THE VELVET RAGE Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World

Listeners will feel Alan Downs's empathy and sincerity as he narrates his exploration of the challenges that gay men grapple with in a still hostile world. Providing insight and guidance, the book mixes both his personal experience as a gay male and his professional experience as a therapist. Downs certainly has the voice of a therapist; his calm, soothing delivery is likely to put anxious listeners at ease. His narration is well matched to his message as he attempts to work with the listener rather than label him. Yet that's also where the narration becomes problematic. Downs's voice is so relaxing that it may allow some people's minds to drift. L.E. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2013]