HomoAmerican - The Secret Society by Michael K. Dane

She and Misha are always working on something.” “I worked for a while in the small studio until Twyla came in and threw me out. There are also characters who are not properly introduced but are suddenly included in the story. This is pretty evident because they only appear once (examples are Twyla and Misha below). For instance, there are character names mentioned although they are not that important. While an autobiography is expected to be long, there are parts in this book that do not seem to be necessary at all. In HomoAmerican, what is meant to be discussed succinctly is dragged for a much longer period of time. The tone still feels natural, but like any other narration, it has to be cut precisely at the right moment, or else, the audience loses interest. The overwhelming details start to burden the mind with every turn of the page.

However, a few chapters more into the book and the pace seems to slow down. With a seamless flow, it keeps a light and entertaining vibe. In just two chapters, a lot has already been told, and yet, it is not confusing. The book starts with just the right pacing. Dane does not waste even the tiniest bit of information and puts them all together to make his life story come alive on paper. From hiding to rebelling - all to find who he really is, amidst the chaos surrounding him. From looking at the world from within to trying out ballet and living life on the outside looking in. From his happy yet strange childhood to his parents’ divorce. Dane’s voice carries a casual tone that welcomes the readers into various stages of his life. Michael Dane’s HomoAmerican – The Secret Society is a painstakingly detailed autobiography equipped with dramatic flair and sense of humor. After all, the more you show yourself to others, the more you discover about yourself. For one, he can further understand and defend himself if he is in the spotlight. After years of wanting to be invisible, Michael learns that being visible has its own perks too.

He realizes he has to get out there and be stronger - he has to be seen.

He tries his best to conform but he cannot hide his talent and personality for so long. And if there’s one thing that’s clear to Michael, it’s the fact that being different is usually labeled as wrong, even when it is not. How can he even explain himself to others when he doesn’t even know who he is? But explaining himself, that’s what he finds difficult. Smart and young Michael knows how to deal with his fears and escape from terrible situations when he wants or needs to. He thinks being invisible can save one person so much trouble - you do not get bullied when you’re invisible you do not get hurt when you’re invisible. Michael Dane, born Dean Michael Kocee on September 28, 1954, wants to live an invisible life for as long as he can remember. Rating: 3 out of 5 stars (reviewed for Feathered Quill Book Reviews)Ī life worth fighting for is a life worth living, and a life worth living is a life meant to be seen.

HomoAmerican - The Secret Society by Michael K. Dane