A Question of Manhood
(coming in September 2010)
November 1972. The Vietnam War is rumored to be drawing to a close. For sixteen-year-old Paul Landon, it can’t end soon enough, because then his older brother Chris, the family’s golden child, returns home from the army for good. But on his last night while home on Thanksgiving leave, Chris entrusts Paul with a secret: He’s gay. And when Chris is killed in action, a decorated hero, Paul is beset by grief and guilt, haunted by terrible knowledge he can’t share.
That summer, Paul is forced to work at his family’s pet supply store. Worse, he must train the summer help: JJ O’Neil, a gay boy headed for Cornell in the fall.
Though Paul initially dislikes JJ for being everything he’s not—self-confident, capable, ambitious—he finds himself learning from him. Not just about how to be a leader for anxious or aggressive dogs JJ so effortlessly calms and trains, but also how to stand up for himself, even when it means standing against his father, his friends, and his own fears. Through JJ, Paul begins to understand who his brother really was and to find a way toward becoming the man he wants to be.
Praise for Thinking Straight
Robin Reardon has done it again, and this time not only with sensitive story-telling, but with insightful and compelling theology and biblical interpretation as well. Thinking Straight needs to be read by every pastor, priest, and rabbi actively engaged in ministry today, as well as being required reading in every seminary in the country.
The Reverend Reid D. Farrell
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
Robin Reardon has taken on a hugely important subject in her new book, Thinking Straight. Reardon knows her Bible and uses it well. Full of drama, great dialog and well developed characters, Thinking Straight is a book I couldn’t put down.
Beckie Weinheimer
Author of Converting Kate
News & Events
Next New Book
THE EVOLUTION OF ETHAN POE (August 2011, Kensington)
Against his intentions, Ethan Poe, 16 and gay, lands in the center of a crisis in his rural New England town when long-time neighbors and residents enter a pitched and violent battle with each other over whether to allow Intelligent Design to be taught in public school science classes. Seeking elusive balance, Ethan finds his way through a maze of lost friends, new love, and the mysteries of tattoos and power animals, with help from quarters where he never expected to find it. And he gains something better than balance.
Ramble Redhead episode 290 from June 16, 2009: Fascinating and fun conversation with the illustrious Ramble Redhead himself! Check it out.
Friday, June 6, 2008: Had a great live interview with Larry Flick, OutQ in the Morning, on Sirius Satellite Radio.
