I was intrigued by the description and would have really liked to like this book. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. Arnold’s parents were so overly accepting of his queerness that it seemed to me to be akin to grooming. One story contained such bizarre moments as ritually sprinkling his first come into the river at his parents’ encouragement (with an audience of members of the public!), and receiving an ivory comb from his family for his new pubescent pubic hair. I felt as if there was some hidden meaning or symbolism to the familial relationships which was perhaps going over my head.

I did love the dedication: “For James / Who adds the gladness to gay”

I enjoyed Lessons from Cruising. I’m going to go back and read it again because some stories were hard to get my head around, like, what was that I just read! The stories are a mixture of weird and heart wrenching. I especially enjoyed When toffee-apples turn to juice and Lessons from cruising. I found The loving room to be weird and creepy.

I haven't read the book yet, but I wanted to rate it what I think the book will be and when i'm finished i'll be able to see if my first impressions of the book were correct.

3⭐

I'm not sure how i feel right now, this seems like it might just be an okay read.