Gay Men's Book Group at Center on Halsted: [The Kingdom of Sand]

Gay Men's Book Group-Chicago is a free, open monthly book discussion group welcoming male-identified individuals of all ages who are interested in reading and discussing gay-related literature, both fiction and non-fiction. Books to be discussed are selected by the group and posted on their Facebook page and via their newsletter email.

January's selection is The Kingdom of Sand by Andrew Holleran, a poignant tale of desire and dread—Andrew Holleran’s first new book in sixteen years. The nameless narrator is a gay man who moved to Florida to look after his aging parents during the height of the AIDS epidemic and finds himself unable to leave after their deaths. With gallows humor, he chronicles the indignities of growing old in a small town.

Holleran’s first novel, Dancer from the Dance, is widely regarded as a classic work of gay literature. The Kingdom of Sand displays all of Holleran’s considerable gifts; it’s an elegy to sex and a stunningly honest exploration of loneliness and the endless need for human connection, especially as we count down our days.

Join us at the Center on Halsted (2nd floor) for a discussion of this compelling book.