Review of "The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World" on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
Both the biggest and smallest constraints and hateful gestures we come across our lives are the product of shame and lack of awareness on what joy truly is. Hence, whomever you may be, this book is for you.
As a gay man, this books helped me find meaning on the countless frustrations I imposed on myself. But this book should be read by absolutely everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender or any other identity trait, because it speaks to the human soul on a insightfully deep level.
I normally don't like doing very extensive reviews because the books must speak for themselves in how much they resonate with one's soul at a certain moment in their lives. No one can translate for you how impactful a book can be for you before you read it yourself. And this one will be a book you'll want to keep right next …
Both the biggest and smallest constraints and hateful gestures we come across our lives are the product of shame and lack of awareness on what joy truly is. Hence, whomever you may be, this book is for you.
As a gay man, this books helped me find meaning on the countless frustrations I imposed on myself. But this book should be read by absolutely everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender or any other identity trait, because it speaks to the human soul on a insightfully deep level.
I normally don't like doing very extensive reviews because the books must speak for themselves in how much they resonate with one's soul at a certain moment in their lives. No one can translate for you how impactful a book can be for you before you read it yourself. And this one will be a book you'll want to keep right next to you at all times throughout your life.
There's this level of clarity, forgiveness and humanity about it that will make sense as you experience life. No indoctrination is present here, nor a miracle solution to all one's problems. What it does to is to begin a honest conversation with yourself about who you are, why shame may be holding you back from, and how you may start getting more out of life without living trapped in constant, meaningless pursuits of external validation.
Nothing about this book felt forced, dogmatic or like "truth was finally found and only Alan can tell you about it". No one is reinventing the wheel here. Instead, Alan holds your hand and helps you find the answer yourself, with no pressure or intention to have it presented at the very last sentence.
I sincerely thank you, Alan, and everyone else involved in this.
