Snap Magazine

"Funny" by Steven G. Fullwood

FUNNY
by STEVEN G. FULLWOOD
ISBN: 0-9752987-0-4
Release date: June 15, 2004
Price: $13.95

Former Africana.com columnist Steven G. Fullwood isn’t afraid to let it all hang out—literally. Loosely described as “part memoir, part satire, and completely self-revelatory,” FUNNY makes its mark in poignant, twisted ways. Fullwood is your best friend and guru, and that crazy guy who lives down the street, his pants around his ankles. Here is a writer who calls a dick a dick, and has no problem with holding a conversation with his own appendage. In 31 essays he parcels out the playful, perceptive persona he’s pimped for the last few years, most recently at his website www.stevengfullwood.org. In the end, Fullwood wants you to laugh at yourself. Homos, heteros, and God (with whom he chats up over
lunch) -- nothing escapes his wicked eye. But have no fear; this is a rant infused with love. This collection of essays reveals his obsessions: sex, religion, getting older, dating and homophobia. Neatly divided into three parts: “Us,” “Them,” and “Me,” Fullwood demonstrates a mastery for understatement about homo life, remarking that it has “all the wonder of a doorknob.” Original.

Read what the critics are saying about FUNNY:

“Oh, I know he thinks he's funny, but Steven would prefer to be smart. I think it has a lot to do with trying to live up to the pressures of being light-skinned and being a part of the Talented Tenth and being an Alpha and being bohemian. That's why he didn't include a glossary to unlock the mystery that is Fullwoodspeak. Words and phrases like "nut jobs," "flamer," "poof," "poofster," "bumping uglies," and "scrub", pepper his writing. Oh and he also uses the words "pepper," and "personality lobotomies." It's a funny that fills my private place, my funny boner. Oh lord, what's happening to me!”

Marvin K. White, author of Last Rights and the forthcoming Nothin Ugly Fly

“Never in the history of the world has so much of our truth been told in one single book—and it’s a hilarious one!”

An Important Book Critic at Important Newspaper Probably Smoking a Pipe

“I was riveted! I was bolted down! My ass was nailed to the chair until I finished this book!”

Man in subway bathroom

I thought the whole thing was a mistake. A terrible, terrible mistake!

Not-president George W. Bush

Email: steven@stevengfullwood.org for availability and upcoming readings or visit www.stevengfullwood.org for updates on his "Your-Mama-Thought-It-Was FUNNY" Tour, 2004-2005!

"I'm On My Way" by Christopher David

by L.M. Ross
In this day of hit-and-run homo-thugs and hardcore keep-it-real-ism, debut author Christopher David has crafted a stunningly original, thoroughly fresh and captivating story that skillfully depicts the Black gay male’s search for love. Here, we’re talkin’ ‘bout a Real Love, full of wonder, grit and spirit, that kind that doesn’t shift in any foul wind, but stays doggedly with us. You can almost hear Mary J. Blige singin’ between the lines of this novel’s stirring syntax.

“I’m On My Way” celebrates the lives, loves and loneliness’ of a group of gay Black men. The main protagonist Jared, is a young idealistic Brooklynite whose had his heart stomped, his intentions devalued, yet continues determinedly in his romantic quest. Jared is everyone’s “best friend”; this includes the fiercely magnetic Kevin, his LL Cool J-wannabe homeboy Sean, and the sharp-tongued Diogenes, a magazine entrepreneur. All share tight friendship, yet each, whether openly or secretly poses the universal question: will they ever find love with a true sense of security and permanence?

The story’s first half finds Jared trapped in a relationship with no room for evolution or enlightenment. He expresses a desire for fire, and to this end, he’s set a date to terminate his ill-fated union. Adding further incentive, Jared meets Michael, a Banana Republic salesman/ dreamy Black male vision, and is immediately besotted. However, the biggest question remains: is this new vision even down (meaning: gay)?

There is so much more in store. The chapters are recited by the book’s various protagonists as they reveal the universality of their lives, dreams, dramas and wishes, letting the reader see and experience, that no matter their steely exteriors, they are engaged in an on-going journey to find happiness and acceptance. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Yet, in Christopher David’s crafty hands, what might seem simplistic is given wit, frailty, genuine yearning and most of all, humanity.

For a while, each young man finds his missing puzzle piece: for Jared, there’s Michael, for “Dio” there’s Miles, and for Kevin, there’s Aaron. All are attractive specimens who often speak the queen’s language replete with the customary (in some circles) “Bitch” “Girl” “Children” —but they nonetheless manifest their love and concern for each other. Beyond the bitchy banter are layers of authentic depth. At one point, the group engages in a philosophical discussion on gay marriage. This proceeds into a deeper, more conscientious debate as one character asks: “did God make gay people?” Jared answers, “No. God made people” and in essence “we assign them labels”. This portion provides such inspiring insight, that it alone is worth the price of the book.

The novel explores themes of infidelity, betrayal and forgiveness, the AIDS panic, getting one’s house in order, the passing of a parent, etc., and through all of these crisis’s, Christopher David writes with a rhythmic diversity as slick as the city he so obviously knows. It is the quality of writing (sometimes street-wise, other times touchingly poetic) that saves this story from dissolving into hackneyed sentimentality. While readers may feel Jared’s search and his resulting behavior treads that fine line of obsession, this and other factors come together in a devastating climax few would ever expect. This book will indeed surprise you. Once its seemingly innocuous title “I’m On My Way” is finally uttered by Jared, it will in fact, chill and haunt you long after the final page is turned.

While the author credits writers E. Lynn Harris and James Earl Hardy for paving the way, his style is exceeding his own, and what a gloriously rich, original and Real voice it is to behold.▼

Review by L.M. Ross, author of "The Long Blue Moan"