"Charles’s compelling and crucial study should also appeal to the general public, including lesbians and gays, and to activists in human rights: lesbians and gays, women, the disabled, and persons of color."—Journal of Lesbian Studies
"A valuable addition to the field of LGBT studies and to the burgeoning area of scholarly interest in sexuality and the law. . . . Interesting, accessible, and important."—Committee on Lesbian and Gay History
"A rich and gripping account of this courtroom drama and its implications for lesbian and gay rights. . . . Charles constructs a compelling narrative while still allowing all the participants to speak for themselves. In debates about same-sex marriage, hospital visitation rights almost always come up, showing that Karen Thompson’s 1983 hospital-room nightmare continues to haunt any dream of full equality. [This book] shows how much has changed—and how much has not."—The Gay & Lesbian Review
"This excellent work shows that the lengthy legal battle over the guardianship of the brain-damaged Sharon Kowalski was as important for the legal autonomy of disabled Americans as it was for the recognition of the partnerships of lesbian and gay Americans. In an account that makes outstanding use of legal documents, interviews with the case’s key actors, and its extensive coverage in the gay and mainstream press, Charles presents a thorough overview of a case that touched on complex areas of the law as it meandered through the Minnesota courts. . . . Essential."—Choice
"An important account. . . . Charles’s investigation is thorough and utilizes court documents, newspaper archives, medical records. . . . The case spotlights the need for ongoing dialogue about what it means to love. Sharon Kowalski and Karen Thomposon—unlikely poster kids—exemplify the battle to expand the definition of family. In addition, Ms. Thompson should be lauded for reminding us of the difference one person can make in standing up to injustice and bigotry."—New York Law Journal
"Charles manages to recount the details of this decade-long legal struggle in clear, concise language, while telling the stories of the people involved with admirable objectivity and compassion. . . . If there is a subtext to this book, it is that ever-pervasive issue of the closet. The author makes a potent argument for opening that door; otherwise, another same-gender-loving survivor could be standing outside the hospital door reading the ‘Family Only’ sign."—Washington Blade
"The book details not only the Sharon Kowalski case, but the recent history of GLBT legal issues, and makes it clear that we all need to stay on the pointy edge of this issue."—The Liberty Press
"This case became a legal landmark in the annals of lesbian and gay rights movements. . . . I ask you, dear reader, to put aside any prejudices you may have and read the book. It is more than a case of lesbian and gay people struggling for their rights. It is a case of love, determination, dedication, and care for an incapacitated person that requires 24-hour attention, that, many families, heterosexual or homosexual, are simply unable to provide."—Polish American Journal
“Charles’s extraordinary and compelling account of the Kowalski case is especially significant as part of the larger story of the developing movement for the legal recognition of the human rights of gays and lesbians. He tells this story extremely well, showing us how difficult and frustrating such a struggle can be, not least because homophobic prejudices often distort both the relevant findings of fact and the interpretations of law. . . . An important contribution that should appeal to scholars of history and law, concerned citizens, and activists in diverse fields of human rights, including not only gay/lesbian activists, but feminists and persons of color.”—David A. J. Richards, author of Identity and the Case for Gay Rights: Race, Gender, Religion as Analogies
“An intelligent and insightful investigation into the history, activism, law, and personalities involved in the landmark Sharon Kowalski case. Charles’s work illuminates the complex and highly personal struggles to obtain—and articulate—the continuing struggles for LGBT rights. How much has changed in twenty years! How much has not!”—Ruthann Robson, Professor of Law at the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law and author of Sappho Goes to Law School and Lesbian (Out)law
