Dancing In The Streets

Tony Guadagnino

Tony Guadagnino is a marketing consultant. Located in New Jersey, his clients are based across the country, focusing on social media to build their presence on the internet. He studied creative writing in college and is currently working on his first novel on the subject of bullying. He lives with his partner Mark. This month, Tony talks about 4 books for your summer reading enjoyment.

That’s a quote from the classic song “Dancing In The Street” by Martha & the Vandellas. School is officially over for 2 months, and it’s time to relax, enjoy the summer weather, have some fun, and enjoy yourselves. When I said “Goodbye” to my students on June 24th, I wish them all the best, have a nice summer, and good luck next year. What a did not do, because they are too young, was give them a “Suggested Reading List.” So, therefore, I’m going to give it to you, my readers. Four books (three fiction; one non-fiction), all LGBT-themed, which I feel should be read.

The first selection is a book from the 1995 – THE PRESIDENT’S SON, by Krandall Kraus. Born in 1944, Krandall Kraus began his career as a teacher of Creative Writing but eventually took a job in the White House in 1976 (for Vice President Nelson Rockefeller). “DJ Marshall is the handsome and gay son of President Donald Marshall, who is beginning his reelection campaign. DJ is quietly cut off from his father by his advisors who will stop at nothing to prevent any scandal from threatening their power. But, what happens when Parker, the sexy Secret Service Agent who is assigned to watch DJ 24/7, takes a personal interest in the young man? It’s a riveting story and an easy read (especially if you’re on the beach).

The second book is THE P’TOWN MURDERS, by Canadian author, award-winning Jeffrey Round. Published in 2007, this mystery novel takes place in — where else — Provincetown. When circuit party boy Ross Pretty overdoses, his death is ruled accidental until secret agent Bradford Fairfax is on the case. He thinks he found Ross’ murderer until the murderer is murdered. Now, Bradley and his new “friend” Zach embark on finding the real killer.

NOTE: This book is the first in a 3-part series on Bradley Fairfax; the other two are DEATH IN KEY WEST and VANISHED IN VALLARTA. If you like the 1st, you’ll have 2 more to read.

My third selection THE GOOD NEIGHBOR by award-winning Jay Quinn. This 2006 novel is the perfect book if you like romance. This book is about a family – a husband, wife, and children – who move next to the home of a gay couple. As the husband finds himself attracted to one of the men, how does he deal with his newfound feelings? Will he be tempted to adventure into a gay affair, and if so, will the wife ever find out?

My last selection is the autobiography MAYOTTE: THE MUSINGS OF A NARCISSIST, by former gay porn actor Shawn Mayotte. Released in 2020, Shawn discusses his self-proclaimed title of a “Narcissist,” and his journey throughout his life. Nothing is off the table for discussion in this very raw and open book: his excruciating relationship with his parents (they were both messed up), living in the “system” during his teenage years, surviving as a porn actor, street hustler, then a paid escort for the rich and famous (and some names are dropped), drug addiction, watching friends die to AIDS, to today, a husband, father, author, and drug counselor for teenagers. Those who believe that being in the porn industry is all glamour and glitz (like many “adult movies” portray) should read this book for the complete and honest truth. Shawn does not hold back!

So there you go — 4 books to read for the summer. I hope you’ll check them out. And in case you’re wondering — all 4 books are in my library. They are great reads, fun reads, and fast reads. Enjoy!

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