On the Down Low: A Journey Into the Lives of "Straight" Black Men Who Sleep with Men

by J.L. King and Karen Hunter

Book Overview

A bold expos of the controversial secret that has potentially dire consequences in many African American communities Delivering the first frank and thorough investigation of life "on the down low"... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0767913981
• ISBN13: 9780767913980
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: Broadway Books
• Length: 190 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.9" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Wow it speaks the truth

Well when I first read this book I was thinking this is what been going on for many years it explains how men that are on the D.L how it started this book had my eyes popped open from time I read it to the end it gave so many details to were I was like oh my goodness it’s not just men on the D.L they have women that is on the D.L as well really good book to read also watch the movie cover

Imformative

A collegue from work mentioned this book to me and said i had to read it. I have now completed the book and i can definately say that it was an eye opener. i did not realise that there were some many black males that are sleeping with males. There sterotype was that black men are not into homosexuality but that is clearly not true. My advise to all women is, when investing into a new relationship question your prospective partner and definatley go to the GUM clinic together to have a check up prior to taking your relationship on another level as he may be one of the males that have been on the DL

Well written but why the surprise?

Look I'm an older straight white woman living in small(ish) town in the desert and even I had trouble being surprised. Oh, there are lots of gay black men? Really, just like there are lots of gay men and women of every skin color? Big surprise! It is sad they feel like they have to hide it. Except for people my age (60+) I think most people don't really care what your sexual preference is.If you take anything away from this book its: open your eyes, see the world, and accept people for who they are. Whether you are straight, gay or bi sexual - rejoice in it! God gave you the power to love and that love had better be true.And remember, closets are for clothes.

I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!!!

Here in Atlanta, J.L. King and his new book is all the buzz. Never have I even fathomed such truth! Sometimes I had to bring myself back to reality that this was not Fiction...these are real stories, told by real men!! WOW...And because the DL man is your everyday Professional, Thug, or Ladies' Man - it makes me more aware of my husband's actions. He is definitely a Man's Man, but I see that no one is excluded from living life on the DL! A great book! I give it 5 stars, an A+, and lots of kudos to Mr. King for being so candid! I finished this book in less than 24 hours, and I could not put it down. Now I"m passing it on to my single sister, who is heavily on the dating scene.

Every Woman MUST Read This Book

I first heard of the term "DL" from two men who are no longer alive. One of them was a lead singer of a very popular 90s R & B group and the other one was a successful brother who was known for being a "lady killer". Both men slept with men and women and in the beginning, neither was really honest about who and what they were about. Also, I live in the ATL and its been said that 4 out of 10 black men are sleeping with men or have slept with men. 4 out of 10 men in the ATL!!! This is almost half the population. Now, I don't have a problem with gay or bisexual men, but I do have a problem with men who are NOT honest with their women (or themselves). Women this book is the first step of protecting ourselves. If we don't look after ourselves, then who will? And please don't think this is only a "black on black" issue. I have two friends (one latina and the other one white) who learned their black boyfriends was on the DL. J.L. is doing us a big favor by writing this book. However, I was disappointed that he hasn't come to terms about himself. He seems very bitter about his situation. You can tell he is resentful and that he doesn't consider himself gay or bisexual, so he is still dealing with his issues. But I applaud him for writing this book. He is saving lives. However, I am very sad. I am sad that after all these many years of pain, struggle and hardships that this is the current situation for the black community. Sad.

Profound

To all of you out there who feel you know your man, to those of you out there that now you do the "DL",to those of you who know but have their heads stuck somewhere it don't need to be, GET THIS BOOK!!! I cannot emphasize how much you should, if you can't BUY it, go to the library and BORROW IT!!! I saw this guy on Oprah just two weeks ago, and I tell you, It made me really think twice about wanting to be with someone. Because a lot of women are catching AIDS unknowingly and unwittingly thinking their man is exclusive with them, when in reality, they are going with them, as well as men. That is one of the most hurting things to find that you have someone and they cause you this pain. Don't get caught a minute longer out there. Read this book. And while your at it, it won't hurt to read E.Lynn Harris' novels as well. BE Prepared and be aware folks!!