The rainbow is a symbol of hope following a storm, hard times, or adversity. Jan Crossen wrote this memoir with the hope of making connections, of enlightening minds, opening hearts, and ultimately saving young LGBTQ+ lives. This isn’t just another coming-of-age story; it’s a masterpiece of vulnerability and resilience that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Imagine you’re a teenage girl living in a small midwestern town during the conservative 1960’s. You’re a high school senior, a cheerleader, and you’re running for homecoming queen. You have a steady boyfriend but are secretly in love with your best friend, a girl. She feels the same way about you, and you've confirmed your feelings with a night of passionate kisses. As long as you can remember you’ve been attracted to girls. You are keenly aware that this is taboo; something you must keep secret. You know that you have to be straight, or at least act straight, in order to fit in and be accepted. You adore your parents and sisters, but what if they discovered your secret? Would they reject you? During the 1950’s, ‘60’s, and ‘70’s gays were shamed, hated, blackmailed, and bullied. They were expelled from the military, fired from jobs, denied housing, physically assaulted and even murdered. How do you reconcile these negative messages from society with who you are and whom you love? How do you find safety, happiness, and fulfillment? How do you have the life you were born to love? COLORS OF THE SKY: A MEMOIR is a heartwarming and heart wrenching story of self-discovery; of hiding her true self as Jan struggled to live authentically in a disapproving world. It’s about coming to terms with being a lesbian and learning to live with celebration. The book is in-part an LGBTQ+ history lesson as readers learn about the gradual change in attitudes and acceptance of this community. A rainbow is a symbol of hope, and it invites you to experience the spectrum of beauty that life has to offer. It is a promise for a brighter future and stands for inclusivity and diversity. Look to the rainbow; and always choose love. "I have a new favorite memoir! Colors of the Sky is a powerful and unforgettable story." Karen McQuestion best-selling author of The Moonlight Child "Finally, a near-fairy tale story of coming out/accepting yourself and lesbian history." Suzanne Westenhoefer LGBTQ activist and stand-up comedian "This is a very insightful and heartfelt book about one incredibly courageous woman who stood up for who she really is despite major setbacks in life and in love. Excellent read and highly recommend it." Andrea Hurst, President of Andrea Hurst & Associates, LLC Andrea Hurst Literary Management "An unflinching, intimate memoir of one woman's journey to live authentically." Patricia L. Sands, best-selling author of the Love in Province series "Heartwarming, and life-affirming, Colors of the Sky is an engaging look at one woman's journey to find her own truth." Christine Nolfi, best-selling author of The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves "Colors of the Sky is a moving memoir and inspiring life story steeped in love - despite difficult odds - honest emotion, and the LGBTQ history of our time." Marilyn Simon Rothstein, author of Who Loves You Best "This gorgeous memoir evokes and educates. This book is a history lesson, a story about family dynamics, great loss, and great love." Jill Rubin Aul, Founder and Past President PFLAG of St. Charles and Pride St. Charles, Missouri Jan Crossen is a gold-level Mom's Choice Award winning author who has written over 20 books for children and young adults. She lives on a small farm on a rural island in the Pacific Northwest with her wife, their pets, farm animals, and fascinating wildlife.