Amazon Living The Difference Category:  Biography Publisher: Espresso House Publishing & Distribution, LLC ISBN-10:  0578063093 Type: Non-Fiction Pages: 242 Copyright: 2010 ISBN-13: 9780578063096 An enlightening story revealed for people of all ages straight or gay! J.C. Knudson always knew he was different. But growing up in the small-town South during the 1960s and ’70s, he didn’t know what to make of his growing sense that he just wasn’t interested in the same thing as his friends—girls. Was something wrong with him? Could it change? And—most of all—were there others who felt the same as he did? Living the Difference is the first in a remarkable coming-of-age series that chronicles Knudson’s quest to understand himself and make his way in the world as a proud gay man. This raw, intensely personal book details his early efforts to inhibit his desires through marriage; seek out a community of like-minded people; start a career free from discrimination; come out to his family and friends; and find true love, once and for all. But more than just one individual’s unique story, Living the Difference is required reading for anyone trying to understand the twentieth-century American gay experience—in a time before widespread media acceptance and anti-discrimination laws. This heartening yet frankly realistic memoir will also give hope and understanding to those coming to terms with the sexuality of themselves or their loved ones. And its message—of acceptance, tolerance, and understanding—provides good counsel no matter the time or place.   Excerpt I thanked God for the privilege of having known such wonderful parents, as well as the privilege of having so many loving individuals in my life, especially my sons, my significant other, and my brother. I knew without a doubt God loved me and wanted me to live a truthful life, the life I was born to live. I also knew at that time, a part of my purpose in life was to help and enlighten others.

The following is a book review I just received from Jessica Arent, CEO at PROMESA and Director of Marketing for Riazul.
"Poignant and inspiring, LIVING THE DIFFERENCE is an extraordinary if not courageous survival story of the modern age. Conquering the final frontier of bigotry and prejudice to live a life in authenticity, the author compels his reader to search his soul for his social responsibility and stand up for an extraordinary modern movement of equality. In this stirring novel, the author offers a new perspective initiating a paradigm shift in what we think we know and understand, and what truly is. An amazingly rich piece of literature, and a MUST READ in these tumultuous times of the right to live in genuine authenticity and recognition of equality for all mankind. "

J.J. Thomas said...
"J.C. Knudson has done an amazing and outstanding job in his literary debut. It's a work filled with love, hate, joy, sorrow, and much more. Knudson takes us on a tour of his life that is filled with life-changing events that will keep you reading through the night. This is an excellent source for anyone wanting to learn about homosexuals and their many conflicts in society. It inspires liberation for anyone struggling with their identity or that of a loved one. This book joins others on the path for equal rights for homosexuals and other minority groups. Knudson is truly "living the difference"."



Lisa Conner, Manuscript Review Team
I want to give you my overall impression of your work: What a heartfelt journey you have had. Your story is filled with emotion and so wonderfully written. Everything about it is nicely done – the stories of your parents’ passing brought tears to my eyes. You have done a great job capturing your memories and committing them to paper. (This is not an easy feat.) Even though this is a personal narrative, you have written it in a way that many will enjoy and benefit from reading. Your narrative voice is very familiar and friendly and you have a way with words. It is obvious that you have done your homework and put much thought and preparation into your work. Your book is well written. I wish more people would take the time to write their stories down like you have. I am sure it will be embraced by many. We can learn so much from reading the stories of other’s lives.