RaveChicago Review of BooksIn one of my favorite chapters of the book, Piepenburg seeks to confirm whether or not a riot of flying coffee cups and glazed pastries occurred at a Cooper Do-nuts in Los Angeles about ten years before the Stonewall uprising ... Though Piepenburg himself does not confirm the occurrence of this burning mystery, he highlights two big ideas. The first is that gay people have always resisted bigotry and homophobia, even in the face of extreme danger and brutality. The second is that much of the early resistance has been stifled and muted ... Dining Out is at once a thoroughly researched investigation of gay restaurants and their impact on the resistance movements of the past and present, as well as a dedication to the queer community that Piepenburg holds dear. His experience as a journalist is evident in the piece’s structure and voice, but so is his reverence for all those who have been othered in spaces where they should be welcomed ... Though the question of \'what makes a gay restaurant?\' remains fairly subjective, one thing is for sure: a gay restaurant is a place you want to be.
RaveChicago Review of BooksAt times, the romance feels a bit fast ... Henry...gives plenty of room for Alice to grow ... Complicated and emotional; sweet, sexy, and ultimately what you expect from the queen of contemporary romance: full of love. Henry would say that, at its core, so is this great, big, beautiful life we get to live.
RaveChicago Review of BooksA romp, plain and simple ... The oral interview format reads like a filmed documentary, with expertly timed interviewee contradictions and caveats infusing humor at every turn of the page ... Wild and incredibly entertaining, Lollapalooza provides a vivid recount of the genesis of one of music’s most prolific festivals. Moreover, Bienstock and Beaujour have created an instant classic for the nostalgic and contemporary alike.
Kate Young
PositiveChicago Review of BooksSimultaneously steamy, swoon-worthy, and sweet, Experienced is also very relatable in many ways ... While occasionally the pace does read a little slow and routine whilst Bette embarks on her online dating journey, the countdown format that moves the novel forward is very unique.
Sloane Crosley
RaveChicago Review of BooksCrosley expertly weaves her humor into the narrative, never shying away from finding the lighthearted in the macabre. Her storytelling abilities are mesmerizing as she balances themes of angst, love, and heartbreak, all whilst maintaining an introspective, intimate, and frank voice. While it’s true that Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley is a book about grief, it is also a book about ultimate perseverance.
