The Old Man and the Queer: The Transformative Story of a Retired Mayor and the Barber Who Freed Him from Bigotry

The Old Man and the Queer is the transformative story of a mid-70s retired Mayor and CEO of a billion-dollar real estate development company and the 23-year-old barber who changed his life. The Old Man is politically and socially conservative. The barber is heavily tattooed and pierced, and as the Old Man later learns, identifies as non-binary and queer. Was it an accident or fate that placed the Old Man in this barber's chair? Who knows, but his haircut appointment was anything but what he expected. He loved the haircut so despite his discomfort, or perhaps because of it, he booked another appointment 6 weeks later. The Old Man and his new barber began having easy and honest discussions about the differences in their lives and it didn't take long before they saw each other more as friends than as adversaries. The haircut appointments continued and soon they included a hot towel shave. The Old Man remarked that he must be getting comfortable since he was allowing this barber to cover his face and take a straight razor to his throat. The book chronicles the lives of each of them through their successes and disappointments. The Old Man has had many accomplishments and a full life. The Queer faced scorn and ridicule, even from their own devout Christian parents. Rather than a "woe is me" story, it's a tale of triumph. The Queer, whose pronouns are they/he, comes through the struggles and takes control of their life. In alternating chapters each of the authors detail their life from children to the present. Along the way several additional chapters are written jointly providing separate perspectives of the same occurrences. Of interest to note is that Comerchero solely writes of his life and experiences, while Radford writes of their own. The reader will notice the two distinctly different writing styles. It's the intent of the authors to demonstrate the chasm between them. The much older Comerchero's chapters show a comfort with the written word and more stylistic sophistication. Radford's youth comes through in their writings and although they may lack the same sophistication, they provide great insight into the psyche of a young person going through a traumatic time. Interestingly, as the book progresses, Radford's writing becomes more literary and deeper. The final 3 chapters of The Old Man and the Queer deal with the colliding of their worlds and the coming together of two completely different individuals who would you suspect could never find common ground. Completely out of character for them both, they forge a unique and beautiful friendship. As a result, their lives are forever changed. These final chapters are about tolerance, love, hope and triumph. Jeff and E.J may have many differences but share perhaps the most important attribute of all, their humanity. Follow their journey from the impossible to the remarkable.

Review :
This book is important and inspirational. It's a duel memoir told by very different people whose lives were transformed by an unlikely friendship - a story that speaks to the heart and touches the soul. As a member of the Temecula Valley Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission, I have an added insight: reading this memoir reminds us that it's the little moments of compassion that make a big difference in the world. Stacia Deutsch, #1 New York Times Best Selling Author No matter where you land on the political spectrum, we can all use a little more compassion, empathy and understanding in our lives. That's what this page turner is all about. A must read for those interested in learning and growing. Drew Wegner, Harvard Law '19 E.J. Radford is truly a special person, who, along with their writing partner, has written an amazing book about a beautiful relationship. E.J. is teaching us all that we don't have to live in a contentious world, we just need to decide that we prefer human kindness and understanding. Eddie Sanchez, Entrepreneur I am so proud of my good friend, Jeff Comerchero. We served together in various elected and appointed positions and I find it no surprise that he's demonstrating the level of understanding and compassion that he's always shown his constituents. He and E.J. have written an important book detailing their lives and their unique friendship. Nevada State Senator and former California State Senator Jeff Stone. Just finished the book. I enjoyed it on many levels. It is engaging, entertaining and enlightening. Tim O'Leary, Long Time Southern California Reporter This book comes at a time when our own City is struggling to find its identity, confronting real challenges through a microcosm that reflects our nation. Our community is better because of the strength and leadership from these two remarkable individuals. They show us how our own personal journey can be changed forever by the most unexpected friendships, challenging our own beliefs, and enriching our lives. Dr. Matt Rahn Researcher, Educator, and former Temecula Mayor I can't believe my son became so successful. All he ever wanted to do was play baseball. Ida ((Jeri) Chayet, Jeff Comerchero's Mother