Paradigm Lost: Jamari and The Manhood Rites, Part 1

Paradigm Lost is a post-apocalyptic satirical tale set in 2115. America had experienced many disasters, which were later named The Fall. Along with some friends, a man known as The Founder had the foresight and knowledge to create a new community called The Tribe. Paradigm Lost deals with the community’s Founder’s coming out story at a time when gay relationships were not widely accepted, as part of its lessons. The Tribe separate male and females as infants, and raise them to accept same sex relationships with basic needs such as food, water, shelter and procreation met.

This book has some interesting concepts, one being that children choose when they are ready to become adults, regardless of their age. Paradigm Lost explains from the Founder’s point of view that in today’s societies, the age of maturity fluctuates widely from society to society. Even those societies that see children as becoming adults at 18 years of age, there are still restrictions until they are 21. In order to eradicate the confusion, The Tribe separate children from adults so that they are not misconstrued.

The story is mainly told through the eyes of Jamari, a youngling, and his experiences of the Trials once he decided that he was mature enough to become a man. To attain adult status, Jamari has to traverse certain mental and physical trials.

Paradigm Lost contains explicit sexual descriptions between the men so is obviously not for younger readers. I would recommend this book, as it encourages original thoughts, make you think outside the box and I am always pleased when authors depict gay interactions as normal.