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Previous Rich publications include Great Resumés, The Unofficial Guide to Start A Business Online, Job Hunting for the Utterly Confused, Pathways to Adventure (a children's book series) and The Everything Guide To Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Greater Orlando. There was nothing left for Rich to do than to write a guide book for young gay or bisexual men. Jason Rich's Growing Up Gay In America is a useful "how-to" guide for young gay, bisexual or "questioning" teens. It "provides answers to common questions and offers positive, practical and accurate advice on a wide range of topics and issues currently facing gay, questioning and bisexual teen males in America." Though Rich himself is 34, his experience with teens gives him the ability to communicate with them in ways that they can understand and appreciate. He is also quick to reassure his readers, realizing that the teen years are hard times for sexual nonconformists: "If you learn nothing else from this book, you need to know that whatever you're going through, you're not alone! Even if you're afraid to discuss your sexuality openly at this point in your life, you can still communicate with others anonymously on the phone, online or through the mail. "No matter how confused or scared you may be about the feelings, thoughts and urges you have, the trick to feeling better about yourself and building up your confidence is to communicate with others who understand your situation and who will support you."
Among the topics covered in Growing Up Gay In America are Sexual Orientation, Coming Out of the Closet, Coming Out to Your Parents, The Gay Social Scene, Relationships, Sex, Religion and "Gay Life In Cyberspace". Rich knows that today's young generation spends much of its time online; hence each chapter includes a list of relevant Web sites. But there is more to Growing Up Gay In America than Jason Rich. Each chapter ends with "Shout Out America pages filled with quotes from teens (ages 15 to 25). . . . These people have managed to come to terms with their sexuality and in many cases have overcome the challenges involved in coming out to friends and family. The advice and insight these people share is extremely valuable. . . ." Growing Up Gay In America also features black and white photographs, by Mark Lynch of Latent Images Photography, of comely youths in various stages of undress. (Mmm, this might attract older readers.) Also on hand to make a point are a selection of Michael Derry's "Troy", syndicated comic strips, and even a few "Gay-Oriented Movie Suggestions". Growing Up Gay In America is available through Amazon.com, BN.com and both gay and mainstream bookstores nationwide. On the other hand, "for those who are uncomfortable buying a gay-oriented book or who are worried about getting caught reading one", GUGIA is available in several eBook formats from Dimension Publishing (at $9.95). Growing Up Gay In America can be downloaded from Amazon.com, BN.com, Palm.com and other eBook retailers and read on a computer screen, Palm PDA or eBook reader "in total privacy." This book is nothing if not cutting-edge. Jesse Monteagudo is a book lover and writer who lives in South Florida with his domestic partner. He can be reached at jessemonteagudo@aol.com. |
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Jason R. Rich is the president of Teen Talk Communications and Teen Talk Management, Inc.
He is also one of the leading experts on video games, computer games and interactive entertainment. A
newspaper and magazine columnist, Rich is also the author of more than 25
books on a variety of topics.
Jason R. Rich © 1997-2002 BEI
The sexual orientation of individuals pictured in and writers for
Gay Today should not be assumed.