Telling about his experiences during his four years at BYU—the rape, falling in love for the first time, police surveillance, harassment and arrest, while enduring three years of conversion therapy, including two years of electroshock treatments—provide the structure of Kerry Ashton’s memoir. But intermittently he shares memories from growing up Mormon in Pocatello, Idaho, and from his adulthood. In one episode, the author talks about his mother’s passing, and how he unconsciously blamed himself for her death. In others, Kerry describes some of the battles with his religious father, and how he and his Dad eventually came to forgive each other. These stories, like many others shared in the book, are poignant. Some—like the description that Kerry provides of his rape—are sexually graphic. Some stories are hilarious. And some are dramatic, like those dealing with the domestic violence Kerry endured as a child. 

The author also shares memories from his professional career as an actor and writer, both in L.A. and NYC, describing his personal encounters with stars like Barbra Streisand, Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis and Julie Harris, while sharing his experiences with famed writers Tennessee Williams, James Leo Herlihy (author of MIDNIGHT COWBOY), and John Rechy (author of THE SEXUAL OUTLAW), as well as his brief but profound affair with Steven Sondheim. Lastly, the author talks about the 12 years he spent in therapy, about his 16-year battle with a rare and disabling cancer only recently won, and about his sexual journey that led him through S&M, kinky sex, and the leather scene, to the loving monogamous relationship he now enjoys.

Saint Unshamed is a poignant, moving and inspirational memoir that will take readers on a thought-provoking journey while entertaining them at the same time. Saint Unshamed is written by author Kerry Ashton and Kerry throughout Saint Unshamed will take his readers on the journey of his life from past to present. The journey the reader will encounter is at times heartbreaking because of what Kerry went through and the many events that significantly impacted his life however it is also an uplifting book in which Kerry will make you smile thanks to his positive outlook and inspiring passages. If you are a reader who is looking to read a memoir that is unlike anything you have read before and a memoir that is the perfect combination of inspiration, fact, and poignancy then Saint Unshamed is the book for you and should not be missed.

Saint Unshamed is written by the incredible Kerry Ashton and in his book he shares his story and the many pivotal moments in it. The reader will follow him from his four years at BYU and all that he experienced including, abuse, love, harassment and much more. The reader will also learn of Kerry’s conversion therapy which was three years long and all while he does this he shares poignant and emotive memories of growing up in Idaho and this book lovers is the premise of the excellent Saint Unshamed!

Saint Unshamed is a poignant, moving, and compelling piece of nonfiction that will help, inspire and captivate its readers from the very start until the very end. Saint Unshamed is an influential, powerful book because it deals with the topic of abuse as well as conversion therapy. I believe that Saint Unshamed will be the perfect read for those that have experienced some kind of abuse or feel alone because Kerry, although brutally honest about how he felt, still manages to inspire and inject positivity into the story. However, those that have not experienced anything Kerry has will equally be able to enjoy the book and take away something from it thanks to the author’s wisdom and bright outlook on life.

Saint Unshamed is an exceptional book not only for the author’s candor but also the information he has so expertly laced throughout the book. The information will help readers better understand conversion therapy and so much more and I believe that is really important because sadly these topics are not commonly discussed but they need to be so that no person ever feels alone.

Kerry Ashton is a remarkable person for two reasons; the first is because he is honest and brave to write his story and the second is because he is an exceptionally talented author. His impeccable writing is a joy to read and flows beautifully throughout so that the reader will feel compelled to read non-stop. He is a pure literary talent, and so I applaud him for being so brilliant!

Overall Saint Unshamed is an insightful, informative, inspiring book and I would say if you are a reader who is interested in the topics explored and coming out the other side, then this book is for you and so Saint Unshamed gets five stars from me! Be sure to have a read of the preview below book lovers, you won’t regret it! There is also a promotion on the book currently so be sure to check it out!

Thank you so much for reading book lovers! I appreciate it so much, I love discussing wonderful books with all of you so please comment below and let me know your thoughts on Saint Unshamed. Do you see yourself reading this book? Do you love the genre? Please let me know your brilliant thoughts below and I will be sure to comment back. Thank you so much again for reading!

Goodbye for now book lovers,

P.S. Here is a preview of the book for all of you lovely readers to enjoy! Please have a read of the preview and if you find that you have loved what you have read then all you need to do is follow the links below!

Below I have attached some links about the author and this wonderful book so if you would like to learn more about the author and the book then please have a browse. Thank you so much again for reading book lovers, I can’t wait to read your thoughts on this book!

Amazon U.S. – Amazon U.K. – Goodreads

Kerry Ashton: Website – Facebook – Twitter – YouTube – LinkedIn – Amazon Author Page – Barnes & Noble

Thank you so much again for reading!