The Shooting Gallery

..".If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us..."

--Shylock, The Merchant of Venice

Shakespeare's insight into the plight of a misunderstood and abused minority applies today as well as it did in 1596. Case in point: gay boys. They are mocked, belittled and bullied, often to a tragic end. They never get to tell their own story.

Until now: Julian's Private Scrapbook takes on that assignment.

The Shooting Gallery is the third in the five book Scrapbook series. It continues to explore the world from the eyes of a young gay boy. His needs and desires are looked at honestly, with a sense of humor and without the baggage of present day prejudice.

Julian's challenge: how to get people to take him seriously and stop treating him like a little kid--especially those people he loves, honors, and respects. Surrounded by hundreds of scouts, all working to get ahead, he finds a way.

Days six, seven and eight at Camp Walker: the daring aspects of camp life are featured, along with some new story developments. Julian Draws two portraits: Leonard, and then Mark. Julian and Mark's conferences continue. Julian feels empowered and undertakes a unique challenge: outfitting Nick and Tom's clandestine bedroom. He becomes their self-appointed secret guardian. After hours: Robin sneaks out of bed for a rendezvous at the lake. He and Jack planned this daring exploit during the afternoon free swim period.

There is a lot of comedy and some very interesting new characters. Julian's story becomes part of a special weave; the world of Camp Walker in June, 1962 is colorful, textured, and complex--but above all, it is full of fun and surprises.