“Sweeping the Clouds Away” by Michael Shepley
How does a 1950s and 60s gay boy cope with everyone around him saying, “When you grow up, find a nice girl, and settle down …”? He watches movies, listens to records, and holds on for dear life.
“A refreshing, forthright memoir … poignant and hilarious.”
“A riveting read.”
“An incredible story, so well told.”
“Poignant and laugh-out-loud funny.”
“An inspiration for many young people struggling to find their way.”
“Honest and relatable.”
“A sensitive and beautifully written memoir.”
“Sweeping the Clouds Away” is an honest and often humorous account of growing up as a gay adolescent and teenager in the 1950s and 60s.
The author’s emotional highs and lows were complemented by spiritual lifelines he drew from America’s show-business past and its entertainments of the day.
Accounts of his loving, complicated family, a solid friendship, and a series of remarkable opportunities are enhanced by persistent life-lessons of optimism and, in hindsight, the generous hand of a higher power.