Synopsis: This is the memoir of Dustin Lance Black who is a political activist fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ community. Dustin grew up Mormon and was raised by a single mother who was disabled after suffering polio as a child.

My Rating:
4/5

I really enjoyed this book. I connected to Black and the difficulties he faced growing up in a conservative religion and the family pressure placed on him when he realized that his beliefs didn't align with who he was as a person.

I was surprised that conflict between Black, his family, and his faith was not more central in this book. It lingers on the periphery but Lance's mother was pretty supportive as soon as she started to understand her son. Additionally, Black doesn't seem to have much negativity towards the church he was raised in even when the church was campaigning against the rights of the LGBTQ community. Black is much more forgiving and understanding of the church and it's position than I think most people would be and he seems to hold out hope that acceptance of the LGBTQ community will eventually exist in the conservative faith.

If I were to describe this book, I would call it a letter of love to his mother. He talks about how much she supported him and inspired him. He talks about all she went through to care for him as a single, disabled, woman. At times, his mother's story feels as if it takes over this book which I wasn't expecting when I picked it up, based on book description. Also, at times, this made the book drag.

Overall, I found this book interesting though at times slow. It is a well done memoir that I think will especially be appreciated by those in the LGBTQ community as well as many ex-Mormons who have struggled to come to terms with who they are after they leave the church. While this book is not anti-Mormon by any means I am not sure how well a true believing Mormon will be able to appreciate this read. There are some negative aspects of the church mentioned including victim shaming which, at least in the past, was not infrequent in the church however Black overall has a hopeful outlook that the church and it's policies will continue to move forward in a loving and inclusive way. ( )

Excellent biography emphasizing Black’s relationship with his indomitable Mom. From his rough growing up years, through his coming to terms with his homosexuality and his success as a writer/producer we learn how his Mother’s amazing spirit of survival guides his life. ( )