Reviews - Gay Bar: Why We Went Out

Gay Bar: Why We Went Out by Jeremy Atherton Lin

587 reviews for:

Lin is a really great writer, and I am honestly kind of conflicted about this book. I think he tells a story compellingly and his narrative is interesting, but I am not sure I understand what my takeaway should be. The story seems to be a mix of history and personal memoir, but I am not sure commits to either fully.

I think Lin has an interesting story to tell and a personal narrative of his relationship to gay bars is very interesting, but I feel the book just tries at times to be sometimes it’s not. I found myself wanting him to discuss issues like race more in these queer spaces if it is a history, but since it’s personal memoir he just does not.

The book is quite good though, and worth a read for people to develop a deeper bond with the gay bar.

jericho27's review

emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

mkstevenson's review against another edition

4.5

informative reflective medium-paced

jpete4985's review against another edition

4.0

Enjoyable but it feels a little pretentious and proud of itself at times, not in a good way. Still if you can power through those moments it’s enjoyable and has some nice historical references. I wish the author had focused a bit more his personal relationships that are only eluded to or brushed over. It left me wanting more of his life story and less generic history. I still recommend its worth reading.

yaheyhannah's review against another edition

4.0

Wonderful way of describing the experiences of spaces across generations, across different desires and intentions and how they evolve or stay the same