Invisible Life

A Novel

By: E. Lynn Harris

Narrated by: Michael Boatman

The remarkable first novel by a young, gay, black author who fashioned a deeply moving and compelling coming-of-age story out of the controversial issues of bisexuality and AIDS

Law school, girlfriends, and career choices were all part of Raymond Tyler's life, but there were other, more terrifying issues for him to confront. Being black was tough enough, but Raymond was becoming more and more conscious of sexual feelings that he knew weren't "right." He was completely committed to Sela, his longtime girlfriend, but his attraction to Kelvin, whom he had met during his last year in law school, had become more than just a friendship.

Fleeing to New York to escape both Sela and Kelvin, Raymond finds himself more confused than ever before. New relationships--both male and female--give him enormous pleasure but keep him from finding the inner peace and lasting love he so desperately desires. The horrible illness and death of a friend eventually force Raymond, at last, to face the truth.


Invisible Life has been hailed as "one of the most thought-provoking books--since James Baldwin's Another Country" (Richmond Voice), and Harris's "stories have become the toast of bookstores, reading groups, men, women, and gay and straight people" (Atlanta Journal-Constitution).©1999 E. Lynn Harris; (P)1999 Random House, Inc., Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, A Division of Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

Critical Acclaim for Invisible Life:

Selected in Vibe magazine's Fifth Anniversary Edition as one of its favorite books "on race, gender, and rules you must not live without."

"A quick, entertaining and thought-provoking read--This is a compelling story that commands and holds the attention until the final page is turned."
--Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Black Americans--have been given a rare opportunity with this book to broaden their understanding of lifestyles like or unlike their own. Mr. Harris has stimulated a dialogue within the African-American community, desperately needed for so long, about the complicated issues of sexuality."
--Southern Voice

"Powerful and vividly told--the story is compelling and leaves the reader wanting more."
--Lambda Book Report

love him

I have always loved to hear his stories. He always captivates me in all of his books and all of the drama that follows in them. I started reading his books when I was it was about 15 years old.. I could relate to a lot of the things that was going on in his life and it made it more tolerable to be alive. With that I will end it is wonderful to hear the books again. I would recommend everyone to listen and read his books they are very enlightening and wonderful

Pretty good listening

I have only read one of E. Lynn Harris' s books. This was very interesting. not overbearing to listen to. definitely am eye opener.

Great to read this again 12 years later...

Read this book 12 years ago. Such a pleasure to read it again. I'm glad I found it on Audible

Curiosity

I heard of this author and this book when news of black men on the down low became a hot topic of discussion. I did not read it then I was not interested in the topic at that time. I saw it here and thought what the heck. It was an enlightening listen. I don't have an opinion about gay people in general. To each it's own. I guess the book served it's purpose for me. I don't think I will listen to the rest of the books by this author if the storyline continues like this. This not the image I want to have of professional African American men. For those who want an eye opening experience as to how this could happen take a listen you probably won't be disappointed in the content.

great book

I love this book got me through some tough times. read it !!!! thank me later...