The GLBTRT has been reviewing books and movies in its newsletter since the early 1990s. Trace the evolution of queer publishing through these historic reviews. This review was originally published in Vol. 4, No. 3, Fall 1992.
This is Stan Levanthal’s second collection of short stories, which covers a diverse group of literary backgrounds.
The twelve stories in this book range from a backstage look at the cast and crew of a Broadway play, to a Jewish family feuding in the middle of a traditional Passover dinner, to an exchange of sexual banter and escapades taking place across the solar system.
The title story, “Candy Holidays,” is my personal favorite as it gives a realistic look at the ups and downs in the relationship between Daryl and Evin. Realistic characterizations and family settings are also found in “Seder,” while “Oasis Motel” and ”Brotherhood” deal with the ways in which people are often struggling with themselves while they are supposedly relaxing during a vacation.
Some of the stories are sexually explicit, which will cause problems for many public libraries that might otherwise consider purchasing this book. But most of the stories have only minor references to any form of sexual activity, which makes some of these stories milder than the “soap operas” which are broadcast on daytime television.
Reviewed by Gary M. Klein
University of Toledo
Toledo,OH
