Colton Haynes has shared a reader’s review of his recently published memoir, Miss Memory Lane, on his Instagram. The review was posted to GoodReads, where members of the public can rate and review the books they’ve read.
Haynes’ acclaimed autobiography explores his childhood and struggles to embrace his sexuality. It also recounts the homophobia he experienced as he tried to break into the entertainment industry. He was consistently told to tone down certain aspects of his personality to get ahead.
“This one got to me”
“This one got me 😭” Haynes said, captioning the review. “From the bottom of my heart…thank you. I hope my book finds ppl when they need it the most ❤️”
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Related: Colton Haynes shows off his pumped up pecs and… WOOF!
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The review was as follows. It was written by someone who said they previously had little interest in Colton Haynes or reading his story.
We think it’s worth a read. Gay men can sometimes, all too easily, harshly judge fellow gay men. Maybe they blast them as “letting the side down” or trying too hard to win validation and attention. It’s important to recognize where that criticism sometimes stems from.
“Subject matters I didn’t care for prior to reading this book: memoirs, coming out stories, Colton Haynes,” begins the reviewer.
“I remember when seeing this on the shelves at my local bookstore I laughed to myself and thought: “who cares what Colton Haynes has to say?” Then, it became an editors pick at said bookstore, then I saw it had abnormally high reviews, then I noticed the adorable face on the cover, and then…I saw the book opened in Hot Springs, Arkansas—my hometown.
“I’ve adopted this mentality of reading about something you have an informed opinion on so as to make an educated decision on those feelings. Ironically, Colton Haynes was someone I had always thought used his sexuality as a way to become more famous because I assumed (incorrectly, and having never seen him act) that he needed something to keep his career alive…clearly I was wrong.
He continued: “So, I gave Miss Memory Lane a try, and after devouring it in 4 days I feel gutted, fulfilled, seen, heard, guilt for previous assumptions; [Miss Memory Lane], while a personal story, is a universal experience for so many gay men in the south. The bender where Colton is ‘too everything’ ripped me apart as who hasn’t had a negative relationship with the word ‘too’ for it constantly being attributed to one of their personality traits?
“Many of us dreamed of the attention much like Colton did, but not all of us got it”
“The vulnerability it must have taken to talk about how much he used his body to get what he wanted and how toxic his relationship was with men- it just creeps up your skin but also warms your heart because…you don’t feel so alone.
“By no means have I had the life of Colton and would never suggest any of that, but how oddly close our similarities are (one year apart, both cancers, both from Arkansas) it was a very uncomfortable mirror to look into, but one that needed to happen.
“Now I believe my dislike for Haynes over the years has been from maybe not liking what I’m seeing in myself, and a large part of jealousy, I’m sure.
“Many of us dreamed of the attention much like Colton did, but not all of us got it, and speaking for myself- I’m so glad that ultimately I didn’t. I want to just give him a hug and tell him thank you for writing this and also damn you for prompting me to pour my heart out on Goodreads.
“I’ve read many books so far in 2022 but this by far takes the prize for best book so far. Thank you, Miss Memory Lane, for being the book I didn’t know I needed this year.”
Related: Colton Haynes shares photo he spent years trying to get wiped from internet
Miss Memory Lane was published at the end of May. It has notched up over 1,000 ratings on Good Reads, earning an average of 4.3 out of 5.
Rambeaux
Just stand there, Colton, and be your beautiful self.
As for the “used his sexuality to become famous” dig, so did 90% of other celebrities.
Don’t worry about it. That’s what little people, like me, pay to see.
SK310
Colton Blackface 3 Times Haynes……………..
lou lou de la falaise
I’m not a huge fan of his but am a fan of tell-all celebrity bios. I loved the book.
bachy
But does he name names?
Jim
Colton’s book is amazing. He’s got more talent in his little finger than 99% of actors. READ THE BOOK!
SDR94103
you are hysterical.
MacAdvisor
I have read the book. I thought it was most thought provoking and clearly demonstrated Haynes is far more than just a pretty face. He is a very insightful man and has spent some real time looking at himself and his life. I have dined with many famous people and most are boring, if not appalling, but I think Mr. Haynes would be an interesting dinner companion, one of my highest compliments. I hope he continues to write.
Man About Town
I’d love to see a new production of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” with Lady Gaga as Margaret, Colton Haynes as Brick, Tom Hanks as Big Daddy, and Frances McDormand as Big Mama.
I’ve SO missed my calling as a casting director…
MDWolf12
I’d pay good money to see that, the salary budget would be massive though!!!
Rambeaux
How about Scarlett Johansson as Maggie and Harvey Kietel as Big Daddy?
MDWolf12
Scarlett Johanson has already played Maggie in Cat on a hot tin roof on Broadway. I was it in preview. She was great but the shpow was not well received and had a very short run.