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YOU BETTER READ
YOU BETTER READ
YOU BETTER READ
YOU BETTER READ
YOU BETTER READ
YOU BETTER READ
YOU BETTER READ
YOU BETTER READ
YOU BETTER READ
YOU BETTER READ
YOU BETTER READ
FEBRUARY PICK
The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World - Paperback by Alan Downs
This one goes straight for the emotional jugular, in the most clarifying way possible. “The Velvet Rage” unpacks shame, identity, and self-acceptance with honesty and compassion, offering language for feelings a lot of people have carried quietly for years. It’s challenging, affirming, and the kind of book that makes you pause, reflect, and maybe feel a little lighter afterward.
Max Emerson is a writer, director, and producer known for creating socially impactful content across film, digital, and commercial platforms. He co-founded A+B Media, serves as Head of Media at Acasus AG, and sits on advisory boards for The Ali Forney Center, SEE Alliance, and LA County’s LGBT Advisory Council. His projects—Hooked, Hot Sissy, The Sparkle Club, and more—spotlight LGBTQ+ issues and youth advocacy with proceeds often supporting queer shelters. Max is based in Switzerland but lives globally, and is working on a new documentary feature spotlighting queer humanitarians serving in conflict zones.
Q's about the book club?
The timing of your order determines when your book will be shipped. Orders placed between the 1st and 14th receive their book in about a week. If you order on or after the 15th you'll receive your book around the beginning of the following month.
You can update your information or cancel your subscription in your account settings. If you haven't set up your account yet, just use the email with which you placed your order to create one.
Yes, just cancel before the 15th of the month to avoid your subscription being automatically renewed! However, if you'd like to continue getting 30% off all books on our site, you'll have to sign up for an Allstora membership separately.
Monthly Book Club subscriptions renew on the 15th of each month. Quarterly subscriptions renew on the 15th every three months from your initial subscription month.
We announce each month's book via email on the 15th. You'll find a link to opt for an Allstora gift card if you do not want to read this month's Book Club selection. You must make this selection within 48 hours of the announcement.
This is a read-at-your-own-pace book club! Since there are thousands of folks in our clubs with different reading speeds and schedules, we want to take the pressure off--reading is FUN(damental). Once you finish the book, whether that's in four days or four weeks, you can join the discussion in our exclusive online portal.
We will announce each month's selection on the 15th of the prior month. If you're not interested in a particular month's book selection, you have the option to skip that month's shipment and receive a gift card for the equivalent amount. If you'd like to opt for the gift card, you have until the 17th to let us know. Plus, if you swap your book for a gift card, you'll still have access to the subscribers-only content portal.
Every month, your host will pick a new book to enjoy together! We will ship this book directly to you. In addition to the physical book, you'll have access to our community discussion forums in Kiki. You'll also receive a complimentary Allstora Membership.
Explore compelling sapphic fiction and memoirs that center queer women’s voices and experiences. From heartfelt romances to powerful personal stories, this club brings readers together around books that inspire connection and conversation.
