The Slow Fix

Ivan E. Coyote is my new favorite author. Her work is simply moving. In each short story we see a different piece of her heart and a new adventure. We're taking a peek into her life experiences that have molded her into who she is today. And her descriptions of Canada make me want to take a trip there, even though I hate cold weather. I'd seriously recommend this book.

Ivan Coyote is a fantastic storyteller! I've read all of her books and enjoyed them all.

Imagine a GLBT-centric, Northern Canada version of "Prairie Home Companion" ... homespun, positive yet occasionally wickedly sarcastic stories that can be read individually, but which also combine to give the reader a clear insight into the author's life and opinions. That is what gender-bending writer/storyteller Ivan E. Coyote has done to perfection in her regular columns in the Vancouver gay publication "Xtra West" and in several award-winning story compilations and a novel. This was my first exposure to her work, and I was immediately drawn to her honest, well-written stories. Her stories are universally appealing, although GLBT people can best relate to her comments (such as having painful "high school flashbacks" when asked to talk to a class about her work, and a brilliant analogy about not fitting into a pair of boots). I absolutely will read more of her work. Five snowcapped stars out of five!

Coyote, Ivan D. "The Slow Fix". Arsenal Pulp Press, 2009. Looking at Gender Amos Lassen What noted storyteller Ivan Coyote does in "The Slow Fix" is challenge preconceived notions of gender. The book is a collection of personal stories about community, gender and identity which subvert the popular views. Coyote looks at family, friends and lovers in autobiographical pieces and each story deals with a connection of some kind. No detail is too small to be discussed and while we look at detail we get a better idea about what makes who we are. We get a look at male bonding, tampons, homophobia and several other issues. Coyote manages to find truth in things we do everyday and this aids us in understanding who we are. There is humor here and there is truth and both help to make this a delightful read. The use of homespun humor and wry sensibility combined with a style of writing that is more than Literate make Ivan Coyote an author to watch and enjoy, The mixture of gay identity and literature is powerful and we are lucky to have it.