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Wynward H. Oliver
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Homo-Work Kindle Edition

by Wynward H. Oliver (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 19 ratings
See all formats and editions
Homo-Work is a laugh-out-loud, loud-and-proud, lewd-and-literate joyride!

This fearless memoir is equal parts Broadway musical treasure hunt, masturbation manifesto, pop culture extravaganza, coming out comedy of errors, anonymous sex fest, mystical mind-bender, gay love story, dysfunctional family drama, Queer culture chronicle, and high-camp tour de force.

In his intriguingly weird and irresistibly witty confessional, meet Wynward Hextor Oliver, a mixed-up, middle-aged Mexican-Syrian homosexual born with hexadactyly, which means he has six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. An admitted oddball and jack-off of all trades, this failed actor, former floral designer, and retired college teacher comes to grips with his sex-crazed, checkered past.

Meanwhile, Wynward’s present life is going to hell in a hand job.

Join Wyn on his hedonistic, hysterical, heartfelt journey, wherever his mind and his member lead him; as he learns how to jerk off with his boyhood playmate, grows ravenous for phone sex and poppers, then haunts the restrooms, beaches, bathhouses, and gay discos of Los Angeles during the height of the AIDS crisis.

As Wynward writes, “If you’re not going full out with your fetishes, why bother?”

Chronic masturbating and manhunting soon meet metaphysics, however, when his parents catch young Wynnie spying on their lovemaking, a random hookup on his sixteenth birthday turns into a night of terror and transformation, and his husband of twenty-four years nearly dies in his arms—twice.

Come for the smut, stay for the stories! Ranging from the pervy to the pithy, these well-told tales of a wild gay life well lived will enthrall and deeply move every reader.

Consider Homo-Work your literary glory hole, where what awaits you on the other side of each page will either have you on your knees begging for more or leave you weak-kneed from heady gratification.

Whether he’s being irreverent or insightful, Wynward H. Oliver's blend of authenticity, art, and artifice will become your new favorite way to self-pleasure.

(Your support of the glorious diversity of Queer indie authors encourages these creative, impassioned voices to continue telling their stories; which, of course, are our stories. Thank you.)
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  1. Print length
    299 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    April 5, 2023
  5. File size
    1160 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"An exemplar of what a memoir can, and should, be. Oliver accomplishes what lesser writers couldn't dare, and that is to write of the highs and lows of his life, his loves, and his unapologetic sexuality with a talent for jeu de mots and dazzling wordplay. His irrepressible giddiness is so often laugh-out-loud hilarious but also underscores a way of coping we all can learn from. Limits are deliciously pushed, and refreshing truths abound in a time when we are so careful about how we present ourselves to the world. Would that all autobiography be this exploratory and rich, both in content and style. This is a book to both fiercely treasure and to share." Jason Armstrong, author of Solosexual: Portrait of a Masturbator

"From the opening paragraph, I was drawn into this memoir thanks to Oliver's wit and wordsmithing, as well as his excellent command of storytelling. Yes, there's a mix of laughs and drama in this extremely entertaining outing, which is loaded with amazing references and fantastic turns of phrase, but this memoir also maintains a strong and driving heart that's difficult to ignore. The author delivers an insightful reflection of his life, making his work stand apart from (and above) the typical memoir formula. Oliver tells a gripping and engaging tale in a well-executed, non-linear style that leads to emotional cliffhangers with perfectly placed reveals—right up to the end. He learns, reassesses, and learns some more, and shares those often-relatable experiences. Start your homo-work right here, regardless of your orientation. Once finished, I'm sure you'll indulge in much thought and reflection as it's compelled me to do." William Prystauk, author of the Kink Noir series

"Bonkers—and brilliant! I absolutely loved this memoir-and-a-half. A real thrill ride of a read that had me laughing out loud one minute, tears in my eyes the next. It's occasionally harrowing, frequently hilarious, but always gripping. Alongside the outrageously fun and fruity recollections, there are thoughtful and deeply moving reflections, interspersed with some refreshingly sane and salutary philosophy on life. A beautifully written, engaging, and highly entertaining memoir. Fabulous." Brendan James, author of Gerard Philey's Euro-Diary

"Oliver provides a master class in engaging readers into a story. Skillfully written, with unforgettable characters leading their lives through the complexities of gay life, we ride along with the author as he explores his past, discovering more about himself as he observes, analyzes, and reveals intimate details and universal truths. In any memoir, the author must determine the right mix of introspection and exhibitionism. This author has found the perfect recipe for success. Read this book. It has my highest recommendation." Robert Karl, author of the Clubbed trilogy

"Doing your homo-work has never been more entertaining! I didn't want to put it down, ever. Read Homo-Work, celebrate Wynward's gift of storytelling, and most importantly, absorb his words internally." Stacia Kaywood, author of Bathed in Moonlight

"This campy, sex-positive, joyous romp contains bittersweet and dark memories, but Oliver is so resilient, so full of life, he never lingers long in tragedy. His unrelenting determination and humor always lead to a new adventure. In a tale that cleverly weaves past events and present into a page-turning web, he shares an unflinching look at growing up gay in the '70s and '80s. He doesn't preach or act like everyone in the AIDS crisis stopped having sex. Men lived, loved, and thrived despite the plague, mourning the lost while living life to its fullest. The book is full of hard-won wisdom. I can't recommend it highly enough!" Sionnach Wintergreen, author of A Little Sin

"A seminal tale, Oliver redefines the coming-out genre. Unabashedly sexual, it's not porn. Delving from the depths of despair to the heights of finding love, Oliver exposes his exquisite experiences, his pain, and his flourishing, all accompanied by a veritable lexicon of gay references and showtunes. Don't miss this one!" Michael Lloyd Gregory, author of Loyd: Tender Boy in a Rugged Land

"A wonderfully written memoir with witty humor, exceptional prose, and a true emotional rollercoaster, this book will grip you from start to finish. A fascinating read, with an exceptional style and writing, which is such a rare gem nowadays. An unapologetically queer story, so very important in today's world, one which you definitely need on your bookshelf, and is worth many re-reads to savor it in full." Maxime Jaz, author of the Omnia Vincit Amor series

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C1N87WL8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (April 5, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 5, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1160 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 299 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 19 ratings

About the author

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Wynward H. Oliver

Wynward H. Oliver

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Wynward H. Oliver is the pen name of a writer and retired educator living in Los Angeles with his husband of twenty-eight years and their two adorable doggies. His stories and essays have been widely published, in print and online. Wyn could tell you more about himself, but that's what his memoir is for.

Wyn enjoys interacting with his readers and welcomes their questions and comments. Contact him by email at hextor@att.net and follow him on Twitter (@WynwardOliver), on Facebook (Wynward H. Oliver), and on Instagram (wynwardoliver).

Thank you for supporting this queer indie author by reading Homo-Work and posting a review.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
19 global ratings
Frank and unabashedly Genuine
5 Stars
Frank and unabashedly Genuine
I loved this memoir. Through the good and the bad, the funny and the sad, he took me on a journey that only he could take. Frank and funny, I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. What a life and His story is not over yet! A must read, for those that lived that era and for those that want an idea of what life was like back in those times.
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Top reviews from the United States

William D. Prystauk
5.0 out of 5 stars A Phenomenal Exploration
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2023
Verified Purchase
Right from the opening paragraph, I was drawn into this memoir thanks to Oliver’s wit and wordsmithing as well as his excellent command of storytelling. Yes, there is a mix of laughs and drama in this extremely entertaining outing, which is loaded with amazing references and fantastic turns of phrase, but this memoir also maintains a strong and driving heart that is difficult to ignore.

The author delivers an insightful reflection of his life, yet uses several different approaches that make his work stand apart from (and above) the typical memoir formula…

Unlike other memoirs, Oliver tells a gripping and engaging tale in a well-executed, non-linear style that leads to emotional cliffhangers with perfectly placed reveals later – right up to the very end. Although other memoirs may focus on one theme and/or one trauma or one period of time, “Homo-Work” moves out in several directions from its foundation of a coming-of-age story.

The reason the entire narrative works is because this “coming-of-age” element is on-going. A lifelong learner, one can argue that the author is still “coming-of-age” as he ventures through the stages of life. Oliver learns, reassesses, and learns some more, and shares those often relatable experiences with the reader. In this respect, we have a memoir that incorporates the best elements of autobiography in an expert manner.

Of his life experiences, Oliver does not circumvent or water down those negative moments he has endured. This does not simply mean the traumatic or sad events that had happened to him which are sometimes gasp-worthy, but when the author was not at his best and may have hurt others on an emotional level. These reflections allow readers to experience the growth of Oliver, which makes for one of the most honest and open memoirs I have ever read. The author is not only brave by revealing his mistakes and weaknesses, but he is “aware”, which proves that he is continually “coming-of-age” because he pays attention to the world around him, as well as himself, and moves forward with new knowledge and sensibilities.

One of the greatest features of the memoir is that Oliver does not whine or cry or seek pity. Instead, he shares much wisdom that is quite illuminating. Finding several similarities to the author’s life (mostly regarding self-deprecation and thoughts regarding the world), have helped me feel more connected to others besides feeling more grounded as I continue my own journey. And for that, I am most grateful.

Oliver is an amazing writer and entertainer and I cannot wait for his next work, regardless of subject matter, because he knows how to tell a story and keep readers engaged.

Start your own “Homo-Work” right here regardless of your orientation. Once finished with the memoir, I am sure you will indulge in much thought and reflection as it has compelled me to do.
One person found this helpful
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C. Dale
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!!!!!!
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2023
Verified Purchase
This incredible, brave man had me on the edge of my set throughout the entire book. Never fully knowing what was coming next. So much of Wynward's wonderful life is a mirror of my own from the flower shop work, to the cruising bars, disco's and the baths and all at the very beginning of the AIDS Crisis. HIs word choices and alliteration is the very best I've read in a long time, and I'm beyond thankful at times I was looking up words he used. Not many authors make us do that these days and that in it self is a pity. HIs wit, his camp and his many drag persona names throughout this great book has me giggling one minute and crying the next as husband battles two major health scare. HIs honesty, openness, and even frankness made me feel like I was sitting at his kitchen table and we were chatting over iced cafe mocha's. The VERY best book I've read this entire year and a must read for every LGBTQIA+ person. Highly recommended, incredible writing, incredible story telling.

The honesty about the AIDS Crisis, the loss, the suffering and even the deaths are handled beautifully and his insight into this era of Crisis brought back some very wonderful memories as well as some very painful ones. But his wisdom shines through this darkest of times for people battling this disease, myself included.

I CAN NOT praise this book enough, it is that DAMN good....
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nooneyouwouldwanttoknow
5.0 out of 5 stars Not the typical queer memoir
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is not your usual queer memoir. It is not by-the-numbers or sanitized, and it is not P.C. This is an account, variously raucous and bittersweet, of a life lived on one's own terms.
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SlyBoots
5.0 out of 5 stars A Celebration of Life, Sex, and Musicals!
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2023
Verified Purchase
This memoir, written by a gay college professor who, as a young Mexican-Syrian man, spent his twenties during the AIDS crisis, sounds like it would be depressing. It’s anything but! This often campy, sex-positive, joyous romp does contain bittersweet and dark memories (as well as present sadness), but the author is so resilient, so full of life that he never lingers too long in tragedy. Wynward’s unrelenting determination and humor always lead to a new adventure.

This memoir is a celebration of life in all of its forms. In a tale that cleverly weaves past events and present into a page-turning web, the author shares with his readers an unflinching look at growing up gay in the ‘70s and 80’s in Los Angelas, California. We follow the funny, closeted boy who adores musicals as he fumbles through an adolescence peppered with innocent forays into sexuality and moments of terror. The pages capture his boyish curiosity and lead into the adult explorations of bath houses, anonymous sex on sandy beaches, and a first love besieged by the AIDS crisis. One of the things I appreciated most was Wynward’s honesty. He doesn’t preach or act like everyone in the AIDS crisis stopped having sex. Men didn’t simply don their hair shirts and become saints. They lived, loved, and thrived despite the plague, mourning the lost while living life to its fullest.

The book is full of zingers and some hard-won wisdom. Although I loved all of the camp and humor, I found myself highlighting text (something I rarely do) to help me as an activist fighting today’s renewed threat against our LGBTQ community. I read this book at a difficult time in my life, and those nuggets kept me going as much as Wynne’s infectious humor. (I’m sure he would have something lascivious to say about the word ‘nuggets’).

As an added bonus, there’s a game you can play with the chapter titles—almost all of which are also the titles of songs from musicals. I quickly realized I’m merely a tourist when it comes to musicals. If you’re like me, fret not, because the answers are in the back. If you’re an aficionado, enjoy the fun!

I can’t recommend Homo-Work highly enough!
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Top reviews from other countries

Brendan J
5.0 out of 5 stars Bonkers - and brilliant!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 19, 2023
Verified Purchase
I absolutely loved this memoir-and-a-half. A real rollercoaster of a read that had me laughing out loud one minute, tears in my eyes the next. It’s occasionally harrowing, frequently hilarious but always gripping. Alongside the outrageously fun and fruity recollections, there are lots of thoughtful and deeply moving reflections, interspersed with some refreshingly sane and salutary philosophy on life. All in all, a beautifully written, engaging and highly entertaining memoir. Fabulous.
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