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Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite
Anyone who has had to fight to assert his sexuality will understand what John Caldwell, the author of Walking Forward, had to go through. He was a victim of abuse in childhood and had a complicated relationship with the church, of which nonetheless he was an active member. Even there, Caldwell felt he was rejected because of his sexuality. Having decided that he could not allow himself to be influenced by a God who seemed not to love him, Caldwell slowly and painstakingly found his goal in life. Walking Forward is the second volume in which Caldwell recounts his experiences, and it is a book that completes what he has already written in his previous memoir.
It is deplorable that, in our time, people still have to face discrimination because of their sexual orientation and that they struggle to find balance in their lives. In this regard, the courage Caldwell had when he chose to write about his personal life must be a source of reflection for all of us. It can also be useful to those who have not dared to reveal who they are yet, probably out of fear. It is terrible that Caldwell had to leave behind a God who did not seem to love him before finding himself, but what is comforting is that he has finally found his purpose in life. Walking Forward: Leaving Shame, Embracing Hope, and Finding Purpose helps its readers, especially those in the LGBT+ community, to look forward, and it is to them that I recommend reading this book.
