Rating: 
Summary: Great, But Could Have Been Better...
Review: Bawer sets himself out as a landmark cultural critic when he criticizes the left-wing branch of the gay rights movement and calls for a more mainline approach to politics, arguing that gays should seek acceptance assimilation into society instead of a margialized existence. However, at many points in the book it begins to sound more like conservative pundit whining and less like constructive criticism that can actually be utilized. Gay rights activists and politicians will consider this a valuable supplement, but not an end-all argumentative guide.
Bawer gives a refreshing recount of his experience of growing up and discovering that he is homosexual, and the details are rich and provide us with solid comfort. However, they are relative to the experience of an upper-middle-class white New Yorker in Manhattan. And many who are minorities in the suburbs (like me), will have difficulty relating to his worldview at first glance.
What makes Bawer's book valuable is the insight it gives into the gay conservative frame of reference and why groups like the Log Cabin Republicans form to combat the trends in the liberal-dominated gay rights movement.
Still, the book is a bit one-sided and polemic in nature. I'd recommend reading it, along with others from both liberal and moderate perspectives before forming any swift conclusions.
Rating: 
Summary: A good book that seems to address a lot of misconceptions
Review: I am heartened to have found a book that espouses a sensible social and political attitude towards homosexuality. I am also glad to see that there is at least one clear-headed gay author who has not embraced socialism, and its accompanying destruction of individual liberties.So often, loud and disorganized elements within any minority try to shift the focus of the debate into a matter of "civil rights". And, upon having done so, they perpetuate the loss of their own individual rights. Bawer's arguments for legislating the EQUAL right of gays to form marriage contracts are timely, and desperately needed. When individual rights are respected, there is no need for one group of people to fight for collective "rights". In fact, when a group fights for collective "rights", they nearly always fall into the trap of demanding the fruits of someone else's labor. The state currently recognizes the right of men and women to enter into marriage with one another. It should recognize the same contract between ANY TWO CONSENTING ADULTS, if it continues to recognize a contract between heterosexuals...
Rating: 
Summary: The Best Thing you Could Read
Review: I just finished reading this book over the course of the summer and found it to be an excellent book. The author gives an in depth look at the gay subculture, how homosexuality is perceived, how gays contribut to their image both negatively and positively. He gives examples from personal experienc, gay events, and also the opinions expressed by many political figures. Bawer pulls away the layers of taboo and discusses the complex issues of homosexuality in the most logical, rational, and commonsensical manner that one can. He is an articulate author and the reader will think twice about his/her opinions on such feelings, and more likely than not be agreeing with author. This book is a gem and is sitting on my bookshelf as I write. It is such a good book that I found it necessary to take notes on key ideas and concepts that the author brings up. Often I have felt or thought of things that Bawer writes about but I myself would not be able to articulate about. You won't regrett purchasing this book it's worth the price and more!
Rating: 
Summary: A BAD,BAD BOOK
Review: I read this book for a class that I was taking this past Fall. I found the book to be hard to read at times. It seemed to have too much detail at times, which caused this. However, it did offer some very good information for both homosexuals and heterosexuals. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a better insight of gay life.
Rating:
Summary: If only I had read this 10 years ago!
Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. This book identifies the people that are not subculture gays and there are alot out there. It is a good representation of the gay people all together and separate as in in other lifestyle.
Rating:
Summary: Are you kidding me!
Review: I was so offended with this book. I agree with Bruce in regards to the conservatives and how they shape our image. But to put blame on the activist and the more eccentric gay people is just ridiculous. I was both an activist and eccentric and let me tell you I fought for my rights every day of my life. I am proud of this struggle because I never compromised myself to fit in and appear normal....and I know my example has played a small part in changing this world for the better. Those so called mainstream and normal gays are enjoying life because of people like me. We fought the fight while they sat back and pasted judgment...how dare they. The reason the activist and eccentric gays appear to shape the gay image is because they are the brave souls! If you want the world to know that we all aren't that way then get your normal, mainstream ass out of the closet and do your part.....how can you expect the people to know that not every one gay is eccentric and an activist if you guys are always hiding behind closed doors in fear. In my opinion you normal wannabees are the real threat to gay freedom.
Rating:
Summary: If only I had read this 10 years ago!
Review: I wish every gay person I know, every family member, and every co-worker of mine would read this book. A Place at the Table has as its main theme the following idea: the gay stereotypes need not enslave you. So many straight people fear gays because of their limited perspective and interaction with gays and too many gays fear coming to terms with their own sexuality because of those same stereotypes (e.g., "I don't want to end up like THAT.") I feel like Bruce Bower is a caring friend or mentor who offers hope and encouragement for both straight and gay persons. To a straight person he explains powerfully that most gays want the same thing everyone else does: stable relationships, a family, and to be treated with dignity and respect. Most gays aren't out to "destroy the family." To gays, he offers an even stronger two-fold message: first, the best thing you can do is simply be yourself. (You don't have to like Bette Midler and opera just because you're gay.) Second and related to that idea, don't let others dictate who you are. He writes, "Too many gays come out of the closet just to be pushed into another." Like an expert surgeon, Bawer dissects the sociological reasons why there is so much "group think" among gays, but knits together a more powerful alternative vision in its place: gay individuals who are fully integrated into society (not living separated and segmented lives) who indeed have a place at the table...the feast of life. If you're just starting to read about gay issues, this is a GREAT place to start.
Rating:
Summary: A passionate, well-reasoned and moving book.
Review: Paul Monette's "Becoming a Man" is generally considered to be the classic account of growing up gay in America. I myself, however, found much more to identify with in Bruce Bawer's "A Place at the Table," a half-memoir, half-polemic that I think speaks for at least as many gay men as "Becoming a Man." Bawer, who is both openly gay and a conservative Christian, causes his coevals on both sides to swallow hard as he blasts the in-your-face outrageousness of gay radicals and the smug homophobia of right-wing fundamentalist pundits. Some have accused Bawer of sounding a little smug himself; nevertheless, it is impossible not to be moved at his insistence at being taken at face value, as a man both proudly, devoutly Christian and proudly, openly gay. Bawer is a distinguished poet and literary critic, and perhaps the best part of the book is his analysis of gay-themed novels and how they reflect on both gay and straight society. First published a decade ago, "A Place at the Table" remains a clarion call for sanity and understanding.
Rating:
Summary: Homosexual vs. Gay
Review: Some of the reviews have made this sound like a self-hating, Gay-bashing, everyone-back-in-the-closet rant like Kirk and Madsen's After the Ball. It's not. It's worse. First, a point of clarification. Bawer draws a distinction between gays, those who in his mind act steriotypically, and homosexuals like himself, Republican, Christian, conservatives that he claims (on no evidence whatsoever) outnumber gays. Given that distinction, this is an anti-gay, but not anti-homosexual, book. But in distancing himself from the steriotype of the gay man, he has fallen victim to another steriotype, the humorless puritan Christian, contemptious of everone. EVERYONE. Bawer spewes venom Right and Left, at Republicans, Christians, gays, and closeted homosexuals who have all failed to live up to his standards. Just a few brief comments on the Gay Pride Parade, it's fun, some self-parody and camp. Personally, I would prefer that the NAMBLA members (all three of them) not be there, but it seems hypocritical to exclude them while we complain about being excluded from other parades. Keep reading though. The final chapter of this should be read by everyone, gay or straight. It is an autobiographical essay on his self-discovery, coming out, and what he felt was a calculated insult from a heterosexual friend (and he is probably right about that). It is sensitive and moving, and that is why this book gets four stars. Also don't miss Stealing Jesus; how fundamentalism betrays Christianity. A much more mature work (5 years later) by the same author.
Rating:
Summary: For Young Men, Most Should Read This Book
Review: The reason it has been so difficult coming out for me (25yrs old) was because I couldn't relate to some of the blatantly feminine gay men that stuck out in our culture. I knew I wasn't one of them (not that I abhor them at all; actually I respect them for not being afraid of being who they are, if they are naturally feminine) and I felt this book provided a helping hand to show how I should conduct myself in today's generation. I've learned to take responsibility for my actions, not only from this book, but from my own upbringing.
I thank Bawer for reminding me to be responsible, but I also thank my family for raising me to be a good person; even when it is still hard for my family to believe there is nothing wrong with me. I dream of the day, my family will fully accept me for who I am. By reading this book, talking to others with similar situations, PFLAG parents and mentors have been my surrogate family for a while.
There is much appreciation for Bruce Bawer's "A Place at the Table," his inspiring words, and revealing truths. His book shows the world that we are more than stereotypes. The best way to show this is to attend everyday community functions and even (for some people) oft-dreaded Pride parades held each year. For all of us to come out of the woodwork, we can show others there is nothing wrong with diversity.
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