BLACKOUTS

Torian Brackett and Ozzie Rodriguez offer a powerful performance of this 2023 National Book Award winner in which gay men muse over queer history and life. A young, unnamed man nurses an older dying man named Juan. Before Juan can rest in peace, he wants to pass on his life's project, which is based on a 1930s book titled SEX VARIANTS: A STUDY OF HOMOSEXUAL PATTERNS. Juan shares the story of queer researcher Jan Gay, and the young man recounts stories about his family and love life. Brackett's smooth, youthful tones convey the young man's emotions movingly. Rodriguez voices the older Juan, adding distinction with his mature voice and use of Spanish words. Author Torres delivers passages from SEX VARIANTS throughout the audiobook. A.M. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2023]