All-American Boy: A Memoir

Rating:
Summary: insulting, to say the least.
Review: i admit, it was one of the most well-written books i have ever read. peck definately has a way with words (that's where the two stars come from). i just think he uses them for the wrong thing. one word that i can describe the book in is bitter. i could also add hateful, biast, judjemental, misleading... it made me angry and the only reason i read the whole dang thing is i kept thinking it might get better. he might actually open his eyes. fat chance. the whole book is one big complaint about his childhood and he runs over everybody in the process. and then all of a sudden at the end it gets all happy and touchy-feely and i can't figure out why. all he does is find any way he can to insult christians, giving himself excuses for his stupidity and making himself out to be God. i wouldn't be surprised if half of it was made up. and if it's not, this guy needs to find a better way to crucify people.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book.
Review: I read this book during a rough time in my own life and a friend who knew Scott Peck recommended it to me. This man's writing is so beautiful that I really didn't want it to end. I felt like I had come to know this boy. I think that every gay man and woman can identify with parts of this novel and that all parents of gay children should read this. Scott Peck has an incredible, heartfelt and painful story to tell and when he finishes the reader comes out feeling as triumphant at the writer.

Rating:
Summary: Gripping
Review: Scott Peck has experienced a lot in his short life: abuse by his stepfather, the death of his mother, rejection from his grandparents, and a tumultuous (at best) relationship with his father. Throw in some charismatic Christianity, a stint at Bible college, and the fact that he's gay, and you've got a real story.

All American Boy is a moving account of self-discovery, fractured family relationships, and the courage to be honest even at a very high price.

Peck writes very well--the book is at turns hilarious and heartbreaking, and sheds light for many people on what it is like to grow up gay. A must-read for people struggling with these issues, or those who simply seek a broader understanding.

Rating:
Summary: Gripping
Review: Scott Peck has experienced a lot in his short life: abuse by his stepfather, the death of his mother, rejection from his grandparents, and a tumultuous (at best) relationship with his father. Throw in some charismatic Christianity, a stint at Bible college, and the fact that he's gay, and you've got a real story.

All American Boy is a moving account of self-discovery, fractured family relationships, and the courage to be honest even at a very high price.

Peck writes very well--the book is at turns hilarious and heartbreaking, and sheds light for many people on what it is like to grow up gay. A must-read for people struggling with these issues, or those who simply seek a broader understanding.

Rating:
Summary: A pleasure to read
Review: Scott Peck is to be congratulated on a truly excellent piece of work. With a writing style that is surprisingly light, given the heavy, unpleasant subjects he is describing, he takes us through his life and details the problems gays growing up face, particularly in military families. The British news magazine "The Economist" called this a "lovely book". I certainly don't disagree. Strongly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A must for any gay person.
Review: This is one of the best books on being gay I have read. It is up there with "The Front Runner." All-American Boy forces you to re-live the pain and isolation of growing up gay, helping you to confront it again and purge it. This is a great book both for gays and for their parents who are struggling with understanding.