Jillian Abby had what seemed like a storybook life with her husband and two kids, a house with a white picket fence, and a bar that was rated one of the “Best Mom & Pop” businesses in Tampa Bay. Shortly before turning 40, however, she began admitting to herself that she was a lesbian. In this funny, self-reflective memoir, she takes us along on her journey as she evaluates what coming out would mean for herself and her family and finds a way to live her truth.
While this is first and foremost a queer coming out story, it is also a story for any parent who has ever faced a major life decision that could impact their children, or who has felt or been told they are selfish for following their own happiness. It shows that doing the best for one’s children doesn’t mean putting one’s own life on hold and reminds us that life is a constant process of change. At the same time, it offers hope that, particularly with a dose of “therapy and community,” one can find the courage to navigate that change.
Abby explores these themes with a conversational style and a dose of humor, giving us a recommended memoir that many will enjoy.
