“The one thing Shelby Camden had always known about herself was that there was something about herself she didn’t know.”

Shelby Camden works in the editorial offices of The Magazine for Women and Sarah Dreher sets the scene, depicting the world in a ‘black and white’ televison kind of way.

Shelby Camden wonders why her engagement and impending marriage seem to drive her to depression and drink.  Her fiance, Dr. Raymond Beeman, is a nice guy but whenever he wants sex, she gets a headache.  She sometimes goes through the motions but doesn’t understand why she doesn’t feel more excited.   Then, one day whilst chopping wood in her back yard she notices a woman stood leaning, watching her.  Her new neighbour, Fran Jarvis.  Slowly they get to know each other and Shelby finds she can easily share her innermost thoughts with Fran and feels excited at the prospect of seeing her each day.   As they begin to understand what they mean to each other, the people around them begin to question things and as the two women move towards self-realization,  Shelby slips into confusion, helplessness and self-destruction.

Sarah Dreher skilfully weaves her tale and shows us the difficulties faced by gay people in the late 50s and early 60s (and 70s) when no-one ‘came out’ without the risk of being sacked, evicted, beaten up, scorned or even locked up in a mental hospital.

This book is a must read for all lesbians if only to remind us of how fortunate we are now, especially in the UK, where we can demonstrate our love by forging a ‘Civil Partnership’ that is lawfully recognised.

The book can still be bought on Amazon and from various second-hand places.  ISBN 0-934678-85-5 New Victoria

Sarah Dreher also wrote the ‘Stoner McTavish’ series about a Lesbian travel agent/detective.

Now you may ask, what makes a good lesbian book?  For me, it has to have a interesting story, a bit of romance, some sex but not on every page… and a happy ending.  Actually, I have just described probably 85% of all the lesbian genré books ever written!  Bella Books and Spinster Ink are two great lesbian book publishers and there is also the Radclyffe productions, Bold Strokes Books.  Also, Yellow Rose and New Victoria and a raft of others.  There is a huge supply of books and now it is so easy to find them with Amazon stocking most titles now.  Also, the easy availability of second hand books has made it easier to get hold of even the old Naiad prints, though most of these have been or are being re-issued by Bella as they bought the old Naiad catalogue.

I am going to spend a couple of days on here reviewing some of the 100s of books I have read over the past ten years and then perhaps we could have a vote.  I´ll start tomorrow with Solitaire and Brahms by Sarah Dreher.  This is one of my all time favourites and the mad thing is that I can´t quite expalin why, except to say I have read and re-read this book so many times and like watching a favourite movie, it just always leaves me with a nice fuzzy feeling.  I think it´s maybe that I just like the two main characters so much…I dunno… anyway, tomorrow I will write a proper review.  Bet you can´wait eh?

We will be at Sound in Leicester Square on Saturday and you can book your ticket right now on our web-site,

http://www.pinkdate.co.uk

Hope to see you there

It is more efficient and cost effective than going to a bar and hoping to meet somebody.  For women it is particularly good as they can feel safe in the knowledge that the environment of the speed dating event is safe.

Bottom line is that it is fun, makes a change from standing in the corner of a bar trying to pluck up the courage to ‘chat someone up’ and it reduces the risk of rejection because the event co-ordinators (that would be us at PinkDate) only match people who have mutually chosen each other.

Tune in tomorrow for another of our scintillating posts… we know it is not yet so interesting you can’t wait to tell everyone that you found us but we’re working on it…

By taking part in many,  instant, one-to-one mini-dates you are automatically increasing your chance of meeting and matching with that special someone whom you would like to get to know further.  See, it’s simple and it’s great fun.

We are currently organising and hosting our Lesbian Speed Dating events every month in central London and Brighton and will be running many more events around the UK in the coming months.

Speed Dating offers you more than just dating… You will find new friendships  and grow your social circle.

Our research has shown that lesbian professionals are increasingly willing to date outside their own age bracket and culture.   People attending Pink Date events are from a broad variety of professions and backgrounds and as a community we are testament to the belief that variety is the spice of life! We also host a number of themed nights for those seeking to date a specific type of person, and we are always open to new ideas.

Book online now or call 08444 930615 for your place at the next Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual speed dating event.

pinkdate member testimonials
I wanted to congratulate Liz on a great evening. I have worked in tourism, sales and customer service for nearly 20 years. What was great about the evening was Liz was in control at all times, it started on time and finished at a reasonable hour, and had a relaxed and friendly feel about it. Well done!
Chris, London

I attended one of your speed dating events last November, and ‘what do you know’, I’ve been dating one of my matches for 3 months now! If it wasn’t for Pink Date who knows where I would be right now… and who with!!?! So a big thank you must go to you and the Pink Date Team!
Jenny, London

‘I attended your speeddating event last night and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it. Everything was very well done, and Liz was superb. Friendly, professional and fun. Thanks again, I will recommend you to my single friends. Well done and thank you!
Cara, London

‘Had a great night, it was superbly organised and I will definately go again if I’m still single’
Rick, London

Stick with us whilst we plot our way around the various sites and as we get to grips we will dazzle you with loads of exciting developments and special offers-