Information is courtesy of Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960; www.giovannisroom.com. Ten-percent off most hardcover in-store sales.
BOOKS
LESBIAN INTEREST 1. “The Other Side of Paradise,” by Staceyann Chin (Scribner, 278 pp., $24 hb). From the iconic and charismatic star of Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam comes this brave and fiercely candid memoir about growing up in Jamaica by performer, activist and writer Chin. 2. “Walk Like A Man,” by Laurinda Brown (Q-Boro, 253 pp., $14.95 pb). Brown’s characters explore every aspect of black lesbian life — whether it’s first times, illicit trysts, cheating hearts or longtime love. Sexy, witty and hotter than hot, Brown’s novel will keep readers coming back for more. 3. “Sexual Fluidity: Understanding Women’s Love and Desire,” by Lisa Diamond (Harvard University Press, 333 pp., $17.95 pb). The book raises fundamental questions about women’s sexuality. Diamond’s comprehensive analysis of the scientific evidence illuminates the interconnections of love, sex and sexual identity in women’s lives. Her analysis of sexual fluidity is both original and compelling. 4. “As We Are Now,” by May Sarton (W.W. Norton, 144 pp., $13.95 pb). Caroline Spencer, a 76-year-old retired schoolteacher, has suffered a heart attack and been deposited by relatives in a nursing home. Subjected to subtle humiliations and petty cruelties, she fights back with all she has and, in a powerful climax, wins a terrible victory. 5. “Consequences,” by Skyy (King’s Crossing, 304 pp., $15.95 pb). School’s back in and there’s a lot of unfinished business to handle. As Lena prepares for her wedding day, she can’t help but think about Denise, her sexy b-ball roommate, who almost stole her away.
GAY INTEREST 1. “Deflowered: My Life in the Pansy Division,” by Jon Ginoli (Cleis Press, 275 pp., $16.95 pb). Ginoli sets off on a journey of self-discovery and musical passion to become the founding member of Pansy Division, the first out and proud queercore punk-rock band to hit the semi-big time. 2. “Sweet Tea: Black Gay Men of the South,” by Patrick Johnson (University of North Carolina Press, 570 pp., $35 hb). Traveling to every Southern state, Johnson conducted interviews with more than 70 black gay men ages 19-93. The voices collected here dispute the idea that gay subcultures flourish primarily in Northern, secular, urban areas. 3. “What They Always Tell Us,” by Martin Wilson (Delacorte Press, 293 pp., $15.99 hb). Brothers James and Alex have barely anything in common anymore — least of all their experiences in high school, where James is a popular senior and Alex is suddenly an outcast. After Alex takes up running, James’ friend Nathen unites the brothers in moving and unexpected ways. 4. “False Colors,” by Alex Beecroft (Running Press, 333 pp., $12.95 pb). With the arrival of his former captain — and lover — on the scene of the disastrous mission, Alfie is torn between the security of his past and the uncertain promise of a future with the straight-laced John. 5. “Basketball Jones,” by E. Lynn Harris (Doubleday, 256 pp., $22.95 hb). Harris returns to explore the down-low culture that made his first novel, “Invisible Life,” a groundbreaking phenomenon in his latest rip-roaring tale of sex, secrets and betrayal.
DVDS
GAY INTEREST 1. “Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom,” directed by Patrick Ian Polik (2008, 101 min., $24.95 DVD). “Noah’s Arc” is back, and you’re invited to the big wedding! But can Noah and Wade really pull it off? Will Ricky’s sexcapades get the better of him? Can Chance and Eddie stay together? And can Alex stay sane? Get set for a wild wedding weekend of love, laughs, sex and some serious drama. 2. “Finding Me,” directed by Roger S. Omeus Jr. (2008, 115 min., $19.95 DVD). A fresh, new indie film about a young gay black man’s journey of self-discovery, affirmation and love. 3. “Milk,” directed by Gus Van Sant (2008, 129 min., $29.98 DVD). Based on the politically resonant and thoroughly timely screenplay by Dustin Lance Black, Van Sant follows the arc of Milk’s political awakening, from closeted Brooklyn insurance executive to doyen of San Francisco’s Castro district’s burgeoning gay mecca in the 1970s. 4. “Save Me,” directed by Robert Cary (2008, 96 min., $24.95 DVD). This acclaimed drama is a subtly nuanced and deeply sympathetic look at both sides of one of the most polarizing debates in America: the conflict and possible reconciliation between homosexuality and Christianity. 5. “Naked Boys Singing,” directed by Robert Schrock and Troy Christian (2007, 95 min., $19.95 DVD). Invite 10 gorgeous, talented and intelligent naked men into your living room with this filmed adaptation of the hilarious off-Broadway play.
LESBIAN INTEREST 1. “Exes and Ohs: The Complete First Season,” various directors (2007, 132 min., $19.95 DVD). Michelle Paradise stars as Jennifer, a documentary filmmaker with a vivid fantasy life and a floundering career. Jennifer wants to find Ms. Right … but first she must navigate the rules of lesbian life, most of which she learns the hard way. 2. “Karen Williams: I Need a Snack,” directed by Andrea Meyerson (2009, 58 min., $19.95 DVD). Serving up another tasty treat, All Out Films now presents a delicious live comedy special by one of the most outstanding lesbian comics in the country. 3. “Better Than Chocolate,” directed by Anne Wheeler (1999, 102 min., $14.95 DVD). Maggie meets the woman of her dreams just hours before her mother and brother move in with her. When the four end up sharing a loft, Maggie believes she must keep her affair a secret — but it is Maggie’s clandestine romance that inadvertently introduces her family to a host of new experiences. 4. “Four Minutes,” directed by Chris Klaus (2007, 112 min., $24.95). Jenny, a musical prodigy, finds herself behind bars for murder, but one person wants to help her out — Traude, the 80-year-old piano instructor who has taught at the prison for years. 5. “Girl Girl: Classic Lesbian Short Films,” various directors (2006, 88 min., $19.95 DVD). This wonderfully entertaining batch of lesbian short films showcases long-unavailable film-festival favorites and pioneering works.