Book Description

Crying is so naturally human. Wanting to feel safe is too. But what if you knew that who you are meant to be in this world is not always welcomed or accepted? Or that, until you have shared this important piece of yourself, you would not feel seen, in your own skin? This is the reality for Gordi Mech, a 13-year old boy on the verge of coming out. Waking up on the day of his Grade 8 Graduation, he feels this call inside him, begging for him to finally live on the outside how he has felt on the inside, for years. But for this to happen, he must revisit all of the events and circumstances and even internal narratives he has about himself, waging these memories against his will to finally tell those he loves that he's gay. And determining whether or not it's enough. Closet Tears, originally published under the title Defying Gay Gravity, by author, teacher, and meditator Greg Maxton, brings Gordi's intrinsic story back to life, as he seeks to evolve the deeper truths within the character's heart. This juvenile fiction novel is a second iteration of a timeless story of coming out, and the importance of balancing self-preservation with acts of courageous vulnerability, in the ultimate pursuit of self-knowledge, self-love, and limitless self-compassion." This novel might be what every kid needs in order to know that they are not alone, and that the person they are becoming is exactly who they should be." - Heather Beveridge, book reviewer for ETFO VOICE (Elementary Teacher's Federation of Ontario") "The gift of acceptance is the one I'd wanted for myself today - Gordi's words, but Greg's spirit. When he finally reads the last page, Greg closes the book and lays it in his lap. The students exhale, almost as a group, and then begin to clap and cheer. 'You have to be patient with the people in your life, ' he explains, 'especially when they haven't learned what they need to learn yet to understand you.'" - Jennifer Drope, Editor of ETFO Voice.