Why REAL LIFE Should Be on Every Gay Man's Bookshelf

Note: this is part of our series on the most influential gay books of the last decade.

Nestled within the library of modern queer literature, there's an unassuming little book called Real Life by Brandon Taylor that's been causing a stir.

A coming-of-age story set in the Midwest, it's a book that tells us, "Look, it's tough being a gay man, but also occasionally humorous, somewhat perplexing, and ultimately, quite fabulous."

I. The Plot Thickens... and Boy, It's Juicy!

Real Life follows the life of Wallace, a young gay black man from Alabama, now a biochem grad student in a predominantly white Midwestern university. The proverbial fish out of water, Wallace's story revolves around a weekend of searing self-discovery.

One weekend, you say? Indeed! Taylor has managed to squeeze more life into 48 hours than most of us live in a week!

II. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who's the Gayest of Them All?

Representation and identity - two words synonymous with "I exist, and I matter." In Real Life, the portrayal of gay men isn't your cookie-cutter Hollywood cliché. It's raw, it's authentic, it's... well, it's real life.

Being gay isn't Wallace's defining characteristic. It's a part of him, just like his love for science, his need for solitude, and his dubious cooking skills.

III. The Reality Sandwich – Now With Extra Pickles!

Being gay doesn't mean living on a pink cloud with unicorns. It's not all about Pride parades, fabulous parties, and color-coordinated wardrobes.

Real Life delves into some serious themes. It explores the realities of racial and sexual identity. It addresses loneliness and isolation, plus throws in a pinch of mental health for good measure.

In other words, it's a book that's got all the ingredients of a very tasty, albeit occasionally hard-to-swallow reality sandwich.

IV. Sashay into Wallace's Shoes!

There's something undeniably magnetic about Real Life's Wallace. Is it his adorable nerdiness? His resilience in face of adversity? His choice of poor fashion? It's hard to pinpoint exactly.

But one thing's for sure: you don't just read about Wallace, you become Wallace. You walk in his shoes (avoiding the questionable socks), you breathe his struggles, and, most importantly, you feel his heart beat.

V. Brandon Taylor – The Lady Gaga of Gay Literature?

Taylor’s narrative isn’t just a storyline; it’s a lifeline. His voice, a blend of sharp wit, empathetic storytelling, and occasional ‘you-didn’t-just-go-there’ boldness, adds an unmatched depth to Real Life.

And in a literary landscape that's often as diverse as a carton of identical eggs, Real Life stands out. It's the Fabergé egg of LGBTQ+ literature - exquisite, unique, and fabulously decorated.

VI. Don’t Just Sit There, Do Something!

Reading Real Life is like getting a surprise birthday party when it’s not even your birthday. So why not treat yourself? Immerse yourself in Wallace's world, live his experiences, and find a new perspective on your own ‘real life.’

Whether you grab a physical copy, download an e-book, or whisper "Alexa, read me Real Life by Brandon Taylor" – just make sure you don't miss out on this gem of a book. And once you’ve devoured it (which you will), spread the word.

Recommend it to a friend, share it with a loved one, or even gift it to your nemesis. They all could use a good book.

There's a bit of Wallace in all of us, and Real Life gives us a chance to explore that. It's a journey of self-discovery, a voyage into the soul of a queer man. It's a must-read for anyone who's ever felt different, struggled with their identity, or wondered, "Hey, what's that gay man thinking?"

Because let's face it – life's a party, and we're all just trying to dance to the beat of our own drum. So, why not pick up Real Life and find your rhythm? You never know, you might just discover a dance move or two you never knew you had!

And remember, as the great Oscar Wilde once said, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." That, my dear readers, is what Real Life is all about.