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michaelontheplanet's review
4.0
Rinse and repeat: like a beloved family Wolseley Six, kept in the garage and given a run out on high days and holidays, I pull the dust sheets off this and the subsequent series about once a decade so here’s the 2010s reading - in part due to the Netflix franchise. It’s still as good as ever, though a little gamey in flavour, and ripe as one of Mrs Madrigal’s befamed joints. Nostalgia for all our glory days, and remaining a classic of the antebellum.
acleartrace's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, and Racial slurs
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
5.0
So there were really Rolling Skating Nuns in the Castro. I asked my friend who lived there.
I miss all the cool stuff.
This is a book that draws you right in and carries you with it. It, apparently from what my friend says, captures a time and place. It addresses question of sexuality, morality, gender, and race.
It doesn't so much have bad guys, and everyone is interesting. It is a really good read.
I miss all the cool stuff.
This is a book that draws you right in and carries you with it. It, apparently from what my friend says, captures a time and place. It addresses question of sexuality, morality, gender, and race.
It doesn't so much have bad guys, and everyone is interesting. It is a really good read.
unaverage_j0's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.75
grayjay's review against another edition
3.0
Tales of the City is a fairly ridiculous soap opera about a young woman who moves to San Francisco, and has heer eyes widened by making some outrageous friends, and having an affair with her boss.
Gay culture sort of swirls around like a breeze in this story, following side characters as they cruise for love. The undertone is shallow, sex-centric, and femme-phobic
Gay culture sort of swirls around like a breeze in this story, following side characters as they cruise for love. The undertone is shallow, sex-centric, and femme-phobic
laurabishopha's review against another edition
4.0
Its amazing how current this romp through San Francisco feels despite its age. The characters still feel fresh and poignant and it still hits unexpected plot points. The relatable main character moves to San Francisco and finds a home in an unlikely house and the cadre of interesting characters who live there… it’s entertaining and enjoyable. It is also a bit of a love letter to an old San Francisco and all it stood for in the 70s.
jheher's review against another edition
4.0
While I've never lived in San Francisco proper, I'm a 35+ year resident of the area and I think Maupin nailed it! The intertwining stories of Mary Ann, Mouse, Jon, Dede, and, of course, Mrs. Madrigal give the reader a taste of life in Babylon by the Bay - the good, the bad, the sweet, and the bitter. Maupin doesn't shy away from the more hedonistic parts of San Francisco life in the late 1970s but doesn't dwell on them either. After all, it's the people who make up the city with all of the activities, foibles, and character.
Armistead Maupin found his city when he arrived in San Francisco and the entire world was the beneficiary.
Armistead Maupin found his city when he arrived in San Francisco and the entire world was the beneficiary.
wwrlf51's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Enjoyed the book and the TV series
allthosebooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0