Band Fags!
by Frank Anthony Polito
Published by Kensington (June release)
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Reviewed by Andrea Sisco
Frank Anthony Polito is an actor, playwright and author. His debut novel. Band Fags! is based on his play, John R.
Band Fags! follows Jack Paterno and Brad Dayton from 7th grade in suburban Detroit through high school in the mid-to-late ‘80s. You are invited to take the roller coaster journey of growing up with the boys. It’s not an easy ride; growing up never is.
Jack and Brad are best friends. It wasn’t always that way. The two faltered a bit before discovering they were ‘meant’ to be best friends. They are different, but they are band fags (they play in the Varsity band) and that is a start, and sometimes the glue that holds them together.
Jack is devastated when his girlfriend dumps him, but he really never got any ‘thrill’ from kissing her or even looking at girlie magazines. Brad feels the same way. But both guys dance around the feelings that are awakening inside of them. Each knows at some level that they were not like the other guys. And Jack continues to deny who he is in the face of a physical attraction to a pretty ‘hot’ guy.
Yes, Jack and Brad are gay guys growing up in the ‘80s. But lest you think you’ll pass on the book, I’d suggest you ponder that decision.
Polito delivers the most realistic and detailed view of high school, friends, family, enemies, lost love and emerging sexuality of any Young Adult author I’ve read in the past several years. He takes a sensitive subject and handles it with sensitivity. Polito makes you think, breaks your heart with the pain of having to ‘hide’ who you are and tosses in a whole lot of fun while showing ‘us’ how it is for gay teens.
When Polito introduces the reader to “Days of our Lives” star Kristian Alfonso, it’s delightful. But Polito goes further and litters the landscape (in a good way) of his novel with her. Jack is a member of her fan club and when he meets her—well you’ve just got to read it. I laughed out loud.
I wish I had Band Fags! when my kids were growing up. It might have eased the way to understanding and acceptance.
Note: There is some sexuality depicted, but it is not gratuitous.
Armchair Interviews says: Band Fags! is a realistic look at growing up gay.
Author’s Web site: http://www.FrankAnthonyPolito.com