What Readers are
Saying:
“. . . thank you for writing this
book and for writing it so well. Your story is compelling,
courageous, painfully honest, and ultimately transformative.”
-from Prescott, AZ
“. . . I’m already 50 pages into
your book. I find it enthralling and can’t put it down!”
-from Tyler, TX
“I
can’t tell you when I last read an entire book in three days. . . It
was in some ways reassuring, in some ways shocking, and in the end
heart warming. The shocking part was that even a portion of your
church was accepting . . .I am going to get another copy of your
book and anonymously send it to my parents. I hope that it helps
them to understand why I could not live up to their expectations.”
-from Tyler, TX
“After returning home last night, I began reading (your book) and
didn’t stop until this morning at 1:00 a.m. and the book was
finished. . . Your book was very helpful and I will definitely pass
on the praises to others who need to read it.”
-from Salisbury, NC
“Just got through reading your book. . . you are
truly courageous and a wonderful role model. Many thanks for
sharing this with us.”
-from Tyler, TX
"Your book arrived yesterday afternoon and I can hardly put it down.
. . It took a ton of courage to “come out” and to write the book. I
am sure that you have been a source of comfort, blessings, and
encouragement to many, many others.”
- from Euless, TX
"You write so beautifully and the subject matter so needs the
attention you give it. You do have a gift with putting words
together. I wish it would be read by gay and non gay alike, for it
has a message for both. The conclusion is superb! What a
question! I know your answer is the right one, but wonder what my
answer would be if I were gay. The easy way to escape the
condemnation of society and the church would be tempting. One
important thing to be considered, I guess, is the psychologists'
telling us that gays and lesbians have potential that their
heterosexual counterparts do not have. I think you are living up to
yours beautifully. You are a very special person."
--Rev. Bruce Lowe
"This book is a real page-turner. The narrative is warm, sensitive
and courageous. The author captures the swirling of emotions
engulfing her, making this a book full of life and the decisions
each of us must make."
--Paul Parsons,
Dean of Communications, Elon University
"I read your latest book and thoroughly enjoyed it. There's enough
angst in the first 200 pages for everyone to feel the pain of: "the
mold that governed my life didn't fit." And then in the last third
("I am finally getting to the point where I think I can talk without
a box of tissues close at hand") there's comforting relief when love
and relationship and normal daily life return to win the day. Well
done!"
--Bill Parsons
"Thank you for sharing this loving story with me. I laughed, and I
cried, and I cheered. The story is powerful indeed as you the
heroine. I urge you to find a good editor and get this manuscript
published."
--Dr. Tom Preston
"Remember
that I told you a long time ago you ought to be a preacher. You
write so remarkably well. I have started reading it and find it so
very, very well written. I get captivated by it and forget that I
am supposed to be proofreading. I am so very proud of what you have
done and do hope it will be published and read by many, many people,
for many would be helped by it. It would open their eyes to so much
truth about homosexuality. You have done a beautiful job."
--Rev. Bruce Lowe
It seems to me that religion is the enemy, the very source of human
pain--what kept you from finding the love you needed.
--Anne Williams
Reading Lou Anne's story has enriched and educated me. I feel
fortunate to find someone with a church experience much like mine
who has stayed in her church to be a presence for those who identify
with her or for those who are willing to learn. We have two of her
books and loan them out regularly. We are having some interesting
conversations with our friend-readers. Just read it for yourself.
--Julianne Shepherd
In her sixties, she had the courage to quit playing the role that
everyone she knew—her parents, her children, her husband, and her
fellow Baptists—had always expected of her. Though living in a
conservative small town in East Texas, she reached deep inside and
slowly, painfully released her true self.
Lou Anne reveals her gripping story with honesty and in great
detail. It is refreshing to come to know a woman of such integrity
through her writing. Those who join her on this roller-coaster
journey of self-discovery will certainly admire and cheer her for
sharing her authentic, well-documented struggle.
-- Connie Ward
A very well written book that certainly details the challenges faced
by woman who wants to be true to herself and her church! This should
be required reading for church leaders and members of congregations
who face the challenges of gays who want to be members of churches
or ministers in churches. Furthermore, anyone who questions the
rights of gays or who believes that being gay is a choice needs to
read this book. The personal struggle of the author would open the
eyes and hearts of those who do not understand what being gay means
in today's world.
--Marcy K.
What a gutsy woman - not only for coming out in her personal life,
but for sharing her story so publicly. Ms. Smoot takes her reader
through every inch of pain and glory that individuals and their
loved ones endure when embarking on the journey of "coming out." She
shows that authenticity is paramount to one's happiness, despite the
obstacles that society (family/friends/churches/governments) often
puts in place. This book, more like a diary of her life, will bring
much-needed insight to the straight reader as well as much-needed
courage to the LGBT reader.
--Diana Farrar |