Local man's book "Pastor, I Am Gay" going for more than $500 on Amazon

MAT-SU — Perhaps catapulted by its sudden name recognition after appearing in news stories written after Gov. Sarah Palin joined the Republican ticket, local minister Howard Bess’s book “Pastor, I Am Gay,” is selling for more than $500 on Amazon.com

On Tuesday afternoon, two books, both described as “new,” were going for $524.99 and $525, respectively.

Plus $3.99 shipping, of course.

Bess’s book made national news stories after a more than 10 year old controversy involving Palin when she was mayor of Wasilla resurfaced during the media barrage following her vice presidential candidacy announcement.

“Pastor, I Am Gay” is said to be one of the books Palin took issue with and may have prompted her to ask the Wasilla librarian at the time about removing some books from library shelves.

In an interview Tuesday, Bess said he finds the situation hilarious.

“I just laugh at it,” Bess said.

Bess credits the media for putting the 13-year old title back on people’s minds, but said he’s not seeing a piece of the $525 pie.

“I’ve heard from all over everywhere,” Bess said. “Everybody’s interested if I get a cut of it.”

“Pastor, I Am Gay,” has a long history in the Valley.

Bess said he’s given copies of his book to the Wasilla library multiple times, only to have them disappear each time.

Both the Palmer and Willow libraries carry the title, Bess said.

Controversy sprang up around Palin’s term as Wasilla mayor when she asked then librarian Mary Ellen Emmons how she would feel about removing some books from the library.

Emmons expressed her disapproval, and there is no evidence any books were ever banned.

The dust-up between Palin and the library may be old news in the Valley, but when national media descended on Wasilla to learn about Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s pick of running mate, the issue was reborn.

“It’s a book that has run its course,” Bess said. “A few years back it was carried by Barnes and Noble. It was out there in the mainstream.”

Since then, the title had faded into general obscurity in the area.

That was until reporters began knocking on Bess’s door to ask him about his book and the controversy it caused.

“Because of that book, I suddenly became someone all the reporters wanted to talk to,” Bess said.

Now, “Pastor, I Am Gay” is back in high demand.

Anyone looking to read Bess’s book won’t necessarily have to shell out more than 500 big ones, though.

Fireside Books in Palmer is carrying signed copies for $14.45, according to sales clerk Katie Renn.

Renn said they store has six left.

As for Bess, he’s not quite getting rich of his book’s new found price tag.

“I’m not making a nickel,” he said.

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.

Here’s the link to the Amazon.com site selling Bess’s book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0964412306/ref=dp_olp_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1222820088&sr=8-1