FEBRUARY, 2022 |
BOOK REVIEW | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | 25
Issue 332 | Qsaltlake.com
the bookworm sez REVIEW BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER
‘The Audacity of a Kiss: A Memoir’ BY LESLIE COHEN, C.2021, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY PRESS, $24.95, 235 PAGES
Don’t move. Stay entirely still, don’t even breathe. You’re about to become a symbol of something that’s bigger than you are, something you’ll be proud of for the rest of your days. Don’t flinch, scratch, or sneeze. Just don’t do anything. Don’t. Move. Unless it’s to turn the pages of “The Audacity of a Kiss” by Leslie Cohen. Behind every statue is a story, and the one behind those
q scopes FEBRUARY
BY SAM KELLEY-MILLS
ARIES March 20–April 19 There could be confusion with a friend regarding the meaning of friendship. All you can do is be the best you can be. In the end, if you decide it’s a one-sided affair, it might be best to cool off for a bit. Take a break.
TAURUS Apr 20–May 20 The way you compose yourself may come into question. Even if you aren’t feeling well, there’s no reason to be grumpy. Spend time doing what makes you feel better, whether it be with a friend or solo. Have fun!
GEMINI May 21–June 20 There is love in the air. Whether you are single or the furthest thing from it, this is the time to show your appreciation to people who matter. Express
representing four people in Christopher Park in New York’s Greenwich Village is no different. But to explain how this monument came about means also telling a long love story and a tale about a nightclub. Leslie Cohen’s mother was her very best friend, although there were misunderstandings in the relationship. Seven-yearold Leslie couldn’t see why she received pink girly things for her birthday. In later years, she couldn’t understand why her mother deferred to Leslie’s father and endured his abuse. The one thing Cohen did understand was that once puberty hit, the boys in her neighborhood were no longer pals to roughhouse with. She was supposed to want to date them, and it didn’t entirely make sense, but Cohen went along with it even after she left home for college. She went out with boys and lost her virginity to one, but meeting Beth was yourself, provide gifts, or simply have a night out on the town..
CANCER June 21–July 22 Without knowing what’s ahead, it could be hard to make a big decision. Take time to know what’s at stake and don’t gamble more than you can afford to lose. It’s a nice time to lay low and avoid tempting fate..
LEO July 23–August 22 Seeing is believing and there are some incredible sights to behold right now. Nothing is more exciting than learning new skills and having new experiences. A great feeling is bound to leave you believing in miracles..
VIRGO August 23–Sep. 2 Have a heart and learn to forget about something a friend said in anger. There is more fun in letting go than holding on. Don’t be afraid to have some makeup activities to ensure the bond is stronger than ever..
the most remarkable thing about higher learning. She was sure she was in love with Beth, but Beth was obsessed with a boy and so Cohen moved on. She moved on to other men and then women, at a time between when women loving women was unthinkable, and the Summer of Love. Cohen embraced her lesbianism, fell in and out of love, and went into a partnership with three other women to open New York’s first lesbian club, where lesbians and straight feminists were welcome to dance and drink. To be sure, it was a heady time. Cohen worked nonstop, gained confidence, and learned to run a bar business. She was busy, but happy. And then Beth came back into her life… Let’s face it: author Leslie Cohen’s life story is basically like that of a lot of lesbians born at the beginning of the Baby Boom. A solid childhood,
LIBRA Sept 23–October 22 Nothing is more interesting than an upcoming event. Whether it be personal or work-related, it’s a good opportunity to figure out what you really care about. Even if things aren’t perfect, it won’t matter. Go discover!.
SCORPIO Oct. 23–Nov. 21 Let go of the need to classify a relationship for the time being. It’s possible to see that coins have more than one side and diverse values. Mix business with pleasure but don’t lose sight of what really matters.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22–December 20.
New and old friends alike are bound to come around this month. Make time for everyone, even if it means having a party or group activity. The best way to build a network is to spread the love and find new interests..
confusion, self-awareness, entrepreneurship all make a somewhat familiar story set apart by one abundant thing: warmth. Indeed, “The Audacity of a Kiss” is an easy tale. It’s comfortable, like a crackling fireplace and a glass of wine on a cushy sofa. There are accomplishments here, told so that you really share the pride in them. Readers are shown the struggle that Cohen had, too, but experiences are wellframed by explanations of the times in which they occurred, with nothing overly-dramatic — just the unabashed truth, and more warmth. Opening this book, in a way, then, is like accepting an invitation to own the recliner for an evening, and you won’t want anything else. Younger lesbians will get a lot from this book, but anyone who’s been there will relish it. Get “The Audacity of a Kiss,” then sit down … and don’t move. Q
CAPRICORN Dec 21–Jan 19
Something crazy is going to happen. Whether that is good or bad remains to be seen. Do what you can with what life gives. A financial matter needs attention. Determine what you want and simply go with the flow.!
AQUARIUS Jan. 20–Feb. 18 The best part of this month will be spending time with a loved one or family member. There is so much adversity in the world but it won’t be a factor. Embrace the love and enjoy what makes the world so great..
PISCES Feb 19–Mar 19 Question the motives of a co-worker or old friend who may seem more chummy than they should be. It’s possible they are out to get you or it could be their way of mending fences. Either way, be kind but cautious.. Q
