The remarkable first novel by a young, gay, black author who fashioned a deeply moving and compelling coming-of-age story out of the controversial issues of bisexuality and AIDS Law school, girlfriends, and career choices were all part of Raymond Tyler's life, but there were other, more terrifying issues for him to confront. Being black was tough enough, but Raymond was becoming more and more conscious of sexual feelings that he knew weren't "right." He was completely committed to Sela, his longtime girlfriend, but his attraction to Kelvin, whom he had met during his last year in law school, had become more than just a friendship. Fleeing to New York to escape both Sela and Kelvin, Raymond finds himself more confused than ever before. New relationships--both male and female--give him enormous pleasure but keep him from finding the inner peace and lasting love he so desperately desires. The horrible illness and death of a friend eventually force Raymond, at last, to face the truth. Invisible Life has been hailed as "one of the most thought-provoking books--since James Baldwin's Another Country" (Richmond Voice), and Harris's "stories have become the toast of bookstores, reading groups, men, women, and gay and straight people" (Atlanta Journal-Constitution).
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"He is the one who truly opened the door to the "downlow" lifestyle and I must always give credit where credit is due. I have so many friends from college that went through sexual identites however what I learn more than anything else is not to judge but to be there for them and continue to be their friend."
— LaRhonda (5 out of 5 stars)
" It was very interesting. This book is not for everyone. "
— Cathy, 1/24/2014" If you are ready, it is a great book! "
— Natalie, 1/22/2014" This book was good, I liked the topic and I finished the book in a day. I enjoyed the book a lot, but at times it seemed as though the book was simple at times. Sometimes, overly simple. The topic explored in this book should not be taken lightly, and I feel that this is exactly what E. Lynn Harris did. "
— Joi, 1/12/2014" This book changed my life. It opened my eyes to things I just didn't realize or knew existed. It changed my whole outlook on college & the football team. "
— Shannon, 1/11/2014" This was a quick easy read...but not your average love story. I am not one to give a away an ending but I will say...if you are looking for the happily-ever-after-fairy-tale ending this is not the book for you. Once I started the book I didnt want to put it down even though the main character pissed me off more than once...Only to realize that the story's time frame is what played the ultimate role in his actions and beliefs. I look forward to reading the next book in the trilogy and hopefully this character is touched upon for I dont think his story is finished... "
— Kristin, 1/7/2014" This was the first book on this series. Love this author, love this book! "
— Tammy, 12/29/2013" It was a good book. Interesting subject matter, but some of the loose ends were tied up too quickly at the end of the story. "
— Jerrika, 12/21/2013" I was very moved emotionally by this book. I bought into and cared for the charactors. An excellent book. "
— R., 12/20/2013" First E. Lynn Harris book ever read! Fell in love with the author and has been one of absolute favorites ever since. I love his ability to make stores jump from the page and he offers that chance for you to reflect on your own life with his sincere characters. "
— Mercedes, 11/3/2013" very disappointing actually. worth reading though just to see a different point of view. "
— Cara, 10/13/2013" This one started it all for me in terms of my on current works "
— Eddie, 9/21/2013" My first intro into gay life as a young adult and I thought the writing was true to form. I must read "
— Lisa, 7/22/2013" First novel I ever read about bisexuality and/or homosexuality. It's an easy read, and -although a novel- a very tastefully written, and at times it seems, an isightful look at that culture too! "
— Homero, 7/4/2013" This is an interesting read, although it was forced upon me. I say try the first few pages. It is the story of a man trying to understand and acknowledge his place in life. "
— Mary, 6/13/2013" interesting because i guess I never thought about a gay black culture "
— Auntie, 3/14/2013" E. Lynn Harris wrote with passion and told wonderfully true and moving stories. This is one of my favorites. "
— Paul, 9/3/2012" first read it in the late 80s/early 90s and just read it again. still a good read... "
— Evelyn, 5/28/2012" riveting and awesome...finally African American Authors "
— Marilyn, 4/10/2012" E Lynn harris's debut book and one of his best works to date "
— Mario, 9/12/2011" OMG, this book is sooo good, but beware-- it will leave you thinking that every man you ever dated in on the "down-low." "
— Shana, 8/21/2011" This was a easy read and ended with a little twist!Good book! "
— Shida, 6/23/2011" This book helped change my views about homosexuality....in 1996. "
— Lily, 6/11/2011" My first intro into gay life as a young adult and I thought the writing was true to form. I must read "
— Lisa, 5/17/2011" The first book I ever read by E. Lynn Harris. Also the first book I've read about gay characters. First time I read a book and saw myself. This book will always hold a special place with me... "
— Shannon, 5/16/2011" It was a great book. I read it in like two nights. "
— Rosiland, 4/13/2011" This book changed my life, and helped me define who I am. "
— Author, 4/7/2011" I love this book. Mr. Harris will truly be missed. "
— Pamela, 3/17/2011" E. LYNN HARRIS WAS THE VERY 1ST AFRICAN-AMERICAN AUTHOR THAT STARTED MY BOOK COLLECTION. HE GAVE ME THE START AND THE LOVE I HAVE FOR READING TODAY!! 2OYRS LATER AND COUNTING "
— Marshae, 12/19/2010" This was a easy read and ended with a little twist!Good book! "
— Shida, 11/29/2010" The beginning are a great series of books. This book made we want more great read. "
— Sheree, 11/29/2010" E. Lynn Harris wrote with passion and told wonderfully true and moving stories. This is one of my favorites. "
— Paul, 11/9/2010E. Lynn Harris (1955–2009) was the author of many novels and the memoir What Becomes of the Brokenhearted. Many of his novels made the bestseller list of the New York Times and other publications. His numerous awards include the James Baldwin Award for Literary Excellence and three BlackBoard’s Novel of the Year Awards.
Mirron Willis—actor of film, stage, and television—is the winner of the prestigious Audie Award for best narration in 2012 and a finalist for the Audie in 2015, as well as the winner of four AudioFile Earphones Awards for his audiobook recordings. He has worked extensively in film and television and on stage with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Houston Shakespeare Festival, and the Ensemble Theatre, among others. He has recorded some 150 audiobooks, including the Smokey Dalton series by Kris Nelscott and My Song by Harry Belafonte. He resides and records audiobooks on his family’s historic ranch in East Texas.