Teaching the Cat to Sit: A Memoir

This book is especially for anyone who has struggled or is struggling with growing up Catholic, is gay, has experienced sexual assault and wants nothing more than real love and human connection with their parents.As one such person, I could not put this book down once I started reading it. It is boldly and beautifully written with honesty, sensitivity, depth, compassion, humor and insight that I have not found in other books on this subject. You owe it to yourself to read this book for deeper inner healing. Because Ms Theall's book is so personal, she touched my soul in a way other books have not. I personally feel I can heal on an even deeper level now. This book is a must read for anyone and everyone. I did not have the opportunity of having closure with my parents but Ms Theall showed me how this could have been possible. This book is also for anyone who knows and loves someone who is gay (which means everybody!

Wow, parts of this book killed me. I remember reading the editorial in Women's Adventure Magazine where Michelle reveals that she is gay. I felt, like I always do when someone I don't know personally but respect comes out, a sense of camaraderie and joy, since I know how hard it is to reach that decision. Some of the events in Michelle's life represent what all LGBT people fear the most (or have experienced)--the rejection from one's own family. However, I did not grow up in a religious family and was struck by how incredibly painful it would be to feel abandoned and unwanted by the faith one grew up with. I soo appreciate the courage it took for Michelle to write so honestly about her life and her family. There are so many people who have caring, loving partners and friends--but are outcast from their family. I hope that other LGBT folks reading this book pass it along to their family members. Only when we walk in another's shoes can we appreciate their struggle and see them in a different light. This is the kind of book that will change how people view gay marriage, parenthood, and how religion can be inclusive to ALL. Such a worthwhile read!

This candid memoir of growing up gay and Catholic, while certainly addressing hot-button issues of sexuality and religion, is really a coming-of-age tale. Michelle lives in the Bible belt of Texas, with an older sister and loving parents. But her mother's strong devotion to her faith is tested when Michelle finally reveals, years later, that she is gay. The story alternates between Michelle's childhood and her adult life raising an adopted son with her partner. They find resistance at every turn in trying to raise their son Catholic. The story is a testament to the healing power of love.

The thing I love most about Michelle Theall's memoir is the storytelling. She's a master of the craft. The next best thing is her authentic rendering of herself. She never set out to be a spokeswoman for gay rights and she's something of a reluctant advocate. She doesn't sugarcoat that, and she's also immensely forgiving—of the world. Her worldview is so expansive and patient. And then when you add in the political and social dynamics of gay rights and privacy and more, it's really compelling. This is a book of universal themes that explore what it means to triumph in a world of judgment, hypocrisy, and bullying without losing yourself. It is no more a "gay" book than it is a "parenting" book. It's a book about the human spirit and finding the courage to follow your heart.

Michelle Theall is an enthralling character as well as main character in this book. She overcomes the hypocrisy of the Catholic Church and lack of support from her parents. She had multiple obstacles to overcome to become her true self and a loving partner and mother. I heard her speak at the Tattered Cover and I was in awe of her. Her memoir is an uplifting,inspiring book and I would recommend it to everyone.

I absolutely love this book. I have read many gender issue biographies of mediocre quality but this one is professionally written and a joy to read. If I hear about a promising book, I usually immediately click on amazon and upload it to Kindle, but some are disappointments that are difficult to finish. This one was not...I read it straight through after I got it.

Those words are overused but they're accurate as a description of Michelle Theall's powerful and beautiful memoir. This is NOT just a book for gay parents, it's a book for anyone looking for a candid story of self-reflection, justice, and unconditional love. On a sentence level, each line is gorgeous. As a whole, it's a knockout. It'll make you want to hug your family a little harder when you're done. I did. :)

An honest, many times funny sharing of Michelle's life. It shows the process she went through to live, grow and learn about herself. Not many just hatch into the people they are. Michelle discovers what is important to her, what she is willing to compromise with others on, and when she just had to make a stand. As she looks back, she shares the work, process and relating she went through to become who she is. I enjoyed the spiritual depth, struggle and evolution Michelle shared.