When you see 'Young Gay Men' in the news these days, the articles are almost always about the rise of HIV infections. Too often, even well intentioned adults dwell on the collective set of 'risk factors' that make up the lives of gay youth. If you dwell on the topic of gay youth for more than five minutes at a cocktail party, somebody will surely pull out the old, outdated, (and disputable) statistics on gay teen suicide. Not a pretty picture.

Gloom and Doom, however, do not sell books. Jason Rich ought to know. He has written over twenty five of them, including 'how to guides' on practical topics like finding a job and fun topics like making the most of your time at Disney World. He's combined both the practical and the fun in his latest project, Growing Up Gay in America.

Jason Rich is not shy. No topic is off limits in this frank and honest guide to being gay. He answers many questions that would make your high school guidance counselor blush like gay sex, the drug scene, and even how to keep your web-surfing habits a secret from your parents. Rich also addresses a number of topics that are rarely addressed in other guides, like domestic violence and age differences in relationships.

But he is equally skilled at some of the lighter (but not less important) topics in the book like skin care, dating, and even finding your inner Gaydar. He skillfully weaves together the light and serious topics to make a compelling read. To guarantee your turning the next page, the book is peppered with a collection of pictures of young gay men by Mark Lynch.

Unfortunately those photos are all pictures of white young men, pointing to the one flaw I found in this book. It fails to touch on the unique issues impacting young gay men of color, and neglects to offer culturally specific resources for young gay men like LLEGO (www.llego.org) and the NBLGLF (www.blglf.org).

For potential readers who are uncomfortable buying a gay-oriented book from their local bookstore, or who are worried about getting caught reading it because they're still in the closet, Growing Up Gay in America is also available for purchase and donload in several popular eBook formats, so it can be purchased and read privately on a computer screen, PDA, or hand-held eBook reader.

And whether you're still in the closet and wondering how to come out to your parents, or you're simply looking for the best gay-themed movies you can rent at Blockbuster this weekend, you'll want to check out Growing up Gay in America. Get it Now from Barnes and Noble