iUniverse would like to announce the release of The Decade of Blind Dates by Richard Alther

Sept. 23, 2008 - PRLog -- For more information, contact: Travis Wilson
Phone: 1-800-AUTHORS
Email: Publicity@iuniverse.com


The Decade of Blind Dates is a Must-Have Novel
for the Gay Community or for Anyone Who is Thinking of “Coming Out”

Richard Alther busts myths about the gay community and exposes the reader to diverse characters with word portraits that make the reader feel a part of the scene.

“THINK YOU’VE READ IT BEFORE?  
You haven’t. Not this story. Powerful passages left me breathless.”  
Scott Wicks, Cornell University Library

“A brave novel, a remarkable work of social and personal history. It is also SPECTACULARLY WITTY.”  Richard Stevenson, author of the Donald Strachey detective series

“A decade-long search after coming out at midlife for heart-connecting love. Alther’s word portraits of men met along the way are as humane as they are HILARIOUS.”  Richard Labonte, Books To Watch Out For

“Refreshing in its realism—friends who die of AIDS, gay men who marry in an attempt to convince themselves they are straight. Not just about hot sex but A VERY SERIOUS NOVEL ABOUT DATING.”  Reader Views

(in smaller type)
“Helps us clarify THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAVING SEX AND MAKING LOVE, and how to succeed in the search for a true soul mate.”  Brian McNaught, author of “Are You Guys Brothers?”

“Zany characters—you will find yourself laughing out loud. Compassionate and sensitive, I would LOVE TO SEE THIS BOOK MADE INTO A MOVIE!”  Bestsellersworld.com

“WE ARE CHEERING FOR THIS GUY, WE ARE CHEERING FOR OURSELVES. Shows many sides of gayness beyond the stereotypes.”  BookReview.com

“GENUINELY JOYFUL STORYTELLING begs the reader to forego dinner, work, simply sit back and enjoy the ride, laughing with hilarity, crying so I could not read through my tears.”  Rebecca’s Reads


AVAILABLE at local bookstores or online Amazon.com/B&N.com

Visit www.thedecadeofblinddates.com  for more details on the novel and Palm Springs author Richard Alther




Bloomington, IN: In The Decade of Blind Dates, author Richard Alther paints a straightforward, humorous story of a gay man’s journey of discovery that is fraught with misadventures but that eventually leads to the main character’s, Peter’s, soul mate.  Alther, who graduated as an English major from Cornell University, uses his intellect and articulate writer’s voice to create vivid descriptions of the gay subculture, comparing and contrasting light and dark imagery as the main character delves into his new world with perceptions that are challenged at every turn, leading to increased self-awareness and refined discernment.  The Decade of Blind Dates intellectual depth will give epiphany-like insight to anyone who is dating again, to anyone who is interested in becoming more self-aware, or to anyone who is thinking about “coming out.” At the same time, Alther addresses some very serious issues and treats them with tenderness and respect, using humor and candor while educating his audience.
The Decade of Blind Dates is an invaluable resource for anyone who is experiencing or wishes to experience self-discovery. The novel uses logical order laid out by each year of the “decade” during Peter’s introspective journey and is subtitled humorously with the description of characters that Peter meets. The Decade of Blind Dates enables the reader to search for self-discovery by painting images of courage, humor, and compassion to impart insight into gay life with tender descriptions. It is this balance that separates The Decade of Blind Dates from all others.
About the Author

Accomplished and articulate, Richard Alther uses his experience as a painter and writer to deliver the compelling novel The Decade of Blind Dates. His career as an exhibiting painter included gallery representation and one-person shows in Montreal, London, Los Angeles, Boston, Dallas, and Florida.  Before writing The Decade of Blind Dates, he wrote extensively about gardening and homesteading. His eye for detail in painting and writing blends both wonderfully, creating imagery that allows the reader to share Peter’s pilgrimage and ever-growing wisdom.  Alther graduated as an English major from Cornell University and pursued dual careers as a writer and painter.

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