I originally read this book 18 years ago. At the time I was only out for about two to three years, I gave it four stars. I think I was happy to see people like me and was focused more on that than the novel itself.  When you're starved for representation, better even positive representation, not plagued with death, you see what you need to see. Now, older and more weathered, I can see how truly phenomenal this book is.   

The novel's chapters are very short and full of interesting characters of all sexualities across all social and financial spectrums. Originally published as a serial in the local San Francisco newspaper, the chapters seem to be succinct and full of information and fun dialogue. The characters relate in real time to things that are going on in San Fran at the time. The way Maupin describes 70s San Francisco, it feels like something we'll never see again, but that's not the truth because while so much has changed, so much has stayed the same.  

One thing I noticed more with this reread was how much melodrama Maupin delivers. It's bananas. Believable, well mostly believable, but bananas. I feel like Stefan on SNL "this book has everything..." and in some ways it does. 

While there's all this melodrama, the characters seem real, down to earth, and interesting. Ana Madrigal, the matron who every friend group needs. Mouse, the party boy hopeless romantic that reminds me of a friend. Mary Ann, Moana, DeDe, and Connie- all fun and challenging past ideas of womanhood. Beauchamp, the problematic bi character. Each chapter is too short and the vignettes Maupin creates, I wanted more. 

Overall, this book is amazing (of of the few times I've rated a book higher upon rereading or further consideration).  In some ways, it made me yearn for a time when AIDS didn't decimate my community, it made miss a time that never existed. I might have to come back to Barbary lane again.