Dr. Dre's Mom's Long Road Out Of Compton

It was about twelve years ago when I came across a copy of Verna Griffin's memoir, Long Road Outta Compton: Dr. Dre's Mom on Family, Fame, and Terrible Tragedy (Da Capo Press, 2008). Browsing through the book in the library, I learned she was born in the same year as me (she's three months older) and attended the same high school, Centennial, in Compton, California. I'm sure we were classmates in some of the classes but I don't remember her. I looked for her picture in a yearbook, but I was unable to find it. She may have dropped out due to giving birth to Dr. Dre at age 16 in 1965.

Now I want to track that book down, probably at New York's famous Strand Bookstore. They are sure to have copies in stock. When I get it, I want to read it from cover to cover. Perhaps I can gain some insights into how she managed to rise above the gangs and street violence of Compton and successfully raise a son who is rich and famous and who has helped put the city on the map as well as raise ten million dollars to build a performing arts high school in Compton.

Gay Uncle Patrick To The Rescue

Among the "10 Best Books of May" selected by the book reviewers at the Christian Science Monitor Weekly magazine (May 31, 2021 issue) is The Guncle by Steven Rowley (Penguin Random House). The novel, says the magazine, is "about a [gay] sit-com star who becomes the reluctant--and unconventional--caretaker of his niece and nephew," who call him Gay Uncle Patrick or GUP. As a result of him taking them "into his Palm Springs home," states The Hollywood Reporter (June 2, 2021) he "introduc[es] them to his outsize life and unique wisdom and bring[s] about healing for all three."

According to Variety (June 2, 2021), the movie studio Lionsgate has acquired the film rights to The Guncle, with Rowley executive producing as well as writing the screen adaptation.

The book, sure to be a nominee for a Lambda Literary Award next year, sounds like a fun read. I'm eager to get my hands on a copy.