In this stunning debut memoir told through linked essays, Lauren Hough reckons with the many lives she navigated in her search for a sense of freedom and acceptance. From being raised in the infamous cult the Children of God, to serving in the U.S. military only to be discharged for her sexuality, to working various jobs including gay bar bouncer and “cable guy,” Hough captures her experiences with a blend of poignant reflection and biting humor. In each essay, Hough navigates a reality simmering with homophobia and economic uncertainty as she tries to carve out an existence that was often at odds with the world around her. The memoir offers a unique and compelling LGBTQ voice filled with precise insight and raw emotions.
Leaving Isn’t the Hardest Thing, by Lauren Hough. Published by Vintage. The editor is Tim O’Connell, and the agent is Steve Troha. Leaving Isn’t the Hardest Thing is a finalist for the Publishing Triangle’s Judy Grahn Award for Lesbian Nonfiction; the winner will be announced on May 11.