Armistead Maupin Lives

I really did mean to make it into Manhattan on 6/14 to buy a copy of Michael Tolliver Lives and, perhaps (if the line was not too horrible), I would get it autographed by Mr. Maupin, who has launched a multi-month book signing tour. Publishers Weekly gave the book a thumbs-up with: “Maupin denies that this is a seventh volume of his beloved Tales of the City, but—happily—that’s exactly what it is, with style and invention galore.” If Maupin is living in denial about this sequel how come he permits this quote prominently on the dust cover? Huh? Huh?

Anyway, I was joining some buds for brunch on Sunday and was early (what else?) so I ended up spending half and hour at Barnes & Noble hiding in a distant, but well lit, aisle reading the book. It’s a salute to what an easy and absorbing read it is (well, it’s also short with large print) that I got almost half way through it before I began to feel a little guilty about taking up space. Naturally I put back the copy I was reading, selected a fresh one from the bottom of the pile and whisked it through check-out.

I loved the “Tales” books when they were first published in the late 70’s and into the 80’s. I guess we all did and our fascination carried through to the television serial of the same name. Michael Tolliver was one of its most likable characters, known as “Mouse,” and this book catches up with him at the grand old age of 52 (if my math is right). Many of the gang are back and we get an update on those who stuck around; those who strayed and those who have left this mortal coil. Also we are blessed with several new characters—“characters” certainly being the correct word. So, welcome back Mrs. Madrigal and Mary Ann and Mouse; I knew ye when--don’t stay away so long next time. Oh, yeah, need I warn you? Michael Tolliver Lives is pretty homo-racy—you might want to cover your eyes during certain passages or, at least, pretend to.