Here's What We'll Say: Growing Up, Coming Out, and the U.S. Air Force Academy

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Customer Reviews:

Entertaining... educational... insightful... and slightly graphic reading fun [Posted on 2007-08-17]
Oddly enough, before I read this book, I thought that Reichen Lehmkuhl was full of himself and drawing way to much attention away from the causes. But, as I read I discovered that he acts the way he does now because he ahs earned that right. He is outspoken, he is domineering... but most importantly, he is to some degree and to some people (like myself) heroic.
The book starts off with a childhood troubled by what other people think. He felt he was ugly and was made fun of for it. He lived in a trailer and was also teased about that. This is so relatable by pretty much anyone because who hasn't been teased or insulted?
Upon acceptance to the Air Force academy, things take on a darker turn as he battles trying to keep up with everyone else and sudden flourishes of same-sex attraction. The fact that he partook in and possibly founded the Underground gay group is a noble thing indeed... but sadly something that should not have existed at all. The story spans from childhood to his graduation from tha academy, and there are some devastating moments laced in between.
Yet, the moment that really got to me was the climax when things started to unravel and it got dangerous. I could feel the anxiety as I read about it... knowing all to well what that anxiety felt like.
This is not a great book by any stretch but it is a good one and it takes on homophobia in a homophobic military, exposing just how ugly this "religion" fueled hatred is. I found it personally refreshing that I share many of the views he does and am glad that I took the time to read this book.
It isn't for everyone though. Be advised that there is a sexual assault segment that is fairly graphic and some of the same sex scenario's are fleshed out to rather deep detail... not quite soft core porn but just a tad bit dirty. I wasn't uncomfortable with any of the book, but I'm pretty sure that there amy be some readers who will be.
So, all in all... a good book. It was entertaining and educational... and offered insight into a man that I am happy is so vocal about fighting for our rights.

Great read and inspiring story. Go Reichen! [Posted on 2007-09-03]
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is coming out, who has a friend who is coming out, or thinks that Don't Ask, Don't Tell isn't hurting anyone. This is a very inspiring story about a guy who starts off like you and me and who ends up just trying to protect his friends. Read about the hypocrisy of the USAF and the military in general. I'm sure they won't admit it, but this is just one more story that confirms that Don't Ask Don't Tell is not a working program. I was impressed with the story and the quality of character described within.

Fascinating and Inspiring Story [Posted on 2007-09-16]
This story is very fascinating and inspiring story. I am sure I will read this book many more times.

True to the spirit of that era [Posted on 2007-11-13]
I lived in Colorado Springs during the late 1980s, and I had a cousin who graduated from the Academy in 1992, so I'm familiar with the culture of both the city and the Academy during the general time period that Reichen was a cadet. While he obviously had to use made-up names for his characters and create composite characters based on more than one person to protect his friends, the virulently anti-gay atmosphere that he describes is true to life. As a gay man myself, I had to remain deeply closeted in my own sports-related work environment, as well as enduring constant tirades in the local news media about the evils of "the chosen homosexual lifestyle." That Reichen was able to engage in any kind of gay-oriented social life at the Academy, Ground Zero for all things homophbic in "The Springs," demonstrates a high capacity for risk taking--some might even call it courage.

While I've lost a lot of respect for Reichen in his post-military quest for eternal youth and gay celebrity status (I guess he has to play on his looks while he still has them), I'll always admire him for writing this book.

Excellent and Enjoyable [Posted on 2008-01-17]
This is one of those books that after I finished it, I miss it. I miss hearing about Reichen's stories. He does very well doing it, and I must thank him for sharing so many personal and intimate details of his life. (I suppose this is why people write their autobiographies though). But many don't share quite as intimately as Reichen does. Since he is a young man still, we are taken right from early childhood up to the current time. A sequel would be nice. But wouldn't hold the same intrigue as this book did.

I think Reichen Lehmkuhl is a lovely person and it was so exciting to read about him growing up. He was a grateful, loving child and youth and seemed like a good and obedient child. The main reason I bought the book was because I LOVE to read about homosexuals and military life. There aren't that many type books out there. And most of them end up with the author fighting the military about being gay (and always losing). Reichen played pretty much by the rules---he did graduate from the USAF Academy and helped many others to successfully progress through their training & education also.

This was a delightful read. I became so scared for him that he was going to get caught in the Academy. I couldn't quite understand his falling back into women and heterosexuality at low moments, but I had to keep telling myself that he WAS young and most likely still questioning himself. I had to remember that I did similar things. This is one book I will KEEP as one of my special books and will reread again someday.

I was unhappy with the photos. They are almost worthless. Like they were from someone else's camera and a hasty addition to the book. Biographies are so much better when they include photos throughout the life. These are very bad.

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