Review
From San Francisco Book Review (August 5, 2021):
"HomoAmerican by Michael K. Dane is a witty, sharp novel that will resonate with readers for years to come. So much more than what meets the eye is shared in each chapter and interaction. The character depth that Dane achieves is majestic and far-reaching. His work will have readers reconsidering past interactions and obtaining a far greater understanding of our own missteps and aspirations. HomoAmerican by Michael K. Dane is an exceptional work that will only grow in notoriety and influence as time goes by. His unabashed introspective earns this work a resounding five stars, only because six stars is not an option."
From Manhattan Book Review (July 21, 2021):
"HomoAmerican - The Secret Society is one of the most revealing, elaborate, introspective, and brilliant biographies I have read. Michael Dane has a truly keen eye that's trained to examine and dissect society and its flaws and contrast experiences of different cultures. I spent a good amount of time bookmarking several lines that I couldn't afford to read just once, one of which beautifully articulates how limiting being normal is. HomoAmerican is a book the world needs to remind us why we need to stop discriminating against others—no matter their differences as, deep down, we all have similar feelings, dreams, and a desire to be happy."
From The US Review of Books (May 19, 2020):
"With the rise of noteworthy novels and biographies from LGBTQ writers such as Paul Lisicky, Noelle Stevenson, Brandon Taylor, and Ocean Vuong, Dane joins the ranks with his hefty, detailed memoir. There is a raw, lyric power to Dane's prose that is seductive and renders the reader unto a "language of the heart." Dane writes largely about identity while he explores other themes with these pages, too, such as discrimination, sexuality, and freedom. Through Dane, we are witness to significant historical events that shape our political and social landscape. His memoir is an unforgettable, absorbing read."
From Foreword Clarion Reviews (April 6, 2020):" History, memory, and imagination converge in Michael K. Dane's memoir HomoAmerican, a dense, luscious account of growing up gay in midcentury San Francisco. Landscapes and locations are drawn in beautiful detail, folding together the past and present... The book is fully, brilliantly human. Characters speak in fractured dialogue that spatters the text, adding dimension to an already rich narrative tapestry. Original and authentic, HomoAmerican is a unique memoir that manages to be humorous, wise, and moving all at once. Both historical and profoundly personal, HomoAmerican is a record of Dane's struggle to break free and live in full, open celebration of himself at a time when gay rights were stifled, hidden, and silenced. This triumphant memoir is as timely as ever and told with moving honesty."
From Midwest Book Review (December 2019, Volume 18, Number 12):"Exceptionally well written, impressively informative, notably thoughtful and thought-provoking, HomoAmerican - The Secret Society is a deftly crafted history that is both intensely personal and at the same time universal in scope and subject. While unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library LGBTQ collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject. HomoAmerican - The Secret Society is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $7.99)."
From IndieReader (January 22, 2020):
"Michael Dane has had anything but a quiet, ordinary life ... he has lived every moment with energy, vigor, and verve. He tells his story with the same life and energy, and an almost poetic way with words that brings the reader directly and vividly into every moment, every experience. The enthusiasm and drive that he put into his career and his relationships romantic, familial, and platonic, is also the enthusiasm that went into writing this book, and it shows. He is particularly adept at descriptive language-characters and places leap from the page, immersing the reader in a vibrant and engaging world full of interesting people and exciting events. HomoAmerican is a vividly-written biography that throws the reader directly into the emotional, intellectual, and physical life of a gay man growing up in homophobic times, told with vigor, charm, and heart."
From BlueInk Review (March 2020):
" HomoAmerican is an engaging memoir of an artist who has led a richly creative life... As Dane takes readers through the unsettled and formative '60s and '70s, the author's evolving sense of identity as he creates and re-creates himself makes for intriguing reading. Throughout the book, Dane's writing provides poetic flourishes and sharp insights. Dane has led an interesting life by any measure. Readers looking for a compelling story about a gay artist making his own path through life will enjoy this memoir."
From Wishing Shelf Book Reviews (April 14, 2020):
" A fascinating and always insightful look at being gay and growing up a homophobic world. Excellent! In this thought-provoking autobiography, the author throws the reader into a homophobic world in an attempt to help them understand what it's like to be gay (openly or not). Written with panache, even flamboyance, it is well-balanced in terms of being informative but, also, in terms of being heartbreakingly personal. The storytelling is strong ... I very much enjoyed getting to know so many colorful and interesting characters. The author is very insightful when describing them and his ability to 'bring them to life' is outstanding. I love the honesty. It's there on every page; in every sentence. And that's why it's such a gripping read. ."
