John Rechy Knihy

Records the adventures of a male hustler as he stalks the hideouts of homosexuals in Los Angeles

Set on a secluded island, a young writer finds himself entangled in the lives of his enigmatic host, Paul, and his intriguing family. Conversations about literature and film soon give way to unsettling revelations about Paul's past, including his tumultuous relationships and penchant for risky games. As the atmosphere thickens with tension and the allure of a nearby abandoned island, hidden secrets emerge, leading to a dramatic and violent climax. The story explores themes of desire, danger, and the complexities of human relationships.

The narrative offers a candid exploration of the author's life as a Mexican-American, reflecting on significant societal changes over the past century. It captures a spirit of fierce individualism, showcasing a man's journey of self-discovery and resilience. Through powerful storytelling, the work serves as a testament to personal and cultural identity, revealing the complexities of navigating life in a rapidly changing world.

Originally written in 1948-49 when John Rechy (City of Night) was 18 years old, Pablo! was never published and has languished in Special Collections at Boston University. An unusual novel, Rechy uses archetypes to explore Mayan myths, beliefs and rituals.

Po ukončení studia na univerzitě a vojenské služby opouští autor své rodné texaské město El Paso, kde zanechává ovdovělou matku i sourozence, a vydává se do New Yorku, aby se vymanil ze své izolace a osvobodil se od pocitů viny kvůli negativnímu vztahu k nenávistnému a agresivnímu otci. Najde si sice práci a ubytování, ale brzy jej přivábí prostředí Times Square, kde se schází společnost homosexuálních prostitutů, transvestitů a jejich zákazníků, dealerů drog i bezdomovců. Stává se jedním z těchto vyděděnců, kteří na ulicích, v barech, restauracích, kinosálech i parcích vyhledávají partnery na jednu noc a střídají je bez citových vazeb. Také v drsném prostředí Pershing Square a Hollywood Boulevardu v Los Angeles i Francouzské čtvrti v New Orleansu se snaží uchovat si svou lidskou důstojnost, nepropadat depresi a najít alespoň náznak zájmu a porozumění. Autorova prvotina nevypráví ucelený příběh, ale tvoří ji výstižné portréty nejvýraznějších postav, které mu nejvíce utkvěly v paměti. Jsou spojeny textem s názvem "Město noci", zaměřeným především na vzpomínky z dětství a analýzu vlastních zážitků a pocitů. Dílo mladého spisovatele, náležejícího k menšině kvůli svému mexickému původu i odlišné sexuální orientaci, vzbudilo v r. 1963 velký ohlas a brzy se stalo bestsellerem. V současnosti patří již ke klasice americké literatury 20. století.

Set against the backdrop of modern Los Angeles, the narrative weaves together the lives of diverse characters, including a porn superstar, a Chicano punk-rocker, and an aging male stripper. The book explores the spiritual and physical dimensions of the city, offering an epic portrayal of its vibrant yet complex landscape. With a signature style, Rechy delves into the intricacies of identity and desire, crafting a rich tapestry that reflects the multifaceted nature of urban life.

Amalia Gomez experiences a vision of a large silver cross in the sky, sparking her skepticism about its significance. The narrative offers a poignant exploration of the working-class Mexican American community in Los Angeles, showcasing the blend of tough realism and cultural fables. Through Amalia's journey, John Rechy presents an epic portrayal of Chicano family life, highlighting themes of faith, identity, and the complexities of cultural heritage in a vibrant yet challenging environment.

A novel on the golden age of homosexuality, after it became an accepted state and before AIDS put a dampener. The action follows for one day a variety of gays in 1981 Los Angeles, including an old man envious of the freedom enjoyed by the younger generation. By the author of City of Night

Lyle Clemens embarks on a humorous journey from the strict confines of Texas's religious fundamentalism to the vibrant allure of Las Vegas and Los Angeles. As he navigates diverse environments, the story captures his coming-of-age experiences filled with quirky encounters and personal growth. Through this adventure, themes of freedom, temptation, and self-discovery unfold in a lighthearted yet insightful manner.