All-American: 45 American Men on Being Muslim

What image comes to mind when you think of American Muslim men? Do you think of attorneys, poets, gay men, transgendered men, scientists, actors, doctors, teachers, and writers? I was really surprised by the variety of American Muslims that appear in this book. I was hooked from the first sentence: "I was washing dishes in the kitchen when I stopped believing in God." Just like many occupations are represented, a variety of faith also appear. Some writers question the existence of God, some converted to Muslim, and some grew up Muslim. Appropriately titled, "All-American" will open readers eyes to American Muslims who have the variety of backgrounds, experiences, and faith that are seen in all Americans.

Eminent Outlaws: The Gay Writers Who Changed America by Christopher Bram

Bram does an excellent job of providing an introduction to the gay writers that have left their marks on poetry, novels, and theater over the last century. In addition to providing insight into gay writers, Bram also provides historical context to such as the trial of Howl and the AIDS epidemic. While there is a great deal of materials to cover, Bram brilliantly covers just as enough information to illuminate the life, times, and humor in gay American writing.