The Gaymandments

Pilot Dotson’s sophomore release as an aspiring writer, The Gaymandments is a significant departure from What You’re Not Supposed To Know About Public School In America.

His first book caused a commotion when it was released in 2006 amid controversy regarding its subject, offering a scathing review of the public school system where he worked. His new book, a collaborative effort with JC Girton, is a collection of witty quips, pithy remarks, movie quotes, and little bits of randomness that make the whole book hard to put down.

To be fair, the book is more of a novelty than a moving read. It uses its sense of design to appeal to every fashion conscious gay person. The book actually looks like a cross between a bible and a small Prada clutch purse, with triangular symbol emblazoned with a large, golden “G”. The pages have small designs around the page numbers reminiscent of famous designer brand symbols like Diesel, D&G, Chanel, Versace, and the aforementioned Prada.

“The genesis of this book was an idea to help gay men everywhere find an exodus from medicority,” is what is written on the back of the book in faux gold lettering. And, the authors are true to their word, offering the book exclusively through the website: www.lulu.com/pilot_dotson, with a free preview of the entire book so that readers can see exactly what they’re buying.

It’s a bold move for someone just breaking into the book business, but with such fantastic movie quotes from favorites like Beetlejuice: “If you don’t let me gut out this house and make it my own, I will go insane and I will take you with me!” to harsh retorts between the authors:

“I need gaudy jewelry.”

“Sweetie, all your jewelry is gaudy.”

“I know, I mean, I need more.”

The book offers hours of entertainment and its not hard to see the applicability of the fun quotes that are to be found within. The reader will be looking for any opportunity to be able to say: “I know you think I don’t care, and you’re right…” or: “can we finish this conversation before I slap you silly?”

- OIA Book Reviews