How many reasons do you need to justify reading humor? Realizing that some of us take ourselves far too seriously, I can promise you that this book offers plenty to quell those pangs of guilt.

Ellen Orleans takes a look at some of the issues we face as lesbians -- both funny and painful -- and puts a delightfully fun spin on them. From the time we came out to ourselves, to the moment we are invited to our ex-lover's commitment ceremony, Orleans finds a way to make the painful and poignant both touching and funny.

As a summer release this book is the perfect read for travel boredom, lying out by the pool or while soaking in lotion to recover from sunburn.

I would also recommend this book as a gift. Imagine the look on the face of your snotty gay neighbor who swears lesbians have no sense of humor. Or perhaps the friend who just needs a giggle. For a great summer read, I give the book a solid A+ and recommend it as an excellent form of entertainment.

Story Excerpt Do you have gay fingers? Made ya look! Ellen Orleans, the Lambda Literary Award winning-author of The Butches of Madison County returns with an insightful and hilarious collection of essays that examine pressing and important questions such as this. She also tackles thorny issues such as the ex-girlfriend's commitment ceremonies, practical polymory, and S&M life. With keen insight and flawless comic sensibility, Ellen Orleans recounts her encounters with the Lesbian Intervention squad as she attempts to keep a mismatched couple from moving in together, takes the queer GREs, chooses a Barbie for her nephew, marches topless in a pride parade for a whole 2 1/2 blocks, and finally, finally earns her lesbian merit badge! For everyone who ever said that lesbians can't laugh at themselves, crack the cover of The Inflatable Butch and you will realize that not only is a sense of humor alive and well among America's lesbians, they may actually be laughing harder than you are!

Check out Alyson, the publisher's site for other books. And while you are there, order this one for your own home library.

And while we're talking about books, why don't you share with us a little about your favorite book, or books you find indispensable.

Until next time...