XMAS GOODIES
Great reads, sexy calendars and a Golden Girls jigsaw – something for everyone!
HOME STRETCH
by Graham Norton British television personality Norton has written two previous novels (Holding and The Keeper) but this is his first book to put a gay man front and centre. Set in 1987, a small Irish town is preparing for a wedding but the day before the ceremony there is a fatal car accident involving the bride and groom and four friends. Three survive, three are killed. Connor, the driver of the car, is one of the survivors but living with the shame and guilt of what has occurred in such a small place is impossible. His exile leads him to Liverpool, London and New York, but there is another complication: Connor is also hiding the fact that he is gay.
TOM OF FINLAND: THE OFFICIAL LIFE AND WORK OF A GAY HERO
by F Valentine Hooven III Originally published over 20 years ago but out of print for many years, this revised, updated and expanded edition is very welcome as Tom Of Finland’s reputation and legend continues to grow. Many additions have been made to this illustrated biography, most notably that the new publisher had no qualms featuring some of Tom’s most X-rated images, while technological changes have meant his colour works can also be included. New anecdotes and personal photographs that have surfaced have been included and there are also two new chapters which have been added to cover what has happened since Tom’s death in 1991.
TRIXIE AND KATYA’S GUIDE TO MODERN WOMANHOOD
by Trixie Mattel and Katya The drag superstars share secrets of their feminine mystique in this satirical guide to beauty and homemaking. Here’s a few snippets of their inspired wisdom…
On curating your digital façade: “Don’t be a goddamn rude-ass piece-of-shit fuck-face bitch. Or in the Queen’s English: kindness is key.”
On self-care: “You know what I love? Me. That’s right dear reader, I am not ashamed to tell you that I am absolutely head over heels in love with myself.”
On hook-ups: “You are captain of each and every one of your sexual voyages… reserve the right to abandon ship at a moment’s notice.”
On interior design: “Your home should never be louder than you are.”
THE MEANING OF MARIAH
by Mariah Carey This unfiltered memoir brings us to the real “Mimi” behind her signature glamour and glitter. Mishaps, struggles, traumas and also dreams, joy and victory have all shaped the emancipation of Mimi as we witness today. This incredibly hard-to-write book, according to Mariah, will surely bring fans close to their favourite diva, making sure we all believe again in the miracle of life.
BREAK AN EGG: THE BROADWAY COOKBOOK
by Tara Theoharis Is Schnitzel With Noodles one of your favourite things? Then you’re going to love this collection of over 50 recipes inspired by the most popular Broadway musicals of the last 90 years. With fun illustrations and gorgeous food photography throughout, this is the perfect gift for Broadway fans and everyone who’s been missing musical theatre during the 2020 shutdown.
THE GOLDEN GIRLS 500 PIECE JIGSAW PUZZLE
Covid-19 lockdowns led to a surprising bonanza in the sale of jigsaw puzzles. One of the most popular puzzles during winter (it went through several reprints) was this affectionate tribute to a TV show that debuted way back in 1985 and ran for seven seasons. According to Michael Musto, the show has endured due to “a brilliantly ensemble cast of flawed but lovable people who forge a family... the show brimmed with wisecracks, warmth and appliquéd blouses.” If jigsaws are not your thing, how about a set of drink coasters with famous quotes from the show. Perhaps, like Blanche, you “can mix a margarita in a sailor’s mouth”! There’s also a cocktail book, playing cards, tarot cards and a set of magnets!
RED HOT ALL STARS CALENDAR 2021
The successful Red Hot 100 project is back with gorgeous Ken Bek featured in the first All Stars calendar, alongside social media sensations, exhibition stars and previous calendar cover boys. It also comes with an exclusive a full-frontal bonus page! There’s also a stunning floral themed Red Hot (Full Frontal) Calendar 2021! But note: due to late printing in the UK and the lack of air freight, it won’t arrive in Australia until mid-January.
WR CALENDAR 2021
It began in 2009 as Warwick Rowers with a naked calendar featuring male rowers from one university rowing club who aimed to challenge homophobia. Now they have a new name – Worldwide Roar – and a broader agenda to challenge hegemonic, heteronormative masculinity. For their fans, WR continue their naked tradition with athletes from different sports and countries around the world.
SALZGEBER CALENDARS 2021
Formerly known as Bruno Gmünder, Salzgeber release 13 different erotic calendars for 2021. Bel Ami remain the most popular. Freshmen features mostly solo portraits while Online Boys features several couples and one very tempting trio. Cockyboys have two calendars. For more rugged men look to Raging Stallion, though Men Of Hothouse is proving very popular this year due to Persian porn-star Arad Winwin on the cover..
MORE: The Bookshop Darlinghurst specialises in LGBTIQ books. Tel: (02) 9331 1103. Email: info@thebookshop.com.au.
Web: thebookshop.com.au.
Visit: 207 Oxford Street, Sydney.