E. Lynn Harris (1955-2009), a literary pioneer who introduced us to the “invisible life” of black gay men.

Born in Flint, Michigan, Harris spent his childhood and college years in Arkansas.  While studying journalism at the University of Arkansas, Harris became their first black male cheerleader, and the first black editor of the Razorback Yearbook.  Up until his mid-thirties Harris worked as a computer salesperson, and only at that point worked to self publish his first novel Invisible Life.  He eventually went on to become a ten-time New York Times bestselling author.  Harris is best known for writing about the lives of African-American gay men, drawing off the experiences of his twenties and thirties.  His novels expose readers to characters rarely seen in literature and have been helpful in fostering discussions about homosexuality within the black community.

E. Lynn Harris passed away at the age of 54 on July 23, 2009, just months before the publication of his final novel, Mama Dearest.

Works by Harris: (* denotes books available at the GLBT Library)

*Invisible Life (1994)

*Just as I Am (1994)

*And This Too Shall Pass (1996)

*If This World Were Mine (1997)

*Abide With Me (1999)

Not a Day Goes By (2000)

*Any Way the Wind Blows (2001)

*A Love of My Own (2002)

*What Becomes of the Brokenhearted (2003)

*Freedom in this Village (2005) – collection of works edited by Harris

I Say a Little Prayer (2006)

Just Too Good to Be True (2008)

Basketball Jones (2009)

Mama Dearest (2009)

If you’re looking for additional information on E. Lynn Harris, check out the following links…

 

Official E. Lynn Harris Web Site –

http://www.elynnharris.com/

University of Arkansas Libraries –

http://libinfo.uark.edu/SpecialCollections/pryorcenter/profiles/HarrisELynn/slideshow/HarrisELynn.asp

CNN.com story –

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/books/07/24/harris.obit/index.html

New York Times Obituary –

          http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/25/books/25harris.html?scp=2&sq=e%20lynn%20har