Conversations and cosmopolitans

After moving from the American Midwest to New York City at age 21, Robert Rave finally summons the courage to tell his parents he's gay, writing a letter. While waiting for their response, Robert panics at the prospect of a negative reaction. However, after Robert "came out," he and his mother, Jane Rave, felt a renewed freedom to be more honest and open with each other, further strengthening their bond. From Jane's discrimination as a small-town teen mother to Robert's "male waxing," virtually no topic was off-limits in their conversations. Soon, Robert was creating a "gay glossary" so Jane could understand his vocabulary, while she offered Robert the same relationship advice she once gave her eldest daughter—"Men are idiots." Conversations and Cosmopolitans builds a frank, funny, and moving look at coming out by showcasing both the mother's and son's perspectives. It is also an inspiring book about family bonds based on honesty, openness and acceptance.