"The Backup Boyfriend" by River Jaymes

I enjoyed this story of  Dr. Alec Johnson, recently dumped by his physician boyfriend and clinic partner, and his attempt to appease his mother, who'd fought hard for her son's right to marry.  He's so afraid of disappointing her and humiliating himself that he recruits friend-of-a-friend, straight guy and motorcycle mechanic Dylan Booth, to pose as his new love interest at a big awards ceremony that his parents will be attending.  Dylan is open-minded enough to accept (his late best friend was gay), and awkwardness ensues.  This is the first book I've read by this author, and she writes great dialog with just enough humor and snarkiness to make me want to read more of her work.  279 pages (Kindle edition).

"Never a Hero" by Marie Sexton

Owen Meade lives as a shut-in in his apartment in Tucker Springs, CO.  He's ashamed of his congenitally amputated left arm and his occasional stutter, so he avoids people as much as he can.  When he gets a new downstairs neighbor, veterinarian Nick Reynolds, Owen is drawn to him and realizes that he desperately wants to be his friend.  Nick is outgoing and funny and happens to have a sister, June, with the same amputation but on her right arm.  June is even more extroverted and talks Owen into taking piano lessons together.  But when Owen's severe and critical mother comes to visit, he feels like retreating back into his lonely life.  Then a surprise is revealed and Owen decides that he must stop hiding if he wants to be truly happy.  This was a lovely story with well drawn characters who must become their own heroes to get what they want.  This is the fifth book in the Tucker Springs universe but can be read as a stand alone.  167 pages (Kindle edition).

"Look Away Silence" by Edward C. Patterson

This is a beautiful and funny yet heart wrenching story of Martin and Matt, two gay men in their early 20s facing AIDS.  Told in Martin's uniquely humorous voice, the reader follows their story of meeting and falling in love in New Jersey in the mid-1980s.  Matt is a transplant from Texas, a computer whiz mourning a dead lover who was beaten by homophobes.  Martin is a world weary local with a gorgeous singing voice who covers his quest for love with a snarky attitude.  Somehow they are perfect for each other; even Matt's family accepts Martin without question.  However, their happy life is shattered when Matt is diagnosed with full blown AIDS.

I really cannot describe what a good book this is.  The writing style and phrases were a bit different but really gave Martin's character depth and helped the reader better understand his motivations.  Additionally, the many and varied characters worked well to take the reader back to a time less than 30 years ago when gay men were dying in droves and no one in power was doing anything about it, especially the federal government. The scene that takes place at the first AIDS memorial quilt showing on the National Mall in 1987 was especially touching.  I found it apropos that I read this book while "The Normal Heart" debuted on HBO at the same time, because ACT UP is also mentioned in the story.  The author does a great job of describing the downward spiral the body goes through, and how tough it is for patients and caregivers to deal with.  I chuckled and cried for Matt and Martin and their friends and family. This is an unforgettable book - highly recommended.  286 pages (Kindle edition).

Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

June is fourteen, and her very favorite person in the whole world is her Uncle Finn.  But Finn, a famous artist, is dying. He wants to paint a portrait of June and her sister Greta before he dies. Every Sunday, June’s Mother takes the girls into the city (New York), to sit for the portrait. Finn has AIDS, and this is 1986, the height of paranoia about the disease, and his sister, June’s Mother, isn’t handling it well.

When Finn dies, June is trying to find a way to cope with her grief, alone, because her family is very closed off, and do not talk about any of the issues surrounding his death. Then Finn’s ‘special friend’, Toby’, communicates with June. She is afraid of him, having been told he ‘killed’ Finn, but reluctantly meets with him. They form a friendship, unbeknownst to June’s family. Meantime, Greta is drinking and in danger of getting into serious trouble.

This is a heartbreaking and also uplifting about family dynamics, secrets, and homophobia.

367 pages