Judy Shepard

"It was-and still is-critical to me that people pay attention to Matt and what happened to him, but not to me."
What I found so wonderful about this book was that Judy brought to us, the tale of a young man, who was flawed and still in a state of finding himself. Too often do we martyr people who are cast in this role of representing an ideal. Matthew Shepard was not an angel, or a saint. He had problems like we all do, and I personally think, it's more important to remember that he was a human being. He was Judy's son. It makes it more real, more tangible, and more heart-wrenching.
I cannot imagine having to write about your son, who was murdered in the fashion that Matthew was. However, Judy does so beautifully and openly. My heart ached as she recounted her time in the hospital at his side, and how she had to be a rock in a time when she certainly deserved to fall apart.
Judy's is a tale worth telling. She certainly could have disappeared after Matthew's funeral and lived her life in quiet solitude, remembering her son, but she chose to fight. She chose to champion a cause, and attempt to make some good out of her son's murder. That is admirable.
This biography was insightful, and allowed us to see a boy through a mother's eyes that was struggling with sexuality and sense of self. It also allowed us to see into a woman who held strong for family and friends and who is by all accounts the hero of this story. She has effected change, and I am so glad she chose to write this account of hers and her son's life.
I would love to read someday a biography of her time after his death in more detail. It would be great to read about all the change she has fought for, and the strides she has taken to continue his legacy. Maybe one day.… (more)

This was a well-written memoir, very touching and heartbreaking. I had not realized, when I heard Judy Shepard's interview on a local radio station, that she was living in Saudi Arabia at the time. I borrowed it from the library as I have borrowed other memoirs, so I do not actually own this book.

Matthew's life was one of light and love, and how many of us have found ourselves with strangers, off on an adventure? The portrayals and descriptions of Matthew's killers after his murder were especially well-done. And the portrayal of Matthew was honest and heartfelt, too.… (more)