "wrong"? In vivid descriptions of their paths toward spiritual and sexual identity, such eloquent contributors as David Plante, Mark Doty, Lev Raphael, Alfred Corn, Andrew Holleran, Frank Browning, Michael Nava, Brad Gooch, Fenton Johnson, and Felice Picano reveal the joys and frustrations of communicating with one's excommunicator or, in some cases, of constructing a faith of one's own. Heightened by the urgency of this brutal age of AIDS, their essays are both intensely personal and partisan. They rise off the page like rambunctious prayers, reflecting not only the spiritual hunger brought on by the new millennium, but also the fact that we can no more choose our God than we can our sexuality

Set in early 1990s San Francisco, the story follows Dennis Bacchus, an HIV-positive gay man navigating friendships amid the backdrop of loss and the urgency of life. As he forms a bond with Jimmy, their connection deepens against the backdrop of a rapidly changing landscape due to medical advancements. The narrative explores themes of friendship, mortality, and the impact of hope as the characters grapple with the uncertainties of their futures.

Exploring unconventional relationships, this book delves into the dynamics between unlikely companions who find comfort and connection despite their differences. Through engaging dialogue and unexpected scenarios, it highlights how the most peculiar pairings can lead to profound insights and emotional support. The narrative emphasizes the importance of understanding and acceptance in fostering meaningful bonds, showcasing that the best conversations often arise from the most surprising friendships.

Set in the quirky town of Monsalvat, Michigan, the story follows young Michael Bellman as he navigates a summer filled with eccentric relatives. His Great Uncle Jimmy converses with his deceased wife, while Cousin Anne's antics test Michael's patience, and Cousin Tommy dreams of adventure in Vietnam. Amidst this chaotic yet loving family dynamic, Michael grapples with the allure of a double life, capturing the essence of coming-of-age amidst the complexities of family relationships.