Beebo Brinker

I don't think it's a spoiler to say that Beebo introduces her skill set by saying she can "castrate a hog." Well, she is the 18 year old daughter of a Wisconsin veterinarian, freshly come to New York City's Greenwich Village in the 1950's to live, learn, and love. Beebo's a boyish ingenue, who attracts, and is attracted to, a fabulous cast of vividly interesting Village characters. Her journey of self discovery is crisply-written by Ann Bannon, the second 'lesbian pulp' writer after Vin Packer to hit bestselling status. Beebo Brinker is a time capsule back to when there was a "lavender panic" in the Senate, raids on gay and lesbian bars were common, and "coming out" for an older teen like Beebo was a painful, drawn out process, filled with confusion and angst. (Has the last changed? I don't think so, it's just socially acceptable now, thank heavens!) Ann Bannon creates well rounded, emotionally rich characters with spare, readable prose and dialogue. She focuses on the emotional charge between lovers and friends, married couples and cheaters, children and parents. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a quick read to make a new, fast friend in Beebo and company, whether you're gay or straight. By 21st century sensibilities, this book is quaint and prim in its language. I think it would be ok for a progressive parent to read to give to their curious or questioning 16+ teen. (Upon reflection that I was reading 'Flowers in the Attic' without parental consent or guidance as a 12 year old, I definitely think so.) If you're a parent, read the book first, then decide. Adults will love the time capsule of a past era, the vivid characters and punchy dialogue; and, heck, Ann Bannon is just a really wonderful writer, like many pigeonholed by the 'pulp fiction' genre. Some similar authors are Vin Packer, Julia Quinn, Paula Christian, Neil Low, and (for world-building), the great Georgette Heyer. Pick up a copy of Beebo Brinker and then read your way through the rest of Ann Bannon's oeuvre. You'll be tickled pink!

This book gave me the confidence I needed to see myself in a light other than the scared lesbian. After reading someone who could act confidently and have women fawn over them, it gave me hope that perhaps my life could be filled with pleasure rather than fear.

Our local book group chose Beebo Brinker to read and discuss. It has been compared to watching an old black and white classic movie. Brings up similar emotions. Though times have changed, if you put youself in the era that this book was published, an appreciation will develop. There are moments of very good writing. A fun book to read.

First things first, I'm still in the process of coming out... Secondly, I have been a bookworm ever since I can remember. I grew up reading the likes of Nancy Drew and Babysitter's Club (Ann M. Martin) and daydreaming about the heroines, wishing they weren't straight. I am so happy I found this book. I absolutely loved it. It was very descriptive, from the pizza place to her night watching the girls dance. I could not put it down until there were no more pages left to devour. The characters were strong & deliciously human. I wish I knew about this series when I was a teenager; I would have gladly snuck over to whatever side of town just to get to these books, hid them underneath my mattress with my diary... [...].

I love how some people can make their life a living hell. Beebo is that person. I only wish that there's more information on how Beebo's relationship with Paula went and gone. I read all of Ann Bannon's books and its been a great read .

Beebo Brinker is a one of the best of the lesbian pulp fiction novels from the 1950s, and is here reprinted in all its original steamy charm and vivacious energy. Sensual, with a timeless insight into love, lust, and relationship conflicts between women, Beebo Brinker is an enduring title as erotic and compelling today as it was when its was originally published some fifty years ago.

Although not a very difficult read, this book glimpses into the lives of gays and lesbians during the period before Stonewall, and the sexual revolution. I felt that it was a very interesting way to learn to about the lifestyles of gays and lesbians during that time period, and on top of that it was a great story that makes you want to read it from cover to cover.