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Invisible Life #2
Just As I Am
Product Details Hardcover Publisher: Doubleday [1994], New York (1994) ISBN-10: 0739402196 ISBN-13: 978-0739402191 Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 1.5 inches Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (83 customer reviews) Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #793,562 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Hardcover
First published February 1, 1994
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About the author
E. Lynn Harris
47 books743 followersE. Lynn Harris was born in Flint, Michigan and raised, along with three sisters, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he was the school's first black yearbook editor, the first black male Razorbacks cheerleader, and the president of his fraternity. He graduated with honors with a degree in journalism.
Harris sold computers for IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and AT&T for thirteen years while living in Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. He finally quit his sales job to write his first novel, Invisible Life, and, failing to find a publisher, he published it himself in 1991 and sold it mostly at black-owned bookstores, beauty salons, and book clubs before he was "discovered" by Anchor Books. Anchor published Invisible Life as a trade paperback in 1994, and thus his career as an author officially began.
Invisible Life was followed by Just As I Am (1994), And This Too Shall Pass (1996), If This World Were Mine (1997), Abide with Me (1999), Not A Day Goes By (2000), Any Way the Wind Blows (2001), A Love of My Own (2002), I Say A Little Prayer (2006), Just Too Good To Be True (2008), Basketball Jones(2009), and Mama Dearest(2009),all published by Doubleday, and In My Father's House(2010), published by St. Martin's Press. Ten of Harris's novels hit the New York Times bestseller list, and his books have also appeared on the bestseller lists of the Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times. In 2003, Harris published his first work of nonfiction, a memoir entitled What Becomes of the Brokenhearted, which was also a New York Times bestseller. Today, there are more than four million copies of his books in print.
Harris's writing also appeared in Essence, Washington Post Sunday Magazine, and Sports Illustrated, as well as in the award-winning anthology Brotherman: The Odyssey of Black Men in America, Go The Way Your Blood Beats. His novella, "Money Can't Buy Me Love" was published in Got To Be Real: Four Original Love Stories. Freedom in This Village, a collection of short stories edited by Harris, was released in the fall of 2004. His short fiction appeared in Gumbo: A Celebration of African American Writers (Harlem Moon), a 2002 collection he edited with writer Marita Golden.
Harris won numerous accolades and prizes for his work. Just As I Am was awarded the Novel of the Year Prize by the Blackboard African-American Bestsellers, Inc. If This World Were Mine was nominated for a NAACP Image Award and won the James Baldwin Award for Literary Excellence. Abide with Me was also nominated for a NAACP Image Award. His anthology Freedom in this Village won the Lambda Literary Award in 2005. In 1999, the University of Arkansas honored Harris with a Citation of Distinguished Alumni for outstanding professional achievement, and in October 2000 he was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. He was named to Ebony's "Most Intriguing Blacks" list, Out Magazine's "Out 100" list, New York Magazine's "Gay Power 101" list, and Savoy's "100 Leaders and Heroes in Black America" list. Other honors included the Sprague Todes Literary Award, the Harvey Milk Honorary Diploma, and The Silas Hunt Award for Outstanding Achievement from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Harris was a member of the Board of Directors of the Hurston/Wright Foundation and the Evidence Dance Company. He was the founder of the E. Lynn Harris Better Days Foundation, a nonprofit company that provides support to aspiring writers and artists.
E. Lynn Harris passed away in 2009.
http://us.macmillan.com/inmyfathersho...
Harris sold computers for IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and AT&T for thirteen years while living in Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. He finally quit his sales job to write his first novel, Invisible Life, and, failing to find a publisher, he published it himself in 1991 and sold it mostly at black-owned bookstores, beauty salons, and book clubs before he was "discovered" by Anchor Books. Anchor published Invisible Life as a trade paperback in 1994, and thus his career as an author officially began.
Invisible Life was followed by Just As I Am (1994), And This Too Shall Pass (1996), If This World Were Mine (1997), Abide with Me (1999), Not A Day Goes By (2000), Any Way the Wind Blows (2001), A Love of My Own (2002), I Say A Little Prayer (2006), Just Too Good To Be True (2008), Basketball Jones(2009), and Mama Dearest(2009),all published by Doubleday, and In My Father's House(2010), published by St. Martin's Press. Ten of Harris's novels hit the New York Times bestseller list, and his books have also appeared on the bestseller lists of the Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times. In 2003, Harris published his first work of nonfiction, a memoir entitled What Becomes of the Brokenhearted, which was also a New York Times bestseller. Today, there are more than four million copies of his books in print.
Harris's writing also appeared in Essence, Washington Post Sunday Magazine, and Sports Illustrated, as well as in the award-winning anthology Brotherman: The Odyssey of Black Men in America, Go The Way Your Blood Beats. His novella, "Money Can't Buy Me Love" was published in Got To Be Real: Four Original Love Stories. Freedom in This Village, a collection of short stories edited by Harris, was released in the fall of 2004. His short fiction appeared in Gumbo: A Celebration of African American Writers (Harlem Moon), a 2002 collection he edited with writer Marita Golden.
Harris won numerous accolades and prizes for his work. Just As I Am was awarded the Novel of the Year Prize by the Blackboard African-American Bestsellers, Inc. If This World Were Mine was nominated for a NAACP Image Award and won the James Baldwin Award for Literary Excellence. Abide with Me was also nominated for a NAACP Image Award. His anthology Freedom in this Village won the Lambda Literary Award in 2005. In 1999, the University of Arkansas honored Harris with a Citation of Distinguished Alumni for outstanding professional achievement, and in October 2000 he was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. He was named to Ebony's "Most Intriguing Blacks" list, Out Magazine's "Out 100" list, New York Magazine's "Gay Power 101" list, and Savoy's "100 Leaders and Heroes in Black America" list. Other honors included the Sprague Todes Literary Award, the Harvey Milk Honorary Diploma, and The Silas Hunt Award for Outstanding Achievement from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Harris was a member of the Board of Directors of the Hurston/Wright Foundation and the Evidence Dance Company. He was the founder of the E. Lynn Harris Better Days Foundation, a nonprofit company that provides support to aspiring writers and artists.
E. Lynn Harris passed away in 2009.
http://us.macmillan.com/inmyfathersho...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
August 20, 2015
Compelling, Uplifting & Inspirational! A Powerful Read! I Loved It!
June 27, 2015
I have read this book countless times but something made me read it again and I'm glad I did! The characters in this book represent many issues that Lesbians and Gay people have to deal with now... And this book is so old lol! I love the some of the catch phrases that are just now becoming popular like shade and tea are in this book... And I love that bisexuality is discussed here. My only issues are Nicole and Harris' creative way of describing Black people.
Nicole: as a character I felt like she was the most lacking. She has the emotional maturity of a teenage! She really got on my nerves in this book and I honestly wish I could understand her or at least relate to her in some kind of way.
Describing Black People: blueberry black, brown like the color of honey, red like cling peaches, etc. Etc. I was so over this by the end of the book lol.
Overall, it's still a great read! I think it will always be one of my favorites.
Nicole: as a character I felt like she was the most lacking. She has the emotional maturity of a teenage! She really got on my nerves in this book and I honestly wish I could understand her or at least relate to her in some kind of way.
Describing Black People: blueberry black, brown like the color of honey, red like cling peaches, etc. Etc. I was so over this by the end of the book lol.
Overall, it's still a great read! I think it will always be one of my favorites.
May 3, 2012
This was the book that made me want to read E. Lynn Harris' work. Most people will see this as a book about AIDS but it is so much more. It is about relationships simple, complicated, kind and true. If I should be ill an dfacing death as Kyle, I want a Raymond Tyler. Raymond has his faults but his loyalty and love are not on the list. I find Kyle to be a perfect tragic hero.
I will also say this book was groundbreaking for in subject matter. If this book is read correctly, with an open mind without being snide because of sexual orientation of characters, the reader will find reason to examine somethings in their own lives.
I did not give it five stars because some of the vernacular worked my nerves but the content was excellent.
I will also say this book was groundbreaking for in subject matter. If this book is read correctly, with an open mind without being snide because of sexual orientation of characters, the reader will find reason to examine somethings in their own lives.
I did not give it five stars because some of the vernacular worked my nerves but the content was excellent.
October 21, 2013
I read this long ago. This is one of the best African American M/M series ever!
At the time, it was pretty much the first.
At the time, it was pretty much the first.
March 17, 2016
E. Lynn's best work.
January 22, 2024
I listened to the audiobook.
It has been a long time since I read E. Lynn Harris, but I’m clearing out my “want to read” list so hello Old friend!
Listening to this book was like taking a time machine back to a time before people had cell phones and internet. There were so many mentions of listening to CDs, renting movies, checking a phone messenger service…I loved it! I really miss the 90s. (Side note: remember listening to audiobooks when they came in CDs and you’d have to change the discs out when one was done to hear the next part of the story?)
This book explored many themes, and it was interesting to see how we’ve evolved or stayed the same regarding ideas on family, marriage, race, homosexuality, AIDS, colorism, and relationships. At times it was very preachy and too long. E. Lynn was trying to get everything in this book!
Ultimately a satisfying revisit to someone’s work who I considered one of my favorite authors at one point.
It has been a long time since I read E. Lynn Harris, but I’m clearing out my “want to read” list so hello Old friend!
Listening to this book was like taking a time machine back to a time before people had cell phones and internet. There were so many mentions of listening to CDs, renting movies, checking a phone messenger service…I loved it! I really miss the 90s. (Side note: remember listening to audiobooks when they came in CDs and you’d have to change the discs out when one was done to hear the next part of the story?)
This book explored many themes, and it was interesting to see how we’ve evolved or stayed the same regarding ideas on family, marriage, race, homosexuality, AIDS, colorism, and relationships. At times it was very preachy and too long. E. Lynn was trying to get everything in this book!
Ultimately a satisfying revisit to someone’s work who I considered one of my favorite authors at one point.
June 29, 2015
WOW!!!!! Is the first word that comes to mind when describing this book. I read it in one sitting.
Raymond Tyler is a bisexual man who was once on the down low(in the closest). His girlfriend, Nicole is trying to deal with finding out that the love of her life is attracted to men. She is soon in another relationship with a white guy who one day makes a somewhat racist remark about a black man which ended that relationship.
Raymond and Nicole must both come together when their mutual friend Kyle finds out he is dying from AIDS.
This book had me very emotional. I felt so badly for Kyle who felt the need to work as a male escort, and ends up contracting AIDS. I love the friendship between Raymond, Kyle, and Nicole. They were there for him until the very end. I did feel like it was somewhat messed up that Jared and Nicole got together since Nicole is Raymond's ex and Jared is his good friend that he was formally attracted to. On the other hand Raymond can never have either one of them so I guess that makes it slightly better.
Raymond Tyler is a bisexual man who was once on the down low(in the closest). His girlfriend, Nicole is trying to deal with finding out that the love of her life is attracted to men. She is soon in another relationship with a white guy who one day makes a somewhat racist remark about a black man which ended that relationship.
Raymond and Nicole must both come together when their mutual friend Kyle finds out he is dying from AIDS.
This book had me very emotional. I felt so badly for Kyle who felt the need to work as a male escort, and ends up contracting AIDS. I love the friendship between Raymond, Kyle, and Nicole. They were there for him until the very end. I did feel like it was somewhat messed up that Jared and Nicole got together since Nicole is Raymond's ex and Jared is his good friend that he was formally attracted to. On the other hand Raymond can never have either one of them so I guess that makes it slightly better.
May 21, 2021
Not really here for Nicole's POV chapters. I wish E. Lynn would've just kept it just from Raymond's POV alone. Nicole really worked my nerves the entire novel, but I guess that's part of the magic of the novel! I think we're not supposed to like Nicole!. her limited views of gay men was annoying and caused me to roll my eyes more often than not. But it was so realistic to how many African American women and men are oblivious to the LGBT plight.
However, I love Raymond's growth as a character in this book. <3
Update: 5/13/2021
Reading for the 2nd time. Perhaps I’ll enjoy it more this time around. 🤔
Reduced from 4 to 3 stars
However, I love Raymond's growth as a character in this book. <3
Update: 5/13/2021
Reading for the 2nd time. Perhaps I’ll enjoy it more this time around. 🤔
Reduced from 4 to 3 stars
December 7, 2025
This was a strong read with characters who felt real and carried the story well. It could have been trimmed a bit but the journey around sexuality and the shadow of AIDS gave it real weight. Enjoyed coming back to these characters and will read the last, one of these days.
January 25, 2016
I read this book a long time ago and decided to reread it since I'm a lot older. It took me longer to finish Just As I Am the second time around given that there isn't much driving the story forward. I pretty much knew what was coming next. There was a lot foreshadowing in the story. However, l enjoyed how the author touches on bisexuality in the novel. His characters are so well drawn that the reader can't help but to empathize with them which keeps the reader turning the pages.
The story seems to take place in the late 80's or early 90's, and it is predominantly centered around a gay African American character by the name of Raymond Tyler who gets a disturbing phone call that his bestfriend is dying of AIDS. He packs his bags and immediately goes to New York City to take care of him. Meanwhile, he runs into an old fling, Basil, a famous football player who lives his life as a Down Low bisexual man. Between the two guys, old feelings gets rekindled and things gets messy.
The second story is about a struggling Broadway singer by the name of Nicole Springer. She is coping after learning the news that her ex-boyfriend ( Raymond) is gay. When Raymond comes back to New York City she flirts with the possibilities of them getting back together despite being engaged to a powerful man who can make her dreams come true.
Overall, I like E. Lynn Harris's writing because his characters aren't overly sexualized which I find common in LGBTQ stories. His prose is simple, but the storytelling is great. I would recommend this book if you are interested in learning about bisexuality attitudes.
If you like Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin...you will like this novel. 4 stars.
The story seems to take place in the late 80's or early 90's, and it is predominantly centered around a gay African American character by the name of Raymond Tyler who gets a disturbing phone call that his bestfriend is dying of AIDS. He packs his bags and immediately goes to New York City to take care of him. Meanwhile, he runs into an old fling, Basil, a famous football player who lives his life as a Down Low bisexual man. Between the two guys, old feelings gets rekindled and things gets messy.
The second story is about a struggling Broadway singer by the name of Nicole Springer. She is coping after learning the news that her ex-boyfriend ( Raymond) is gay. When Raymond comes back to New York City she flirts with the possibilities of them getting back together despite being engaged to a powerful man who can make her dreams come true.
Overall, I like E. Lynn Harris's writing because his characters aren't overly sexualized which I find common in LGBTQ stories. His prose is simple, but the storytelling is great. I would recommend this book if you are interested in learning about bisexuality attitudes.
If you like Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin...you will like this novel. 4 stars.
July 21, 2010
Liked this book alot more than my first E.Lynn Harris find..this book continued the last story with Raymond the confused bisexual main character and his love interests and this time the book tried to tell the other side of the story, the woman who found out her man liked other men and how she coped..As each chapter told another character's story and they all entertwined I found this a quick fun read just perfect for my train ride and for keeping me engaged..One of my favorite characters Kyle is around and sadly he wont be another book of the series but I also got introduced to Jared, a sensitive heterosexual man with all the great qualities of a gay man but strong enough for a woman..I didnt agree with him and Nicole getting together as Raymond and Jared are boys and that isnt as cool as the book makes it but overall I found this story believable, funny and enlightening..Finally the E. Lynn Harris I have been waiting to read..Recommended for anyone who loves to read of the plight of African American sexually and wants to confront and bash the stereotypes..
February 25, 2022
This book was long for no reason. I listened on audiobook. And I feel like it could have been four hours shorter. It was nice to catch up to the cast of characters and see how their lives were going since the last book. And has been quite the experience reading books from the 90s in the 2020s. It has made me reflect on how far, if far enough, we’ve come with the LGBTQ community having more equal rights and destigmatizing (?) diverse love and relationships.
Read
June 9, 2016Very Good Book
September 26, 2019
I fell in love with the characters Mr. Harris is my inspiration
February 3, 2019
This was a good read. It made me want to read more of his books.
January 13, 2024
This poignant sequel to Invisible Life delves further into the nuanced introspection of a protagonist grappling with his elusive identity formation. Where the first installment explored his struggle with ontological dissonance, Just As I Am tackles the profound journey of accepting his inherent imperfections - an endeavor rife with insight into the paradoxical nature of the human condition. Through lyrical prose and insightful character development, the author engages in an edifying examination of how acknowledging our fragilities can ironically be the liberating step toward authentic self-actualization. By confronting life's disjunctions "just as I am," readers are led to a more comprehensive understanding of their shared fallibility yet resilience of the human spirit.
March 10, 2025
Raymond Tyler Jr. is back! In this book, he’s splitting his time between Atlanta (work and play) and New York (personal). He is still struggling with his sexuality, as he has a few awakening moments. All while repairing a few broken relationships.
Nicole has moved on with her life, but still struggles with hurt and acceptance. With the help of a therapist and the love of good friends, she begins to shed the layers and get to the real Nicole. Kyle was very instrumental in her discovery and overall happiness.
Told from two POV, this book will tug at numerous emotions…mostly sadness. The author addresses many social issues that many of us were unaware of in the early 2000s, including homophobia, ostracism, racism, colorism, and sexism. It definitely hit different when you re-read it as a seasoned individual.
My favorite character is Kyle 😢 and the least favorite goes to Basil Henderson. Ironically, he was once my favorite character, but this re-read made me look at him a little different.
Nicole has moved on with her life, but still struggles with hurt and acceptance. With the help of a therapist and the love of good friends, she begins to shed the layers and get to the real Nicole. Kyle was very instrumental in her discovery and overall happiness.
Told from two POV, this book will tug at numerous emotions…mostly sadness. The author addresses many social issues that many of us were unaware of in the early 2000s, including homophobia, ostracism, racism, colorism, and sexism. It definitely hit different when you re-read it as a seasoned individual.
My favorite character is Kyle 😢 and the least favorite goes to Basil Henderson. Ironically, he was once my favorite character, but this re-read made me look at him a little different.
August 30, 2018
Dry, bland writing, and riddled with cliches even I could spot when I read this back when I was young and naive.
December 19, 2022
made me cry tbh
October 28, 2025
Living for this series. Can’t wait to see how it wraps up!
December 13, 2023
Soooo I finished this audiobook before my physical copy even came in. This is turning out to be on my favorite book series (if that’s what they’re called). I can appreciate what Harris did for the characters in this book; although I keep thinking, how long will last last, and waiting for the “inevitable” to happen, there was no gotcha just a beautiful love story all around. I look forward to reading the last of the three and seeing. Where our characters end up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2020
This was written in 1994. I read E. Lynn Harris's first novel, Invisible Life, back when I was in college, about 12 years ago. It was the first book that I read involving lgbt subject matter. It's been a while, and my memory of Invisible Life if vague, but Just As I Am seems to pick up where it left off - somewhat of a sequel. Although you don't have to read the first one to understand this one.
I don't know if it is that it was written in 1994, but the writing is very simple. It's very straightforward and basic. That's not altogether a bad thing when you think about for who the book is probably written. I felt like I was reading a made-for-tv BET movie or a soap opera. So, if you typically read very literary descriptive writing, this probably wouldn't be your cup of tea. From a literary perspective, it's not impressive. However, I don't think the writing is why people read E. Lynn Harris. The draw for Harris is more-so based in the plot and subject matter.
I understand that in 1994 a book about black, gay men or bisexual men was probably pretty explosive. So given the context in which I'm reading this now, at a time when there are more diverse ranges of sexuality in the media and books, Harris's writing just seems very...plain in nature. Harris is writing for a purpose, and I could garner some of it as I read. This book is about awareness and understanding. He is obviously looking to capture a Black audience and speak to them about a subject that some of them consider as taboo. He is speaking to Black church-going folks, as there are a lot of those innuendos present that they would pick up on in the writing. He is speaking to non-lgbt members of the community, who may need to be hand-held as you walk them slowly on a journey of what life is like for those in the LGBT community. For those of us who he's not speaking to, this is basically a soap opera–and viewed in those terms, it's not a bad one.
If you like drama-filled plots, you might like this, and although predictable at times Harris still manages to maintain a certain element of surprise. There are a lot of "tensions" that he explores. There is the being bi-sexual or gay in the black community, there is the subject of HIV/Aids in the black community, the relationship of the lgbt community as it pertains to the Black church, toxic masculinity as it relates to black male friendships and sports, black female friendships, familial relationships in terms of siblings, parents, even college greek fraternities. Harris packs in a lot more than what initially meets the eye. There is also the prevalence of the subject of seeking help in regards to mental health–another seemingly taboo subject in the Black community. I was surprised at all of these accurate observations that did not seem too fabricated but fit smoothly into the story.
The timing of when someone reads and where they are at that point and time in life has a huge affect on the impact of material. If I would've read this back when I was in college before I had read a lot of other LGBT material, I would probably like it a lot more. However, I'm a millenial in 2020, when it seems like every hit show and movie now has lgbt characters. I respect Harris's work, because no one was writing about these topics when he was. I wish he were still alive today, as I would like to know his perspective on lgbt roles and characters in today's world. I'm sure his writing has done a great deal to educate and influence awarenesses that we have today on lgbt issues. This is not just "steamy" gay fiction (although there is that too), Harris writes with purpose. That purpose is to inform and educate, and not just for the betterment of the LGBT community, but for everyone involved. The non-LGBT characters in his works experience a great deal of growth and development as well.
I don't know if it is that it was written in 1994, but the writing is very simple. It's very straightforward and basic. That's not altogether a bad thing when you think about for who the book is probably written. I felt like I was reading a made-for-tv BET movie or a soap opera. So, if you typically read very literary descriptive writing, this probably wouldn't be your cup of tea. From a literary perspective, it's not impressive. However, I don't think the writing is why people read E. Lynn Harris. The draw for Harris is more-so based in the plot and subject matter.
I understand that in 1994 a book about black, gay men or bisexual men was probably pretty explosive. So given the context in which I'm reading this now, at a time when there are more diverse ranges of sexuality in the media and books, Harris's writing just seems very...plain in nature. Harris is writing for a purpose, and I could garner some of it as I read. This book is about awareness and understanding. He is obviously looking to capture a Black audience and speak to them about a subject that some of them consider as taboo. He is speaking to Black church-going folks, as there are a lot of those innuendos present that they would pick up on in the writing. He is speaking to non-lgbt members of the community, who may need to be hand-held as you walk them slowly on a journey of what life is like for those in the LGBT community. For those of us who he's not speaking to, this is basically a soap opera–and viewed in those terms, it's not a bad one.
If you like drama-filled plots, you might like this, and although predictable at times Harris still manages to maintain a certain element of surprise. There are a lot of "tensions" that he explores. There is the being bi-sexual or gay in the black community, there is the subject of HIV/Aids in the black community, the relationship of the lgbt community as it pertains to the Black church, toxic masculinity as it relates to black male friendships and sports, black female friendships, familial relationships in terms of siblings, parents, even college greek fraternities. Harris packs in a lot more than what initially meets the eye. There is also the prevalence of the subject of seeking help in regards to mental health–another seemingly taboo subject in the Black community. I was surprised at all of these accurate observations that did not seem too fabricated but fit smoothly into the story.
The timing of when someone reads and where they are at that point and time in life has a huge affect on the impact of material. If I would've read this back when I was in college before I had read a lot of other LGBT material, I would probably like it a lot more. However, I'm a millenial in 2020, when it seems like every hit show and movie now has lgbt characters. I respect Harris's work, because no one was writing about these topics when he was. I wish he were still alive today, as I would like to know his perspective on lgbt roles and characters in today's world. I'm sure his writing has done a great deal to educate and influence awarenesses that we have today on lgbt issues. This is not just "steamy" gay fiction (although there is that too), Harris writes with purpose. That purpose is to inform and educate, and not just for the betterment of the LGBT community, but for everyone involved. The non-LGBT characters in his works experience a great deal of growth and development as well.
August 31, 2015
Could this series get any better? I loved that we get to see the development of Nicole's character. I was capitvated by Nicoles growth in the noble. I have to admit that I really wanted Raymond to fall for.Jared and vice versa. I loved the twist on the end. Another thing that I like is the discussion of needing therapy to improve ones own life. I am glad this was addressed. The saddest.part was.Kyle's part of the story which I will avoid telling you. Kyle kept Raymond on check with being true. To himself. Raymonds life was elaborated kn and the effects of bisexuality lifestyle. Raymond shows. How it is not as easy as some would make it seem. It was awesome to see Kyle get Raymond and told him to stay true. In the end we see that friendship can sometimes be stronger than family ties. I cannot wait to read the sequel.
February 5, 2016
This coming of age story of a closeted African American gay man raised in Birmingham, Alabama, living in New York and later Atlanta is perhaps the most uninspired prose I've had the displeasure of reading in a long long time. Predictable, shallow and poorly narrated, I stuck to it in hope of gaining greater insight into the underground gay scenes of the 80s and 90s in the mentioned cities and it failed me even in that. I feel it may have served a political purpose at the time in which it was published when discourse on homosexuality in the Afro American community was something of taboo but as a product of creative fiction it falls short. Flat and repetitive descriptions, commonplace dialogue and characters who didn't reach to the part of me that feels. Many conflict situations crept up which saved the book from being a total mess but they were underexploited at best.
September 18, 2020
I first read this book many years ago when E. Lynn Harris began to garner his cult-like following. I was young, probably too young, to fully encapsulate the boldness and bravery that it took for him to write such a story. In returning to this book after all these years, I stand firm in my belief that Harris was a brilliant storyteller and Just As I Am is one of his best works.
November 22, 2015
Good read, not a page turner, but heartfelt.
December 18, 2008
This book just felt so incredibly right. Currently, re-reading again. First story to make me cry.
October 30, 2018
Interesting stories about modern Black sexuality.
March 4, 2020
"There is nothing gay about this life."
March 22, 2025
I absolutely loved this. Each character is distinct and thoughtfully crafted, with clear intention behind their actions and development. I really appreciate how the author never diminishes the weight of their individual experiences. Instead, he portrays them as people navigating life in confusion—not just about their sexuality, but also about their identities as a whole.
Raymond, in particular, is a character I connected deeply with. He is someone overflowing with love yet burdened by profound shame in accepting who he is. His internal struggle was moving and heartbreakingly real. I needed a deeper exploration of him and Trent. But I am glad he is with someone who loves him only, is honest and sweet. Kyle’s death truly saddened me. He was one of the few characters who appeared confident in himself, even when the world refused to embrace him. While it was touching to see how the love of his friends and family sustained him, I longed to see him with a partner who could fully love and celebrate him, unapologetically, for the vibrant person he was.
Contrary to popular opinion, I believe Nicole was written perfectly. She grew up in a closed-minded environment, which shaped her into someone who lacks empathy for things she doesn’t understand and often wields religion as a shield for her biases. She represents a large segment of society driven by ignorance, which often manifests as hate. She is intentionally written to be both unlikable and, paradoxically, loved. Her character development across both books has been painfully slow, and at times, it feels like her emotions take precedence over those around her. She is undeniably racist and homophobic, yet I still find myself empathizing with her background—growing up as a dark-skinned girl with a mother who withheld unconditional love is a deeply humanizing detail.
While I never expected Jared to end up with Raymond, I also wasn’t fully convinced by his relationship with Nicole. In many ways, Jared and Nicole mirror each other, but the key difference is that Jared leads with love and understanding. Nicole, however, still has much personal growth ahead of her, growth that I believe needs to happen outside of her desire for male validation. Not that she is not worthy of being loved as she is. Jared, in my view, deserves someone more emotionally grounded.
Overall, I cannot wait to dive into the third book. The storytelling is exceptional, layered, and emotionally resonant.
Raymond, in particular, is a character I connected deeply with. He is someone overflowing with love yet burdened by profound shame in accepting who he is. His internal struggle was moving and heartbreakingly real. I needed a deeper exploration of him and Trent. But I am glad he is with someone who loves him only, is honest and sweet. Kyle’s death truly saddened me. He was one of the few characters who appeared confident in himself, even when the world refused to embrace him. While it was touching to see how the love of his friends and family sustained him, I longed to see him with a partner who could fully love and celebrate him, unapologetically, for the vibrant person he was.
Contrary to popular opinion, I believe Nicole was written perfectly. She grew up in a closed-minded environment, which shaped her into someone who lacks empathy for things she doesn’t understand and often wields religion as a shield for her biases. She represents a large segment of society driven by ignorance, which often manifests as hate. She is intentionally written to be both unlikable and, paradoxically, loved. Her character development across both books has been painfully slow, and at times, it feels like her emotions take precedence over those around her. She is undeniably racist and homophobic, yet I still find myself empathizing with her background—growing up as a dark-skinned girl with a mother who withheld unconditional love is a deeply humanizing detail.
While I never expected Jared to end up with Raymond, I also wasn’t fully convinced by his relationship with Nicole. In many ways, Jared and Nicole mirror each other, but the key difference is that Jared leads with love and understanding. Nicole, however, still has much personal growth ahead of her, growth that I believe needs to happen outside of her desire for male validation. Not that she is not worthy of being loved as she is. Jared, in my view, deserves someone more emotionally grounded.
Overall, I cannot wait to dive into the third book. The storytelling is exceptional, layered, and emotionally resonant.
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