Review of Affliction: Growing Up With a Closeted Gay Dad
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[Following is a volunteer review of "Affliction: Growing Up With a Closeted Gay Dad" by Laura Hall.]
Even though I did not grow up with a closeted gay dad, I can relate to the author of Affliction because I grew up in California during the same 60s era as Laura Hall. I loved the nostalgic trip back to my teenage years. In addition to being reminded of the culture that permeated that time, I was also made aware of the effects of the prejudice that existed against gay individuals.
This memoir is different from those written by LGBTQ authors because it reveals the effect on all the family members. Laura chose to keep her father's secret for many years. It is interesting to read her memoir as she looks back to the time before she learned the truth about her father and sees events from a different perspective.
The attractive vintage cover, the impeccable editing, and the descriptive style of writing make this an enjoyable read. My rating is five out of five stars. I found no reason to deduct any points. I admit I was hesitant to start the book for fear I would be offended by the topic, but it was tastefully done, and I am pleased that I went out of my comfort zone to read the book.
If this were a fictional tale, I might criticize the length of time it took for the protagonist to evolve, but this is her story and her timeline. My favorite part of the book is the clever epilogue. I can't give away any spoilers, but the writer provides a wonderfully cathartic ending. I suspect that writing this book was therapeutic for the author, and I am sure that all readers will experience some form of healing as well. Affliction: Growing Up With A Closeted Gay Dad is not just a book for those who have experienced a coming out in their lives. Reading this book will help to promote tolerance and understanding. There is very little profanity or erotic content to offend or limit any audience.
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Affliction: Growing Up With a Closeted Gay Dad
View: on Bookshelves |
Even though I did not grow up with a closeted gay dad, I can relate to the author of Affliction because I grew up in California during the same 60s era as Laura Hall. I loved the nostalgic trip back to my teenage years. In addition to being reminded of the culture that permeated that time, I was also made aware of the effects of the prejudice that existed against gay individuals.
This memoir is different from those written by LGBTQ authors because it reveals the effect on all the family members. Laura chose to keep her father's secret for many years. It is interesting to read her memoir as she looks back to the time before she learned the truth about her father and sees events from a different perspective.
The attractive vintage cover, the impeccable editing, and the descriptive style of writing make this an enjoyable read. My rating is five out of five stars. I found no reason to deduct any points. I admit I was hesitant to start the book for fear I would be offended by the topic, but it was tastefully done, and I am pleased that I went out of my comfort zone to read the book.
If this were a fictional tale, I might criticize the length of time it took for the protagonist to evolve, but this is her story and her timeline. My favorite part of the book is the clever epilogue. I can't give away any spoilers, but the writer provides a wonderfully cathartic ending. I suspect that writing this book was therapeutic for the author, and I am sure that all readers will experience some form of healing as well. Affliction: Growing Up With A Closeted Gay Dad is not just a book for those who have experienced a coming out in their lives. Reading this book will help to promote tolerance and understanding. There is very little profanity or erotic content to offend or limit any audience.
******
Affliction: Growing Up With a Closeted Gay Dad
View: on Bookshelves |
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