The Journalist of Castro Street

I thought this was an amazing story of a journalist navagating new territory and blazing trails for those who follow. I was fascinated by how much I didn't know on the subject. Powerful.

I always planned on reading Randy Shilts' works this year, so to get a chance to read this book was really serendipitous. And I was open to learn something from this work, regardless of how simple or in depth it was, because I know little about Shilts.

What I found was a comprehensive, unflinching, and compelling account of Shilts' life, both personal and professional. The author did very well at examining Shilts' biases, his flaws, his failings, and his addictions alongside his triumphs, his great successes, his strong ethics, and the areas where he was prescient and present as a journalist on important stories, both relating specifically to the gay community and being of more general national interest. One cannot read about the rise of HIV/AIDS without coming across Shilts' work, and while he was controversial both before and after his death, he cannot be erased from the narrative of queer history without losing a significant voice from that era. Stoner's biography is an important one, and very well worth reading. I'll be buying a copy when I have the chance, because I know it's a book I'll want to revisit.

In depth look at the writings of Randy Shilts and his life through an examination of these writings, reviews, thoughtful interviews with friends and family as well as publishers/editors, and critics.  His determination to be a journalist before an activist is documented. Stoner places Shilts in his time and outlines his success and notes his foibles.  The stories behind his writings and his writing style is fascinating.  Well footnoted.  

Thank you to Net Galley and publisher for this electonic version.

The Journalist of Castro Street gives a good description of the life of openly gay reporter Randy Shilts.. Author Andrew E. Stoner does well in describing the successes Shilts achieved, and I thought he was fair in discussing Shilts' failures and shortcomings. Randy went all out, and he indisputably rubbed some people the wrong way. He upset apple carts and caused people to review things they thought were already settled.. One could wish that Randy Shilts was perfect, but he sure was good at what he did. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Randy Shilts never disappoints. This book was so good. It gives some insight into the unpredictable times in San Francisco during the time Harvey Milk was alive and living there. Anyone who yearns to know the struggle of gay men and lesbians during the early days of gay rights must read this book. I would definitely recommend it to friends.

An interesting look at Randy Shilts’ life and his writing. This book explored what it was like to be a gay journalist in the 80’s at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic.

** I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review of this book