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How To Burn A Rainbow: My Gay Marriage Didn't Make Me Whole, My Divorce Did
What readers are calling the gay
Eat, Pray, Love
…
Sometimes, to find yourself, you must first burn everything down.
Karl had it all; a husband, a home in the Los Angeles Hills, success. When his marriage ended suddenly, his perfect life and sense of self were shattered.
His legal battles threatened everything he had, and he soon found himself working non-stop, leading to a downward spiral filled with anxious days and sleepless nights of rage and fear.
Ironically, Karl’s divorce ignited a journey of self-discovery—a quest for identity, love, and acceptance that took him from LA to a mid-divorce crash-landing in Berlin.
This raw and unflinching memoir welcomes readers into the heart of Karl's transformative journey—burning the scripts written for him by both the gay and straight worlds, facing down his deepest fears, and forging his own path to self-love.
How To Burn A Rainbow is a gripping narrative of resilience and courage that dares to ask the hard questions about love, equality, and the price of happiness.
In the end, Karl’s marriage didn’t make him whole, his divorce did.
Sometimes, to find yourself, you must first burn everything down.
Karl had it all; a husband, a home in the Los Angeles Hills, success. When his marriage ended suddenly, his perfect life and sense of self were shattered.
His legal battles threatened everything he had, and he soon found himself working non-stop, leading to a downward spiral filled with anxious days and sleepless nights of rage and fear.
Ironically, Karl’s divorce ignited a journey of self-discovery—a quest for identity, love, and acceptance that took him from LA to a mid-divorce crash-landing in Berlin.
This raw and unflinching memoir welcomes readers into the heart of Karl's transformative journey—burning the scripts written for him by both the gay and straight worlds, facing down his deepest fears, and forging his own path to self-love.
How To Burn A Rainbow is a gripping narrative of resilience and courage that dares to ask the hard questions about love, equality, and the price of happiness.
In the end, Karl’s marriage didn’t make him whole, his divorce did.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 16, 2024
While there are many divorce narratives that exist in the world, HOW TO BURN A RAINBOW offers a unique perspective on the subject. Sure, Karl Dunn's thoughtful book wonderfully lays out how emotionally and financially messy the end of a marriage can be for spouses, but it also provides eye-opening insight on why gay men feel compelled to indulge in a centuries-old institution, concept, and industry from which the world has excluded them (Hint: it involves trauma). This is a must-read collection of anecdotes and cautionary tales for a post-Marriage Equality world in which more and more people – LGBTQIA or not – are distancing themselves from the archaic tenants of society that no longer apply to 21st century livelihoods. HOW TO BURN A RAINBOW is a touching breakdown of a particular pursuit of happiness that deserves more discussion and a journey that is relatable to anyone who has ever questioned the choices they have made.
April 10, 2025
I'm not gay. I'm not divorced. And I absolutely loved reading this book about a gay guy who crashed into a legal system of divorce that wasn't built for him. Karl Dunn invites readers to question the roles we’ve been handed by the societies we grew up in. To think about how to make marriage and divorce more equal. To imagine what liberation might look like when we stop chasing perfection. Dunn is a skillful storyteller with the heart of a wise friend.
April 28, 2026
Quite unusual book for me. Completely different setup and set of life challenges. But hte journey resonates deeply. Personal transformation, learning, self-reflection and honesty about own life and experiences. Powerful read.
November 25, 2024
2024 BIBA Winner!
January 14, 2025
while an honest and compelling story, this book was seriously in need of more editing. the conversational style the narrator had gets pedantic and boring at parts.
June 23, 2025
Very good read. Vulnerable, touching, and inspirational. One of the best memoirs I’ve read in years. Karl allows the reader to see all parts of him, even the less comfortable ones. A brave book.
August 3, 2024
The Review
In a heartfelt and compelling book, the author truly presented a relatable and honest account of the experiences he went through. The nuances of marriage, in any relationship, can be difficult to navigate, and adding the extra pressure of societal expectations for those in the LGBTQ community who finally found their right to get married and yet still experienced those pitfalls of any relationship was emotional to read and see unfold in the pages of this book. The insight into the painful process of divorce and the detail the author gives to readers is remarkable to gain insight on.
The author's use of humor and wit in his writing style, as well as incredible detail and pop culture references, helps add a well-roundedness and sense of self to the author’s story. The almost cinematic nature of the author’s writing style and the raw moments that the author shares with readers help showcase the growth and self-discovery the author finds within himself as the book grows and evolves over time.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Karl Dunn’s “How to Burn a Rainbow”, is a must-read memoir meets relationship and divorce book. The turmoil and heartbreak that the author expresses and the teachable lessons that can be found in this book lead to a meaningful book that showcases that sometimes pain and heartbreak can lead to pivotal moments of self-discovery and brighter futures.
In a heartfelt and compelling book, the author truly presented a relatable and honest account of the experiences he went through. The nuances of marriage, in any relationship, can be difficult to navigate, and adding the extra pressure of societal expectations for those in the LGBTQ community who finally found their right to get married and yet still experienced those pitfalls of any relationship was emotional to read and see unfold in the pages of this book. The insight into the painful process of divorce and the detail the author gives to readers is remarkable to gain insight on.
The author's use of humor and wit in his writing style, as well as incredible detail and pop culture references, helps add a well-roundedness and sense of self to the author’s story. The almost cinematic nature of the author’s writing style and the raw moments that the author shares with readers help showcase the growth and self-discovery the author finds within himself as the book grows and evolves over time.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Karl Dunn’s “How to Burn a Rainbow”, is a must-read memoir meets relationship and divorce book. The turmoil and heartbreak that the author expresses and the teachable lessons that can be found in this book lead to a meaningful book that showcases that sometimes pain and heartbreak can lead to pivotal moments of self-discovery and brighter futures.
June 18, 2024
Learn more about the author and book on my website, www.ginaraemitchell.com.
Karl’s split from his partner led him on a path of self-exploration. His quest for understanding, love, and belonging took him from Los Angeles to Berlin. This honest and heartfelt memoir welcomes readers into the core of Karl’s transformative journey. Rejecting societal expectations, he faces his deepest fears and charts a new course towards self-acceptance.
“How to Burn a Rainbow” is a tale of resilience and bravery that explores complex questions about love, equality, and happiness. Ultimately, it wasn’t Karl’s marriage that defined him; it was his separation.
Karl Dunn shares his personal journey with candor, aiming to cultivate empathy and understanding among individuals facing similar challenges. “How to Burn a Rainbow” transcends being just one man’s narrative; it serves as a guiding light for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. The book’s intricate storytelling encourages introspection on notions of marriage and self-acceptance, having a profound impact on the reader.
While you might expect this memoir to be a somber read, Karl uses his masterful storytelling abilities and witty humor to create scenes and characters that leap off the page. With his background as a screenwriter, he brings each character, no matter how minor, to life with depth and complexity, making this an engaging read for all audiences—regardless of sexual orientation or relationship status.
“How to Burn a Rainbow” is truly an outstanding debut.
I received a digital copy of the book for review. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Karl’s split from his partner led him on a path of self-exploration. His quest for understanding, love, and belonging took him from Los Angeles to Berlin. This honest and heartfelt memoir welcomes readers into the core of Karl’s transformative journey. Rejecting societal expectations, he faces his deepest fears and charts a new course towards self-acceptance.
“How to Burn a Rainbow” is a tale of resilience and bravery that explores complex questions about love, equality, and happiness. Ultimately, it wasn’t Karl’s marriage that defined him; it was his separation.
Karl Dunn shares his personal journey with candor, aiming to cultivate empathy and understanding among individuals facing similar challenges. “How to Burn a Rainbow” transcends being just one man’s narrative; it serves as a guiding light for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. The book’s intricate storytelling encourages introspection on notions of marriage and self-acceptance, having a profound impact on the reader.
While you might expect this memoir to be a somber read, Karl uses his masterful storytelling abilities and witty humor to create scenes and characters that leap off the page. With his background as a screenwriter, he brings each character, no matter how minor, to life with depth and complexity, making this an engaging read for all audiences—regardless of sexual orientation or relationship status.
“How to Burn a Rainbow” is truly an outstanding debut.
I received a digital copy of the book for review. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews