What Becomes of the Brokenhearted »

How to categorize E. Lynn Harris? An African-American novelist? A gay novelist? A literary romance writer? Nothing quite fits, but to Harris s fans, his bestselling novels belong in a genre of their own: one in which the characters are as difficult and complex as their problems, and the solutions as bittersweet and resonant as they often are in life.

“In many ways writing saved my life. It’s my hope that sharing my experience will give hope to others who are learning to deal with their “difference.” I want them to know they don’t have to live their lives in a permanent “don’t ask, don’t tell” existence. Truth is a powerful tool.
“But my hope for this book doesn’t stop there. I think there is a message here for anyone who has ever suffered from a lack of self-esteem, felt the pain of loneliness, or sought love in all the wrong places. The lessons I have learned are not limited to race, gender, or sexual orientation. Anyone can learn from my journey. Anyone can overcome a broken heart.”--E. Lynn Harris

Publishers Weekly

Widely known for his sexy, urban African-American novels (A Love of My Own, etc.), Harris now reveals the inspiring story of his own life. Harris's smooth, Southern accent and conversational tone immediately put listeners at ease, and the heartfelt, unpretentious candor of his narration more than makes up for any details lost in the abridged audio translation. Convinced he would die "one of the brokenhearted," Harris recalls his struggles with his abusive father, his 1990 suicide attempt, his battle with depression and his first gay relationship. Though much of the memoir focuses on the difficulties he faces growing up poor in a small town and of a race that largely considered his homosexuality "inappropriate," the author's underlying message-that you can triumph through perseverance-is universal. Harris leavens his narrative with humorous anecdotes, including a particularly funny reminiscence of his first days at IBM, where he wore shiny suits from Sears, gold chains and sported the "world's largest Afro." Hearing Harris explain how he moved beyond his self-hatred and self-doubt to become the happy, successful author he is today should motivate listeners to make their own "happy endings." Simultaneous release with the Doubleday hardcover (Forecasts, June 16). (July) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.