Coloring Outside the Lines: One gay man's journey to self-acceptance and spiritual awakening [Paperback]

Mark D. Hyde (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 14, 2006

Why are we afraid to be who we really are? Why do we seek to measure up to other's expectations instead of our own? Why do we so freely hand our power over to someone else? In the process of coming to terms with one's own truth and finally feeling comfortable in one's own skin, there awaits an even greater reward. The gift of YOU. Coloring Outside the Lines reveals how to get to this place--how to come to terms with one's true self, and how to know total empowerment. Coloring Outside the Lines takes an honest and heartfelt look at one man's story of growing up in the deep, conservative south. Mark Hyde's childhood was unique in the fact that he was one of a set of triplets from a broken home. He constantly tried to do things by other people's standards and not his own. He lost himself in religious dogma, six years of Baptist education, a feeble effort at marriage, and two suicide attempts. It was a desperate struggle to fit in. It is a story of the extremes to which we often go to not disappoint other people. He knows all too well what it's like to be uncomfortable in one's own skin, to seek after other people's ideas of truth instead of his own. This is Mark's account of walking away from his entire support system that defined his self-worth as a person. He had to do it for his own sake; he had to be true to himself. It was the only way to find comfort in his own skin and as a result, embrace his personal truth. You can be true to yourself. You have a right and a freedom. Take heart that it can be done and done beautifully. This is a story of how to get to that place we all desire, complete assurance of who and what we are.

Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: Regal Press (November 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 097893010X
• ISBN-13: 978-0978930103
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #477,000 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #79 in Books > Gay & Lesbian > Biographies & Memoirs > Gay

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How DO we get to that place?, December 8, 2006

By 

Lori B. Guthrie "ellebell" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Coloring Outside the Lines: One gay man's journey to self-acceptance and spiritual awakening (Paperback)

It is easier to "play the game" and live up to the expectations that others have for you . . . or so it would seem. Mark Hyde played these games for many years of his life. Growing up with a conservative religous background came with many secret heartaches and burdens. His life was not an easy one. Although there is sadness in the re-telling of many of his childhood memories, this is actually a book of hope. Mark candidly shares his winding journey to self-actualization with us. Part memoir, part "self-help" . . . this is a fascinating read. Others, who have struggled with their own similar journey, will relate to Mark's experiences. Still others, who are currently in the battle over whether or not to come out, will also find this a helpful book. This is not merely a book about struggling with one's sexual identity . . . this is definitely a book about the quest for spiritual awakening.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!, December 16, 2006

By 

Sid Versaci - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coloring Outside the Lines: One gay man's journey to self-acceptance and spiritual awakening (Paperback)

Mark Hyde's book, Coloring Outside The Lines, is a tour de force. On the surface, the story is about a gay man having the courage to follow his heart and celebrate who he is. But like all good reads, Coloring Outside The Lines is multi-faceted and reveals its secrets slowly and with deft precision. The more one ponders the soul-searching questions the author explores, the more one discovers this story has relevance for anyone who has ever questioned the role society has asked them to play. Mr. Hyde takes us on a spiritual journey that culminates in one unassailable truth: although there are differences among us, we are all equally worthy in the eyes of God. Coloring Outside The Lines is one of those rare books that has the power to transform the reader to a higher level of consciousness by showing that real love is not selfish or judgmental, it is pure and it is noble. For a real feast for the soul, buy this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, December 11, 2006

By 

Book Horse - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coloring Outside the Lines: One gay man's journey to self-acceptance and spiritual awakening (Paperback)

Although the title says "One gay man's journey to self-acceptance," you don't have to be gay to enjoy the book...I am a heterosexual female and I found there to be many inspirtional quotes and thoughts that helped me on my own journey to find my sense of self and accept myself....my favorite quote was "You cannot be lonely if you like the person you are with." This is so true if you think about it...you can only truly love others when you truly understand, love and accept yourself. If you are on a journey to greater self-awareness and acceptance (and we all are) this book will be a useful tool and provide you with meaningful inspiration. Enjoy!