Endangered Species: A Surly Bear in the Bible Belt

by Jeff Mann

Two-time Lambda Literary and four-time National Leather Association award-winning author Jeff Mann's newest collection of personal essays speaks out against homophobia and the outdated ideas of masculinity demanded by life in Appalachia and the American South. Mann's writings will arouse, amuse, and provoke. Whether remarking on treating a Narcissus to dinner in New Orleans, identifying as a redneck, mulling over the decision to purchase a hand gun because of the current political clime, or fantasizing with his husband over a pair of burly house painters lingering over stiff brushes, Mann's bold statements are gruff insights about what gay life is--and should be--below the Mason-Dixon Line.

354 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2019

About the author

Jeff Mann’s poetry, fiction, and essays have appeared in many publications, including Prairie Schooner, Shenandoah, Laurel Review and The Gay and Lesbian Review Worldwide. He has published three award-winning poetry chapbooks, Bliss, Mountain Fireflies, and Flint Shards from Sussex; two full-length books of poetry, Bones Washed with Wine and On the Tongue; a collection of personal essays, Edge: Travels of an Appalachian Leather Bear; a book of poetry and memoir, Loving Mountains, Loving Men; and a short fiction volume, A History of Barbed Wire, which won a Lambda Literary Award. He teaches creative writing at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Reviews

[Conner Edwards · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amidst the discussion of religion, upbringing, and culture of Appalachia, the author makes many mentions of “heritage, not hate” racist rhetoric that cannot and should not be ignored—despite his meager attempt at absolution by talking about his mixed-race extended family.