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America's Boy: A Memoir
In the tradition of such quirky and smart coming-of-age memoirs as Augusten Burroughs’s Running with Scissors and Haven Kimmel’s A Girl Named Zippy, America’s Boy is an arresting and funny tale of growing up different in America’s heartland.
Wade didn’t quite fit in. While schoolmates had crewcuts and wore Wrangler jeans, Wade styled his hair in imitation of Robbie Benson circa Ice Castles and shopped in the Sears husky section. Wade’s father insisted on calling everyone “honey”—even male gas station attendants. His mother punctuated her conversations with “WHAT?!” and constantly answered herself as though she was being cross-examined. He goes to school with a pack of kids called goat ropers who make the boys from Deliverance look like honor students. And he both loved and hated his perfect older brother.
Wade didn’t quite fit in. While schoolmates had crewcuts and wore Wrangler jeans, Wade styled his hair in imitation of Robbie Benson circa Ice Castles and shopped in the Sears husky section. Wade’s father insisted on calling everyone “honey”—even male gas station attendants. His mother punctuated her conversations with “WHAT?!” and constantly answered herself as though she was being cross-examined. He goes to school with a pack of kids called goat ropers who make the boys from Deliverance look like honor students. And he both loved and hated his perfect older brother.
While other families traveled to Florida and Hawaii for vacation, Wade’s family packed their clothes in garbage bags and drove to their log cabin on Sugar Creek in the Missouri Ozarks. And it is here that Wade found refuge from his everyday struggle to fit in—until a sudden, terrible accident on the Fourth of July took his brother’s life and changed everything.
Equally nostalgic, poignant, funny, and compelling, this is a story of what it is to be normal, what it means to fit in, and what it means to be yourself.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 6, 2006
19 people are currently reading
770 people want to read
About the author
Wade Rouse
10 books309 followersWADE ROUSE is the critically acclaimed author ofthe memoirs America’s Boy, Confessions of a Prep School Mommy Handler, and At Least in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream and editor of the upcoming humorous dog anthology I’m Not the Biggest Bitch in This Relationship!He is a humor columnist for Metrosource magazine. Rouse lives outside Saugatuck, Michigan, with his partner, Gary, and their mutts, Marge and Mabel.
(source: Amazon)
(source: Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 20, 2012
Another boy memoir but this time, the author is about my age (he was born in 1965, so I am just a year older than him). I bought this book last week in a sale at Powerbooks Megamall. Tata J gave me the book THE INVISIBLE WALL by Henry Bernstein with high recommendations as he knows I liked ANGELA'S ASHES by the late Frank McCourt. When I saw the cover of this book with the word "A Memoir" so I put it in my basket together with another boy memoir on WWII, a book about Shiloh sisters, and a couple of other bargain books. The trick was to bring all the books you want to the cashier because they had this promo of buy one 70% off book and get one 80% off book. This book had no match as it was my last priority and it was the 70% off so I told the cashier to put it aside and I would go back later in the afternoon to pick more books but this would then become my first priority. So, I did that and brought the book home.
The following day was a Friday and we were planning to go to our other house in the province to spend the long weekend. As I had already started reading Bernstein, THE INVISIBLE WALL got into my bag first. Then I realized that I could finish it in just a day because Tata J said that he read Berstein in just one sitting (I already spent a night reading it so Tata J is the faster reader, no questions asked). So, when I saw this book, I put it in the bag too saying to myself, why not read another boy memoir one after the other?
To my surprise, the book is about a gay boy and his coming of age to become a gay young man. I have absolutely nothing against gays but I don't like gays pretending to be straight men. However, this book changed my views on them. The story of Wade Rouse is very down-to-earth and if you can just go beyond thinking that gays are abnormal, you will also like this book. The story, first and foremost is about an extended family. Rouse went in great detail how he grew up and learned from each member of his family: from his funny and caring four grandparents, his loving father, sweet nervous-speaking nurse mother and his only brother, Todd. He was never abused unlike what most homosexuals would claim. His father was not distant and his mother was not overimposing. He seemed to have been born as homo and he knew it from the time he was secretly going to his parents' bedroom to wear his mother's jewelry. He kept his condition a secret until when he was in his early 30's and his grandparents were starting to die one after the other.
The storytelling is similar to David Sedaris'. The book is composed of several anecdotes arranged chronologically. There are some downright funny ones and there are some that are heartwarming ones to which I could relate to. There are a couple of parts where he narrated his first homosexual experiences which some readers might find offensive. My favorite, because it I held back my tears, was the death scene of his Grandpa Rouse when the dying man was telling his lover to take care of his (grand) son despite just knowing that the later is gay.
Nice one, Rouse.
The following day was a Friday and we were planning to go to our other house in the province to spend the long weekend. As I had already started reading Bernstein, THE INVISIBLE WALL got into my bag first. Then I realized that I could finish it in just a day because Tata J said that he read Berstein in just one sitting (I already spent a night reading it so Tata J is the faster reader, no questions asked). So, when I saw this book, I put it in the bag too saying to myself, why not read another boy memoir one after the other?
To my surprise, the book is about a gay boy and his coming of age to become a gay young man. I have absolutely nothing against gays but I don't like gays pretending to be straight men. However, this book changed my views on them. The story of Wade Rouse is very down-to-earth and if you can just go beyond thinking that gays are abnormal, you will also like this book. The story, first and foremost is about an extended family. Rouse went in great detail how he grew up and learned from each member of his family: from his funny and caring four grandparents, his loving father, sweet nervous-speaking nurse mother and his only brother, Todd. He was never abused unlike what most homosexuals would claim. His father was not distant and his mother was not overimposing. He seemed to have been born as homo and he knew it from the time he was secretly going to his parents' bedroom to wear his mother's jewelry. He kept his condition a secret until when he was in his early 30's and his grandparents were starting to die one after the other.
The storytelling is similar to David Sedaris'. The book is composed of several anecdotes arranged chronologically. There are some downright funny ones and there are some that are heartwarming ones to which I could relate to. There are a couple of parts where he narrated his first homosexual experiences which some readers might find offensive. My favorite, because it I held back my tears, was the death scene of his Grandpa Rouse when the dying man was telling his lover to take care of his (grand) son despite just knowing that the later is gay.
Nice one, Rouse.
October 30, 2021
I read this a few years ago, and wrote a review here on Goodreads. But for some reason my review is gone, and there's no showing that I read this book. But I know I loved it at the time!
March 28, 2009
I've read a lot of coming-of-age, coming to terms with being gay/adolescence time-period books and memoirs, and I have to say this is by far my absolute favorite. This isn't a book just for gay people; this is simply a great book - period. It has some heartbreaking moments, and Wade's childhood certainly had some very low points. And like anyone else that's gay, it engenders that struggle that we all face. But it is a portrait of humanity more than anything else, and it is a novel we can all relate to. Anyone that has ever felt different, dealt with a trauma in their family, has a crazy family - whatever the issue, this memoir is just so moving that it would be amazing to me if most people cannot connect with it. One word of advice - if you can avoid reading the back cover of this book before you read it, DON'T. It actually has a very big spoiler on it, and I would have rather not known. It won't ruin the book, but I like to let things unfold. I absolutely loved this book, I loaned it to several people and they all felt just as moved. And yet it is completely hilarious as well, and a very uplifting memoir in the end.
October 31, 2013
I really enjoyed this memoir about family and the struggles of coming out of the closet. I'm starting to like reading Rouse even more than Sedaris. They both have poignant moments and surprising humor, but I feel like Rouse lets the reader get close to him. As you read, you feel like you were really there- not just observing or watching the film in your mind. There are heart breaking moments and soul expanding memories. I recommend this for people who enjoy Dave Sedaris (similar authors but without the rampant drug use).
June 24, 2011
I went to college with Wade. It was a great insight into the life of this college chum and how difficult it is to grow up gay in rural Missouri. I am glad that Wade has been able to find himself and happiness.
November 11, 2008
Wasn't sure at the outset that I'd be able to get into this book - I was wrong! Sure, there are several less-than-happy moments, but almost no self pity. Defintely recommended.
March 17, 2026
Wow! This memoir is heartbreaking about author, Wade Rouse AKA Viola Shipman. I personally know Wade, but didn’t know his whole backstory. Recognizing that he was gay by the age of 5, he didn’t come out until he was 35. He lost his brother at an early age and hid his feelings by eating everything in sight. He always had a close relationship with his family but he was always afraid of disappointing them.
Wade experienced years of heartache until he met his person. He learned to love and accept himself. He has now become a successful author with a happy life!
Wade experienced years of heartache until he met his person. He learned to love and accept himself. He has now become a successful author with a happy life!
February 9, 2022
This is Wade Rouse’s first book. It’s the story of his
life from childhood to adulthood. I loved meeting his family members through the years & his relationships with all of them. I have read & enjoyed many of his books & also those written under his pen name, Viola Shipman, his grandmother.
life from childhood to adulthood. I loved meeting his family members through the years & his relationships with all of them. I have read & enjoyed many of his books & also those written under his pen name, Viola Shipman, his grandmother.
July 26, 2025
Wade’s, American Boy A Memoir, was a 4 1/2 star read for me! He poured it all on the pages. The heartaches, losses, struggles, love, and beauty of his life and family in an openly raw, honest, heartfelt and real way that makes you love and appreciate him more. I laughed and I cried, but mostly I just cared and admired.
November 5, 2018
It was cute. I enjoyed all his books.
November 23, 2009
I absolutely loved reading this memoir. Wade Rouse mixes humor, honesty, intelligence and compassion to look back on his life, growing up as a loner and a young man who used food to dull any sadness in his life. A sensitive and keen observer he describes growing up in the Ozarks knowing he "was different" but never admitting he was gay til much later. In the memories that make up his life he describes his family and how the loss of his brother changed them all. I thought this book was amazing andbeautiful.
March 7, 2008
this book was hilarious! this author is so funny, it made me want to read everyting he ever wrote.
January 28, 2011
Wade Rouse is one of the best and funniest writers America has these days. He is very relatable. And when you get done with his book you feel like you know his whole family.
June 2, 2012
Great book!
March 30, 2026
When I was a much younger reader, I loved biographies and memoirs. I devoured them. Indeed, we have built many vacations and day trips around studying the lives of people I have read about and was interested in. As the years went on however, I found myself gravitating to other genres—contemporary women’s fiction, historical fiction, and the occasional thriller. However, when my online book club Chapter Chat paired author Wade Rouse’s acclaimed book That’s What Friends Are For with his memoir America’s Boy, I knew I wanted to read both. The library system did not have it, and it wasn’t in my favorite bookstore, so I decided to order it. I am so glad I did. Told with raw, honest emotion that can be hard to read at times, the author reveals the challenges of growing up gay in rural Missouri. His family was loving but conservative, and young Wade struggled with the pain of living a lie. The cruelty of teachers and other students made school a tough place instead of a safe haven. As a career educator, those chapters were especially hard to read for me. When some of his family members tried to force young Wade into pursuits like hunting, the sadness radiates. The college years were punctuated with heavy drinking, compulsive eating and trying to camouflage the person he was meant to become. Fortunately, Wade eventually slowly begins to accept himself and the subsequent entrance of Gary Edward’s into his life compliments and enhances his life story by giving him love and a future. Coming full circle, I loved how Wade credits his grandparents, parents, and brother for unconditional love, faith, appreciating nature, having a strong work ethic, holding on to the best gifts of childhood, and knowing who you are. I am so glad I decided to read this book as it strengthened the connection to his other books for me. Having met both him and Gary several times now, I treasure that friendship even more.
June 7, 2025
Wade! I found one of your books called The Summer Cottage in a small free book library in my home town! I read it & fell in love with your writing. At the time I didn’t know you were a man. Or a gay man or that you used your grandma’s name as your pen name! I started looking up more of your books & started following you on social media. I have read your emails where I read some of your story. I pre ordered The Page Tuner. You are currently on your book tour. I saw your plea, asking your fans to read your Memoir, so people could keep reading your story in hopes that it could help others. I will admit that is the first time I have ever read a gay book. I have made it a goal this year to read more books about people & experiences. I am straight married woman but oh my heart! This opened my eyes. I can’t imagine but I try to. Thank you for being brave & strong & becoming your true self! Thank you for sharing your story. I feel like I could just give you & Gary a hug right now! I hope to meet you next Saturday in person! I can’t wait to read more of your books ( you sure write amazing small town romance books! )!
August 11, 2025
It’s all heart. Heart-breaking. Heart-warming. Heart-felt. AMERICA’S BOY, a memoir by Wade Rouse, reads like an Erma Bombeck column or a Fannie Flagg novel. It’s his first published book (back in 2006) and he really found his footing in telling small-town, charming stories.
He structures his memoir in small, bite-sized vignettes, introducing his much-loved Ozark grandmothers, his mother and father, his Aunt Blanche (what a hoot) and, most importantly, his brother. When he died right after high-school graduation, Wade’s already upside-down life went sideways.
Through it all, he closeted his gayness. Along with his joy. His self-acceptance. And his hope.
He got lost. But he found himself.
AMERICA’S BOY is an easy-breezy read with some heavy-duty trauma. Experiencing the sad stuff never outweighs the bust-out-loud funny stuff that will make you put the book down and wipe your eyes.
He turns out just fine. He’s been in a decades-long, loving relationship. He’s become a bestselling author. And the family heirlooms he’s saved continue to feed his soul and sparked plotlines for his novels.
He structures his memoir in small, bite-sized vignettes, introducing his much-loved Ozark grandmothers, his mother and father, his Aunt Blanche (what a hoot) and, most importantly, his brother. When he died right after high-school graduation, Wade’s already upside-down life went sideways.
Through it all, he closeted his gayness. Along with his joy. His self-acceptance. And his hope.
He got lost. But he found himself.
AMERICA’S BOY is an easy-breezy read with some heavy-duty trauma. Experiencing the sad stuff never outweighs the bust-out-loud funny stuff that will make you put the book down and wipe your eyes.
He turns out just fine. He’s been in a decades-long, loving relationship. He’s become a bestselling author. And the family heirlooms he’s saved continue to feed his soul and sparked plotlines for his novels.
July 10, 2020
Tough to be gay in Missouri. Wade grew up knowing he liked boys, not girls, but his family and culture did not approve of that. Instead he became fat. It's a story of surviving childhood, his brother's death and moving on until he can finally acknowledge to both himself and the world (and his family) that he is gay.
Wade not only can tell an interesting story but his descriptions of people, things and his own emotions are right on and allow us to travel with him. I have one of his fiction books to read, written under his pen name (his grandmother's name), and am looking forward to reading it.
Wade not only can tell an interesting story but his descriptions of people, things and his own emotions are right on and allow us to travel with him. I have one of his fiction books to read, written under his pen name (his grandmother's name), and am looking forward to reading it.
April 1, 2021
A wonderful memoir. Wade and everyone in his family knew that Wade was "different". He liked wearing his Mother's jewelry and dressing up in her clothes. He like to dress up meticulously and feather his hair just perfectly. Although his family accepted him and he has wonderful memories of his summer's at the cabin on the creek, his Grandfather's always tried to make him fit in. They gave him a buzz cut, took him rabbit and frog hunting, which usually turned into a humorous disaster. His solace was food. He was lovable, funny witty, and the life of the party in college. He didn't formally "come out of the closet" until he was in his 30s.
July 23, 2025
Heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.
I have read every book Wade has written. This was the only one I hadn't read. Its interesting reading about my favorite authors life. I've met him numerous times and some things in this book I would have never even guessed. He has been through so much. I'm so glad he has Gary and his wonderful friends in his life. Wade, you are a treasure.
I have read every book Wade has written. This was the only one I hadn't read. Its interesting reading about my favorite authors life. I've met him numerous times and some things in this book I would have never even guessed. He has been through so much. I'm so glad he has Gary and his wonderful friends in his life. Wade, you are a treasure.
April 11, 2026
A raw and emotional book. Having followed Wade on social media for several years now, I could hear his voice throughout. I wanted to reach out to his younger self, give him a hug and tell him he would be okay. The focus on the love of family is something that is in all his books and even when things were painful, that underlying ingredient was always there. I am so glad this book is back in print because I have wanted to read it for a while. It will definitely stay with me for a long time!
March 3, 2019
I read this after knowing Wade for quite some time, and I absolutely admire the courage and strength it took him to truly live his best self through the challenges, and then write about it so elequently!
June 2, 2025
This is Wade’s first book that he wrote. I’ve never read this. I’ve read several of his books written by Viola Shipman, his pen name.
This book is very personal tells of his life story, his struggles with who he is his weight and not wanting to disappoint his family being gay
This book is very personal tells of his life story, his struggles with who he is his weight and not wanting to disappoint his family being gay
July 23, 2025
Few books have moved me as much
Whether a Southern boy like Wade, a New England native, or a West Coast gayling, Wade’s story of self-acceptance and familial love will leave you happily sobbing.
Whether a Southern boy like Wade, a New England native, or a West Coast gayling, Wade’s story of self-acceptance and familial love will leave you happily sobbing.
September 3, 2025
I have met Wade & his husband Gary twice and have become a big fan! I had no idea that Wade, prior to his Viola Shipman pen name had several memoirs. This made me laugh out loud and cry. Loved it, will continue on with the rest of his works and all his Viola Shipman novels.
April 6, 2026
I just finished America’s Boy by Wade Rouse and am sitting in awe of his brilliant storytelling. Wade’s work is clever and entertaining, and I found myself smiling, laughing, and weeping as he shared his journey of growing up gay. His honest portrayal is heartwarming and heartbreaking. I applaud his bravery for living authentically and I celebrate his joy in living his truth! 🌈📘❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
July 31, 2020
Reading through someone's pain can be difficult, but worthwhile
May 31, 2024
I loved this book. He is such a gifted writer. It brought tears to my eyes at the end.
June 22, 2025
I’m so glad you stopped running from yourself.
July 15, 2025
This book was so moving to me, and his story took me to a time and place in his life that was written so beautifully I won’t forget it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews