My Razzle Dazzle by Todd Peterson deals with Todd Peterson's life from childhood to adulthood. Starting in the 1960s, we meet Todd, the second child in a family of six. Danny, his older brother, is his hero. He spends his early years growing up in rural Wisconsin before his family moves to Monroe, near Illinois, a few years later. His early childhood memories are of fun filled days with friends, getting into mischief and having fun. During his adolescent years, Todd struggles with his sexuality and begins to feel very different from his peers. He is ostracized and bullied at school because of his differences. He feels like an outsider, even in his own home. He retreats somewhat from the world until he discovers Roller Derby, which appeals to the rebel in him, and he dreams of joining a team. After finishing college, he decides to travel, and so begins his journey of self discovery and a desire for acceptance.

My Razzle Dazzle by Todd Peterson is a sad and heart wrenching tale of a young man who is eager to understand and discover himself. He feels different from others and, during his journey, he realizes he is gay. Todd displays incredible strength and humor in the face of severe prejudice and adversity. The story shows how difficult it is to be different, especially during the turbulent years in the 1960s and 1970s. An inspirational story of love, heartbreak, and overcoming obstacles to become the person you are. The subject matter is dealt with in a touching, sensitive and thoughtful way, and pulls at your heart strings. It is easy to relate to Todd as you experience his pain, joy, confusion, excitement, enthusiasm and fear. Your inner being yearns to change the world to make life easier for anyone who is different, not just gay men. A most thought provoking read.

My Razzle Dazzle: An Outsider’s True Story by Todd Peterson is an amazing autobiographical memoir of Mr. Peterson’s time growing up in a world where homosexuality was frowned upon. Raised in the Midwest, Todd had always felt he was different from other boys. He was constantly tormented by bullies calling him derogatory names. The only solace Todd found was in his love of Roller Derby. Determined to fulfill his dreams, Todd hitched rides west, to California. There, he hoped, he would find acceptance and love for who he was, not what he should be. Thrown into a completely different culture, Todd learns and grows, discovering all sorts of new ways of life. How will he fit in with this new world?

A beautifully written and poignant memoir, My Razzle Dazzle: An Outsider’s True Story by Todd Peterson had me captivated from the start. Mr. Peterson uses a third person narrative to tell his story, using himself as the main character. Interspersed with the narrative are first person commentaries as Peterson reflects on his memories. It was so heartbreaking to read about his struggles growing up, but inspiring to see Todd continue to reach for his dreams. I grew up near San Francisco as well, so it was nice to be able to recognize landmarks. I feel that any person struggling to fit in with their sexuality should read this memoir. Even with setbacks, Todd continued to overcome and move forward, finally accepting himself for who he is. I definitely admire Todd/Mr. Peterson for all he has had to overcome in a time when the world was in complete turmoil. This was truly a worth-while read.