Welcome to the home page for the SOGALA Men's Book Club.

We read and discuss works of novel-length fiction which include at least one main character who is a gay male.

We meet every 6 weeks or so in members' homes, depending on people's schedules. Our next meeting is Sunday, November 30, 2008. Contact Paul Weeks for more information.

If you are interested in sharing an opinion on a book but prefer not to attend a meeting, we're happy to receive, and perhaps even respond to, email. If you have a suggestion for a book that the club could consider, send it on! Click HERE to send email.

What we're reading now

Amazing Adventures The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon 2001 Pulitzer Prize for fiction winner November 30, 2008 7pm place: Ray's

Things that we're going to read

At Swim Two Boys by Jamie O'Neill In the spring of 1915, Jim Mack and "the Doyler," two Dublin boys, make a pact to swim to an island in Dublin Bay the following Easter. By the time they do, Dublin has been consumed by the Easter Uprising, and the boys' friendship has blossomed into love--
Child of My Right Hand Child of My Right Hand by Eric Goodman Some kids are a handful.
Be Near Me Be Near Me by Andrew O'Hagan From the Emerald Isle.

Things that we've read already

Stolen Stolen by Annette LaPointe Sex, drugs, and comics in Saskatchewan. Generally agreed to be some good writing. 5 thumbs up, one sideways and one down.
Strong Hollow Strong Hollow by Linda Little Unanimously adored by the book club. 7 thumbs up. Beautifully written and completely engaging story of a backwoods Nova Scotia boy from a dysfunctional family and his journey to self-acceptance.
The Lost Language of Cranes The Lost Language of Cranes by David Leavitt Very engaging story of a closeted gay dad, a newly out son and the impact of this on those around them, including the mom. Realistic and unpredictable. 6 thumbs up.
Fellow Travelers Fellow Travelers by Thomas Mallon Homo love during the crazed days of the McCarthy witch hunts in the US. WAY TOO LONG. The story didn't really seem connected to the political events supposedly framing it. 1 thumb up, 2 thumbs sideways, and 2 thumbs down.
Men Who Love Men Men Who Love Men by Willaim J. Mann Aging pretty boy comes to terms with his search for true love. Set in Provincetown, Massachusetts. 2 Thumbs up, 1 thumb sideways, and 3 thumbs down.
Michael Toliver Lives Michael Tolliver Lives by Armistead Maupin Fluffy, formulaic look at a May/December relationship. Checks in with many of the characters from the Tales of the City series. 2 thumbs up, 4 sideways, and 1 thumb down.
Surprising Myself Surprising Myself by Christopher Bram 1987 debut novel by the prolific and well-respected Christopher Bram. 4 thumbs up and 2 thumbs down.
Soon to be a Major Motion Picture Soon to be a Major Motion Picture by Warren Dunford 3 thumbs up
and 3 thumbs down
The City and the Pillar The City and the Pillar by Gore Vidal
 4 thumbs up
and 2 thumbs down
Who'd have thought there could be two versions with grossly different endings?!?
Maurice Maurice by E. M. Forster Maurice the MovieA classic in English literature. We watched the movie afterwards and it was great fun to compare the film to our imaginings of the story.
The Eye in the Door The Eye in the Door by Pat Barker Some great writing set in WWI.
Can't Buy Me Love Can't Buy Me Love by Chris Kenry Gay hookers with hearts of gold.
The Coming Storm The Coming Storm by Paul Russell Can a 25-year-old prep school teacher find happiness with a 15-year-old student?
Blue Heaven Blue Heaven by Joe Keenan Madcap comedy from a Frasier writer.
Gossip Gossip by Christopher Bram Political left meets political right, with a murder to boot.
Amuse Bouche Amuse Bouche by Anthony Bidulka Saskatchewan mystery.
Flesh and Blood Flesh and Blood by Michael Cunningham Multi-generational dysfunctional family with gay son.