Love, the Magician

With your son reading this book, understand that sexual orientation is an human quality that we are born with. As a counselor, I see more and more studies find that it is a matter of nature. What you choose to "nurture" in your son depends on you. Will you teach him ignorance, fear, and hatred. If you give him those things he may become a sad statistic. GLBT youth are atleast three times more likely to attempt or actually complete a suicide. Do you want to give your son love and an interest in the kind of person that he might become as human being? Think very carefully about what you have to offer him and your family on this issue. Will your contribution to him and your family bring all of you closer together or drive a wedge between you. You may have just given him something more that a colorful story. It sounds like this book spoke to who he is on some level. Walk a few miles in his shoes and show him you care by taking up an interest in this core area of his life. Making the effort to learn more about your son is an act of love. Wes Tattinger

Ignore the stupid cover. Brian Bouldrey is a great writer. I loved "The Genius of Desire," and all the anthologies he's edited.The AIDS element is woven in naturally, not reactionary or politicized. Tender sweet, faithful, and erudite are only a few adjectives.Also recommended: K.M. Soehnlein's "The World of Normal Boys" Jim Provenzano's "PINS" Thomas Glave's "Whose Song?"

Well, I couldn't disagree more with the previous reviewer. Love, The Magician is not a stereotypical anything. The writing is crisp and evocative. Sure the characters are all flawed, but that means they are interesting and complex. The main character, Tristan, is completely believable in his love/hate relationship with his dead partner's family and friends. And as for this being an "AIDS novel" (a term I hate), all I can say is that it's a damn good novel about loss and the spell love can cast over someone--for good and for bad. The writing alone is worth the price of the book--particularly the scene with Tristan and the Mexican hustler, which is brilliant. Add to this the unusual setting of the Yaqui Indians' bizzare weeklong Easter celebration and you have an absorbing novel that will have you thinking about it long after you finish reading it.