The Only Way Through Is Out

Suzette Mullen had been raised to play it safe--and she hated causing others pain. With college and law degrees, a kind and successful husband, two thriving adult sons, and an ocean-view vacation home, she lived a life many people would envy. But beneath the happy facade was a woman who watched her friends walk boldly through their lives and wondered what was holding her back from doing the same.

Digging into her past, Suzette uncovered a deeply buried truth: she'd been in love with her best friend--a woman--for nearly two decades--and still was. Leaning into these "unspeakable" feelings would put Suzette's identity, relationships, and life of privilege at risk--but taking this leap might be her only chance to feel fully alive. As Suzette opened herself up to new possibilities, an unexpected visit to a new city helped her discover who she was meant to be.

Introspective, bittersweet, and empowering, The Only Way Through Is Out is both a coming-out and coming-of-age story, as well as a call to action for every human who is longing to live authentically but is afraid of the cost.

Author: Suzette Mullen
Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press
Published: 02/13/2024
Pages: 250
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.03lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.69d
ISBN: 9780299345501


Review Citation(s):
Foreword 12/27/2023

About the Author
Suzette Mullen is the founder of Your Story Finder nonfiction book coaching and a founding board member of the Lancaster (PA) LGBTQ+ Coalition. Her "tiny love story," the seed which became this book, was published in the New York Times "Modern Love" column.