Set against the backdrop of a 1950s urban childhood, this memoir reveals the complexities of growing up as a gifted ambidextrous boy. While appearing cheerful to his family, he faces the harsh realities of bigotry from a teacher who deems his left-handedness wrong. As he navigates the challenges of adolescence, including crushes and the hidden desires of adults, he confronts the darker aspects of life. Ultimately, he emerges from his boyhood with a strong sense of self and a deeper understanding of the world.
Felice Picano Book order






- 2024
- 2022
Slashed to Ribbons in Defense of Love and Other Stories
- 246 pages
- 9 hours of reading
The collection captures a vibrant snapshot of gay life from 1975 to 1982, reflecting a time before the AIDS crisis in iconic locales like New York and Fire Island. Notable stories include "Spinning," which immerses readers in the mind of a DJ navigating the disco scene, and "The Interrupted Recital," where tensions in the classical music world lead to dramatic consequences. This anthology serves as a nostalgic exploration of the era's unique subcultures and social dynamics.
- 2022
Lillian's perspective reveals her experiences and motivations as the pursued wife of the Lord Exchequer. Her narrative explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and personal agency in a Victorian setting. As she navigates her circumstances, her story contrasts with Addison Grimmins' relentless ambition, shedding light on the complexities of her situation and the choices she must make. This duality enriches the overarching tale of pursuit and desire, offering a deeper understanding of both characters.
- 2021
Set in the 1880s, Addison Grimmins, a clever and ambitious young man, embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of the Marchioness of R. Hired by the Lord Exchequer, he navigates a web of intrigue across Europe, utilizing letters, bribed information, and telegrams. His journey takes him from opium dens to Venetian palaces, revealing shocking truths about Lady R. and himself. This adventure culminates in a life-altering crisis and a dramatic duel with a formidable adversary.
- 2020
Songs and Poems
- 68 pages
- 3 hours of reading
These poems composed in an impressive spontaneous style reveal profundity of thoughts. Due to so much diversity and variety, this poetry collection is without monotony.
- 2020
The Book of Lies
- 442 pages
- 16 hours of reading
The narrative follows Ross Ohrenstedt, a rising star in queer studies, as he navigates his new role at a prestigious university in Los Angeles. Tasked with overseeing the papers of a prominent gay literary figure, he discovers a lost work by an unknown author. His pursuit to uncover the writer's identity leads him to uncover unsettling truths about a group of revolutionary 1970s and 1980s writers, ultimately revealing a shocking secret tied to The Book of Lies.
- 2019
Victor Regina, a successful novelist in New York City, grapples with the harsh winter and a lack of romance despite his best-selling status and vibrant social life. As he prepares for the enticing Black Party at Club Flamingo, an unexpected opportunity arises when his agent offers him a Hollywood deal to adapt his latest novel for a renowned director. This pivotal moment sets the stage for a journey through love, ambition, and the complexities of success in a challenging urban landscape.
- 2009
Looking Glass Lives
- 264 pages
- 10 hours of reading
Set against the backdrop of timeless love, this haunting narrative explores the complexities of relationships across different eras. The author, a prominent figure in the American gay literary scene, weaves a poignant story that delves into the emotional depth and challenges faced by its characters. Rich in historical context, the tale reflects on the enduring nature of love, making it a compelling read for those interested in the intersections of romance and history.
- 2009
Late in the Season
- 194 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Set against the backdrop of Fire Island in September, this novel explores the unique friendship between a gay composer in his late thirties and an 18-year-old schoolgirl. It captures the essence of gay life following the Stonewall riots, offering a poignant reflection on relationships and identity. Originally published in 1981, it provides a significant perspective on the cultural landscape of the time, making it a vital read in understanding the evolution of gay narratives in literature.
- 2006
Tales
- 245 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Fiction. With stylistic mastery, Californian writer Felice Picano delivers 7 groundbreaking stories that go beyond anything before imagined. In The Perfect Setting, landscape paintings give clues to different crimes leading up to the murder of the artist herself. In One Way Out, a backpack traveler tries to escape a strange and frightening nightmare monitored by psychiatrists. People of different epochs experience fragile encounters adn love affairs in the included novella Ingoldsby. All 7 stories are gripping experience that will take readers out of this world. Destined to become a classic bestseller, Tales From A Distant Planet clearly illustrates why Felice Picano has become not only one of the world's most influential and respected writers but a popular cultural icon.