Lori Perkins's Blog, page 5

Just Pubbed - The Wizard of Pride

Just in time for Pride Month, the innovative book publisher, Riverdale Avenue Books, has just published The Wizard of Pride, an LGBTQ retelling of the Wizard of Oz from Lambda awarding-winning author, Ryan Field.

In the year 1939, discretion is a way of life for young men like Darius Krasner. However, when he gets caught making love to one of the young farm hands by the wicked Agnes McCain, and she threatens to expose him and take his dog, he’s forced to run away from the only family and home he’s ever known.

In his rush to leave, Darius stumbles across one of the most wonderful, handsome young men he’s ever met. Unfortunately, there isn’t much time to get to know him because there’s a storm approaching and Darius decides to run back home to make sure his family is safe.
By the time Darius reaches the farm, there’s a twister in the distance and he escapes to the house for shelter. On his way, a piece of flying debris hits him on the head and knocks him out. When he finally regains consciousness, he’s in the most unusual place called The Land of Pride. And according to The Good Fairy, Miss Glitz, his only way back home involves a pair of magical pink stilettos, a silvery gilded road, a place called The Rainbow City, and a man they call the Wonderful Wizard of Pride.

“As a publisher of erotic romance, we love publishing classic stories retold. I was surprised that no one I knew of had written a gay retelling of The Wizard of Oz, so I approached Ryan Field, a Lambda-Award winning gay author, and he creatively stepped up,” said Publisher Lori Perkins. “I think you’ll find The Wizard of Pride both plays homage, and is just naughty enough for today’s audience.”

It’s an LGBTQ+ fairytale filled with references to gay culture and LGBTQ+ Pride that’s long before Darius’s time, but he’s well aware there’s no shame or hate in The Land of Pride. In his quest to find The Wizard of Pride, he meets other people like himself, and one in particular who teaches him with whom he can fall in love and live happily ever after with a man, which is something he never thought possible.

Celebrate National Twilight Zone Day with The Binge Watcher's Guide to The Twilight Zone

As many fans binge watch their favorite episodes for National Twilight Zone Day, the innovative publisher, Riverdale Avenue Books has published the sixth book in its TV pop culture series, The Binge Watcher’s Guide to The Twilight Zone by Jacob Trusell.

There are a lot of compendiums on The Twilight Zone out there, most offering a backstage peek at the ins and outs of producing this seminal genre series. The Binge Watcher’s Guide to The Twilight Zone will offer you something these other books do not: a microscopic look into the themes and ideas that Rod Serling weaved into his landmark show to give you a deeper understanding of why The Twilight Zone still resonates with audiences over 60 years later.

This guide will examine how the socio-political turmoil of the early 1960s, the global anxiety over nuclear power, and the looming specter of trauma in post-war America influenced Serling to use The Twilight Zone as a bully pulpit, pushing back against social ills, from racism and censorship to McCarthyism and totalitarianism.

“What I want to illustrate with this guide is how Serling’s true genius was in masking social commentary on post-war America through horror and science fiction tropes, concocting parables that spoke to his present moment, while still managing to be inventive, scary, and thoroughly entertaining,” said Author Jacob Trussell.
“Now more than ever is the perfect time to reacquaint yourself with this groundbreaking series because, if the past year was any indication, we’ve already slipped back into The Twilight Zone."

Whether this is your first trip to the Zone or you’re an old fan returning for one more round, this retrospective is an opportunity to engage with the timeless classic in a way that can help you make sense of our here and now.

Jacob Trussell is a writer and actor based in New York City. His editorial work has been featured on the BBC, Rue Morgue magazine, Film School Rejects and One Perfect Shot. As an actor, he’s worked in New York and regional theatre, as well as appearing in short films and commercials. For updates on new work, scary movies, and pictures of his cat, follow Jacob on Twitter @JE_TRUSSELL.

Handmaid's Tale After Party with Binge Watcher's Guide Author Jamie Schmidt

Hosted by USA Today best-selling author, Jamie K. Schmidt and Riverdale Avenue Books

WHEN: April 28, 2021 at 10pm ET/7pm PT

WHERE: https://zoom.us/j/5252430839?pwd=dnNp...



As we all start to emerge from lockdown, it’s kind of fitting that the next season of the gut-wrenching feminist dystopian series The Handmaid’s Tale premiers on Wednesday, April 28th on Hulu.

I was riveted by the first three seasons, which I binged (and you can read the fabulous Binge Watcher’s Guide to The Handmaid’s Tale by Jamie Schmidt before watching to remember the threads of this dark and powerful story about what can happen when womens’ rights and agency are taken away). It grew darker and closer to home as each year of the Trump administration progressed and reproductive and gender rights were restricted in real life.

So I am personally eager to see how it feels to watch this show now that we have a much more progressive, gender-rights-friendly administration. I hope The Handmaid’s Tale returns firmly to the realm of fiction.

Riverdale Avenue Books is hosting an after-party to discuss the new episodes at 10:00 p.m. with Binge Watcher’s Guide author Jamie Schmidt which is just what I need!

The Binge Watcher’s Guide to The Handmaid’s Tale is a companion guide that takes you through the first three seasons of the Hulu series with each episode reviewed with a gut punch rating and trigger warnings.

"Block out three hours of time to watch the first three episodes,” said author, Jamie K. Schmidt. “Based on the past seasons, all of these episodes are going to end on a cliffhanger that’s going to make you yell at the screen, ‘Yes, I’m still watching. Play the next episode.’”

Celebrate Veronica Lodge's Birthday with the Binge Watcher's Guide to Riverdale

To mark the anniversary of Veronica Lodge’s first appearance in Archie Comics, Riverdale Avenue Books has published the fifth book in its binge watcher’s series, The Binge Watcher’s Guide to Riverdale.

Busted families, broken hearts, secrets and corruption are the lifeblood of The CW’s gothic horror series Riverdale. The show is based on the original Archie comics, but this sinister town is a far cry from the wholesome, anyplace USA depicted in 80 years of the teen adventures featuring Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica, and the rest of the gang. This Riverdale is an other-worldly, ominous place where enigmatic parents and cunning town leaders hide wicked secrets while teens struggle to survive.

The Riverdale gang face the definitive dilemma: good vs. evil. They fight ghouls, a cult leader, a serial killer, and each other—all while sporting inspiring outfits and photo-ready hair. Great music, the occasional Vixens cheer dance-off, and too-steamy-for-high-school sex scenes add an undeniable layer of watchability to the fan-favorite show.

“The characters of the Archie comics have been quietly transgressive and marching to the front of social issues for decades. Exploring Riverdale’s recrafted, darkly gothic, Archiverse gave me the opportunity to dig in to those issues and connect with the lively #riverdale fandom,” said Author Melissa Ford Lucken.

This Binge Watcher’s Guide to Riverdale will get you through the first four seasons. Keep the book beside you while you binge; the trivia, quotes and episode commentaries will inform and entertain. Want more? The literary analysis, connection to the comics and resources have you covered.

The next book in the series is The Binge Watcher’s Guide to The Twilight Zone, which is publishing on May 11th, National Twilight Zone Day.

Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility with 50% OFF RAB Trans Titles

Riverdale Avenue Books celebrates International Transgender Day of Visibility today to stand in solidarity with our trans and non-binary community and all their accomplishments. Rachel Crandall founded the International Transgender Day of Visibility in 2009 in order to recognize and celebrate Transgender and nonbinary folk still with us, creating a day of celebration rather than solemn mourning like Transgender Day of Remembrance.

In solidarity with our trans authors and readers, we are highlighting our books that focus on trans experience, stories and theory. With the code "TRANS2021" you can get many of our trans titles (see list down below) for 50% off.

If you don't know where to start, we have just published a new edition of Two Spirits, One Heart written by Marsha Aizumi and Aiden Aizumi, a beautiful mother/transman story of love and acceptance. When Two Spirits, One Heart was first published in 2012, it was the first book of its kind—mother, educator, and LGBT activist Marsha Aizumi shares her compelling story of parenting a young woman who came out as a lesbian, then transitioned to male. Two Spirits, One Heart chronicles Marsha's personal journey from fear, uncertainty, and sadness to eventual unconditional love, acceptance, and support of her child who struggled to reconcile his gender identity. Told with honesty and warmth, this book is a must-read for parents and loved ones of LGBTQ+individuals everywhere.

"Marsha Aizumi ... gives voice to the mix of emotions so many parents of LGBTQ kids live…love, fear, shame, pride, acceptance. But what makes Marsha special is that she lived her truth so publicly so that others might find community and peace... I think you have an amazing heart.” —Dr. Jill Biden

Accidentally Gay

Accidentally Gay: The True Love Story When a Wife Becomes a Husband
by Lucky and Wolsey Bradley




GenderQueer: Voices from Beyond the Sexual Binary

Edited by Riki Wilchins



Burn the Binary:

Selected Writings on the Politics of Trans, Genderqueer and Nonbinary

By Riki Wilchins

http://riverdaleavebooks.com/books/53...



TRANS/Gressive:

How Transgender Activists Took on Gay Rights,

Feminism, the Media and Congress

By Riki Wilchins

http://riverdaleavebooks.com/books/53...



Read My Lips: Sexual Subversion and the End of Gender

By Riki Wilchins

http://riverdaleavebooks.com/books/38...



Queer Theory, Gender Theory: An Instant Primer

By Riki Wilchins

http://riverdaleavebooks.com/books/41...



Hiding in Plain Sight

By Zane Thimmesch-Gill

http://riverdaleavebooks.com/books/52...



Finding Masculinity: Female to Male Transition in Adulthood

Edited by Alexander Walker and Emmett J.P. Lundberg http://riverdaleavebooks.com/books/51...



Outside the XY: Queer, Black and Brown Masculinity

Edited by Brooklyn Boihood

http://riverdaleavebooks.com/books/52...

RAB to Publish The Binge Watcher's Guide to Black Mirror to Mark 50th Birthday of Show's Creator

To mark the 50th birthday of Black Mirror creator, Charlie Brooker, on March 3rd, Riverdale Avenue Books has published the fourth book in its binge watcher’s series focusing on the British science fiction anthology Black Mirror, which is regarded by many as the modern iteration of The Twilight Zone. Charlie Brooker is often seen as the Rod Sterling of his generation, as he has written all 22 of the shows’ episodes so far. The acclaimed British sci-fi anthology series focusing on the dark side of technology premiered in 2011 and has won eight Emmy Awards.

Pop culture and tech writer Marc W. Polite focuses The Binge Watcher’s Guide to The Black Mirror on the parallels drawn between what is in the show, and how our modern society is not too far off from what is depicted in the anthology series. The reader will encounter a thoughtful recap and analysis of each episode from all five seasons, as well as the interactive Black Mirror movie-Bandersnatch. Embracing the meaning and the mayhem of this moment, The Binge Watcher's Guide to Black Mirror is a spirited, fan-centered companion of the show.

“Having the opportunity to write this book meant a lot to me, to delve into the various themes of my favorite currently running show,” explained author Polite. “As a big fan of science fiction, I gravitated towards the themes explored by this anthology around technology, inspired by the episodes that touch on more than one topic. I have watched each episode way more than 2 or 3 times. However, when compelled to take a more critical eye in rewatching the series to write about it, I had the chance to really dig in deep. There were some moments where it felt as though I were doing a course on film criticism. In spite of the serious-sounding nature of what I just said, I had a lot of fun writing this book and I hope fans will feel the same.”

The next book in the series is The Binge Watcher’s Guide to Riverdale which pubs on April 1st, the first appearance of Veronica Lodge (1942), followed by The Binge Watcher’s Guide to The Twilight Zone, which is publishing on May 11th, National Twilight Zone Day.

Just Pubbed 2nd Edition of This Amazing Trans Parent Memoir, 2 Spirits, One Heart

Two Spirits, One Heart: A Mother, Her Transgender Son and Their Journey To Love and Acceptance was first published in 2012 by Riverdale Avenue Books and it was the first book of its kind—mother, educator, and LGBTQ+ activist Marsha Aizumi shares her compelling story of parenting a young woman who came out as a lesbian, then transitioned to male. Since then, the story has resonated with the LGBTQ+ community and has allowed author, Marsha Aizumi, to share her and her son Aiden’s story throughout the world.
Two Spirits, One Heart chronicles Marsha's personal journey from fear, uncertainty, and sadness to eventual unconditional love, acceptance, and support of her child who struggled to reconcile his gender identity. Told with honesty and warmth, this book is a must-read for parents and loved ones of LGBTQ+ individuals everywhere.

Over the past decade, Marsha has traveled the world sharing her journey and joy of parenting her trans son to diverse places such as religious groups, colleges, LGBTQ+ and PFLAG organizations and 60 Minutes. The new edition has an epilogue from Marsha as she shares how the original publication of the book impacted her life by opening doors for both her and Aiden.
The book has received praise from the national organization of parents, families, and allies of LGBTQ+ individuals, PFLAG, as well as gay activist, George Takei, founders of the Matthew Shepard Foundation and many others.

“Updating the second edition of Two Spirits, One Heart has given us an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and what more we want to do to make the world a safer, more inclusive place for all,” said co-author Aiden Aizumi.

“It has also given us a chance to see more clearly how a loving and accepting parent can be a beacon of light and hope for their child's sense of belonging and success,” added author Marsha Aizumi.

I wrote this article about this awesome sex positive feminist icon for Ms. Magazine

https://msmagazine.com/2021/01/22/bet...

Crank Palace is the First New Work in the Maze Runner Series from James Dashner in Four Years

At the request of his fans, author James Dashner began working on the story of what happened to Newt, one of the initial Maze Runner characters who were not immune to the fictional virus, The Flare. However, once the world was plunged into a real-life viral pandemic of its own with the outbreak of COVID-19, Newt’s story really came to life as Crank Palace. Innovative Publisher Riverdale Avenue Books is excited to be publishing James Dashner’s first new work from his best-selling series this November 23rd, right before the Thanksgiving holiday.

Taking place during the latter events of The Death Cure, Crank Palace tells the story of Newt like never before, from inside his own mind, as he searches for meaning in a life gone horribly wrong. He will try to fulfill a new-found destiny before his path leads to its inevitable conclusion—and one last meeting with his best friend.

Leaving only a note, Newt departs the Berg before the Gladers return from their mission into Denver, Colorado. From there, he experiences the gritty nightmare of life on the streets, running from the infected and those hunting them, until he ends up in the Crank Palace, the last dumping ground of those without hope. Although Newt thought he was running away from his friends to save them from himself, along the way he meets a young mother named Keisha and her son, Dante, who end up saving Newt in a way he could never have imagined.

“A large chunk of Crank Palace was written after the latest coronavirus began its mad spread across continents, seemingly sparing no corner of the Earth, no matter how far. That was an odd experience;” Dashner explained. “It added depth, a level of personal, relatable fear that might’ve been missing in earlier books.”

The author has pledged to donate all proceeds from the publication of the book to various charities designed to help those affected by the pandemic and cultural upheaval of the past year.

Binge Watcher's Guide to The Handmaid's Tale Pubbed on Margaret Atwood's 81st Birthday

To commemorate the 81st birthday of Canadian author Margaret Atwood, Riverdale Avenue Books has published the third title in their new Binge Watcher’s Guide series, The Binge Watchers Guide to The Handmaid’s Tale by USA Today bestselling author, Jamie K. Schmitt.

In the late 1980's Margaret Atwood's award-winning novel The Handmaid's Tale showed us the dystopian society of Gilead. In 2017 Bruce Miller brought it to life on Hulu, and the parallels to the ultra religious patriarchal society to what is happening in the United States today is terrifyingly prophetical.

This Binge Watcher’s Guide is a companion guide that takes you through the first three seasons of the Hulu series with each episode reviewed with a gut punch rating and trigger warnings. If you like to read the end of the book first or watch horror movies between your fingers, this book is for you. It is also for people who want a "couch buddy" to share all the WTF feelings that the show brings out. At the end of each chapter is a short guide on how to process the emotions brought up during the episodes and provides hope for a future that does not mirror June and the rest of the Handmaids existence.

"The Handmaid's Tale has been a major part of my life ever since I read it when I was 16 years old. When Hulu brought it to television, I wanted a front row seat. This binge watcher's guide is the companion I wanted on the couch with me as I relived Gilead and cried, raged, and plotted,” explained author Schmidt.