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The Velvet Rage
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Powerful and Stunning
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Summary
The most important issue in a gay man’s life is not “coming out”, but coming to terms with the invalidating past. Despite the progress made in recent years, many gay men still wonder, “Are we better off?” The byproduct of growing up gay in a straight world continues to be the internalization of shame, rejection, and anger - a toxic cocktail that can lead to drug abuse, promiscuity, alcoholism, depression, and suicide.
Drawing on contemporary psychological research, the author’s own journey, and the stories of many of his friends and clients, Velvet Rage addresses the myth of gay pride and outlines three stages to emotional well-being for gay men. The revised and expanded edition covers issues related to gay marriage, a broader range of examples that extend beyond middle-class gay men in America, and expansion of the original discussion on living authentically as a gay man.
What members say
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Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 30-05-18
Outdated, egocentric, destructive drivel.
This book was first written in a different time. This is a new edition but has failed to gather insight from recent research, from beyond the USA and relies heavily on anecdotal evidence of one therapists experience. It is dense with generalisations - often assertions for the mass based on individual cases, grandiose and absolute statements and hyperbole. I can hold these aberrations, but I would warn younger people learning about sexuality to seek more balanced and high quality literature in their quest.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Kindle Customer
- 25-04-17
If your gay, you need this.
I loved this. It was interesting the whole way through. And there is invaluable advise you can cherish for years to come. It can be tough being gay, but it doesn't have to be.
I always had a feeling there was something wrong with me. Something missing. This book validates and highlights that thing that was missing. I hope all the best to anyone that gets this book. And that they work to find the peace they deserve.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 25-09-13
Interesting BUT very flawed in presumptuousness
What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?
The demographic Alan Downs celebrates throughout his pages, are very rich A list gay men. He talks about shame, but manages to shame many readers with the 'normality' of their lives that are nothing like his consulting room in Santa Fe! Frustrating generalisations about gay life, no discussion on gender aspects, differences, diversity and though interesting and some good theory, just too insipid and American at times!
For a British audience and worldwide audience and for many in America, the assumption of the 'prevalence' of the Pink Pound and snobbery is hard to bear at points.
What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)
No ending, but the model though based on CBT is interesting, but seems to get twisted for an American audience. If based on mindfulness, I've listened to far better CBT/ mindfulness based books. Yes a lot of the stereotypes are true and are brave, but it all seems a little glib and boastful.
You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?
Yes, despite it flaws a good listen, but at moments irksome and hard to identify with. Nevertheless an important book to make your mind up over.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 30-01-20
Thought provoking and insightful if a little at times quite a frustrating read
Some really interesting and impactful observations made. This book made me think over my journey and the personal parts I still need to focus and work on for my own development - so for that I’m grateful.
Far too often however this book feels like it gets caught up as an autobiography rather than a cultural study.
I couldn’t help wince by the continual referring to gay life dominated by status, wealth fashion and outrageousness. It feels a little outdated and although I get that stereotypes exist I think it these points could have been presented in a more considered way.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 31-10-19
Every gay man must read.
All gay men should read this book to discover how we can move forward from the shame and invalidation we experienced as children and how we have been moulded by it's reoccurring presence as adults.
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- David
- 15-09-19
Opinionated, outdated pap.
Within about five minutes of starting this book the author had annoyed me. “Gay men are uniquely placed...” so my lesbian sister isn’t included when talking of compassion.
No thanks.
Maybe this book had something to offer when published, but I don’t think it does any more.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 01-05-19
Insightful
Fascinating and insightful, I wish I read this years ago. I highly recommend this audiobook .
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 11-07-18
Amazing book
Amazing book, thank u for writing it, i wish you the best, all gay men should read it twice!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Dominick Branigan
- 20-05-18
Interesting, Engaging, Honest!
I enjoy this book for it honesty. Thanks for sharing this story. All gay men can identity with many elements of The Velvet Rage and take away some home truths worth exploring.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- cool-dood
- 12-12-17
amazing
it made me realise things that were there but forgotten, and made me understand the beauty to keep going regardless of obstacles or setbacks, thanks
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Matthew Phelps
- 30-08-12
Must read for any gay man
Would you listen to The Velvet Rage again? Why?
There was quite a bit of information presented, and I think listening to it again might help me access more of it.
What did you like best about this story?
The inclusion of anecdotes really helped me relate my own life to the issues described in the book.
Which scene was your favorite?
Chapter 14, where he talked about life skills.
If you could give The Velvet Rage a new subtitle, what would it be?
An owner's manual for the gay life.
15 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- JSTAR
- 19-04-14
Very Profound for Me
Would you consider the audio edition of The Velvet Rage to be better than the print version?
Yes - I enjoyed Alan Downs reading his own words. There are subtleties in his voice that add significance.
What did you like best about this story?
How much I can relate to the struggle and the potential for growth he offers.
Have you listened to any of Alan Downs’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
I haven't. This is the first.
What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?
Probably the first chapters where he discusses shame, its origins and manifestations etc. I'd never though about my own shame in those terms before. Very helpful!
Any additional comments?
Really worth the read, guys.
7 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- E. Durham
- 02-07-13
Heartwarming and Informative
Alan's tone and approach is heartwarming with its message of hope. This message is presented without flourish. This made the content less entertaining but far more personal and moving. I am grateful for the wisdom shared and have already begun to share some of it with my friends. I recommend the book to every gay person wishing to understand more about their emotional world and to everyone else for the same reason. A little understanding can only help and this book has much to share.
6 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jim
- 25-08-13
A Great Perspective that Resonates
If you could sum up The Velvet Rage in three words, what would they be?
This book offers a clear perspective on the life of gay men and the challenges we face dealing with the way our lives feel need to be and how they should be. The perspective really resonates with me and made me sit back and think about how much the shame and expectations of gay life impacted and continue to impact me. Worth every minute of listening pleasure.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Velvet Rage?
One thing - dont pass up that man who may not be perfect because you pass up the chance to meet an amazing person.
What about Alan Downs’s performance did you like?
Very easy to listen to very easy to enjoy.
What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?
Shame impacts everyone.
4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Corey
- 05-09-13
Most moving book I have ever read. A+++
Would you consider the audio edition of The Velvet Rage to be better than the print version?
Haven't read the printed version but ordered it so I could highlight specific portions. Having both wouldn't be a bad idea.
What did you like best about this story?
How closely it related to me.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
YES!!! Although I didn't have the time to I listened as much as possible.
3 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
- Carl Haley
- 20-05-15
So so
Some good ideas. But it feels often like the writer believes all gay men have the same problems. He doesn't seem to think any gay man can grow up without being ashamed.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Doug LaMountain
- 05-11-18
Waited 49 years for this.....
Overwhelmed just by the 1st chapter in what my definition of shame is vs the real meaning. I continue to hide my true self even after all these years, I have learned to be me, to be enough, then a new lady friend asked me if I had a girlfriend, I froze....again... yet in my mind I’m saying, “ your have no clue do you” so my true self is me, is Doug,
And I have to remember that what others think of me is none of my business..
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mike CHESWORTH
- 08-06-15
A MUST read for every gay man.
I first read this book after a particularly painful breakup in 2007. I was definitely a solid phase 2. Seven years later I find myself reading this book again nursing another broken heart. This time I found myself teetering on the brink of three. The ending chapters of this book were like a warning showing me exactly what I was doing, as I was beginning to foreclose on authenticity.
Thank you Alan for writing this book!!!
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- RSparks
- 19-05-15
Thank You!
I've already recommended this book to some of my friends as well as family members who need guidance and a further insight into the injustice that gay men face in this world.
I highly recommend this book for any gay man. Period.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Brad DeCoursey
- 12-04-15
Much Needed Reset
This book provided a catalyst for me to move on in my life and the courage to seek help to do so.
1 person found this helpful