A family by any other name : exploring queer relationships /

This engaging collection features 21 personal essays about families with LGBT members. Editor and contributor Gillespie (journalism, Wilfrid Laurier Univ.; co-editor, Somebody's Child) selects pieces that assert an understanding of family broader than the standard definition of a group of blood relatives. While brief (the longest entry is 24 pages), the essays are generally well written, as most of the contributors are teachers or professional writers and cover a range of topics including coming out, same-sex marriage, divorce, adoption, artificial insemination, and having a gay parent or child. Sometimes the writings feel insistently upbeat in tone, but for the most part they are moving nevertheless. The collection is not likely to leave a new impression or serve as particularly revelatory, but it may be useful for readers feeling oppressed by myths or prejudices about definitions of family. -VERDICT A well-written, inspirational, and light read, recommended especially for those questioning how their queer or nontraditional family fits into society. Likely to appeal to anyone who enjoyed Patrick Merla's Boys Like Us.-Jessica Spears, Monroe Coll. Lib., Bronx, NY (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.