In the Flesh: Undressing for Success

Rating:
Summary: Bombastic self aggrandizement
Review: A bit part player in gay porn who says he has slept with everyone in Hollywood and trys to make his story sound grand and mystic. He is no more than a misguided glitter boy who can't find his way in life and can't grow up. He would lead you to believe that he has all of the answers and more talent than the legends. Poor writing and a story that I couldn't finish.

Rating:
Summary: A well written account of an interesting life in progress.
Review: Gavin Dillard is best known for his poetry, nicely drawn, evocative, and sometimes haunting. In his autobiography, of life so far, he brings many of these same qualities to his prose, together with an engaging wit. He takes his reader from his brief but successful career as a gay porn star, to a lucrative career as an escort, which led to an exciting long-term-relationship, and on to his search for self in poetry and Asian religion. The LTR finally became an obstacle to the publication of this book because the mogul believed he was too readily identifiable and brought in legal bottom-feeders to keep a major press from releasing it. But, it's here! The journies to self-hood through Asian religion will be appealing and accessible to any reader who has made that trek, or even contemplated it, but it is likely that other readers will find it more difficult to get into than the rest of the book. Still, it would be worth the effort. Dillard is still evocative and articulate as he continues his inner quest, and the wit never quite dies on it, a rare achievement.

Rating:
Summary: Bombastic self aggrandizement
Review: Rarely have I witnessed such openness by a writer. This book is a high-water mark for the human spirit and testimony to the fact that its radiance will shine if left unfiltered.

Whatta breath of fresh air this was for my closeted spirit yearning to be as free!

Some questions: I was perplexed by the turnaround on Tom in the last paragraph of his chapter. Tom and his truths seemed like a great touchstone for the author. What are the markings on Gavin's last picture? Are they the wax burnings from his trysts with Race?

What erotic, delicious portrayals of sexual attractions and fulfillment. This guy can write and illuminate.

One of the most liberating, good-feeling books I've read. My human experience has been broadened--only if vicarioiusly. I am emboldened to live my life more "in the flesh".

Such a life is a boon to us all and surely has moved far along on the path to fulfillment.

Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary.
Review: Rarely have I witnessed such openness by a writer. This book is a high-water mark for the human spirit and testimony to the fact that its radiance will shine if left unfiltered.

Whatta breath of fresh air this was for my closeted spirit yearning to be as free!

Some questions: I was perplexed by the turnaround on Tom in the last paragraph of his chapter. Tom and his truths seemed like a great touchstone for the author. What are the markings on Gavin's last picture? Are they the wax burnings from his trysts with Race?

What erotic, delicious portrayals of sexual attractions and fulfillment. This guy can write and illuminate.

One of the most liberating, good-feeling books I've read. My human experience has been broadened--only if vicarioiusly. I am emboldened to live my life more "in the flesh".

Such a life is a boon to us all and surely has moved far along on the path to fulfillment.