Extensively researched and expertly narrated, The Journalist of Castro Street is an all-encompassing account of the life and career of America's first openly gay journalist Randy Shilts. Drawing from fresh interviews and already available material, Andrew E. Stoner brings Shilts's personality to life and dissects his journalistic career and activism. Among other things, Stoner discusses the scandals of Shilts life including the Patient Zero myth from his book And the Band Played On that Shilts knew was wrong to propagate but went along with it anyway to bring attention to his book. Although widely respected in the mainstream media as an openly gay journalist at a time when his mere existence - homosexuality - was criminal, Shilts seems to have been somewhat disregarded in the gay community for sensationalizing some topics such as bathhouse closures. Stoner brilliantly captures the complexities of Shilts character in the book, concluding with a remarkably candid quote from one of his confidants: "...his audience was really straight people, because he wanted them to understand what it was like to be gay in America."

This is a very academic take on very nuanced man. It is important that Randy be remembered and this is a good start.

An interesting look at Randy Shilts’ life and his writing. This book explored what it was like to be a gay journalist in the 80’s at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic.

** I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review of this book

I really wanted to like this book but never found the rhythm of author Andrew Stoner's voice. This was of particular interest to me, having been a fan and had read Shilts' 3 major works. This book is informative but it jumps around a bit not settling on either telling the story by topic or by chronological order. There's a little of both here.

Stoner interviewed many people for this book and focuses more on Shilts' writing process/progress and only tidbits about the man himself. I definitely would have liked to know more about the man behind the work. Stoner interviewed both of Shilts' most prominent life partners, including mostly work related quotes.

I'm not sure this book can really be appreciated by anyone that hasn't read or at least had some association with Randy Shilts' books. Stoner makes every effort to be balanced in his praise and criticism leaving me, at least, underwhelmed. In spite of any criticism of Shilts, he had a major impact on journalism, the evolution of gay rights, the public knowledge of the AIDS epidemic, and the slow but gradual progress made during the early years of acceptance of gays in the military.

Maybe Shilts was guilty of too much 'storytelling' in his reporting, but it was always engaging and full of passion. I only wish Stoner had expressed his own passion in telling this story.

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Randy Shilts never disappoints. This book was so good. It gives some insight into the unpredictable times in San Francisco during the time Harvey Milk was alive and living there. Anyone who yearns to know the struggle of gay men and lesbians during the early days of gay rights must read this book. I would definitely recommend it to friends.

The Journalist of Castro Street gives a good description of the life of openly gay reporter Randy Shilts.. Author Andrew E. Stoner does well in describing the successes Shilts achieved, and I thought he was fair in discussing Shilts' failures and shortcomings. Randy went all out, and he indisputably rubbed some people the wrong way. He upset apple carts and caused people to review things they thought were already settled.. One could wish that Randy Shilts was perfect, but he sure was good at what he did. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

In depth look at the writings of Randy Shilts and his life through an examination of these writings, reviews, thoughtful interviews with friends and family as well as publishers/editors, and critics. His determination to be a journalist before an activist is documented. Stoner places Shilts in his time and outlines his success and notes his foibles. The stories behind his writings and his writing style is fascinating. Well footnoted.

Thank you to Net Galley and publisher for this electonic version.

I always planned on reading Randy Shilts' works this year, so to get a chance to read this book was really serendipitous. And I was open to learn something from this work, regardless of how simple or in depth it was, because I know little about Shilts.

What I found was a comprehensive, unflinching, and compelling account of Shilts' life, both personal and professional. The author did very well at examining Shilts' biases, his flaws, his failings, and his addictions alongside his triumphs, his great successes, his strong ethics, and the areas where he was prescient and present as a journalist on important stories, both relating specifically to the gay community and being of more general national interest. One cannot read about the rise of HIV/AIDS without coming across Shilts' work, and while he was controversial both before and after his death, he cannot be erased from the narrative of queer history without losing a significant voice from that era. Stoner's biography is an important one, and very well worth reading. I'll be buying a copy when I have the chance, because I know it's a book I'll want to revisit.

I thought this was an amazing story of a journalist navagating new territory and blazing trails for those who follow. I was fascinated by how much I didn't know on the subject. Powerful.