Ostensibly, this book is about the impact of keeping or telling secrets on ourselves and others. However, most of the material concerns the problems facing gays and lesbians who want to "come out." Using her experience as a lesbian minister, Cherry (author of Womans word , Kodansha, dist. by Farrar, 1987) writes sincerely and gently about homosexual isues. She includes exercises designed to foster self-discovery. Aside from these exercises however, her book's potential usefulness is weakened by her philosophical rather than practical approach. Also, most of the information is not new. Readers would do better with Mary Borhek's Coming Out to Parents ( LJ 8/83) or Testimonies: A Collection of Lesbian Coming Out Stories (Alyson Pubns., 1988). For large collections of alternative literature.
- January Adams, Somerville
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
Most of the material concerns the problems facing gays and lesbians who want to "come out." Using her experience as a lesbian minister, Cherry (author of "Womansword," Kodansha, 1987) writes sincerely and gently about homosexual issues. She includes exercises designed to foster self-discovery. ---Library Journal
I can't remember reading a happier combination of the self-help and the inspirational quite as clear, readable and remarkable, quite as affirming as Kit Cherry's "Hide and Speak."... "Hide and Speak" is a book of loving and caring. It's genuine. And because it is genuine it is one of the few books with important messages for all of us who hide. I am by nature a "yes, but" kind of person. No matter the advice, no matter the formula for success, I always have a "yes, but" response. Kit Cherry has anticipated all the "yes, but" responses, at least all mine, and for me that's where the real value of the book lies... Finally a word about style. I should have trusted my friend who recommended this book, for she is herself a warm, understanding and caring. ...The author... understands that thre are differences in the basic natures of the male and female... and she explores those differences in approving ways. She understands and accepts the realities of the world as it is out there and helps us all, male and female, to go with the flow... If...pastors dare have required reading lists for their congregants, "Hide and Speak" should be near the top, right below "The New Testament." ----"For All the Saints" Journal -- Book Description
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