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My Big Fat Walk-In Closet
What would you do if you were a young boy who liked other boys? Would you take a chance and be yourself, risking rejection by family and friends? Or would you build a closet with enough square footage to hide from the shame and guilt society has thrust upon you? A private prison to house your secret desires? I chose door number two. Welcome to the story of my big, fat, walk-in closet.
My Big Fat Walk-In Closet is the first installment of my autobiographical novel. No, I'm not a celebrity. I'm not a well-known politician, athlete, or musician. I am a regular guy, and that is why this story is important. I'm just like you. I invite you to journey with me through the formative years of my life and the construction of my closet. Growing up gay in the farmlands of Western Maryland during the 1980s and early 90s wasn’t easy. Sexual abuse and conservative Christian values made it downright terrifying. Confused, rejected, and alone, I searched endlessly for a friend who could understand me and a God who would love me. When I found Jack we couldn’t help but fall madly in love with each other. And when he committed suicide, ironically in his bedroom closet, a part of me died with him. Through grammar school, the trials and tribulations of puberty, the glory of baseball, the tragedy of love and loss, and my liberation from the closet, My Big Fat Walk-In Closet is a poignant and often humorous portrayal of gay life in the closet.
My Big Fat Walk-In Closet is the first installment of my autobiographical novel. No, I'm not a celebrity. I'm not a well-known politician, athlete, or musician. I am a regular guy, and that is why this story is important. I'm just like you. I invite you to journey with me through the formative years of my life and the construction of my closet. Growing up gay in the farmlands of Western Maryland during the 1980s and early 90s wasn’t easy. Sexual abuse and conservative Christian values made it downright terrifying. Confused, rejected, and alone, I searched endlessly for a friend who could understand me and a God who would love me. When I found Jack we couldn’t help but fall madly in love with each other. And when he committed suicide, ironically in his bedroom closet, a part of me died with him. Through grammar school, the trials and tribulations of puberty, the glory of baseball, the tragedy of love and loss, and my liberation from the closet, My Big Fat Walk-In Closet is a poignant and often humorous portrayal of gay life in the closet.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 23, 2013
This book is absolutely something that every young person who is questioning their sexual OR gender identity must read! Blunt, honest, and direct, J.R. Kelly discusses his journey through sexual identity and religion. Its effects on society, parenting and young, impressionable children seeking guidance.
Parents should read this, regardless of their child's identity or orientation. Kelly's insights as a child struggling with issues relatable to so many, has a lasting wisdom imparted to the reader.
**Trigger alert - this book describes childhood sexual abuse, suicide and religious fanaticism.**
Parents should read this, regardless of their child's identity or orientation. Kelly's insights as a child struggling with issues relatable to so many, has a lasting wisdom imparted to the reader.
**Trigger alert - this book describes childhood sexual abuse, suicide and religious fanaticism.**
November 27, 2012
This book is a MUST READ. The End.
August 16, 2016
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews