As part of a training exercise to support the Loud and Proud promotion, staff at Birmingham Libraries were asked to read and record their comments on some of the titles in the collection.

Alma Fritchley Chicken Run

"An unlikely combination of an international drugs and nuclear weapons crime conspiracy, a lesbian chicken breeder and a crime busting mobile librarian leads to a light, fast moving and very readable first novel."

Shani Mootoo Cereus Blooms at Night

"A compelling introduction which develops great characterisation. Its long descriptive passages help to draw the reader into an unusual world which unravels as the novel continues. A book which must be read to the end to appreciate the complexity of the characters."

E. Lynn Harris Invisible Life

"An interesting exploration of how a black bi-sexual man comes to terms with his sexuality and how he deals with the ensuing problems created by his different relationships. An interesting read."

Jeanette Winterson Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit

"So well observed. I raced through it, enjoying its perception. A very readable and humorous look at religious obsession and the challenges that face an evangelical household and community in dealing with, among other things, a love affair between two women."

Sandra Scoppettone Let's Face The Music And Die

"All the ingredients of the classic pacy modern detective novel, with a refreshing perspective. Crime fiction fans will not be disappointed."

Robert Rodi Kept Boy

"My heart sank. I don't read books with covers like this. I certainly don't read books that claim to be an hilarious romp. If like me you have favourite authors or only read specific genres of fiction then you will miss an immensely funny book - in parts reminiscent of an early Carry On movie.  Dennis is 31, anxious about his failing looks and insecure about the future of his relationship with his older lover Farleigh, who seems smitten by the beautiful young pool boy. The ensuing machinations, plots and counter-plots lead to a story which is, to quote from the book, "funny, enlightening and full of pathos."

Val McDermid Booked for Murder

"Intriguing from the start - nice sense of pace and characterisation coupled with bizarre mode of death (exploding beer bottle) makes for a good read."

Caitlin Sullivan and Kate Bornstein Nearly Roadkill

 

"If you can cope with the format - a novel told in emails - and the language (the avoidance of gender pro-nouns) this book does have some interesting ideas about 20th century living. If you are looking for something a bit different that takes a skewed look at the ideas of identity and gender this could be the book."

Paul Magrs Marked for Life

"I loved Paul Magrs's portrayal of family life and relationships. The ordinary is never quite what it seems. More than a bit weird with more than a touch of magic realism - a great book."