Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

When a Man Exhales: A Memoir From the Brother of Marvin Gaye

Rate this book
Antwaun Gay writes powerfully about his secret life as Marvin Gaye’s brother, the family trauma that changed his life, and the addictions that held him captive for years.

In When a Man Exhales, Antwaun shares the difficulties of being a black youth longing for the love of family while seeking admiration through dancing, singing and basketball.

He opens up about overcoming doubt, insecurities, and family trauma and then provides hope to others who walk a similar journey of brokenness in their lives.

When a Man Exhales is a must read for those who are desperate and ready to find purpose and understand that hope and transformation are possible!

237 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2024

1 person is currently reading
10 people want to read

About the author

Antwaun Gay

1 book3 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
11 (84%)
4 stars
1 (7%)
3 stars
1 (7%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
1 review
June 4, 2024
This Book Is Very Inspirational!! I couldn’t put it down, It shows you that you’re not alone in some of things life throws at you!! From feeling unloved is a serious thing and to find yourself is Awesome !! So Excited For This Book!! You’ll Enjoy Every Moment!! Great Read !! Enjoy
Profile Image for Wesley Rose.
14 reviews
June 6, 2024
“When a man exhales” is a fantastic memoir, written by a man who has a very skillful way at sharing with us, pain, loss, insecurities, and in the midst of all of it, God‘s glory.

This book may be written by a brother of Marvin Gaye, but the Lord has an individual and an important story for everybody. The story is not one of Marvin or Marvins doing, but what God‘s doing through Antwaun.

After reading this book, the perspective that was gained of how the Lord can use every dark and seemingly hopeless moment for His goodness shines brighter than any other theme. Brighter than the dance, or basketball, and even brighter than the addiction in the troubles with lust and infidelity, God’s light shown through Antwaun’s story.

I’m thankful for the transparency, vulnerability, and pure honesty from this author, and I hope to hear that God continues to use him and allow others to hear the story and find freedom through Jesus with their own troubles and trials. May this testimony serve as an example and inspiration to many of all ages.
1 review
June 6, 2024
When I first heard about this book, I'm not sure what I was expecting. Was this going to be about the relationship between Marvin Gaye and his secret half brother? Or perhaps the relationship between a famous father and illegitimate son? Which I was all for, but what it turned out to be was a very transparent story about a Black man and his relationship with God, and that man just happened to be the brother of a legendary soul legend.
I was already drawn in because most of the setting occurred around my hometown and I was familiar with the areas mentioned. It was interesting to hear first-hand the true thoughts of a young man as he was growing through some of his struggles with school, sports, sex and family trauma and later decisions that affected his career and marriage. Mr. Gay didn't hold back when it came to confessing his shortcomings, which made his book believable and relatable. There were many surprising moments where I gasped and couldn't put the book down. I felt so many different emotions while reading and felt like I was right there growing up with him as he told his story. Being called into ministry is no easy task and can be just as heavy as the cross Jesus carried, and Mr. Gay bravely described his divine journey which had many forks in the road. This book was definitely a page turner and had me reflect on my own relationship with God and even the relationship in my marriage. Kudos on the book and a story well-told.
1 review
June 7, 2024
What a fabulous book. It is honest about the struggles of life and the need to fight through them. It is about overcoming the trauma of our past and pressing forward to our future. It made me look at my life and want to push forward too. When a Man Exhales brought tears, reflection and purpose to my life.


1 review
June 7, 2024
Antwaun Gay masterfully takes us on a journey from his childhood to his maturation into manhood. He tells his story in a way that remained gracious and respectful to those whom some would easily vilify. However, Gay’s memoir is rooted in forgiveness, love, and grace; that which he extended to others and that which was extended to him through Christ.

Gay’s engaging memoir is an authentic and often raw assessment of actions that distanced him from the relationship with God he desired, and towards paths that stole his peace over and over again. His resilience and will to restore what the enemy stole from him is inspiring. Gay’s selfless transparency will undoubtedly change and save lives.

I laughed. I cried. I extolled, “Glory to God!” as I poured over each page. There is no mistaking the call on Antwaun Gay's life to minister the Word and bring healing to a generation through truth-telling!
Profile Image for Celina.
1 review
June 7, 2024
Antwaun Gay's "When a Man Exhales" is a beautifully cathartic memoir and cautionary reminder to always exalt God above all things. Gay leads us through an emotional labyrinth of his early teen years into a winding path of adulthood where he discovers his calling. Gay's journey, however, would be anything other than simple, but his ability to be deeply reflective allows readers to witness the depth of his integrity, faith, and love for his beloved wife Carolyn and family, while also understanding his most painful struggle. This is his own story, one that is triumphant in total surrender in heart, soul, and mind to God.

Whether one is uncertain in his or her faith or a sanctified believer, I highly recommend Antwaun Gay's memoir as a wonderfully inspirational and poignant testimony in transformation from which all can benefit, but most especially men. A+++
Profile Image for Naomi Ayala.
Author 8 books5 followers
July 21, 2024
A coming of age story of a young Christian man.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.