HomoAmerican - Reviews

From San Francisco Book Review (August 5, 2021)

“HomoAmerican by Michael K. Dane is a witty, sharp novel that will resonate with readers for years to come. So much more than what meets the eye is shared in each chapter and interaction. The character depth that Dane achieves is majestic and far-reaching. His work will have readers reconsidering past interactions and obtaining a far greater understanding of our own missteps and aspirations. HomoAmerican by Michael K. Dane is an exceptional work that will only grow in notoriety and influence as time goes by. His unabashed introspective earns this work a resounding five stars, only because six stars is not an option.”

From Manhattan Book Review (July 21, 2021)

“HomoAmerican – The Secret Society is one of the most revealing, elaborate, introspective, and brilliant biographies I have read. My decision to read it was abundantly rewarded with the multiple euphoric moments I had as I reflected on the many poetic and perspective words in the book. I spent a good amount of time bookmarking several lines that I couldn’t afford to read just once, one of which beautifully articulates how limiting being normal is.”

From The US Review of Books, May 19, 2020

“With the rise of noteworthy novels and biographies from LGBTQ writers such as Paul Lisicky, Noelle Stevenson, Brandon Taylor, and Ocean Vuong, Dane joins the ranks with his hefty, detailed memoir. There is a raw, lyric power to Dane’s prose that is seductive and renders the reader unto a “language of the heart.” Dane writes largely about identity while he explores other themes with these pages, too, such as discrimination, sexuality, and freedom. Through Dane, we are witness to significant historical events that shape our political and social landscape. His memoir is an unforgettable, absorbing read.”

From A Wishing Shelf Book Review, April 14, 2020

“A fascinating and always insightful look at being gay and growing up a homophobic world. Excellent!”

From Foreword Clarion Reviews, April 6, 2020

“History, memory, and imagination converge in Michael K. Dane’s memoir HomoAmerican, a dense, luscious account of growing up gay in midcentury San Francisco. Landscapes and locations are drawn in beautiful detail, folding together the past and present… The book is fully, brilliantly human. Characters speak in fractured dialogue that spatters the text, adding dimension to an already rich narrative tapestry. Original and authentic, HomoAmerican is a unique memoir that manages to be humorous, wise, and moving all at once. Both historical and profoundly personal, HomoAmerican is a record of Dane’s struggle to break free and live in full, open celebration of himself at a time when gay rights were stifled, hidden, and silenced. This triumphant memoir is as timely as ever and told with moving honesty.”

From BlueInk Review, March 2020

“HomoAmerican is an engaging memoir of an artist who has led a richly creative life. As Dane takes readers through the unsettled and formative ‘60s and ‘70s, the author’s evolving sense of identity as he creates and re-creates himself makes for intriguing reading. Throughout the book, Dane’s writing provides poetic flourishes and sharp insights. Dane has led an interesting life by any measure. Readers looking for a compelling story about a gay artist making his own path through life will enjoy this memoir.”

From IndieReader, January 22, 2020

“HomoAmerican is a vividly-written biography that throws the reader directly into the emotional, intellectual, and physical life of a gay man growing up in homophobic times, told with vigor, charm, and heart.”

From the Midwest Book Review, Volume 18, Number 12

“Exceptionally well written, impressively informative, notably thoughtful and thought-provoking, HomoAmerican - The Secret Society is a deftly crafted history that is both intensely personal and at the same time universal in scope and subject.”

From The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Jerome Robbins Dance Division, December 17, 2019

“The Dance Division is the proud home of the collections of Mikhail Baryshnikov, Rudolf Nureyev and Alexandra Danilova as well as the Trocks archive so your autobiography will provide wonderful enrichment of these primary materials. We are pleased to add this title to our library.”

From Judge, 28th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards, December 15, 2020

“There is a pulse running through this book, an energy that at first beckons the reader, intrigues and scares, upsets and pushes at buttons. I'm fascinated by how this pulse is very much like an additional central character. Very well done. The story delivers movie-worthy images. Well done.”

From ScreenCraft's 2022 Cinematic Short Story Competition, Feedback for “Born to Be Alive,” an excerpt from HomoAmerican, December 15, 2021.

“There is so much appeal to a story like this because of the hidden history that is hinted at on top of an engaging narrative. All the characters are very well developed and each one contains an anecdote that adds to the style and theme of the writing.”

Amazon and Apple Books Reviews

A Journey of the Human Heart. A Trip You Will Surely Enjoy!

“HomoAmerican is a thrilling journey that transports the reader from the counter-culture of 1960’s San Francisco to the bohemian rebelliousness of New York City in the 1970s and ’80s. Dane creates an emphatic experience for the reader as he explores and explodes myths, recounts the lessons of liberation and creates a man, piece by piece out of shadows. Join Michael Dane on this journey--HomoAmerican is a trip you will surely enjoy!”

Compelling Page Turner

“A beautifully written memoir, I laughed and I cried. I was drawn into the story of humble beginnings, hard work, adventure, intrigue, sadness, success, and love. Yes, it's all that.”

Awe Inspiring Life And Incredible Story Telling

“In this era of growing hatred for diversity, HomoAmerican is a true testament of love and acceptance. You will feel a rollercoaster of emotion and witness the ultimate achievement of acceptance and true love. Well written and interspersed with poetic imagery.”

Not Another Coming Out Story; A Story Of Self-Creation

“Most of us confuse a journey of self-creation with one of self-discovery. HomoAmerican marvelously differentiates the two. This imperfect path toward identity creation, and the pain, experimentation, confusion, crises, betrayal, strength, and joy that tag along for the ride, gives the reader a deeper understanding that we all have the tools to create our own reflection.”