The Boys of Fairy TownA history of gay Chicago told through the stories of queer men who left a record of their sexual activities in the Second City, this book paints a vivid picture of the neighborhoods where they congregated while revealing their complex lives. Some, such as reporter John Wing, were public figures. Others, like Henry Gerber, who created the first "homophile" organization in the United States, were practically invisible to their contemporaries. Striptease

while strong and unspoken forces pull them together over the years

“I’ve been hunting for books like this my whole life

Written with intelligence and intimacy

He’ll only talk to the teen detectives that put him away

“a remarkable novel that is bound to be a staple of fantasy shelves for years to come” (BuzzFeed)

rainbow garb

it’s the chosen family that truly keeps us together

notes and drawings

And if they don’t save themselves

In the present

gossipy and ultimately poignant novel about four Gen X teen friends turned 21st-century adults who awkwardly come back together to confront an influential teacher whose brutal remarks have haunted them all for years

1850-1950 (2020)