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. “The Uncensored Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde, edited by Nicholas Frankel (Belknap, $12.95 pb). This volume restores material, including instances of graphic homosexual content, removed by the novel’s first editor. 2. “Where You Are,” a novel by J.H. Trumble (Kensington, $15 pb; $9.39 Kobo eBook). Robert’s math teacher, Andrew McNelis, watches his best student floundering, concerned but wary of crossing the line between professional and personal. 3. “7 Miles a Second” by David Wojnarowicz, drawn by James Romberger, with colors by Marguerite Van Cook (Fantagraphics, $19.99 pb). The graphic novel depicts Wojnarowicz’s childhood of prostitution and drugs on the streets of Manhattan, through his adulthood living with AIDS and his anger at the indifference of government and health agencies. 4. “Looking for the Gulf Motel” by Richard Blanco (U. of Pittsburgh, $15.95 pb). The third book of poetry by the gay poet who spoke at the presidential inauguration in January. The inaugural poem is due out March 1. 5. “The Testament of Mary” by Colm Tóibon (Scribner, $19.99 hb, less 10 percent in the store; $7.99 ebook). A solitary older woman seeks to understand the events that others understand as divine. 6. “Directions to the Beach of the Dead” by Richard Blanco (U. of Arizona, $15.95 pb). His second book of lyric poetry. 7. “Can You Feel What I’m Saying? An Erotic Anthology” by James Earl Hardy (IAJ, $17.95 pb). Hardy serves up seven scandalous tales, including “How Stanley Got His Back in Groove,” about a 40-year-old “born-again” virgin falling in lust with his 20-year-old former student. 8. “Best Gay Erotica 2013,” edited by Richard Labonté (Cleis, $15.95 pb). From gay superheroes to not-so-innocent farmhands, burly bears and fuzzy cubs, “Best Gay Erotica 2013” makes a nice and slow one-handed read.
Women’s and trans books 1. “My Beloved World” by Sonia Sotomayor (Knopf, $27.95 hb, less 10 percent in the store; $12.99 ebook). Autobiography of the first Hispanic and third woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court. 2. “Coal to Diamonds: A Memoir” by Beth Ditto (Spiegel & Grau, $15 pb; $10.99 ebook). A raw and surprisingly beautiful coming-of-age memoir, “Coal to Diamonds” tells the story of Mary Beth Ditto, a girl from rural Arkansas who found her voice. 3. “Sister Spit: Writing, Rants and Reminiscence from the Road,” edited by Michelle Tea (City Lights, $16.95 pb; $10.59 ebook). “This riotous collage edited by a Sister Spit cofounder celebrates the acclaimed underground lesbian-feminist roadshow. Poetry, art, stories and snippets of self-reflection from the collective’s rotating membership honor this cultural institution in its signature provocative fashion.” — Ms. Magazine 4. “A Queer and Pleasant Danger: The true story of a nice Jewish boy who joins the Church of Scientology and leaves 12 years later to become the lovely lady she is today” by Kate Bornstein (Beacon, $24.95 hb, less 10 percent in the store; $16.09 ebook; $16 pb due May 7). “Breathless, passionate and deeply honest, ‘A Queer and Pleasant Danger’ is a wonderful book. Read it and learn.” — Samuel R. Delany, author of “Dhalgren” 5. “Lesbian Sex: 101 Lovemaking Positions” by Jude Schell (Celestial Arts, $16.99 pb; $9.99 ebook). Explores the possibilities of every erogenous zone. 6. “Best Lesbian Erotica 2013,” edited by Kathleen Warnock and Jewelle Gomez (Cleis, $15.95 pb; $10.69 ebook). About the trembling pleasure of anticipation as much as the moment when sex actually happens. 7. “A Thousand Mornings,” poetry by Mary Oliver (Penguin Press, $24.95 hb, less 10 percent in the store; $11.99 ebook). Mornings with the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver. 8. “Silhouette of a Sparrow” by Molly Beth Griffin (Milkweed, $16.95 hb, less 10 percent in the store; $10.59 ebook; $8 pb due Aug. 13). A young-adult story about a search for wildness in a confining time and a simultaneous quest for security in an era full of unrest. It is the tale of a young woman’s discovery of the science of risk and the art of rebellion—and, of course, the power of unexpected love.
Men’s DVDs 1. “Sexual Tension: Volatile,” directed by Marco Berger and Marcelo Mónaco (2012, 100 min., $19.99). Shorts in which sex links each story. They offer voyeuristic pleasures as the camera caresses the men’s bodies, but also turn a sharp eye to the mysterious, taboo and electrifying nature of male intimacy. 2. “Bad Boy Street,” directed by Todd Verow (2012, 80 min., $19.99). Two men embark on an unconventional romance in Verow’s sexy Parisian-set drama. 3. “Keep the Lights On,” directed by Ira Sachs (102 min., $29.95). Chronicles an emotionally and sexually charged journey of two men in New York City through love, friendship and addiction. 4. “The Men Next Door,” directed by Rob Williams (2012, 84 min., $24.95). Falling in love with the boy next door? That’s a dream come true. Falling in love with his father, too? That’s just awkward. 5. “Absent,” directed by Marco Berger (2011, 85 min., $19.99). Knowingly, even aggressively sexual, 6-year-old Martin locks his seductive sights on Sebastian, his recently engaged, 30-something swimming instructor. 6. “Elliot Loves,” directed by Terracino (2012, 92 min., $19.99). As Elliot’s heart is repeatedly broken in the present, the film flashes back to situations in the past that fueled his need for a dependable partner. “Elliot Loves” delivers a consistent optimism that stays true to the characters and a refreshingly light-hearted touch. 7. “The Skinny,” directed by Patrik-Ian Polk (2011, $24.95). A sharply scripted comedy about a group of four young black gay men and their lesbian best friend. From the director of “Punks” and “Noah’s Arc.” 8. “Private Romeo,” directed by Alan Brown (2011, 98 min., $24.95). Set in a modern-day military school, this smash hit is a gay adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet.”
Women’s and trans DVDs 1. “Sexing the Transman XXX, Volume 2,” directed by Buck Angel ($20). This docu-porn sensation consists of interviews and graphic sex. 2. “Circumstance,” directed by Maryam Keshavarz (2011, 107 min., $24.95). Two teenage girls navigate the wild Iranian underground scene. 3. “The Lovers & Friends Show, Season 4,” directed by Charmain Johnson (2011, 167 min., $19.95). Six minority lesbians navigate their way through life’s challenges with attitude and a fabulous sense of style.