Information is courtesy of Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960; www.queerbooks.com. Ten-percent off most hardcover in-store sales.
Men’s Books 1. “Transparent,” by Don Lemon (Farrah Gray, 220 pp., $24.95 hb, less 10 percent in the store). In this unique memoir, “CNN Newsroom” anchor Lemon takes readers behind the scenes of journalism, detailing his own struggle to become one of the most prominent African-American men in television news — and inside some of the biggest stories of our times. 2. “A Body on Pine,” by Joseph R.G. DeMarco (Lethe, 364 pp., $18 pb). When Marco Fontana enters his friend’s spa on Pine Street, he doesn’t find the peaceful retreat he expected. DeMarco’s second Philadelphia mystery. 3. “Playing by the Rules,” by Justin Crockett Elzie (Queer Mojo, 260 pp., $12.95 pb). A memoir by the first Marine to be expelled under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” 4. “Murder on Camac,” by Joseph R.G. DeMarco (Lethe, 396 pp., $18 pb). DeMarco’s first mystery. 5. “Sir, Yes Sir,” by Mike Warren (Life Changing, 238 pp., $15 pb). The third installment of the life of Sean Matthews. Sean heads to his new duty station in Hawaii with the love of his life by his side. There, Sean meets his father for the first time and is shocked to find out a family secret. 6. “The Evolution of Ethan Poe,” by Robin Riordon (Kensington, 387 pp., $15 pb). Sixteen-year-old Ethan Poe fancies himself an “outlier” in small-town Maine because of his goth wardrobe, his relation to the famous Edgar Allan and his sexual orientation: he’s gay. His best friend Jorja is goth, too, but also Christian. Ethan’s parents have just split up, so his older brother Kyle dives headfirst into religion. Then Ethan hooks up with Max, a handsome classmate, just as his family is thrust into a town-wide debate about including intelligent design in the science curriculum.
Men’s DVDs 1. “Violet Tendencies,” directed by Casper Andreas (2010, 99 min., $24.95). Featuring characters from director Casper Andreas and writer Jesse Archer’s previous films “Slutty Summer” and “A Four Letter Word,” plus cameos from gay icons Hedda Lettuce, Sophia Lamar and Michael Musto, “Violet Tendencies” is an irresistible ensemble comedy. Variety says it “moves smartly and delivers outrageous one-liners and “‘Facts of Life’ veteran Mindy Cohn tosses off vulgarisms with seasoned aplomb.” 2. “Handsome Harry,” directed by Bette Gordon (2009, 94 min., $24.95). A psychological mystery about lost love, forgiveness and the stifling effect the “code of silence” has over men and their relationships. Each encounter both clarifies and further clouds the truth that haunts Harry. But can Harry confront that truth? 3. “Fest Selects: Best Gay Shorts” (2009-10, 110 min., $24.95). A cross-section of some of the best recent gay shorts culled from top film festivals including Sundance, Philadelphia’s QFest, Frameline and more. 4. “Heartbeats,” directed by Xavier Dolan (2010, 101 min., $24.95). A gay Jules and Jim for its sophisticated tale of close friends Francis and Marie and their obsessive mutual desire. 5. “From Beginning to End,” directed by Aluizio Abranches (2009, 96 min., $19.99). This controversial Brazilian drama follows the love and sexual intimacy between two men … who are half-brothers.
Women’s Books 1. “Inferno (A Poet’s Novel),” by Eileen Myles (O/R Books, 256 pp., $16 pb). “I was completely stupefied by ‘Inferno’ in the best of ways.” — Alison Bechdel 2. “Same Gender Loving and Loving It,” by Love Dixon (Evolution. 118 pp., $15 pb). A guide to addressing the unique issues facing black lesbians. 3. “Unbroken Circle,” by Mary Griggs (Bella, 202 pp., $14.95 pb). Sallie Lee Hybart doesn’t see many strangers at her diner counter in Pennington, Ala., so newcomers are rare. But this one looks familiar. 4. “Storms,” by Gerri Hill (Bella, 236 pp., $15.95 pb). The big Montana sky crackles with thunder and lightning as emotions twist in unbidden directions. Neither Carson nor Kerry is prepared for the wild storms of summer. 5. “The Best Defense,” by Carsen Taite (Bold Strokes, 258 pp., $16.95 pb). When Aimee Howard, successful boutique real-estate broker and socialite, is visited by a team of federal agents looking to arrest her wayward niece, she hires the best defense.
Women’s DVDs 1. “Hannah Free,” directed by Wendy Jo Carlton (2009, 86 min., $24.95). Starring award-winning actress Sharon Gless (“Burn Notice,” “Queer as Folk,” “Cagney & Lacey”) in a tremendous performance, “Hannah Free” is a feature film about the lifelong love affair between an independent spirit and the woman she calls home. 2. “Lovers and Friends Show, Season 1,” directed by Charmain Johnson (2008, 163 min., $19.95). Lisa, Kai, Dre, Tori, Yasmin and Mercedes are six lesbians of color navigating through life’s obstacles, making new friends and experiencing new drama! 3. “Wanda Sykes: Ima Be Me” (2009, 60 min., $19.95). Sykes holds nothing back as she riffs on the perks of having a black president, coming out, getting married, motherhood, aging and 21st-century pirates.