Outlaw: The Lives and Careers of John Rechy

by Charles Casillo

An insightful look at the dual life of controversial novelist John Rechy. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1555837344
• ISBN13: 9781555837341
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Advocate Books
• Length: 309 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A Spellbinding Read!

I read this book voraciosuly - a comprehensive, fascinating study which sheds a lot of light on one of the most mysterious most interesting characters in the history of American fiction!! I enjoyed this book so much I carry it with me and pull it out on the train to read it at whim! A GREAT READ!

Almost All You Want To Know........About John Rechy

A thoughtful, serious examination of the life and career(s) of the enigmatic John Rechy, written in a straightforward yet entertaining style by Charles Casillo. If you know who Rechy is already, this will give you "backstory" - if you don't know who Rechy is, this will give you a great introduction and overview of a major figure in gay literature (and Hollywood history).I have to disagree with previous commentator who thought Rechy and Casillo looked alike. But I do agree that both are "well-packaged", which doesn't hurt when imagining a husky-voiced Casillo reading his work aloud to you over your pillow.....Can't wait for the movie!

A Tantalizing Tale of Truth and Mystery

A highly compelling story, told by a refreshingly candid author. Mr Casillo's dramatic and insightful probe into the various persona created and projected by Rechy, results in a fascinating and complex kaleidoscope of character traits. Unravelling each layer and facade of the infamous writer and hustler, must surely have been a daunting task - but the reader is skillfully navigated through Rechy's checkered life by the empathetic and compassionate writer - who manages to maintain a balanced objectivity throughout the biography.I highly recommend this book which will appeal to a wide audience of readers.

I couldn't put OUTLAW down

"Outlaw" is an extremely well written biography. It focuses equally on Rechy's private life as a street hustler and his amazing career as a writer. The book also documents the changing atmosphere in homosexual culture from the 1950s to the present. Considering Rechy's life as a male prostitute In New York on Times Square and in Los Angeles, Casillo does not take a sensationalistic approach to reviewing his life. Instead he takes a serious, intelligent approach--studying Rechy's development from tortured childhood, to conflicted young man, to literary lion. It really is very fascinating reading. I recommend it.

An "Outlaw" worth reading

It's been a long time since I've read a life story so fascinating told in such a compelling way. Rechy's life is filled with drama, comedy and sex (which I love!) Casillo does a beautiful job and tells the story with such compassion and passion--I truly couldn't put this book down.