Don't Let It Show by Randy S. Boucher is a raw, emotionally charged memoir that dives deep into the author's turbulent journey through childhood trauma, religious repression, and the complexities of identity.
Here’s a snapshot of what the book explores:
· Troubled Beginnings: Randy’s story begins with a traumatic event that lands him in an orphanage at age four. His upbringing includes an alcoholic mother, a passive father, and a strict religious environment.
· Identity & Religion: As a child, he begins to suspect he’s gay while being raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, a faith that condemns homosexuality. This internal conflict shapes much of his early life.
· Coming Out & Consequences: Randy marries young and has a son before coming out at 23. His honesty leads to rejection by his church and most of his family.
· Workplace Struggles: As a machinist, he faces discrimination and wrongful termination, navigating a blue-collar world while living openly as a gay man with HIV.
· Emotional Resilience: The memoir doesn’t shy away from dark moments—including suicidal thoughts—but ultimately focuses on forgiveness, healing, and self-acceptance.
The book was a finalist in the 2018 International Book Awards in the LGBTQ Non-Fiction category. It’s gritty, heartfelt, and unfiltered, written in Randy’s own voice, which makes it feel all the more authentic.
Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful story of coming out as your authentic self
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2025
This book was one of the best books I have ever read. I, too, came out as gay in the same religion that Randy did, and I have been disfellowshipped as well. This memoir was vulnerable, honest, funny, and powerful. It gave some insight that is totally true of the religion that he and I were associated with. I could hardly put the book down until I finished it. I shed many tears in reading his memoir and totally understand the shame of not being able to be your authentic self. I would encourage anyone to read this. I believe it will make a difference in your life. Sincerely, Dan Bolen
5.0 out of 5 stars The book moved me.
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2021
I love it when a writer can create emotional conflicts that move me. So many times, I didn’t know whether to belly-laugh at the humorous twist Randy gave to a gnarly situation or weep at the heartbreaking reality of it. This is a sign of a good writer, in my opinion, and it’s this quality that held my attention. I would describe Randy—just from reading his story and never meeting him—as emotionally resilient, vulnerably authentic, funny to a fault, and a good writer. Regarding the “good writer” part… Granted, there were some grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, but he admitted he’s not an expert at that. Besides, the story was so engaging that I didn’t mind those imperfections at all. After all, don’t we read to be moved? I was most definitely moved. Great job, Randy! When’s your next book?
5.0 out of 5 stars WOW
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2021
Great book. Randy is so beautifully honest in his words. I could not put this book down. I, too, was born and raised in Woonsocket (that in itself starts you off in the negative). He worked it out and is as happy as he can be. At the end, he still found cordial words to write about everyone. Better person than myself. He was very forgiving (esp. with his mom). Maybe too forgiving. In the end, a great book and a must-read! I give it 100 stars :) He realized that he can only move forward, not back, to be happy, and that is a good lesson for everyone.