Acquired Tastes XLIII Gay Pulp Fiction, Part 150 Adam's Gay Readers: Part 7 of 10

Acquired Tastes XLIII

Gay Pulp Fiction, Part 150

Adam's Gay Readers: Part 7 of 10

This week we continue our ten-part series of posts dedicated to Adam's Gay Reader's.

Adam's Gay Reader's were released under the Surey Books banner, and published from 1983-1991. Whether this imprint is related to other Surrey publications remains to be seen.

The books were distributed by Star Distributors, which operated out of a P.O. Box  (P.O. Box 36) at the Canal Street Station in New York City, NY.  

A total of 155 titles were published, all featuring distinctively soft, but gay-erotic illustrations, all in a watercolor-like style.

Described by The Book Merchant Jenkins as:

"One of the many gay erotic pulp novels produced in the mid to late 20th century. These short sexually explicit stories, many of which were formulaic and published in easily recognizable series with graphically illustrated covers and titillating titles each targeting a specific sexual niche, demonstrate the breadth of sexual fantasy, occupation, desire, and deviance of the emerging homosexual culture."

 And... so far, that's all I have learned about this imprint. If you have any info, leave it in the comments section or contact me via blogger.

This week: I found 13 out of 15 covers.

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Carnal Urges

Author: Jon Hartley

 1988 

AGR-191

It would appear that a junior gay is getting gaining a few insights by listening to a trio of  'more-seasoned' players. This one has three fairy godmothers... me? I only had one. But such a great one. He was a bit of an ice queen, but he taught me so much. And he had such phenomenal taste - dare I say, a bit of it rubbed off on me. I will always be grateful for his wisdom, advice, and time. No one purposely signs up for such duty, but, man... so many need that kind of guidance. Well, not so much today. With the internet and kids coming out in high school.. they are better informed. Still, nothing teaches like experience shared.    

Available at Hommi Publishing as a downloadable PDF or ebook. 

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 Campus Queen

Author: Connie Johnson

 1988 

AGR-192

I sure would like to see this cover. What a hoot. 

It got me thinking about doing a reboot of that horrible Rodney Dangerfield film Back To School... but starring our own Miss Maddie! Just think... instead of 'big man on campus', she could be 'big queen on campus'! And these days? Oh, you know she'd have some competition, child!

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The Boys On The Block

Author: Mark Andrews

 1988 

AGR-193

According to a note on Hommi Publishing's Big Ass List, this one is about a high school grad at summer school.

The only summer school I ever had to was high school band. Once a week, we would get together and play, because we marched in parades. It was horrible, as the school had no air conditioning and our band uniforms were made of... and I'm not kidding - wool. Three layers. And those stupid hats like the guards wear at Buckingham Palace. The only saving grace? All the boys wearing cut off denim shorts, like those pictured. Man. Farm boys in cut-offs. 

You could say the experience made me melt in more than one way. 

Available at Hommi Publishing as a downloadable PDF or ebook. 

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Thrill of Discovery

Author: Connie Johnson

 1988 

AGR-194

With all I have experienced, there is one thing I have not. I've never felt up a stranger on a form of public transport. I know, I know... I should hand in my gay card right this second, but it's true. I have watched dudes jerk off on public transport, but never gotten involved, if you know what I mean. 

Though, come to think of it, in my youth, I did jerk off in the back seat on a flight home from Denver once. But that was more out of boredom and the fact there was no one else in my section. I kept it undercover... yes! Covid isn't the only reason airlines took those blankets away from us!

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Cruising the Ferries

Author: Ward Michaels

 1988 

AGR-195

I've taken ferries to various islands in the past. I never got a sense that they were an environment rife with opportunities for sexual experimentation, though I'm sure someone got off... and we're not talking about disembarking. 

Being a total loner, I would always seek the least populated corner in order to avoid all contact with others. Though these days, given the chance, I'd no doubt be on Grindr to make sure I wasn't missing out. Thing is... do they even have restrooms on those vessels? I've never bothered to find out. 

I guess that's one for the bucket list. 

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Uncle’s Playmate

Author: Jon Hartley

 1988 

AGR-196

I wonder what it's like to have a gay uncle. As a kid, I think it would be a great way to get over the whole 'what is gay' thing. I mean, it would be Uncle Jeffrey showing up for this or that holiday family gathering with a new 'friend' year after year, until you start asking questions and then your parents level with you and give you the low down about Jeffrey slinging sausage. Or maybe Jeffrey has to clue you in when you ask him point blank about what happened to 'Ken' who was here at New Years, because 'Ken'  - unlike 'Dudley' who is here for Easter - was a lot of fun. 

As a gay uncle? I can tell you, it's a lot of fun... but it also pisses off your older sister - who never liked you begin with - to no end when you explain to your nieces and nephews how it is that nice  'Uncle' Tony  - who is no relation to anyone - has suddenly 'joined' the family.  

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S & M Brothers

Author: Michael Scott

 1989 

AGR-197

Hmmm. This one is doubly problematic for me. I bet that's why they went with a rather generic cover. 

Unless they mean 'brothers' as in 'brother in arms'? You know... like members of the club? That could work. As in, 'a band of brothers'. That would be okay. But dom/sub play with an incest twist? 

Maybe they don't find out until 'after'! Why... that would make it almost Shakespearian in scope.

Available at Hommi Publishing as a downloadable PDF or ebook. 

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Riding Randy’s Big RV

Author: Ward Michaels

 1989 

AGR-198

I want to travel in an RV! I do. My brother-in-law almost inherited his father's rig and, from the moment he mentioned it, I started planning road trips. I think it would be so much fun. 

Well. Not the driving part. 

Or the parking part. 

Or having to put up with other people at the RV parks part.

But I'm sure there's fun in there somewhere - you know, like The Adventures Of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert or something.

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Space Invaders

Author: Connie Johnson

 1989 

AGR-199

 

Now, here's a bit of a stretch for the imprint - gay sci fi! It was pretty common in the days of Greenleaf Books, but sort of fell out of favor. I guess Adam's Gay Readers was not afraid to test those waters. 

Now, for me? My idea of gay sci fi would be some fan fiction about the Johnny Quest crew. Growing up, I had crushes on all those guys. The Lost In Space guys, too. 

Of course, we all know what Doctor Zachary Smith was really all about... 

Available at Hommi Publishing as a downloadable PDF or ebook. 

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Hitch-Hiking Pizza Boy

Author: Paul J. Simon

 1989 

AGR-200

Oh - The Pizza Boy!

The pizza delivery boy is not only a gay porn trope, but one embraced by all porn. It's a tried and true formula. I mean, in straight porn it was usually about the pizza boy delivering a pizza to a couple of coeds who... oh, golly, they don't have any money to pay for the pizza. Well, payment has to be made somehow... so? You get the picture.

In gay porn? It was more likely... oh, pizza boy, thank you for delivering hot and fresh right to my door step. Here... I have a big... and I mean, really big... tip for you. Won't you step inside?

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Banana Land

Author: Paul J. Simon

 1989 

AGR-201

Strange font sizes on these covers sometimes, huh? And speaking of print... check out the bottom of the cover. That's right... Adam's Gay Readers is starting to add sub-genre titles. Now, it took me much longer than it should have, for initially I had no idea what an 'AGR JOCK BOOK' might be about or what it even implies, for that matter. AGR? But then on went the light bulb - Adam's Gay Reader JOCK BOOK. So, given that... why isn't anyone wearing one? But, again... the powers that be at AGR work in mysterious ways... take this preppy country club scene. I mean.. what? And that title? Are they at an all gay resort in the tropics? If so, why is this labeled a 'JOCK BOOK'? 

Maybe THAT was AGR's marketing approach: confuse and confound potential buyers whose natural curiosity will compel them to buy the book in order to figure out the relationship between title, illustration and sub-genre label. 

A bit of gamble, but... it could work. Gay guys have fell for dumber shit. 

Remember Deep V-Neck T-shirts? Drop Crotch Trousers? Or Grindr?

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Boys After Dark

Author: Roy Calhoun

 1989 

AGR-202 

According to a note on Hommie Publishing's Big Ass List, this one is about college boys in the park.

And this one is categorized as a 'COLLEGE CAMPUS BOOK'. 

Well, trust me... those boys will be getting quite the education, cruising in public parks. 

But be forewarned, you amateurs. What happens in the bushes does not always stay in the bushes. 

Oh, no, childrens... you best be careful or you'll be bringing home the kind of memories which require a clinic visit and a shot of antibiotics! Mmmm hmmm.

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Close Encounters

Author: Connie Johnson

 1989 

AGR-203

Now, I think... that sub-genre says... SUREY STUD BOOK. Surey is the publishing house. And as we continue down vintage gay pulp fiction road, here... you will see that name more and more, either as Surey or Surrey or Surree. Surrey Books is, in fact, an imprint we'll be getting to someday down the line, but, fact is  we've already explored at least one of their imprints. HIS69 Books was a Surrey/Surree House imprint. The reason for all the various spellings? Depends. Could be an attempt to escape the notice of government censors, law enforcement, creditors, landlords or vendors. Yes, the glamourous world of gay pulp fiction publishing! So much fun. Like a damn game of cup and ball (so to speak.)

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Burgur Buns

Author: B.F. Christi

 1989 

AGR-204 

According to a note on Hommi Publishing's Big Ass List, this one is about a bakery delivery boy.

Who knows why Burgur is spelled that way. Probably the last name of the bakery owner? 

This is a WORKING MAN BOOK, a sub-genre I'm sure the earlier 'Pizza Delivery Boy' book would have fallen under had they existed back then. And I'm sure that's not the only thing those two books shared, although... I'd much rather have sex in some rando's apartment than in the back of a bread truck or in the backroom of a grocery store. 

But then again... any port in a storm, am I right fellas?

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Doubts

Author: Jon Hartley

 1989 

AGR-205

What is this? A Meryl Streep/Phillip Seymore Hoffman film? No?

Oh, you've all heard about 'wedding day jitters'. This puts a bit of a spin on it.

For, if I recall correctly, and I do, the good folks over at the porn house known as MEN have done a number of photo 'spreads' demonstrating exactly what can go wrong behind the scenes on a groom's 'big day'. It's all kept hush, hush, of course. For no one keeps secrets like a gay playing on the down low.

That's why you never hear of anyone 'giving the groom away.'

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And that's all for now.

Next week: More Adam's Gay Readers titles.

Until then... thanks for reading!

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Space Invaders - Player One