Tag Archives: The Price Of Salt

Todd Haynes’ Lesbian Love Story ‘Carol’ Named Best LGBT Film Of All Time

Todd Haynes’ lesbian love story Carol – which was released last year – has been named the best LGBT film of all time in a top 30 list that included past and present movies.

carol-poster-01

Carol, staring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, came top of a poll compiled to mark the 30th anniversary of the London lesbian and gay film festival, BFI Flare.

Just behind Carol was Andrew Haigh’s 2011 film, Weekend, followed by Wong Kar-wai’s 1997 Hong Kong romance, Happy Together, and at No 4, Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain.

An adaptation by Phyllis Nagy of Patricia Highsmith’s 1952 novel, The Price of Salt, Carol which topped a poll of more than 100 film experts.

It was a film adored by critics, and was nominated for six Oscar and nine Bafta nominations, although it came home empty-handed from both award ceremonies.

cate-blanchett-stars-carol

Tricia Tuttle, deputy head of festivals at the BFI, said it was no surprise that Carol came out top.

Haynes is an absolutely beloved film-maker inside and outside LGBT cinema circles and this is one of his finest films.

Everyone has their favourite Todd Haynes and this is certainly mine, I voted for it. Given the relative lack of lesbian content in cinema it is nice to see it come top.”

Haynes said he was proud Carol had won.

Carol is in illustrious company with so many films I love, from Brokeback Mountain and Un Chant d’Amour to Happy Together and My Own Private Idaho.”

9 Reasons a Good Book is Better than a Girlfriend

I don’t know about you, but I’m a little bit of a book nerd. There’s something about the feel of the pages that makes me calm, and knowing that I can check in on my favorite characters from time to time is a great reassurance. (Hey, sometimes the power goes out – all I need is a battery-powered flashlight and a Stephen King novel!)

Okay, so I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to my girlfriends, too… I put a lot of dedication into the things they do, and I do my best to do them right. But books don’t have expectations. If I put a book down for six months, I can pick up right where I left off, no questions asked. You can’t do that with a girlfriend, usually. Most of the ones I’ve had required a little more maintenance than that.

Want to know 8 more reasons a good book is better than a girlfriend?


The book will never eat all your favorite food.

Now, I love my girlfriend dearly – but if I had a dollar for every time she ate the last cookie, I’d be able to buy twice as many cookies to start with. A good book will never do that – all your food is safe. (You probably shouldn’t give it anything to drink, either – books don’t like that.)


The book will always stimulate your mind.

A book is better than a girlfriend because the book is going to inspire you. Of course, a good girlfriend will, too, but there’s no guarantee. Even if a book is bad, it’s going to inspire you to think of why it should be better. It could even motivate you to write your own book (an endeavor I personally encourage). A good book can make you think about new worlds, new galaxies, and new possibilities that may not have been on your mind before. A good book is going to teach you something – even if it’s just something about yourself.


The book will never cheat on you.

This is another one that falls into a grey area, because most girlfriends probably won’t cheat on you either. But if you leave a book on your table, most likely, you’re going to come back and find it hasn’t moved. (Unless you have roommates, or cats.) This means you know it’s not straying – but even if it does, that doesn’t mean that your relationship with it is doomed – as long as the person asked first!


The book will always be there when you need it.

Of course, this depends on whether the above mentioned variables are in play (the roommates and cats). But when you want to read a book, you can have one. If you don’t mind losing out on the touchy-feely aspect of book ownership, there are even e-book readers that will let you carry thousands of books in your pocket. (I have a Kindle myself, and it’s one of my favorite splurges. I take it everywhere with me.)


The book will never mind if you bring another book home.

In fact, I think they talk on the shelves and eventually start to like each other. I went on a trip to see my sister not too long ago, and came home with three new books – and then my brother-in-law gave me a fourth for Christmas. My books don’t seem to mind, although I’m close to needing another shelf. Girlfriends, on the other hand, tend to get a little touchy about things like this… Proceed with caution!


The book will always leave you satisfied.

A good book will satisfy your love of reading, which can be as intimate as any other love, to the right person. Sure, there are going to be people who think that it’s weird when you change your relationship status over a book character – but that’s not to say you’d be the only one to do it. A well-written book from your favorite author will very rarely (if ever) leave you disappointed – and most of the time, even a book from a new author is a welcome addition.


The book will never get mad when you’re too busy for it.

I’ve got some books that I entirely forgot about for over fifteen years. (Somehow, they ended up in my mother’s storage unit!) They’re sitting on the shelf, right next to the books I just got. I don’t think any of them mind – especially since I read through my old favorites on a fairly regular basis. (Guys, try to give all your books the attention they deserve – everyone needs to be held once in a while!)


The book might even help you meet your soul mate.

I’ve fantasized about the idea of meeting my true love in a book store. (One that sells coffee and scones too, please.) Even though it’s not the cultural norm, think of how awesome it would be if you found a new favorite – and some gorgeous piece of book-loving beauty steps in and offers to buy it for you if you give her your number. I’m not going to lie, that line would totally work on me, too. If you’re a book lover looking for love, why not try implementing this into your own flirt technique? You never know – it could be magical!


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8 Books Every Queer Woman Needs to Read in 2016

I love to learn, and to read. In fact, two of my goals this year are to learn more stuff and read more books.

So far I’m not doing so great with either one, but hey – it’s still early and I’m still worn out from the holidays.

One thing I don’t feel I know nearly enough about is the history of the gay subcultures.

We’ve had a lot of historic movements happening lately, but what about honoring the people who brought us here? It’s not always easy to find the right stuff.

Thankfully, these books do exist, if you know where to find them. We have collected a list of eight glorious books every queer woman should add to their wish list – which ones will you be picking up?


Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers: A History of Lesbian Life in Twentieth-Century America by Lillian Faderman

This book details the history of American lesbians in the 20th century, paying close attention to the evolution of the label as well as the cultures of that time period. Faderman cites a ton of sources from their respective time periods in order to make this book equal parts educational and interesting. Our only complaint about Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers is that Faderman chooses to absorb trans men into the umbrella of “lesbians”, even whey are living their lives as men.


Tales of the Lavender Menace: A Memoir of Liberation, by Karla Jay

Okay, is it just me or would The Lavender Menace make an awesome superhero name? This memoir is about a different kind of superhero, though – our feminist sisters from the ‘60s. Pairing humor with activism is always a nice touch, and it can be informative for “neo-feminists” to learn about what our predecessors in this movement stood for. The only downside is that Tales of the Lavender Menace lacks the emotional aspect that we often want from a memoir. While Jay did a wonderful job at explaining what was going on at the time, we don’t really get to see much of how it felt to be in it.


Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg

While this one isn’t technically a non-fiction piece, Feinberg’s novel is largely based on her own life growing up as a gay woman in the ‘60s. This book follows Jess Goldberg, a butch lesbian living in New York at a time when butch women were not widely accepted. Unfortunately, some critics think that Stone Butch Blues fell a little flat and failed to keep their attention. For those who did enjoy this one, Feinberg has also written other novels detailing the struggles of the gay and transgender community.


This Bridge Called My Back: Writings By Radical Women of Color edited by Cherríe Moraga and Gloria Anzaldúa

If you’re interested in hearing about the struggles of the women subjected to the ills of racism, sexism, and in some cases homophobia and transphobia all rolled into one, This Bridge Called My Back is a poignant look at the struggles of women of color throughout the years. Our only complaint here is that this fight is still not over, so we need to learn how to band together and deal with it!


Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde

Sister Outsider explores a wide variety of controversial topics, including racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, and ageism. This book contains 15 essays and speeches by one of the most influential lesbian voices of the 20th century, and has been in print since 1984. One of our favorite things is that Lorde tells those in minority groups that it is OK to have anger in your toolbox – it’s okay to be angry when you are wronged! Too often we are silenced for speaking out against the things that deeply affect us, and we need more role models saying enough is enough.


Transgender History edited by Susan Stryker

Looking to pick up a bit of history about the transgender community and the movement toward acceptance? Stryker’s Transgender History covers a long range from the 1850s to the book’s publication in 2008. This book won’t tell you every detail, but it will help you understand the big points in the movement’s history. The only complaints from readers were that Stryker authorized use of the term “transgender” even in respect to those who do not choose to identify as transgender. Overall, the book showcases a large sampling of pivotal moments that deserve note.


Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza by Gloria Anzaldúa

You might notice that Anzaldúa’s name has already been on this list – and for good reason. One of the leading Latina lesbian writers of the 20th century, she uses La Frontera to illustrate the physical and metaphorical borders that exist in the cross section of Mexicans and Americans, as well as heterosexuals and homosexuals.


Excluded: Making Feminist and Queer Movements More Inclusive by Julia Serano

Excluded covers the cross-section between being inclusive and squeezing yourself out. When it comes to the gay community, it can be difficult to find the balance between what is sacred and what is communal. Serano takes a look at the process of queer women being included in the feminist movement, and is an important read for anyone looking to brush up on their history.

12 Great Lesbian Books Every One Should Read

What’s the last book that moved you? That made you laugh or cry or completely reconsider your thoughts on life or love?

Those are always the books that stick with me. When I come across a book that truly impacted me I can often remember the intricate details of where I bought it or who gave it to me.

Sometimes when I’m in a certain mood, reading a favourite book can help heighten the depth of emotion.

Here are a few great books and the perfect kind of mood to read them in.


1. The Price Of Salt by Patricia Highsmith

Take Manhattan in the 1950’s, add a budding friendship between two lonely women and a cross-country road trip, finally sprinkle in a game of cat-and-mouse involving a private investigator (hired by Carol’s husband – GASP!) – and you end up with The Price Of Salt. This 1952 romance novel was very popular among lesbians of the time period. Not all that surprising due to the unconventional characters that defied stereotypes about being gay.

The Price Of Salt by Patricia Highsmith

Get your copy here.


2. Inferno (A Poet’s Novel) by Eileen Myles

“My English professor’s ass was so beautiful,” is the first line you’ll read in this story of a young female poet attempting to understand her sexuality in the crazed environment that is New York City.

Inferno (A Poet’s Novel) by Eileen Myles

Get a copy here.


3. Unbearable Lightness by Portia De Rossi

“Shame weighs a lot more than flesh and bone.” It’s lines like that from actress Portia De Rossi’s honest memoir that make this a must-read for anyone struggling to accept themselves. The pages cover her struggles with anorexia, her experiences being a gay woman within the Hollywood realm, and – of course – how she meets and later falls in love with Ellen DeGeneres.

Unbearable Lightness by Portia De Rossi

Get a copy here.


4. Ash by Malinda Lo

In this retelling of Cinderella, Ash is young girl left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother after her father’s death. Just like Cinderella, Ash waits for the day her fair prince – or in this case, a fairy named Sidhean – will come and whisk her away. The only problem? She meets the King’s Huntress, Kaisa, and suddenly her “happily ever after” is a bit more complicated. All fairy-tales should get a makeover like this.

Ash by Malinda Lo

Get a copy here. Also be sure to take a peek at the prequel Huntress.


5. Her Name in the Sky, Kelly Quindlen

Falling for your best friend is confusing. Falling for your best friend is difficult. And, perhaps most of all, falling for your best friend is unbelievably scary. In Her Name In The Sky, 17-year-old Hannah falls for her best friend Baker – really the last thing she ever wanted to do during her senior year – and we are reminded just how true all those sentiments are. While this book focuses on a young gay teenager, it’s completely relatable to anyone at all who went through (survived) high school.

Her Name in the Sky, Kelly Quindlen

Get a copy here.


6. Happy Accidents by Jane Lynch

Sometimes it’s nice to read something that simply makes you laugh. Jane Lynch’s memoir will make you laugh. One chapter begins with with this confession: “Like any good, closeted young lesbian of the seventies, I developed a raging crush on Ron Howard.”

But don’t expect to be in stitches the entire time, as Lynch also delves into her personal fight against alcoholism and her struggle to become comfortable with her sexuality. Even through the serious topics, Lynch constantly adds her touch of wry humour that seems to come so naturally.

Happy Accidents by Jane Lynch

Get a copy here.


7. Empress Of The World by Sara Ryan

Nicola Lancaster has her world turned upside down when she meets a charming blonde dancer named Battle at a summer institute for “gifted youth”. After all – she has always liked boys! AH, those famous last words. An Oregon Book Award winner, Empress Of The World was re-issused recently and now includes three graphic novel stories about the characters.

Empress Of The World by Sara Ryan

Get a copy here.


8. The World Unseen By Shamim Sarif

Sarif’s novel immerses you in 1950s South Africa, where apartheid is only just beginning. The laws won’t stop Amina from running a cafe with her business partner, who happens to be a black man, in a conventional Indian community. Miriam on the other hand is a traditional housewife that wouldn’t even dream of breaking, let alone bending, any rules. When the two women are thrown together you can imagine what happens… so, I’ll just let you read it. Two of Sharif’s novels are now feature length films that are also worth seeing after you’ve done your reading.

The World Unseen By Shamim Sarif

Get a copy here.


9. Valencia by Michelle Tea

Valencia is a drama-filled account of the narrator’s own personal experiences in San Francisco’s queer neighbourhoods. Tea takes you through a string of experiences – and ex-girlfriends – as she rebels against her tight-laced southern upbringing in the city by the bay.

Valencia by Michelle Tea

Get your copy here.


10. Annie On My Mind by Nancy Garden

Published in 1982, Garden’s novel tells the story of two teenage girls whose friendship turns into a lot more than just friendship, if you catch my drift. What makes this story different [Spoiler Alert] is that despite the pressures from family and school, they actually get a happy ending.

Annie On My Mind by Nancy Garden

Get a copy here.


11. Fall On Your Knees by Anne-Marie MacDonald

There is a good reason Ann-Marie MacDonald’s novel has been translated into over seventeen different languages. The story begins in Nova Scotia in the midst of World War I and ends in New York City. What happens in-between? Terrible family secrets, attempted murder, and forbidden love. Enough said.

Fall On Your Knees by Anne-Marie MacDonald

Get a copy here.


12. Zami: A New Spelling Of My Name by Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde’s stunning autobiography begins with childhood memories in Harlem and spans through her early-adulthood in the 1950s. She creates a “biomythography” by flawlessly blending together her own poetry, popular songs, journal entries, and personal memories.

Zami- A New Spelling Of My Name by Audre Lorde