What We Do Is Secret (novel)
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 What We Do Is Secret book cover | |
| Author | Thorn Kief Hillsbery |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | punk literature, LGBT literature |
| Set in | Los Angeles |
| Publisher | Villard |
Publication date | 2005 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (paperback) |
| Pages | 346 pp |
| ISBN | 0-8129-7309-7 (paperback edition) |
| OCLC | 55877401 |
What We Do Is Secret is the second punk novel by Thorn Kief Hillsbery, published by Villard in 2005, with a subsequent e-book edition released in 2007.[1] The novel was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award in fiction.[2] Writing for Out, Aaron Hamburger named it one of the top five books of 2005 and "a wild ride of a novel that careens through a fateful evening in L.A.'s punk scene."[3]
What We Do Is Secret takes place in Los Angeles in 1981, six months after the death of Darby Crash (lead singer of the Germs). It is narrated by hustler and street punk Rockets Redglare, who knew Darby personally. Like a punk American Graffiti, the action occurs over the course of 24 hours,"as Rockets amps up for another night looking for tricks and scrounging a meal, Sex Pistols and X lyrics on repeat in his head...he’s come to a turning point–the scene is changing, and nothing’s as easy as it was when Darby brought him into the fold.[4]" Though the novel is a work of fiction, numerous real-life figures from the L.A. punk scene make appearances. The first edition cover image is by influential skate photographer Tobin Yelland.