Home By: Samm-Art Williams

A simple piece about a man and his connection to his home, and all that that can and does mean. A three person play that has some wonderful imagery in its beautifully written lines. Almost like a lyrical poem, there is a lot of music in the dialogue and monologues which make this piece just that much more powerful.

To The End Of The Land By: David Grossman

I'm probably in the minority on this one, but I did not like it at all.  I didn't care for any of the characters, I didn't care for how the story was structured (I don't know if that is a fault of the original or the translator), I felt it was way too long.  It wasn't helped by bringing up plot points that were dropped and never discussed and/or resolved.  What made this especially disappointing was the fact that I read and LOVED Someone to Run With by the same author. 

 

A Girl's Guide to Chaos By: Cynthia Heimel

I'm sure that when this was first produced, it was hilarious and a little titillating and shocking--but reading now it seems a little dated.  I definitely enjoyed reading it and did chuckle out loud at several points.  My favorite line: "If she can't fry it or fuck it, she can't bothered."

Assassins By Stephen Sondheim & John Weidman

Of all of Sondheim's works, Assassins is my 2nd favorite (Sweeney is my top one-what does that say about me?!). The truly sad statement about this show is that the feelings/thoughts/hurts expressed by the characters in this show, as still relevant, if not more so than when the show was originally done 30+ years ago!

Falsettos By: William Finn and James Lapine

Reading the script/libretto for this inventive musical highlights Finn's poetry and his brilliance in character development.  The inclusion of In Trousers is a special treat-to see where it all began!  I do recommend reading this edition because Frank Rich's afterward is insightful, heartfelt and is a treat for fans of this show!
 

Men on Men 2 Edited By: George Stambolian

I'm sure that when I bought this 30+ years ago it was for prurient reasons.  Now that I have some age, life experience and what I hope is maturity and wisdom I can appreciate this collection of short stories for their literary merit.  An extremely diverse, well curated collection of stories by gay men about gay men.  Each story is unique in its perspective, it's angle of attack and its focus.  Some really great reads in this collection.

Making Priscilla: The Hilarious Story Behind The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert By: Al Clark

I'm going to assume that I read this 29 years ago when it came out, because it was in a bookcase covered with dust.  It was such fun to revisit the making of this iconic movie, which I will be re-watching this weekend!

Night Screams: 22 Stories of Terror Edited By: Ed Gorman & Martin H. Greenberg

A beautifully curated set of creepy tales to read late at night!!  Some are completely creepy, others let your imagination do a lot of the work, and still others have a great deal of heart.  There really is something for everyone in this collection.

 

The Catcher in the Rye By: J. D. Salinger

I first read this book when I was 18, and loved it.  I re-read it when I was in late 30s, and thought is okay.  Now that I'm in my 50s and I've re-read it again with a little more life experience, years, and maturity, I have to say, I'm not thrilled with this.  I know it's a classic and it's supposed to be this extraordinary story, and I'm sure it was when it first came out-but it has not held up well.  Unpopular opinion: Holden Caufield is just a lazy, immature, spoiled brat. 

the most dangerous thing By: Laura Lippman

This was so not what I expected!  In reading it I felt it was an interesting story of chiildhood friends growing older and apart.  This lulled me into a sort of complacency so that the ending of the story sucker punches you in the worst and best ways!  Tautly written and told from several point of views this thriller is as deceptive as it is simple.  

Aunt Dan and Lemon By: Wallace Shawn

I performed in a production of Aunt Dan and Lemon when I was in college.  I found the script in my office and decided to read it again...30+ years after I performed in it.  I can honestly say that I still haven't a clue what the play is about, YET, I absolutely love this piece.  There is a LOT to process and unpack in this monologue heavy piece which I love-it is incredibly thought provoking!  I still don't know how all comes together or the point of it, but it is a fascinating read none the less!

Our Town By: Thornton Wilder

Embarrassed to admit that I've never read this piece of Americana-I'm glad I finally got around to it.  Deceptively simple in its premise and staging this piece is rich in heart and depth.  A slice of life piece that is so effective in its languid simplicity. 

 

Tammy Does Boston By Judith Hughes & Michael Maylszko (Photographer)

My train seat mate picked this charming book up as a gift for her grand-niece, and showed it to me on the train trip home.  It's an adorably charming tour of Boston's landmarks from a dogs point of view. So cute!