What do you think?
Rate this book
Hiding Out: A Memoir of Drugs, Deception, and Double Lives
Actress and playwright Tina Alexis Allen’s audacious memoir unravels her privileged suburban Catholic upbringing that was shaped by her formidable father—a man whose strict religious devotion and dedication to his large family hid his true nature and a life defined by deep secrets and dangerous lies.
The youngest of thirteen children in a devout Catholic family, Tina Alexis Allen grew up in 1980s suburban Maryland in a house ruled by her stern father, Sir John, an imposing, British-born authoritarian who had been knighted by the Pope. Sir John supported his large family running a successful travel agency that specialized in religious tours to the Holy Land and the Vatican for pious Catholics.
But his daughter, Tina, was no sweet and innocent Catholic girl. A smart-mouthed high school basketball prodigy, she harbored a painful secret: she liked girls. When Tina was eighteen her father accidently discovered the truth about her sexuality. Instead of dragging her to the family priest and lecturing her with tearful sermons about sin and damnation, her father shocked her with his honest response. He, too, was gay.
The secret they shared about their sexuality brought father and daughter closer, and the two became trusted confidants and partners in a relationship that eventually spiraled out of control. Tina and Sir John spent nights dancing in gay clubs together, experimenting with drugs, and engaging in sex with their respective partners in public places—all while keeping the rest of their family in the dark.
Outside of their wild clandestine escapades, Sir John made Tina his heir apparent at the travel agency. Drawn deeper into the business, Tina soon became suspicious of her father’s frequent business trips, his multiple passports and cache of illegal documents, and the briefcases full of cash that mysteriously appeared and quickly vanished. Digging deeper, she uncovered a disturbing facet beyond the stunning double-life of the father she thought she knew.
A riveting and cinematic true tale stranger and twistier than fiction, Hiding Out is an astonishing story of self-discovery, family, secrets, and the power of the truth to set us free.
The youngest of thirteen children in a devout Catholic family, Tina Alexis Allen grew up in 1980s suburban Maryland in a house ruled by her stern father, Sir John, an imposing, British-born authoritarian who had been knighted by the Pope. Sir John supported his large family running a successful travel agency that specialized in religious tours to the Holy Land and the Vatican for pious Catholics.
But his daughter, Tina, was no sweet and innocent Catholic girl. A smart-mouthed high school basketball prodigy, she harbored a painful secret: she liked girls. When Tina was eighteen her father accidently discovered the truth about her sexuality. Instead of dragging her to the family priest and lecturing her with tearful sermons about sin and damnation, her father shocked her with his honest response. He, too, was gay.
The secret they shared about their sexuality brought father and daughter closer, and the two became trusted confidants and partners in a relationship that eventually spiraled out of control. Tina and Sir John spent nights dancing in gay clubs together, experimenting with drugs, and engaging in sex with their respective partners in public places—all while keeping the rest of their family in the dark.
Outside of their wild clandestine escapades, Sir John made Tina his heir apparent at the travel agency. Drawn deeper into the business, Tina soon became suspicious of her father’s frequent business trips, his multiple passports and cache of illegal documents, and the briefcases full of cash that mysteriously appeared and quickly vanished. Digging deeper, she uncovered a disturbing facet beyond the stunning double-life of the father she thought she knew.
A riveting and cinematic true tale stranger and twistier than fiction, Hiding Out is an astonishing story of self-discovery, family, secrets, and the power of the truth to set us free.
288 pages, ebook
First published February 20, 2018
142 people are currently reading
1344 people want to read
About the author
Tina Alexis Allen
1 book37 followersAs a break-out star on WGN’s hit series “Outsiders,” actress/author/playwright Tina Alexis Allen most recently starred as Shurn, a force to be reckoned with in the clash-of-cultures drama rooted in coal mining Kentucky. With Oscar-nominated actor Paul Giamatti on board as an executive producer, Allen acted alongside David Morse (“Treme,” “Hurt Locker”) and Ryan Hurst (“Sons of Anarchy,” “Bates Motel”).
The youngest of 13 kids in a Catholic family growing up in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Tina was a tomboy at heart. After accepting a basketball scholarship to the University of Maryland, she caught the fashion bug, earned an MBA in marketing and moved to NYC. While working as a fashion executive on Seventh Avenue, she spent her weekends seeing Broadway shows and igniting a love of the arts. Some soul searching led to Tina leaving her successful career to pursue acting. She has since been celebrated for her diverse range of roles in theatre, film and television. “Acting coach to the stars,” Susan Batson, (Oprah, Nicole Kidman, Lady Gaga, Chris Rock, Madonna, Juliette Binoche) has described Tina as “a true chameleon—capable of playing anything.”
Allen wrote and performed her critically acclaimed solo show, SECRETS OF A HOLY FATHER, in New York and Los Angeles. Based on her own life, Allen yearned to understand the complicated and highly secretive double life of her father. By transforming herself into him, she took her father’s journey exploring the universal themes of family betrayal, redemption and forgiveness in a tour-de-force performance.
In Los Angeles, she performed a 12-character one-woman show, IRRESISTIBLE, lauded by critics as rivaling the work of Lily Tomlin. For her work in THE BREAK-UP NOTEBOOK, Allen was nominated for a GLAAD award alongside Jane Lynch. In addition, she starred in and produced the Slamdance Jury Prize film PHANTOM PAIN, and played opposite Theresa Russell in the 2014 feature film, MOVING MOUNTAINS.
In addition to acting and writing, Allen is the Co-Founder of Gina Raphaela Jewelry, which merges art, fashion, and social consciousness. The brand uses deconstructed and transformed bullets as a foundation for daring necklaces, rings and bracelets. Their philanthropic mission provides a percentage of all proceeds to be donated directly to non-profit organizations taking a stand for peace.
The youngest of 13 kids in a Catholic family growing up in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Tina was a tomboy at heart. After accepting a basketball scholarship to the University of Maryland, she caught the fashion bug, earned an MBA in marketing and moved to NYC. While working as a fashion executive on Seventh Avenue, she spent her weekends seeing Broadway shows and igniting a love of the arts. Some soul searching led to Tina leaving her successful career to pursue acting. She has since been celebrated for her diverse range of roles in theatre, film and television. “Acting coach to the stars,” Susan Batson, (Oprah, Nicole Kidman, Lady Gaga, Chris Rock, Madonna, Juliette Binoche) has described Tina as “a true chameleon—capable of playing anything.”
Allen wrote and performed her critically acclaimed solo show, SECRETS OF A HOLY FATHER, in New York and Los Angeles. Based on her own life, Allen yearned to understand the complicated and highly secretive double life of her father. By transforming herself into him, she took her father’s journey exploring the universal themes of family betrayal, redemption and forgiveness in a tour-de-force performance.
In Los Angeles, she performed a 12-character one-woman show, IRRESISTIBLE, lauded by critics as rivaling the work of Lily Tomlin. For her work in THE BREAK-UP NOTEBOOK, Allen was nominated for a GLAAD award alongside Jane Lynch. In addition, she starred in and produced the Slamdance Jury Prize film PHANTOM PAIN, and played opposite Theresa Russell in the 2014 feature film, MOVING MOUNTAINS.
In addition to acting and writing, Allen is the Co-Founder of Gina Raphaela Jewelry, which merges art, fashion, and social consciousness. The brand uses deconstructed and transformed bullets as a foundation for daring necklaces, rings and bracelets. Their philanthropic mission provides a percentage of all proceeds to be donated directly to non-profit organizations taking a stand for peace.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
December 30, 2017
This reads like a fiction novel. I had to remind myself a number of times that what I was reading happened in real life -- this wasn't something someone dreamed up and wrote, it was someone's life. I could without a doubt see how family members would be displeased because this book was written. That being said, I found it inspiring that Allen did put to paper her story and the story of her family, and I'm glad I picked up the book.
Some of the details are very hard to believe (full disclosure, I absolutely believe what is written is the truth) and others are very believable. If anything, this read proves that everything is not always as it appears in life, and we truly don't know anything about anyone until we walk a mile in their shoes. And wow, Allen takes the reader thru hundreds of miles in her shoes. Sometimes I found myself feeling like a voyeur when reading -- the author really does put it all out there. For people that enjoy memoirs that lay the good and the bad on the line, this is a good read. If you find dysfunction, discrimination, abuse, and bullying upsetting -- this isn't the book for you.
Some of the details are very hard to believe (full disclosure, I absolutely believe what is written is the truth) and others are very believable. If anything, this read proves that everything is not always as it appears in life, and we truly don't know anything about anyone until we walk a mile in their shoes. And wow, Allen takes the reader thru hundreds of miles in her shoes. Sometimes I found myself feeling like a voyeur when reading -- the author really does put it all out there. For people that enjoy memoirs that lay the good and the bad on the line, this is a good read. If you find dysfunction, discrimination, abuse, and bullying upsetting -- this isn't the book for you.
May 1, 2018
I recived and ARC of this book through a giveaway on goodreads.
I'm not usually big on memoirs, but I enjoyed this one. More than once I almost forgot what I was reading wasn't a work of fiction. I found myself easily able to identify with the author and relate to some of her struggles, but not only did I see aspects of myself in the pages I read, but also glimmers of some of the things I loathe about others my age (late teens and early 20s). This book managed to actually make me feel, which is something I often don't experience with books. Sometimes I found myself slightly angry at the author, other times I was angry for her, and a few times I found myself nodding or smiling and sort of laughing knowingly. Overall I enjoyed this book and I was pleasantly surprised by how well written it was and how quickly and easily it drew me in and wouldn't seem to let me go until the end.
I'm not usually big on memoirs, but I enjoyed this one. More than once I almost forgot what I was reading wasn't a work of fiction. I found myself easily able to identify with the author and relate to some of her struggles, but not only did I see aspects of myself in the pages I read, but also glimmers of some of the things I loathe about others my age (late teens and early 20s). This book managed to actually make me feel, which is something I often don't experience with books. Sometimes I found myself slightly angry at the author, other times I was angry for her, and a few times I found myself nodding or smiling and sort of laughing knowingly. Overall I enjoyed this book and I was pleasantly surprised by how well written it was and how quickly and easily it drew me in and wouldn't seem to let me go until the end.
February 20, 2018
I loved this book. The fact that it was regarding someone who used to live in the DC area, and describing some of the places in downtown DC was amazing...even though her club hopping was about 8 years before mine.
I loved the fact that she came out and then found out her father had an alternate lifestyle. This book was captivating and only took me two days to read. I loved it.
I loved the fact that she came out and then found out her father had an alternate lifestyle. This book was captivating and only took me two days to read. I loved it.
July 21, 2022
I don’t even know where to begin on my review of this book. Some parts of it were so unnecessarily graphic that I want to give it 3 stars, but considering I couldn’t put it down, I’ll bump my review to 4 stars. The phrase “Drugs, Deception, and Double Lives” doesn’t even begin to cover the hot mess that was Tina Allen’s childhood. I would even be bold enough to say that despite the lack of alliteration, “drugs” could be replaced with “abuse” or “pedophilia.” I think Allen’s relationship with her teacher when she was 12 years old was what really threw me off and was genuinely the most unexpected element of this memoir. To be honest I also could’ve gone without reading all of the graphic details of Allen giving oral sex to her girlfriend in a Georgetown restaurant. While I give Allen an A+ on her imagery, I don’t know why so much detail was included (particularly when recounting sexual encounters) unless it was just for the genuine shock value. That being said, a lot of this book felt true but exaggerated. I believe Allen’s stories but a lot of her experiences were so insane that they felt like fiction. One of the elements of this book that kept me hooked is that I am local to the DC area and Allen grew up there. There is also a chapter where Rehoboth Beach is discussed and visited and I am very familiar with that area as well. It was interesting to read about DC places I have visited (such as the University Club) and be able to vividly imagine the author and her family in the same setting. Overall I would recommend this book as an interesting/unique read but readers should be warned that some chapters are quite graphic and may feel too wacky to be 100% true.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
February 8, 2018I won this book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
February 8, 2018
I really enjoyed Hiding Out, but I feel really guilty for taking pleasure in the train wreck of this womans life. She has been through so much, and so much of it is just... you can't make this stuff up. More than once I caught myself thinking "it would have been better if..." or "nah, that isn't how they would have reacted" and had to remind myself that this isn't a well thought-out fiction novel or crazy spy movie. This is Miss Allen's LIFE! This really happened! I don't want to spoil the story, but it is truly remarkable that Miss Allen grew up to be a fairly well adjusted (at least, by the books account, I'm certainly not acquainted with her- although I would love to spend a day with her and just her more of her stories), successful adult.
My sole reason for not giving this book 5 stars is her treatment of her mother. Okay. I get it. She's a big fat person. In almost every single scene including her mother, Miss Allen feels the need to mention the food she is eating and there are numerous mentions about her obesity that do not contribute anything to the story. It is apparent that Mrs. Worthington ate her feelings, and it is also apparent that her daughter detested it just as much as her husband did. (spoiler incoming) In the last scene with her mother, when Tina is washing her feet and snuggling her to belly, I actually had tears in my eyes. Her love for her dying mother felt so real, and her need to show her mother that love while she still could was beautiful. And then, food again. Completely ruined the scene for me.
I won an advance copy of this book thru Goodreads Giveaways.
My sole reason for not giving this book 5 stars is her treatment of her mother. Okay. I get it. She's a big fat person. In almost every single scene including her mother, Miss Allen feels the need to mention the food she is eating and there are numerous mentions about her obesity that do not contribute anything to the story. It is apparent that Mrs. Worthington ate her feelings, and it is also apparent that her daughter detested it just as much as her husband did. (spoiler incoming) In the last scene with her mother, when Tina is washing her feet and snuggling her to belly, I actually had tears in my eyes. Her love for her dying mother felt so real, and her need to show her mother that love while she still could was beautiful. And then, food again. Completely ruined the scene for me.
I won an advance copy of this book thru Goodreads Giveaways.
December 18, 2018
As far as memoirs go, this was one that nearly thrust me out of my comfort zone. Not because it was necessarily uncomfortable, but because it was so out of my depth. Fathers, siblings, abuse, drugs, Catholicism all percolate in this narrative, weaving and intertwining to create intrigue and despair.
Allen's life has been filled with drama and troubles and basketball, and the way she speaks about it is so poignant and real and forgiving. She doesn't shy away from the harshness of her father, or the love from her mother, and the way that their relationships changed as she grew older.
And for the subplot--if it's possible to have a subplot to one's life--her father has multiple suitcases all alike, he has a lot of money, a lot of passports, and a lot of trips to the Vatican. Nobody knows what he does, and even as Allen mentions in the epilogue, none of the leads she has will admit anything. Was he a spy? Only the people who know, know.
The chapters are aptly named, and all the intricacies are so well woven. It's amazing how Allen is so forgiving after all these years, given all that she endured. I wouldn't call this book uplifting, but it's truthful, it's real, and it's all that you can ask for in a memoir.
Review cross-listed here!
Allen's life has been filled with drama and troubles and basketball, and the way she speaks about it is so poignant and real and forgiving. She doesn't shy away from the harshness of her father, or the love from her mother, and the way that their relationships changed as she grew older.
And for the subplot--if it's possible to have a subplot to one's life--her father has multiple suitcases all alike, he has a lot of money, a lot of passports, and a lot of trips to the Vatican. Nobody knows what he does, and even as Allen mentions in the epilogue, none of the leads she has will admit anything. Was he a spy? Only the people who know, know.
The chapters are aptly named, and all the intricacies are so well woven. It's amazing how Allen is so forgiving after all these years, given all that she endured. I wouldn't call this book uplifting, but it's truthful, it's real, and it's all that you can ask for in a memoir.
Review cross-listed here!
May 7, 2018
Hiding Out A Memoir of Drugs, Deception and Double Lives by Tina Alexis Allen is a true story. Usually, I don’t read Non-Fiction unless it is true crime, autobiography of someone I really admire or health and wellness. However, this really caught my eye when I saw it in the library. This story was something you would see in the movies. Not something you would think a little girl growing up into a woman would live through and be alright at the end of it all. The prologue explains that through all of this she made it out ok.
This book is filled with lots of secrets, betrayal, sex, underage love affairs, drugs, alcohol, same sex relationships, father daughter bonding, revelations, bisexuality, Christianity, etc.
The book starts off slow but then gets going in the middle of the book.
This book is filled with lots of secrets, betrayal, sex, underage love affairs, drugs, alcohol, same sex relationships, father daughter bonding, revelations, bisexuality, Christianity, etc.
The book starts off slow but then gets going in the middle of the book.
February 24, 2018
I could not put this book down. It is full of raw emotion, desperate need and some unexpected moments of humor. It was powerful and moving. So much naked honesty free of judgement. Well done!
February 25, 2018
An honest heartfelt account of a family full of secrets while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy. I can relate. Thank you for sharing your pain and recovery.
March 13, 2018
I am not wanting to take anything away from Tina. It takes courage to share your personal life story with the massive and be judged. Yes, I said judged. It seems that we as a society can't help but judge people. I don't have a written memoir. Therefore, this is why I am not taking away from the author's story.
What I am commenting on is the fact that my connection to the author and her story did not grab me as I would have liked and want from reading memoirs. Although, it was nice that the author found a connection with her father without being judged for who she is. I read all the way to the half way point fairly quickly but if you asked me what I had read in that first half, I would not really be able to tell you. This book was not for me but it is not to say that it won't strike a good balance with someone else.
What I am commenting on is the fact that my connection to the author and her story did not grab me as I would have liked and want from reading memoirs. Although, it was nice that the author found a connection with her father without being judged for who she is. I read all the way to the half way point fairly quickly but if you asked me what I had read in that first half, I would not really be able to tell you. This book was not for me but it is not to say that it won't strike a good balance with someone else.
April 6, 2019
I'm very torn about how to review this one: On one hand I found the author's story entrigueing, especially the part about her Father's secret assignments for the Catholic church, but on the other hand I found the many pages of intimate details of her relationships read like Lesbian Porn. I was also shocked that she still refers to her sexual abuse as an 11 year old child as a "relationship" and qualifies it as such because she was "mature for her age". Definitely a strange story of a very disfunctional family.
March 25, 2019
Hiding Out was a work of art by a truly courageous woman and survivor. It was also an account of family relationships, addiction, religion, family/personal betrayal and abuse, as well as a coming out story. This was an emotional read for me. I'm not going to say I "enjoyed" Tina's heartache and sadness. What I am happy about though, is that she was able to find peace and joy after her moment of clarity during a trip to one of my favorite places, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. I could go on and on here, but I won't; too personal. I will close with this, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
March 31, 2019
Wow, what a life story. Allen takes you through a lot of twists that you won't expect and at times this reads more like a novel than a memoir. For some reason it was often hard for me to connect to Allen and her family members as real people. Parts of this memoir were very heartfelt and visceral but others felt glib and confusing, such as her lackadaisical attitude toward her "affair" (that began at the age of 11!) with one of her teachers.
September 24, 2023
This was wild. Hats off to Tina for surviving. I loved the way she could put you in the mindset of her many decades ago. Unsettlingly real.
May 27, 2025
Only book I’ve ever cried to so that’s a first for me😚
February 24, 2018
An audacious story, filled with raw emotion.
February 9, 2018
I really enjoyed Hiding Out.
August 7, 2019
This was riveting. I do not think the subtitle was accurate. Maybe should have been secrets, lies and double lives. Or drinking, deception and double lives. Anyway, couldn't put it down. Incredible story of coming through to the other side of a painful childhood.
February 6, 2019
Talk about truth oh, stranger than fiction! The author straightforward way of reporting her experience is absolutely unnerving. Her ability to be objective and her voice as a neutral observeris both unnerving and utterly convincing. I believe her truth and I believe that it is accurate and it is nearly unbearably heartbreaking to know. Poignant and moving, funny and entertaining, crushing and enlightening. Don't miss this one! Kudos to the author for her courage and bravery, authenticity, clarity and transparency and enormous risk-taking!
March 18, 2018
Disappointment
The book begins quite interestingly but quickly reverts to simply foul language and graphic instances, all of which I believe to be simply a superficial attention getting hook into the reader's continuation with the book. This young lady chose alternate lifestyles which are not remarkable and neither is her father's life style; there really is no notable story here...there perhaps could have been if the author would have adhered to the facts without interjection of graphic smut to sensationalize the book's appeal and perceived saleability. Very disappointing. I do hope however the author is now enjoying a stable and fulfilling life.
The book begins quite interestingly but quickly reverts to simply foul language and graphic instances, all of which I believe to be simply a superficial attention getting hook into the reader's continuation with the book. This young lady chose alternate lifestyles which are not remarkable and neither is her father's life style; there really is no notable story here...there perhaps could have been if the author would have adhered to the facts without interjection of graphic smut to sensationalize the book's appeal and perceived saleability. Very disappointing. I do hope however the author is now enjoying a stable and fulfilling life.
December 17, 2020
This book is definitely not for the faint of heart. I could not put it down and had to learn how Tina's story would "turn out." What bravery for speaking out and sharing her story.
March 4, 2018
Not for you if you want to avoid sexual exploitation and abuse, intoxication and drug use, domestic abuse, and/or cursing. Boy, is there a lot of that in store for you in Hiding Out. I'm glad Allen was upfront about her current life before sharing her youth. Without it, I can imagine the wave of social media hits or letters written by the trembling hands and hearts of readers or fans, "Are you okay now?"
Allen gives us a memoir that I haven't seen too often: she presents the pivotal focus of her life through her younger self's thoughts and feelings, in first-person. Memoirs are often written with an older and experienced perspective along the way, with commentary like, "I thought I would never see her again (I did)." Instead, you're caught up in the skittish whims and worries of younger Allen, one who feels the constant pressures and denials of hiding her many deceptions. You're right there with her; you don't know what will happen either until the next page. Older Allen only kicks in when the memoir "fast-forwards" through time. This approach does make it feel a bit fictional—mostly because of my familiarity with this presentation in films and fantasy rather than the subject material. It's a groovy spin on things.
That being said, though the writing is easy-to-follow, it was difficult for me to get through. I can only get through so much guilt and mistreatment in one day. Once the truth comes out, it's short and brutal; it's also past years of reckless partying and affairs (two-thirds of the book). So if you were curious about the specific steps for how she changed her life as an adult, it's a tiny portion of the book. Maybe it was too difficult to put into words for Allen to include in detail. Or maybe getting all "the bad" in writing is a part of it, and we're supporting her recovery by reading Hiding Out. For me, it made the ending kinda lose steam.
It's not a light-hearted read, but it was one I finished. I learned some things I didn't think about before, especially regarding the Vatican. You don't have to be a fan of Allen to read it; you don't have to be religious or LGBT to even appreciate it. Does make me consider supporting whatever acting gig she has planned next though. Thank you for sharing your story, Allen.
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
Allen gives us a memoir that I haven't seen too often: she presents the pivotal focus of her life through her younger self's thoughts and feelings, in first-person. Memoirs are often written with an older and experienced perspective along the way, with commentary like, "I thought I would never see her again (I did)." Instead, you're caught up in the skittish whims and worries of younger Allen, one who feels the constant pressures and denials of hiding her many deceptions. You're right there with her; you don't know what will happen either until the next page. Older Allen only kicks in when the memoir "fast-forwards" through time. This approach does make it feel a bit fictional—mostly because of my familiarity with this presentation in films and fantasy rather than the subject material. It's a groovy spin on things.
That being said, though the writing is easy-to-follow, it was difficult for me to get through. I can only get through so much guilt and mistreatment in one day. Once the truth comes out, it's short and brutal; it's also past years of reckless partying and affairs (two-thirds of the book). So if you were curious about the specific steps for how she changed her life as an adult, it's a tiny portion of the book. Maybe it was too difficult to put into words for Allen to include in detail. Or maybe getting all "the bad" in writing is a part of it, and we're supporting her recovery by reading Hiding Out. For me, it made the ending kinda lose steam.
It's not a light-hearted read, but it was one I finished. I learned some things I didn't think about before, especially regarding the Vatican. You don't have to be a fan of Allen to read it; you don't have to be religious or LGBT to even appreciate it. Does make me consider supporting whatever acting gig she has planned next though. Thank you for sharing your story, Allen.
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
January 8, 2019
This is a very compelling book. I read it in two days OVER THE HOLIDAYS, so you can imagine I was really into it. Memoir is one of my favorite genres. And Tina Alexis Allen is an excellent writer. That said, this is not a book for the faint-hearted. The title is accurate, but inadequate to what happens in the memoir. Of course, I can't imagine what could prepare anyone for the contents of it. Really, an "upstanding" Catholic family with connections to popes and what's going on in their house is criminal. And events are described in detail and quite graphically. I've thought some memoirs such as Jeannette Walls' The Glass Castle were a tough reads, but it doesn't hold a candle to Hiding Out.
September 23, 2018
I honestly thought this would be better than it was. The book was mostly about the author's college years, which she spent working at her father's travel agency, going clubbing and going out for drinks (with potential lovers, friends and family, especially her dad).
There's a deeper story about the weight of secrets and the damage they cause, but it's buried under everything else. Allen talks about the inappropriate relationships she's had through out her life, but sees nothing wrong with it. I honestly felt bad for her mother. The poor woman is treated horribly and the author mentions how heavy she is every time she's in a sentence. It's like she really wants you to know this woman was not skinny. At one point I felt like yelling "I get it! Your poor mom's fat. Shut up!"
The book ends kind of abruptly with the last chapter jumping to 2005 when the author's father has died. She mentions that she has a partner, worked in fashion and left that to act, and that's it about her life now.
I won this book through a First Reads giveaway, but all opinions are my own.
There's a deeper story about the weight of secrets and the damage they cause, but it's buried under everything else. Allen talks about the inappropriate relationships she's had through out her life, but sees nothing wrong with it. I honestly felt bad for her mother. The poor woman is treated horribly and the author mentions how heavy she is every time she's in a sentence. It's like she really wants you to know this woman was not skinny. At one point I felt like yelling "I get it! Your poor mom's fat. Shut up!"
The book ends kind of abruptly with the last chapter jumping to 2005 when the author's father has died. She mentions that she has a partner, worked in fashion and left that to act, and that's it about her life now.
I won this book through a First Reads giveaway, but all opinions are my own.
March 11, 2018
Memoir, when done well, is a deeply emotional experience not only for the writer who bares her soul but for the reader who is invited to witness the pain, joy, struggles, and successes of a person we would otherwise never know in such a profound way.
Tina Alexis Allen has told her story well. It's a story of her family's secrets and her own: an ultra-Catholic, privileged upbringing that encompassed a father who was a closeted gay and also brutally cruel; a mother who was a saint but also self-deceived; twelve siblings, some abusive, some enabling, some supportive. And at the heart of the story is Tina herself: baby of the family, lesbian, sexually active from a young age, and pulled into a web of deception with her father.
Tina's voice of wisdom, honesty, acceptance, strength, and hope makes her story both moving and memorable. I read Hiding Out in one long stretch because it was so compelling.
Tina Alexis Allen has told her story well. It's a story of her family's secrets and her own: an ultra-Catholic, privileged upbringing that encompassed a father who was a closeted gay and also brutally cruel; a mother who was a saint but also self-deceived; twelve siblings, some abusive, some enabling, some supportive. And at the heart of the story is Tina herself: baby of the family, lesbian, sexually active from a young age, and pulled into a web of deception with her father.
Tina's voice of wisdom, honesty, acceptance, strength, and hope makes her story both moving and memorable. I read Hiding Out in one long stretch because it was so compelling.
September 17, 2018
As a gay man and an agnostic Catholic, I found the read fascinating. I love memoirs, because it relates what happens to "real people," unlike fiction. I related to some of the stories that she related about her partners in her late teens and early twenties, the drinking and the discomfort of living in a religious family while secretly being skeptical of religion and a desire to pursue a "liberated" gay lifestyle. Related to the characters and their situations. Liked the book so much, I looked the author up in YouTube to watch her interviews on the book and found them interesting. Very well written and enjoyable. I read it in two days.
March 25, 2019
2019 Reading Challenge: Memoir
I started reading this thinking it was True Crime since Hoopla had it categorized as such and I rarely read that genre. It’s not...
This is a memoir that contains enough alternative lifestyle choices that many would find it “a shocking tell-all.” I guess I am either jaded or accepting enough that combinations of topics like child abuse, excessive substance usage, homosexuality and devout Catholics are merely interesting. The part I have a hard time wrapping my head around is a family of 13 siblings. 😆
I started reading this thinking it was True Crime since Hoopla had it categorized as such and I rarely read that genre. It’s not...
This is a memoir that contains enough alternative lifestyle choices that many would find it “a shocking tell-all.” I guess I am either jaded or accepting enough that combinations of topics like child abuse, excessive substance usage, homosexuality and devout Catholics are merely interesting. The part I have a hard time wrapping my head around is a family of 13 siblings. 😆
July 16, 2018
Excellent exploration of family systems
I read this book as part of a therapist book club. It's a quick read that is enjoyable the whole book through.
Ms. Allen writes beautifully from her young adult voice. Her father is easily personified and her mother evokes the need to be protective towards her. Strong emotions will be felt throughout as many touchy topics are explored.
I read this book as part of a therapist book club. It's a quick read that is enjoyable the whole book through.
Ms. Allen writes beautifully from her young adult voice. Her father is easily personified and her mother evokes the need to be protective towards her. Strong emotions will be felt throughout as many touchy topics are explored.
November 7, 2018
This was not an easy book to read and digest for me. The front cover kinda threw me off and I expected something different from this book. I should have read the description better. Anyway, that said, it is amazing the lies and deception this family endured. I wish we could all be more transparent. Glad they got most of it out in the open. Just watched someone I know go through something similar and it shook the family and community.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews