Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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!

This story of one man's life journey, is a compelling read--couldn't put the book down and finished in two reads. His comfortable writing style draws you in and is emotionally evocative--found myself moved to tears at several points. Highly recommended!

Mark Hyde uses this book as a tool in which to deliver his heart and soul. In reading it, we see the incarnation of a genuine, loving and fearless spirit.

I loved this book, couldn't put it down. It was a moving and inspiring account of one person's struggle against invalidation and judgment. I so admire the author's courage and the strength it took for him to make some hard choices in order to live his truth. This is not about being gay or straight, black or white, male or female, so much as it is about being human and living your own truth. A great read that will inspire!!!!

This is truly an inspired book. Mark has captured the essence of how to be true to your real self and live your best life. Once you start this book you won't want to put it down. And after you have read, it you will know what it will take to live the rest of your life to the fullest with spirit. Gay or Straight this book is for everyone.

It only took me two evenings to finish this book. I didn't want to put it down. What an amazing life story. He has had a fare share of what life can give us. And to have so much intelligence and poise to become such a strong, warm and kind individual is admirable.

I came away with wanting to do everything I can to be a better person, for me.

This book really touched my heart!

Thank you Mark. Can't wait for your next book!!! :)

When I picked up Mark's book, Coloring Outside the Lines, I couldn't stop reading and stayed up until the wee hours of the morning devouring every word. The first part of the book tells of Mark's childhood and harrowing background where he faced abuse and hardship at almost every turn along with his two other triplet brothers and older brother. He becomes active in church, attends semininary school, and marries. Later in the book, Mark tells the story of his self-recognition and how he struggled to repress his true self, nearly committing suicide on several occasions. The last part of the book is really the most vital as it explains the way Mark came to terms with himself and God and, most importantly, how others can do this too. I found in his struggles many correlations to my own life, in fact, anyone's life, as nearly everyone spends a large part of their life trying to please others instead of being true to self. Mark's lessons for us in this area are revitalizing. Throughout the book, one always has a sense of Mark's calming, self-assured self, something that was hard fought and won. It is as if the rose finally bloomed and the thorns are no more.

Conscious readers, hopefully parents, teachers, clergy and others entrusted with our children, will see the struggles Mr. Hyde reveals, and extend more compassion to a kid struggling with identity and seeking spiritual connection. Regardless of background, sexual orientation, or religious path, there is something in this book for every reader. Mr. Hyde's voice is real. I wish I had owned this book when I was 14.