Every Tales book I read I love Michael even more. He's arguably one of Armistead Maupin's best characters. Others have been regaled to second to his story, most likely because of his popularity. I'm sad there's less Anna Madrigal- she's another one of my favourites. Every mention of Jon I'm sad, but I wish more of Michael and Jon's relationship was shown, like Michael and Thack- love Thack too, by the way. I see Michael's small problems with him, but I often agree with Thack. He's proud and not afraid, something that comes out of the growth of gay liberation, but something important. Michael is also proud of his identity, and I loved

when he shut down Russell Rand after he attempted to seduce him despite his large straight persona.

Brian is extremely on and off, as he always has been for me. Mary Ann, however, has had her flaws on full display. I wish there were more leading women to shake off the feeling of villanized women, and her essential entire being is annoying. She's oblivious and unempathetic, sabotaging her friendships by not considering her action's effect on them, and at the same time being sad she's hurt them without being the bigger person. I hope there are better women in the next book, or else this will be another group of people Armistead Maupin cannot write properly.