Conversation and Cosmos
Release date: 2011 / 304 pages
Synopsis (from Booklist): The voices of mother and son alternate in the brief segments of this book, advancing a story arc and commenting on one another’s reflections and memories in a dialogue ‘written to both entertain and enlighten in the hope that other families will begin discussion in their own homes’ and discover how ‘enormously empowering living in the truth can be.’ Robert’s coming-out letter to his parents sets the scene as he and his mother strive to interact authentically, learning about each other and learning of previously undiscovered aspects of themselves. Both are scarred from having been ostracized, he for his homosexuality, she for becoming scandalous as an unwed, pregnant high-school student…
Review:
When TLC contacted me about Conversations and Cosmos, I loved the premise — a memoir written by a mother and son about their experiences after Robert, the son, divulges to his family that he is gay. I devoured Cosmos in a few hours and loved every page-turning minute. This memoir is truly a love letter — from mother to son and son to mother. And, more importantly, it’s laugh-out-loud funny, too.
I didn’t realize until I turned the last page that I had read one of Robert’s novels — Waxed – which was cute; however, his latest work is so much more and functions on many levels, too — a handbook for how parents should love their children (gay, straight or indifferent), a hero’s journey as both mother and son embrace who they are becoming, and a light-hearted escape into New York City, where Robert moves at 21 and where his mother visits often. Experiencing this city through the eyes of a young, hopeful wanderer, as well as with his “small town” mother, is so enjoyable.
Both Raves are able to bring to life the “characters” in their lives, too. They each have an easy, engaging voice that is a pleasure to read and feels like a friend chatting over, well, cosmos! I would recommend this memoir to anyone who needs a light-hearted, funny diversion about a significant topic — becoming who we are meant to be.
Interested in winning a copy? Drop me a comment and I’ll choose a winner soon!
Sounds interesting. Count me in.
Thanks.
This sounds so good, so hopeful for families. I would wish that libraries across the country would add this to their collections, particularly their teen collections. What a wonderful gift the authors have given us!
Please add me to this drawing.
As the mother of a gay son, I’d love to read this one.
Sounds great! Please count me in. Thank you!
Count me in! Thanks!
What an interesting book. Many thanks.
Pingback: Jane and Robert Rave, authors of Conversations and Cosmopolitans, on tour November 2011 | TLC Book Tours
I’m so glad this book was such a pleasure to read! Thanks for being on the tour.
This one sounds interesting! Please count me in. Thank you!
nfmgirl At gmail DOT com