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Twisted Straight: Finding My Self in the Middle
Twisted Straight is an intensely personal account of a woman who inadvertently finds herself in the closet with a husband who is gay. She works to help him accept himself as the person he was born to be, as she examines her own deeply rooted reasons for holding on to a relationship that does not give her what she needs. When a man from her past suddenly steals her heart, she is faced with the thrill of being truly desired for the first time, while possibly stumbling too quickly into a relationship where she might again mistake compatibility for love. She must reveal insecurities, face fears, and be honest with herself if she hopes to embrace life, love, and friendship with the two men she holds closest to her heart. As she struggles to define herself in the middle of two very different relationships, she discovers answers to questions about love, fear, separation, partnership, sexuality, and more.
- GenresLGBT
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2014
8 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 7, 2019
Deeply honest and insightful journaled story
I was impressed with the unflinching and revealing true story of the author’s journey through the joys & pains of her relationships. She provided powerful insights into her struggles and the complexities of an untraditional marriage, and beyond.
I was impressed with the unflinching and revealing true story of the author’s journey through the joys & pains of her relationships. She provided powerful insights into her struggles and the complexities of an untraditional marriage, and beyond.
February 6, 2022
Sometimes there are no heroes and villains in a story - just good people who can't meet each others' needs. For every dream pursued, there's collateral damage.
The question of sexuality orientation is a complicated one, as this author's story makes quite clear. Ms. Zerman grew up confident in her intelligence and ability to succeed, but feeling unattractive and unlovable. Anxious to be part of a couple, she endured an abusive relationship in high school, which ended when she went away to college. There she met a vibrant, dramatic young man who made her feel desirable and cherished. In spite of signs of hesitancy on the groom's part, she parlayed the relationship into a marriage that was in many ways loving and satisfying.
Ultimately, her husband's lack of interest in intimacy lead her to seek counseling. In the course of several difficult years, they came to understand more about themselves and their families and how circumstances had led two decent, well-meaning young people into a marriage that was fundamentally unsustainable.
To put it another way, their love and friendship survived, but not their marriage. As our society becomes more accepting of gays, many families are experiencing similar situations. The author cites a number of books, web sites, and support groups that were helpful to her during the transition.
Reconciled to the end of her marriage, but STILL determined to find someone to "complete" her, she started a relationship with a man who was in some ways the polar opposite of her husband. To go from marriage to an artistic gay man who was her "best girl friend" to living with a tech-head who chews tobacco and uses the same bath towel until it falls apart was quite a change. While the wisdom of rushing into another relationship so quickly is debatable, it certainly makes for an entertaining story.
It's hard to say why this book had such an effect on me or why I still remember and think about it three years after reading it. I was impressed with the author's intelligence and honesty. She comes across as a bright, hard-working, and very caring woman. All of us have to deal with personal and relationship problems at some point and I think her willingness to openly share her experiences is commendable. I wish her and her family all the best.
The question of sexuality orientation is a complicated one, as this author's story makes quite clear. Ms. Zerman grew up confident in her intelligence and ability to succeed, but feeling unattractive and unlovable. Anxious to be part of a couple, she endured an abusive relationship in high school, which ended when she went away to college. There she met a vibrant, dramatic young man who made her feel desirable and cherished. In spite of signs of hesitancy on the groom's part, she parlayed the relationship into a marriage that was in many ways loving and satisfying.
Ultimately, her husband's lack of interest in intimacy lead her to seek counseling. In the course of several difficult years, they came to understand more about themselves and their families and how circumstances had led two decent, well-meaning young people into a marriage that was fundamentally unsustainable.
To put it another way, their love and friendship survived, but not their marriage. As our society becomes more accepting of gays, many families are experiencing similar situations. The author cites a number of books, web sites, and support groups that were helpful to her during the transition.
Reconciled to the end of her marriage, but STILL determined to find someone to "complete" her, she started a relationship with a man who was in some ways the polar opposite of her husband. To go from marriage to an artistic gay man who was her "best girl friend" to living with a tech-head who chews tobacco and uses the same bath towel until it falls apart was quite a change. While the wisdom of rushing into another relationship so quickly is debatable, it certainly makes for an entertaining story.
It's hard to say why this book had such an effect on me or why I still remember and think about it three years after reading it. I was impressed with the author's intelligence and honesty. She comes across as a bright, hard-working, and very caring woman. All of us have to deal with personal and relationship problems at some point and I think her willingness to openly share her experiences is commendable. I wish her and her family all the best.
January 22, 2016
I thought this book was extremely well-written. I felt as though I was experiencing the events - self-doubt, pain, indecision, and finally, freedom - right along with the author. Although the author's relationship situation was relatively unusual, I could very much identify with her struggles in entering and staying in a relationship that she knows deep down is wrong for her, and then finding the courage and strength to release herself from it.
July 8, 2015
Wonderful book
This is a wonderful story of a woman torn between to lives and how she is able to work through the competing priorities to arrive in a healthy place. To me this book was very inspiring. It is proof that you can make a happy ending if you are willing to work at it.
This is a wonderful story of a woman torn between to lives and how she is able to work through the competing priorities to arrive in a healthy place. To me this book was very inspiring. It is proof that you can make a happy ending if you are willing to work at it.
January 1, 2026
Powerful, wonderful
This is a very honest, raw, heartfelt, and powerful journey captured on the pages of the book. One of the best books I have read all year.
This is a very honest, raw, heartfelt, and powerful journey captured on the pages of the book. One of the best books I have read all year.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews