Bøker utgitt av Robert A Karl

CLUBBED: A Story of Gay Love, selected as a 2021 Distinguished Favorite in LGBTQ Fiction by the Independent Press Award.CLUBBED: A Story of Gay Love, is a celebration of Queer Culture. Set in Philadelphia in the 1970s - 80s, the narrator (Joey) shares stories of diverse characters in the Queer community. He also shares the story of the positive, successful relationship he has with his partner, Henry. A story of trials, tribulations and triumphs, this book is a loving tribute to the strength and love in the LGBTQ+ community.The story provides a unique perspective into the lives and loves of many different and fascinating characters, with Club Sanctuary providing a common thread connecting the stories.CLUBBED is Book One of a three-part historical fiction series exploring and celebrating Queer culture.

CLUBBED TWO: Anxiety, Anger, Activism, selected as a 2022 Distinguished Favorite by the NYC Big Book Awards.CLUBBED TWO is historical fiction, set in Philadelphia from 1982 to 1992. The main setting, Club Sanctuary, can be seen as a metaphor for the greater LGBTQ community, but it is written as a real place, with characters who are fabulous, funny and flawed.The author combines historical characters and events with fictional ones, creating a story that's entertaining, informative and emotional. The love story between the two main characters, Joey and Henry, serves as a vehicle for connecting the stories of diverse, Queer characters.As a club owner, the narrator provides a unique perspective into the LGBTQ community, combining their stories with his own. Some characters struggle with disabilities, loneliness, drug addiction, both external and internal homophobia and illness, while still seeking a sense of joy and belonging during stressful times.This second book in the CLUBBED series continues the story as the LGBTQ community fights prejudice and ignorance in an effort to be recognized as people worthy of respect. As they are confronted with hatred and discrimination, the community unites to protect its members, especially PWAs (People With AIDS).

In CLUBBED THREE: Darkness and Light, the final book in the CLUBBED trilogy, one major theme is how people adapt to changing situations. Joey and Henry, the owners of Club Sanctuary, experience changes to their relationship in a variety of ways. They move their focus from the very broad, diverse community at the club to a smaller, more intimate tribe. Should they maintain the rules that kept their relationship strong to this point, or make changes after Joey broke those very rules? Henry tightens his control to achieve his desires. Can Joey meet the new demands now being placed on him?In a departure from Books One and Two, new voices are added to the narrative, bringing new perspectives as the LGBTQ community continues its fight for acceptance and equality, while the HIV/AIDS pandemic wreaks havoc with no end in sight.Both the main characters and the community enter into the darkness. How many of them, if any, will emerge into the light?The CLUBBED series has been described as Queer As Folk meets POSE in the heart of Philly's Gayborhood. Each book can be read as a standalone, but the complete series tells the story of a community committed to the enjoyment of life even in the midst of overwhelming struggles. The mix of historical and fictional people and places provides authenticity within the art of storytelling. This is not a story of despair. It is a story of hope, courage, joy and optimism, still relevant today.