OUT -- A Frank and Honest Story from Scott McGlynn

OUT is a short, but powerful and moving autobiographical book, telling of the early struggles faced by a gay boy in a small Welsh town.

Due to be published at the end of March, I was fortunate to receive a review copy of Scott McGlynn's first book.

It chronicles 28-year-old Scott's early life, growing up in Barry. He tells of his secondary school experiences, where he ran into bullies who hated him solely because of his sexuality, at a time when he was still learning to come to terms with it himself.

OUT opens up about Scott's struggle with homophobia, coming to terms with his identity, self-acceptance, and also the beauty of friendship and love.

The all-too-short book begins with his early childhood and safe days of primary school, before moving on to the darker times at secondary school.   

As the understanding of his sexuality begins to take shape he also starts to understand why bullies target him.

One would be forgiven for thinking that Scott has had more books published -- it's hard to realise that this is his first due to the powerful use of language, and the way he unfolds his journey right through to his first couple of jobs     

For me, this book's real strength lies in the way he skilfully portrays early friendships both with boys and girls, and then his relationship with partner Justin.

A powerful, moving, story told from the heart. Definitely one to look out for when it's released at the end of March.
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OUT, by Scott McGlynn.