26 Comments
User's avatar
Drewski's avatar

❤️

Dan Pal's avatar

I read this book when it came out and really liked it. Sounds like I need to check it out again.

Clint Collide's avatar

I’m a slow reader, but I’m slowly making my way through it again…and continue to be in awe of his storytelling and wordsmithing. Hope you enjoy it again, Mr. Pal!

Michael Horvich's avatar

Clint, So true. c

Michael Horvich's avatar

Clint, I think I would have been better off if I had raged about having to hide who I was (am) than letting it make me feel guilty, mentally ill, and worse. I am over the later shit now.

Fondly, Michael

Clint Collide's avatar

I think we all get to where we are—for better and/or worse—the way we can and need to. Wouldn’t take nothing for my journey. Though I would have loved to have known about a few shortcuts. :-)

Michael Horvich's avatar

So true. I have given up thinking about paths not taken. Fondly, Michael

Doug Thompson's avatar

Ooh Clint so it's National Liqueur Day, mines a Creme de Menthe Frappe 😎 Cheers DougT 🇫🇴🇬🇧

Clint Collide's avatar

Cheers! I had a feeling a few folks might enjoy knowing about that holiday. I need to find out when National Rum Day is. It’s my cup of tea. :-p

Doug Thompson's avatar

Dark Navy Rum was my late dad's tipple, probably picked up when he was in the Royal Navy

Clint Collide's avatar

My dad was a rum fan too. He began drinking it while stationed overseas during Vietnam. My mom didn’t let him drink very often, but I was the recipient of sips from his weekly rum and Coke as a kid. I still love the stuff.

Doug Thompson's avatar

Well Clint I gotta say I'm not a Spirits drinker, lager type beer is my drink of choice. 🍻🍻✅

Clint Collide's avatar

Works for me. Don’t have to worry about to swiping my bottle of rum. :-p

Doug Thompson's avatar

Yuppers, the real Dark Navy Rum sorts the men from the boys! Light Bacardi rum is for the lightweights 😎 and cocktails

Fred's avatar

Thank you, Clint, for honoring Paul Monette, a true national treasure. Your doing so reminds me why I am so glad I came across your work. It's a joy to support you even in a small way, monetarily, each month. You go, man!

Clint Collide's avatar

Oh, Fred…thank you. Celebrating our shared heroes and pioneers warms my sometimes cold heart and puts a pep in my steps. We walk on the shoulder of giants. And Paul was definitely one of those giants. May his legacy will live on and on and on!

sixes's avatar

Thanks Clint and Oscar "true friends stab you in the front"

🏳‍🌈🌈🖤🤎💜💙💚💛🧡❤🟧⬜🟩☘❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🌈🏳‍🌈

Clint Collide's avatar

He was WILDE that one. lol Thanks, Steve!

Larry LeBlanc's avatar

Thanks Clint, for shining the Light! You're a good soul, who does good work!!!

Happy Birthday, Paul Monette!!!

Clint Collide's avatar

Likewise, dear Larry. You’re a gem among men, shimmering and shining light and love!

Dan's avatar

I loved that book when I read it probably 10 years ago. As someone who came out late in life, I related to the missed opportunities. I also read another of his books that detailed the death of his partner from AIDS. So heartbreaking.

Clint Collide's avatar

Thank you, Dan. Glad to know his words resonated with you and hopefully helped you see the importance of all our ages and stages. I appreciate you.

Cape Key Tom's avatar

Paul Monette's writing was deeply moving and empowering to me when I first came across him in the late 80's. The joy of finally being free, falling in love, and then the heartbreak and indignities of loss and AIDS. I re-read 'Becoming A Man' again this summer after coming across it on my bookshelf, and the themes still reflect the hostilities and isolation far too many in our community suffer today. Thank you for celebrating his legacy!

Clint Collide's avatar

Thank you, Tom. I’m always glad to know others with similar stories about how Paul’s work touched them…for the better. Appreciate you helping keep his candle lit!