TheSmokingCocktail.com Holiday Party

Hello Kittens,

Well, as many of you know, I'm in pre production now on a new lesbian feature, ELENA UNDONE, which has kept me out of trouble and off the blog!

I promise to have new posts, gossip and dish soon. Meanwhile, if you live in SoCal, I'd love to see you at my Holiday Party. It's my last bash before I dig into production!

Meredith Baxter comes out of the closet!

Actress Meredith Baxter, best known for her roles in Family Ties and Family, was recently on that fabulous SWEET Cruise with the rest of us, but no one really wanted to mention it because of the whole NOT OUTING anyone, which the Enquirer decided to cover anyway. The tabloid story urged Baxter to appear on the Today Show today and come out to Matt Lauer.

Watch the entire interview here:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Kiehl's SHOPPING Special for Charity - this Saturday in Santa Monica

Great Show Tonight in Long Beach!!

Sweet Cruise -> In Video and Photos

Considering the journey on the first ever Sweet Cruise was bookended with a hurricane and then a quarantine, this was still the best time ever! Since my writing style is generally snarky and sarcastic, it's hard to find the words to describe just how lovely this entire adventure was. Even with the hurricane and the flu epidemic, no one complained and everyone was in good spirits. There were so many lesbians from all over the world, and everyone was so friendly, you could literally just strike up a conversation with anyone anywhere.

The first day, the ladies all congregated in what I call "Tribes" - the groups that would travel together the rest of the journey. All day, every day, we could sit on beaches together, gamble in the casino, go "zip lining" (you guessed it, I passed on that one), dance in one of the dance halls, and meander around the decks.

In addition, there were panels every day on subjects like Women-Owned Businesses and our Equal Rights, with prestigious panelists from our community, along with meet and greets in all areas of business.

One of the main goals of this trip, however, was bringing lesbian volunteerism into the communities we visited. Since we are fighting for our lives with equal rights in the areas of marriage and Don't Ask, Don't Tell - the concept of bringing visibility to the masses was really embraced by co-founder Shannon Wentworth, who organized volunteer missions at each one of our stops.

Check out this video of the the volunteer excursions and I dare you not to cry!

Did you cry? I wept seeing this!


With all the incredible talent we had on board, I took the opportunity to have a staged celebrity reading of one of my lesbian feature films in development, The Road To Dinah. Here's a quick little clip starring Erin Foley and Nicol Paone (with Gloria Bigelow):

For all you people out there who came up to me offering to invest in the film, now would be the time to contact me!


And here we are all happy and carefree just a few hours before we hit Hurricane Ida full force:


That first night, most of the ship was violently ill as the captain steered our ship in insanely rocky waters as far away from Hurricane Ida as possible. Many others - like myself - managed to stay relatively fine, but still were up all night wondering how much worse it was going to get. Then, the few smart ones, downed a bunch of drugs, passed-out and managed to sleep through it.

I don't want to name names (Gloria Bigelow) but I have it on good authority that a few of the women were on the phone to their financial advisors around 3 am trying to cash-in their IRA's in order to rent a helicopter to come out and air-lift them off the boat.

As one of my friends put it, that first night was very much a scene from Titanic, only instead of the violins on deck playing Nearer My God To Thee, it was Lady Gaga blaring loudly through the speakers to the tune of Just Dance.

This Wednesday

This Wednesday, come by and see what's left of me after 7 days on the Sweet Caribbean Cruise with 1200 lesbians and a hurricane.

Also, this time, the first 15 people through the door with a canned food good will receive a free cocktail!

We're mixing and mingling this month with the world famous Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles and the West Hollywood Visibility Committee, who will be there collecting canned goods for our friends over at the Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing, Los Angeles.

Sweet Cruise Update

Hello kittens,

As many of you know, I am floating around the Caribbean seas on a ship many have referred to as a giant lesbian sorority at sea.

One stereotype of lesbians is that we love drama, so our Sweet Cruise directors did not disappoint on Day One as the itinerary involved driving through a hurricane. The boat started rocking as we left the calm waters of the Mississippi River into the Gulf and the boat started rocking (um, to say the least) at around 10 pm. At that point, all the lesbians who were bummed that they were on the 5th floor - also referred to as "steerage" or the "Leonardo DiCaprio" ward - got the last laugh as the folks in the forward penthouse suites got to experience the fun of being lifted - full body - out of their beds all night. While they were having Hoot n' Annies downstairs, the 10th and 11th floors - also known as the Artists' Wing because all the talent was stashed there - were up all night as things flew off shelves and doors were slammed open and shut.

In fact, my next door neighbors - lovely couple from Australian - heard so much "banging" in my room, they actually called the steward to open my door to make sure everything was okay. Of course, at 2 am, I was up on the very top of the boat with my tribe* hanging off the front of the boat. Because that's how we roll. Meanwhile, now the joke is that my room gets more action when I am not in it. The banging was just my safe door.

All night, about 1/3 of the passengers threw up all night. You could tell the LA lezzes because the next day they were kinda thrilled about this and called it the Hurricane Ida diet.

A few nights ago, we had a celebrity filled staged reading of one of my upcoming feature films, The Road to Dinah. This was a blast for me, and a chance for the women to see what goes on behind the scenes of making a lesbian film. The reading included Mariah Hanson, Erin Foley, Gloria Bigellow, Nicol Paone, Jamie Babbit and more.

Here's an excerpt:


And here's the "non private collection" photos from the last few days. All I can say about the "private collection" is that I am going to have to have a really, really strong ego if any of these bitches start posting those photos. Any time you indulge in anything fun or crazy, like ten thousand cameras come out and there are flashes like you are Lindsay Lohan coming out of a nightclub.

DAY TWO:

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Party time:

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

DAY THREE:

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

'80's Dance Party:

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Yesterday I ran around Roatan with 10 apha females. Managed to avoid eating iguana and passed on drinking "jungle juice".

More later, kittens, today I go shopping and the tribe is already ringing my phone off the hook wondering where the fuck I am.

*the term we use to describe the packs of lesbians that have naturally formed amongst the passengers.

The Lez Boat

My video tribute to The Love Boat shot on Day One of the Sweet Caribbean Cruise.

Rock The Boat (Don't rock the boat, baby)

It seems like everyone ignored the warnings, and 1200 lesbians boarded the NCL Spirit at the New Orleans port on Sunday afternoon. It was a rush job, considering they moved up our launch so they could float around the oncoming hurricane, which by noon was upgraded to a category 1.

Once everyone figured out how to check in and actually get on the boat, we all rushed over to the champagne reception where we caught up with Sweet president Shannon Wentworth and her team, who were hustling to get everyone on board.

Next was the lifeboat safety drill, then all the ladies headed up to the top of the boat to hang by the pool whilst we launched. There I ran into Shewired.com editor Tracy Gilchrist, Wolfe Video founder Kathy Wolfe, LA Gay and Lesbian Center Board members Tammy Billik and Jane Costello and award winning film maker Katherine Linton (Lesbian Sex & Sexuality). It's just so wonderful running into all the familiar faces from SoCal, along with all my friends from all over the country - all in one place!

The most popular dinner place the first night was - of course - the sushi restaurant! I witnessed my first (make that my first through tenth) sake bombs (dropping your shot of sake into your Sapporo), then everyone headed over to Henry's Pub where Nat and Meg from AfterEllen.com hosted the most outrageous evening of karaoke! My god, what's the deal with all these women that can sing! The place was absolutely packed, with women standing and dancing in the booths...with overflow going onto to the deck.

About this point, the boat was eeking out into the Gulf and that's where the rocking and rolling started. We all packed into the Stardust Ballroom and starting dancing up a storm. As the boat moved more and more, the women kept dropping like flies - rushing off to their cabins. All I can say is "god bless dramamine". It was a good thing I was dancing with the lesbian surf team from LA since you needed strong leg muscles to actually stay ON the dance floor and not get tossed back and forth.

We went outside to notice the pool water was swooshing up and over to the left, then up and over to the right until there was absolutely no water left in the pool We were brave and headed up to the very top and front of the boat. Lovely view and loads less rocky.

Then it was a long, long night of swaying. Everything flew around my cabin! Meanwhile, Ida was upgraded to a category 2 as we all fell asleep and hoped for the best!

Here's my first video vlog from my cabin:

The Lez Boat...soon will be making another run...the Lez Boat...promises something for everyone

IMPORTANT - EVERYONE GOING ON THE CRUISE, UPDATE: YOU HAVE TO BE ON THE BOAT BY 2 pm because if we don't leave by 4 PM, we will hit the hurricane.

And so begins my 8 day coverage of the inaugural journey of the SWEET travel line - The Sweet Caribbean Cruise, starring Hurricane Ida! I'm coming to you today from N'Orleans (I learned how to say it last night), where I am at a kinkos paying way too much for copies.*

I'm going to try to remember what happened last night at the kick off parties. Through the fog I do recall saying I was not going to drink too much, party too hard or stay out all night on the first night. Ooops.

We started off at the Sweet Kick Off party on the Mississippi, then went over to the only lesbian bar in town, called Rubyfruit Jungle where owner Mary told us NOT TO GO ON THE CRUISE WITH A HURRICANE COMING! Since lesbians are infamous for ignoring red flags, we just smiled and nodded.

The Jungle is rumoured to be haunted, so we were trying to talk to the spirits. Prior to us arriving, a tour bus had stopped by as part of a haunted tour. Mary told us this joint is frequented by ghosts and "those of the vampire lifestyle."

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

*I just learned the lesson of planning. Instead of printing and copying my script in Los Angeles, I just paid $50 to do it here. So much for fucking brunch today. Meanwhile, please come to my script reading of THE ROAD TO DINAH on the cruise on Day Four at 7 pm. Starring Mariah Hanson, Erin Foley, Nicol Paone and Dalilah Rajad.

48%

48% of voters in Maine wanted equal rights.

Meanwhile, these fuckers better hope they don't run into me in a dark alley any time soon.

Heads Up: Suzanne Westenhoefer, Erin Foley, Jason Stuart, Liz Feldman and Andre Kelly on Stage Wednesday Night

When this came in the mail the other day, I had to pass it on. People, this is going to be off the hook! Some of the biggest names in comedy (and gay comedy no less) are going to all be on stage in one night at the Improv this Wednesday.

If you haven't been to Gays R Us yet, it's the best night out. You cocktail in the bar prior to the show, then the show is fast-paced, hysterical and very interactive (and of course, completely gay) then you cocktail with the comics post show in the lounge. As I've said before, the laughter is better than lithium - I always walk out of this night high as a kite from laughing so much.

Here's the info and remember to print out this invite for a discount:

Hollywood Improv : Wed Nov 4th, 8pm
Another installment of the Gays R Us Comedy Show! Comics include: Erin Foley (mc), Liz Feldman, Andre Kelly, Jason Stuart, Page Hurwitz,
Mike Uryga, Erin Schauer with the fabulous Suzanne Westenhoefer headlining!!
8162 Melrose Avenue one block west of Crescent Hgts
RSVP suggested: (323) 651-2583
$14 cover at door, but only $10 with flyer (below)

The West Hollywood Supper Club

WeHo Supper Club and TheSmokingCocktail.com
Combine forces for the first time to bring you a

SUPER SMOKING HOT SUPPER CLUB

To kick off HALLOWEEN weekend!

Benefiting the LA Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Join us Wednesday, October 28th to Kick-Off Halloween Weekend as we rotate to…

O-Bar Restaurant and Lounge
8279 Santa Monica Blvd. in WeHo
Call Now for Reservations!! – 323.822.3300
*Be Sure to mention WeHo Supper Club to ensure a portion of your food/drinks benefit the charity.

Happy Hour from 6-8pm!!!

Dinner Service 6pm – 11pm

Valet Parking is available. Street parking is also available for first-come, first-served.

Walk or take a cab if you live close by!

Come for drinks or for a spa treatment even if you can't do dinner!

- This Week Benefitting LA Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce! www.laglcc.org

* About the LAGLCC - The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (LAGLCC) is an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and gay-allied businesses, professionals, and individuals, who have joined together to effect positive growth in ourselves, our work, our community and our future.



(This Menu is ONLY for WEHO Supper Club)

Three Courses $34
With Wine Pairing $54

CHOICE OF APPETIZER

· SOUP OF THE DAY
Made fresh daily

· WILD ARUGULA AND ROASTED BEETS
Candied Walnuts, Goat Cheese, Dried Cranberry-Walnut Vinaigrette
And Dried Cranberries

Pairing: Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé, Louis Bouillot, “Perle d’ Aurope,” France, NV

CHOICE OF ENTREE

· PAN ROASTED CHICKEN BREAST
Wild Mushroom / Marsala Pan Sauce and Crispy Shoe String Potatoes

Pairing: Mercury, Domaine Michel Juillot, Côte Chalonnaise, France, ‘05

· HONEY-DIJON GRILLED SHORT RIBS
Horseradish-Chive Potato Purée, Grilled Asparagus and Port Wine Demi Clacé

Pairing: Syrah, Strange, Napa ‘05

· PISTACHIO CRUSTED YELLOW TAIL
An O-Bar Favorite. Cooked to Perfection and Served with a Potato-Leek Purée, Tomato-Caper Relish and Chive Burre Blanc.

Pairing: Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Arona, New Zealand, ‘09

CHOICE OF DESSERT

· BROWNIE A LA MODE
Cream Cheese-Fudge Ice Cream, Fudge Sauce and Cocoa Candied Almonds

· CHOICE OF SORBET OR ICE CREAMS
Served with Homemade Biscotti

Pairing: Port, “Late Bottled Vintage,” Douro Valley, Portugal 2000

For questions or groups, call 310.271.0059 or visit www.chadhudsonevents.com

After party to follow - Garage at Here Lounge

TheSmokingCocktail.com Mixer is this evening

Hello Kittens,

As you probably know, this web site hosts a mixer once a month here in West Hollywood so that artists, activists and professionals in the lgbt community can mix, mingle, schmooze and dish.

This month, I am cohosting with several lovely LGBT non-profits so you can get a chance to meet their staff, board and volunteers and see if you'd like to get involved. From 7-9 pm we'll have appetizers and boths hosted by The Point Foundation, Glaad Tidings, Friends of Project Ten and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Wednesday, October 21

O Bar Restaurant

7982 Santa Monica Boulevard

West Hollywood, CA

7-11 pm.

Half price bar beverages until 8 pm and valet available.

As always, the mellow sounds of Chet Baker and Ella Fitzgerald accompany the evening.

The Mormons vs The Gays: New Doc on Prop 8

Check this out, and get more info at http://www.mormonproposition.com/

Jon Stewart on FOX's Coverage of the National Equality March

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Queer and Loathing in D.C.
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Ron Paul Interview

Video Highlights from Today's National Equality March on Washington, DC

It is estimated that 200,000 people gathered on the steps of the Capitol today in what the New York Times is calling the largest protest of it's kind in over decade.

The National Equality March was a grassroots effort to pull together a protest for LGBT rights. It seems to have worked.  Speakers included politicians, celebs and community organizers and the event was covered by all the big, national media today.  Those who spoke include Lady Gaga, Cleve Jones, Dustin Lance Black, Judy Shephard, Cynthia Nixon and more.  

This came the day after President Obama spoke at an HRC dinner in Washington, DC last night. Most of the comments from the podium today challenged the president to put words into action.

Here are video highlights Part One.  Look for Part Two tomorrow.

And here's some photos:

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Gay Video of the Week!

Of course, this week the Gayest Video on the web is hands down President Obama addressing the HRC dinner in Washington, DC on the eve of the National Equality March (today - National Coming Out Day!!!

We have two runners up!

Jon Stewart on the Daily Show about Don't Ask, Don't Tell and his message to Obama.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
The Gay After Tomorrow
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Ron Paul Interview

Rep Louise Gohmert from Texas compares homosexuality to bestiality and pedophilia. Rachel Maddow calls him out.

TOP TEN GAY STORIES OF THE WEEK

1) National March on Washington - October 11
Check it all out  in video and pictures here.

Then go to www.nationalequalitymarch.com

2) President Obama Speaks at HRC Dinner!!
Watch the video here that is dividing the lgbt community:

Obama Speaks at HRC Dinner.

He starts by stating, "I'm happy to be here tonight to open for Lady Gaga."  Obama then gives one of his usual inspirational and well-worded speeches in full support of the LGBT community.  Some say enough is enough and it's time for actions to speak louder than words.  Other say this is historical since no U.S. President has ever spoken out in office for our rights. Whatever your thoughts, people let's all remember to support each other, k?

3) It's National Gay History Month

And you must visit this site where every day they post video biographies of our gay brothers and sisters in history.  Including Cherry Jones, Alvin Alley, Rachel Maddow and more.  Brought to you by Equality Forum.  Click here and then bookmark it and share with your friends on Facebook!

4) House Passes Hate Crimes Bill
It's been 10 years in the making. Judy and Dennis Shepard have held the torch all these years, and if it passes the Senate, the president has vowed to sign it. Let's all remember Bush was against this.  Details can be read here.

4) Huffington Post Posts Worst Anti-Gay Marriage Commercials
You can watch and rate here.  It would be funny, if it weren't for the fact that some people believe this shit.

5) Gay Man to Run Walt Disney Studios
Gays running Hollywood?  My god, what will happen next? Jews in the business?

Read the LA Times Story on Rich Ross - the first gay studio head here.

6) October 11th is National Coming Out Day
The single most important thing you can do in our movement is coming out.  In a poll taken by GLAAD, the results showed the biggest reason people change their opinions on gay rights is because they know someone who is gay.  YOU MUST COME OUT TO AT LEAST ONE PERSON who does not know you're gay.  Okay?  Do what I do....just dial 411 a few times and come out to the operator.

7) October 12th is the Anniversary of the Slaying of Matthew Shepard
Shepard is the symbol of violence against homosexuals in this country.  Every month at least 5-7 LGBT people in this country are brutally/fatally attacked.  Other well known murders include Brandon Teena and Laurence King.  The Vanity Fair article in 1999 gave an in depth depiction of the Matthew Shepard slaying and can be revisited here.

8) Television Programming Depicts Positive Coming Out Stories
Thank god we've reached the day where questioning youth can see positive representations of homosexuals coming out on television (or on their little iphone devises)- this week: BBC's SKINS, Season Two and Fox's GLEE.  Also on television, gays on ABC's Modern Family and Brothers and Sisters and recent out lesbian Wanda Sykes premieres her HBO special on Oct. 10th.  As well as most of the contestants on Project Runway, and one out of every seven couples on those home redecorating/remodeling shows on HGTV.  You can catch most of these shows on HULU - so if your parents, friends, coworkers or spouse don't know you're gay, you can watch on the privacy of your laptop.  Do it immediately then proceed to step #6 on this list.


9) Another Lesbian TV Show Picked Up at Showtime

Carol Leifer - an openly lesbian comic/writer - has just sold a pitch to Showtime for a 1/2 hour, single camera comedy about a woman who divorces her husband, embraces her homosexuality then finds out she's pregnant with her ex's kid. While we're all still scratching our heads about the new Ilene Chaiken reality/lesbian program, we can all be happy about this one.  Hollywood Reporter article here.

10) Mormon Kisses Gay Man on National Television

During this week's Dancing with the Stars, there was a long, awkward fake-kiss between Donny Osmond and Bruno, the openly gay judge.

TIVO ALERT

CNN to broadcast Obama's speech at the HRC dinner in Washington, DC LIVE TONIGHT AT 8 PM EASTERN!

This is on the eve of the March on Washington, and National Coming Out Day. Monday also marks the anniversary of the slaying of Matthew Shepard.

Watch Video: Mormon Donny Osmond Kisses Gay Judge on Dancing with the Stars

On last night's network reality show Dancing with the Stars, contestant Donny Osmond - you know, a Mormon - you know that religion that raised a lot of money to make sure we didn't get lgbt rights in California - stunned everyone when he pounced on openly gay judge Bruno and did the wild thing.

When the host broke it up (finally) Osmond commented, "I don't think they're going to let me back in Utah."

Which was rather nice of him to say as I sensed that was a bit of a fuck-you to the Mormon Church's anti-gay policy.

Watch the clip here, from E!.

The 100 Most Banned (or challenged) Books in America

These are the books people don't want you to read.  I just posted this in case you want to plan your winter reading.

It's a list of the "Most challenged books" in the United States from 1990-2000, as compiled by The Library Association of America (ALA).

What does "challenged" mean?  While we allegedly don't have a formal censorship, the public library system lists these titles as the most "challenged", meaning groups of people have actively sought (sometimes successfully) to keep the general public from reading them, and have hit the library system as one of it's means.

Some of the listings are titles removed from community or school libraries, or removed from high school curriculums. 

I'm amused since 3 of my favorite books are on this list.   

In order to fight the attempt to ban books by individuals and organizations, The ALA has created BANNED BOOK WEEK (it just ended), celebrating the books that are banned every year. Their motto is "Read.  Speak.  Know."

Scary Stories (Series), by Alvin Schwartz

Daddy’s Roommate, by Michael Willhoite

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou

The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain

Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck

Forever, by Judy Blume

Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson

Heather Has Two Mommies, by Leslea Newman

The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger

The Giver, by Lois Lowry

My Brother Sam is Dead, by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

It’s Perfectly Normal, by Robie Harris

Alice (Series), by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Goosebumps (Series), by R.L. Stine

A Day No Pigs Would Die, by Robert Newton Peck

The Color Purple, by Alice Walker

Sex, by Madonna

Earth’s Children (Series), by Jean M. Auel

The Great Gilly Hopkins, by Katherine Paterson

In the Night Kitchen, by Maurice Sendak

The Witches, by Roald Dahl

A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle

The New Joy of Gay Sex, by Charles Silverstein

Go Ask Alice, by Anonymous

The Goats, by Brock Cole

The Stupids (Series), by Harry Allard

Anastasia Krupnik (Series), by Lois Lowry

Final Exit, by Derek Humphry

Blubber, by Judy Blume

Halloween ABC, by Eve Merriam

Julie of the Wolves, by Jean Craighead George

Kaffir Boy, by Mark Mathabane

The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison

What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Daughters, by Lynda Madaras

Fallen Angels, by Walter Dean Myers

The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood

The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton

The Pigman, by Paul Zindel

To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee

We All Fall Down, by Robert Cormier

Deenie, by Judy Blume

Flowers for Algernon, by Daniel Keyes

Annie on my Mind, by Nancy Garden

Beloved, by Toni Morrison

The Boy Who Lost His Face, by Louis Sachar

Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat, by Alvin Schwartz

Harry Potter (Series), by J.K. Rowling

Cujo, by Stephen King

James and the Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl

A Light in the Attic, by Shel Silverstein

Ordinary People, by Judith Guest

American Psycho, by Bret Easton Ellis

Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley

Sleeping Beauty Trilogy, by A.N. Roquelaure (Anne Rice)

Bumps in the Night, by Harry Allard

Asking About Sex and Growing Up, by Joanna Cole

What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Sons, by Lynda Madaras

The Anarchist Cookbook, by William Powell

Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume

Boys and Sex, by Wardell Pomeroy

Crazy Lady, by Jane Conly

Athletic Shorts, by Chris Crutcher

Killing Mr. Griffin, by Lois Duncan

Fade, by Robert Cormier

Guess What?, by Mem Fox

Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut

Lord of the Flies, by William Golding

Native Son by Richard Wright

Women on Top: How Real Life Has Changed Women’s Fantasies, by Nancy Friday

Curses, Hexes and Spells, by Daniel Cohen

On My Honor, by Marion Dane Bauer

The House of Spirits, by Isabel Allende

Jack, by A.M. Homes

Arizona Kid, by Ron Koertge

Family Secrets, by Norma Klein

Mommy Laid An Egg, by Babette Cole

Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo A. Anaya

Where Did I Come From?, by Peter Mayle

The Face on the Milk Carton, by Caroline Cooney

Carrie, by Stephen King

The Dead Zone, by Stephen King

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain

Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison

Always Running, by Luis Rodriguez

Private Parts, by Howard Stern

Where’s Waldo?, by Martin Hanford

Summer of My German Soldier, by Bette Greene

Tiger Eyes, by Judy Blume

Little Black Sambo, by Helen Bannerman

Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett

Running Loose, by Chris Crutcher

Sex Education, by Jenny Davis

Jumper, by Steven Gould

Christine, by Stephen King

The Drowning of Stephen Jones, by Bette Greene

That Was Then, This is Now, by S.E. Hinton

Girls and Sex, by Wardell Pomeroy

The Wish Giver, by Bill Brittain

Jump Ship to Freedom, by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier