Like People in History: 9a Gay American Epic

As a 20-something, I find it fascinating to read or hear about the lives of gay men during the last century. Picano weaves an intricate tale of the two cousins Roger and Alistair, about how their lives intersected at pivotal points in our shared gay history. I especially enjoyed the scenes set on Fire Island - though only a generation removed, the fun they depicted seems from another world. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the glbt movement in the latter half of the 20th century, and how remaining loyal and diligent to friendships can make a difference in our lives.

This is an update to my review of December, 1998. I read this book five years ago, and still I consider it one of my all-time favorite books. I have recommended it to just about everyone I know. Give it a try! You won't be disappointed! Other books I would like to recommend are Frontiers by Michael Jensen, Funny Boy by Shyam Selvadurai, Lawnboy by Paul Lisicky, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon, and Dream Boy by Michael Grimsley. The text of my previous review 12/28/98 is below:This is one of those books that when you're finished, you wish you weren't! The characters are realistic, the dialogue is believable, and the plot totally engaging! It also helps us put "our" history into some perspective. It was interesting for me to compare being gay in the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. I loved the characters in this book. You will recognize all of them. Don't let the length of this book scare you away - it's worth it, and you'll be wishing for more! His writing style takes a little getting used to as he jumps back and forth between time periods, but you'll get used to it! After I've read most books, I give them away to friends. This is one of those books that I can't bear to give up. It will have a place on my bookshelf forever. Oh, by the way, I read this book in the summer of 1996 ! :>

Every culture seeks writers to chronicle history. The last century exploded with changes in the perception of gay men (by outsiders as well as among gay men), climaxing in Stonewall. All of the events, movements, madness, sexual freedom and the catastrophy of AIDS need documentation AND novelization and who can do this better than Felice Picano, Andrew Holleran, Edmund White, Alan Hollingshurst, Jim Grimsley, to name only a few. In PEOPLE LIKE HISTORY Picano takes all of this on, molds the history into characters who are unforgetable, and in doing so he makes us examine the past and look carefully at the future. This is an important (and very enjoyable) novel.

I've read this book 3 times now and I know I will read it again and again. Don't we all have our own image of Roger and, of course, Matt Loguidice. This is probably my second favorite gay novel, after How Long Has This Been Going On? by Ethan Mordden.

The Kirkus reviewer has his head up his butt. This is a wonderful book that follows two gay cousins from the '50's to the '90's with humor, heart, and sharp details. The last few pages are heartbreaking. A gem of a book