Ayoh - Shop now
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$5.99 with 60 percent savings
Print List Price: $14.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Judy Kiehart
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Calico Lane: a memoir about family and breaking through social and cultural norms Kindle Edition

by Judy Kiehart (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.9 out of 5 stars 98 ratings
The rumored child-eating spiders don’t scare Judy. Something worse frightens the young girl. As a pre-teen, Judy develops confusing emotions for an older playmate. She fears her emotions are not typical, and if continued, will bring shame to her family. It’s 1960 and no one has ever talked about being queer, at least no one Judy knows and certainly no one in Calico Lane – until the day that changed everything.

Judy decides that the best way to survive being a lesbian is to live a life of pretense. But, for how many years and at what costs can truth be hidden from those who love you? Calico Lane is a story that spans generations. It's about pushing through the boundaries of love and truth. It’s about finding the ‘normal’ that is yours.

Calico Lane is the 2022 Best Indie Book Award Winner in the LGBTQ Memoir Category and is the First Place Winner in the first quarter 2023 Firebird Book Awards (LGBTQ Nonfiction).
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    324 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    February 24, 2022
  5. File size
    8.4 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Editorial Reviews

Review


"Calico Lane is a real place in northeastern Pennsylvania and is about family and breaking through social and cultural norms. The focus is partly on the difficulties experienced by a lesbian of the baby boomer generation coming of age in a community and family that weren't quite ready for such a revelation, but it is filled with fascinating family and community traditions experienced during the author's growing-up years. Knowing from an early age there was something different about her, Kiehart was fortunate in having an aunt to confide in who suggested that sometimes secrets are best kept secret. The book is filled with funny, heartwarming, and sad memories that readers of the baby boom generation will connect with and younger readers might find hard to believe. A return to her hometown in recent years inspired the book, which begins and ends in Pennsylvania's Calico Lane neighborhood and is an enjoyable work of nonfiction focusing on life in the sometimes not-so-good old days but laced with a lot of happy and funny memories."
~Arlene Shovald, The Mountain Mail

"This tender and clear-eyed tale chronicles coming of age in a working-class Russian-immigrant family in a time and place when kids freely played on the street and roamed the neighborhood, families were large and messy and multigenerational, and girls did not love other girls—or at least, if they did, they did not admit it. Kiehart brings the warmth of her extended family and community vividly to life in this compelling narrative, along with her confusion and pain at having to hide who she was in order to belong. Calico Lane is a vivid reminder of how love can silence us and also free us."
~Susan J. Tweit, author of Bless the Birds: Living with Love in a Time of Dying

"This book was simply amazing! What a read! I have not enjoyed a book this good in a long while. I love how progressive the storyline is, from her childhood through her teen years down to her adulthood. I literally felt like I was watching a movie, and I could picture every description. The in-depth emotional analysis was great, and I got to appreciate the sexual differences among humans. I also loved how real and authentic every single bit of the story is."
~Chris A Powell, OnlineBookClub.org reviewer


"This memoir surprised me as I did not expect the content inside to be so impactful and timely from the tone of the cover art. I love the way that the issues in the memoir were described and felt that they were conveyed so specifically and with a great tender vulnerability. From loving and accepting herself the author shows remarkable abilities to extend that love to everyone else whom she encounters, and that sense of a strong inner peace though so much turmoil and judgment is all around was really inspiring."
~Judge, 30th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards

"Calico Lane is a gentle journey into the troubles and confusions of knowing you are different from your friends in a truly fundamental way. Judy's struggle to maintain the strong family ties that sustained her early childhood and still negotiate the troubled seas of her teenage years is endearing. The world she paints for us is both comforting and terrifying in many ways, familiar to anyone who grew up in a strict religious/cultural tradition. We all can relate to the fear of losing your parents' love over something you can't change. The book flows as if she is sitting with you, sharing her story over a cup of coffee. I highly recommend this memoir to anyone who loves a good story about good people."
~Connie Jasperson, Life in the Realm of Fantasy, Author and Blogger

From the Author

This memoir is how I remember experiences and people. Memoirs are never complete, and recollections may differ, especially within a family. My intention was not to provide a history of the LGBTQ+ community, nor is it written to explain its culture and terms. Many books are available to provide a basic understanding of our LGBTQ+  community.

The life millions are enjoying now came as a struggle for earlier generations. To teens and young adults today: please be patient with us as we do our best to speak YOUR language and to understand  YOUR obstacles. My writing goal is to speak 'as we spoke' with thoughts 'as we thought' decades before your birth. Please forgive me if a word or phrase I use is not one you would choose.

Over the years, I have witnessed people fearing that which is different. I've witnessed cruelty to those who follow different paths. Please be kind; remember, we are all on the same journey. We share 'being human,' and that's enough for me!

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09TG4MPDQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pisatel Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 24, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 8.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 324 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 out of 5 stars 98 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Judy Kiehart

Judy Kiehart

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

I am one of the Lucky Ones. My parents loved and provided for me, my extended family coached me as I grew from childhood to adulthood, and several good friends always had my back. I attended the same school from K-12. My work environment began as a carhop in the 1960s and ended as a certified real estate appraiser in 2018 (waitressing, housecleaner, store clerk, and secretarial jobs mixed in between). I am a mother to a wonderful man, and I am married to my soulmate. I am a gay Christian. Two younger sisters help me not to take myself too seriously. I have attended three colleges (Lackawanna Jr., Keystone Jr., and Marywood) and have loved five dogs (a St. Bernard, a Bichon, an Australian Shepherd, and a Border Collie have crossed the rainbow bridge) and our recent rescue is Suzy, a senior mixed breed.

The farthest I've traveled has been Australia/New Zealand -- and in 2023 I spent 10 days in Amsterdam -- not bad for a kid who grew up not knowing much about the world beyond The Lane. I enjoy writing, reading, hiking, and swimming. I watch psych-thriller movies and I love easy-going people.

Calico Lane is my first novel. Some of my short stories appear in anthologies. I also have written two one-act plays and a 90-minute Holiday Show which have been staged in Colorado. A recent one-act winter holiday play, LEON, has been performed by two Readers Theater groups in Olympia, Washington.

My second book, Mixed Shorts: a collection of stories, plays, and free verse, will launch during June 2025.

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
98 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this memoir well-written and engaging, with a captivating story that keeps readers interested. The book is heartwarming, with one customer describing it as a healing story of self-love. Customers praise the author's authenticity, with one noting how she speaks from her heart and soul, while others appreciate its honesty and courage.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

32 customers mention "Readability"32 positive0 negative

Customers find the book charmingly well written, with the author vividly recounting her experiences.

"...I teared up more than once in the last half of the book. It is a wonderful read for learning more about the impacts of cultural, societal, and..." Read more

"...I'm grateful to have found this inspiring and honest book and will share with those I know will feel the same...." Read more

"...Although written in a style that allows for short reads, I found myself reading it voraciously till the end. I highly recommend reading it." Read more

"...The story is interesting and compelling. She paints a very vivid picture that I very much enjoyed reading." Read more

31 customers mention "Heartwarming"31 positive0 negative

Customers find the memoir uplifting and heartfelt, with one customer noting it provides great insight into self-love and embracing one's true self.

"...generation, I related to several parts of this book on a very personal level...." Read more

"...I highly encourage this uplifting book, reading the past memories of 'that time' and of the time she became a dutiful wife and mother; although..." Read more

"...It is also a journal of discovery that reveals the pitfalls and rewards of struggling to be true to yourself...." Read more

"...the challenges, and yet she also imbues the book with a cheerful pragmaticism...." Read more

17 customers mention "Storytelling"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storytelling in this memoir, describing it as a captivating and powerful narrative that keeps readers engaged.

"This memoir is absolutely captivating and Judy is an inspiration to us all...." Read more

"...The story is interesting and compelling. She paints a very vivid picture that I very much enjoyed reading." Read more

"Calico Lane is a gentle journey into the troubles and confusions of knowing you are different from your friends in a truly fundamental way...." Read more

"Calico lane is a deeply authentic story of the internal struggle of self identity, faith and the power of self love that is required of anyone..." Read more

7 customers mention "Authenticity"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's authenticity, with one customer noting how Judy speaks from her heart and soul, while another mentions how she embraces her true self.

"It is hard to put into words how much I appreciated reading about Judy’s experience...." Read more

"...These stories of young women and men are endearing to hear and are important to be written and shared as this truth still continues for many...." Read more

"...Aww what a dear honest woman that shares her life with us that made me feel that we were almost family...." Read more

"Judy is real! I grew up in Calico Lane and knew Judy in High school. For that reason Judy’s book holds a special place in my heart...." Read more

6 customers mention "Honesty"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's honesty.

"...Judy for writing and sharing about your life in such a sensitive and honest way." Read more

"I loved this book. It is open, real and honest. It touched my heart. I could connect to so many parts in it...." Read more

"Judy Kiehart’s, Calico Lane, is a courageous and honest testament to a life of secrecy during a time when society was terrified to acknowledge the..." Read more

"...I appreciate this honest telling of how a life evolved through fear and the hardship of non-acceptance...." Read more

6 customers mention "Strength"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's strength and courage.

"...She demonstrates extreme courage while attempting to understand herself and those friends and family who surround her." Read more

"This is a robust, important memoir...." Read more

"Judy Kiehart’s, Calico Lane, is a courageous and honest testament to a life of secrecy during a time when society was terrified to acknowledge the..." Read more

"...Her journey here is a testament to the strength of character she denied possessing but finally discovered as she made her way and found her peace in..." Read more

Great Insight into becoming and embracing your true self!
5 out of 5 stars
Great Insight into becoming and embracing your true self!
A great read. I was engrossed in this captivating story about Judy's life; it is truly a gift she has shared with us! Again, a wonderful memoir about recognizing, accepting, and embracing her true self; which is crucial for happiness!
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • kmeow
    5.0 out of 5 stars Touching and thought-provoking
    Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    It is hard to put into words how much I appreciated reading about Judy’s experience. Although from a younger generation, I related to several parts of this book on a very personal level. I looked forward to reading chapter after chapter because each ending left me curious about what would happen next. I teared up more than once in the last half of the book. It is a wonderful read for learning more about the impacts of cultural, societal, and religious assumptions and expectations. You never truly know what someone is going through. This book makes me question: Am I living my life as my true authentic self? Am I brave enough to do so? I only wish there was more of it to read! I plan to recommend this memoir to others in my community.
    Helpful
     Report
  • CruisingForLife
    5.0 out of 5 stars A story needing to be written!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This writer has put forth what many have lived through in their own 'lane'. The place where discovery occurred and our inner truth was found. Yet, due to our surroundings and outward religious or other reasons 'it' being unacceptable, could not be shared until later in life. These stories of young women and men are endearing to hear and are important to be written and shared as this truth still continues for many. Reading that Judy was safe within her home and had extended family and friends who supported her was great to hear, and yet still others may not have this and that time should be long past changed. I'm grateful to have found this inspiring and honest book and will share with those I know will feel the same. I highly encourage this uplifting book, reading the past memories of 'that time' and of the time she became a dutiful wife and mother; although pleased and happy with that choice, the choice had to be made to have a child and this lifestyle. That is something that society is changing and I'm so happy to be a part of myself! Thank you Judy for writing and sharing about your life in such a sensitive and honest way.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Rox
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This memoir is absolutely captivating and Judy is an inspiration to us all. She demonstrates extreme courage while attempting to understand herself and those friends and family who surround her.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Lin Orez
    5.0 out of 5 stars An important read for anyone struggling to be true to themselves.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This well written book is difficult to classify. It is a coming of age in the 60s story but it doesn’t dwell on the events of that era making it timeless. It is also a journal about coming out in a homophobic time but it doesn’t focus on the hate from others but rather the author’s ability to continue to love through it all. As an autobiography the author allows you to experience the emotions and thoughts she kept secret for decades and you will feel like a privileged confidant. It is also a journal of discovery that reveals the pitfalls and rewards of struggling to be true to yourself. Ultimately it is a peek into the life of someone who struggled through adversity and instead of allowing it to make her bitter and hateful, it motivated her to love even more.
    At one point the author writes “The theme of bigotry, racism and hate in a small town made me wonder if life is really like this how can I not see it.” Having experienced those things in that same town her statement is not due to naïveté but rather her ability to see the good in all.
    Although written in a style that allows for short reads, I found myself reading it voraciously till the end. I highly recommend reading it.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Justdar
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I lovely trip down the author's memory lane. Substitute Italian immigrant grandparents for Russian and the story could be mine. I'm sure Judy's experiences were echoed by many children of the 60s who were finding ourselves with no words to describe and no role models to look to. The story is interesting and compelling. She paints a very vivid picture that I very much enjoyed reading.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • ridog
    5.0 out of 5 stars Kiehart nails it.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is a robust, important memoir. Kiehart takes us through the many complications of being gay in a family who lacks understanding but has abundant humor and love. Kiehart doesn’t shirk from sharing the challenges, and yet she also imbues the book with a cheerful pragmaticism.

    The spirit of resilience lets us understand the pain of hiding her nature in a multi-decade traditional marriage without leaving the reader any taste of “woe-is-me.” This is remarkable writing. We feel the pain of slamming one door shut without knowing what the next morning will bring – and we rejoice as Kiehart’s life re-builds to a solid blooming.

    When it comes to portraying being female in the 1970’s, Kiehart nails it. And then she takes us to a deeper understanding of how loneliness and confusion can so easily be masked, despite the high price to the hidden heart. This is an outstanding read.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Rita Niesen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring
    Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    It is not surprising that Ms. Kiehart has won so many awards for Calico Lane. This from-the-heart account of her struggle to be her true and complete self is inspiring. As I accompanied her on her journey, I cried, I laughed, I cried some more, and I cheered. As the parent of a gay son and a member of PFLAG, I applaud this book and intend to recommend it to many others.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Val
    5.0 out of 5 stars Open and Real
    Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book. It is open, real and honest. It touched my heart. I could connect to so many parts in it. I think if you have lived, at some point in your life you have feared rejection and tried to hide who you were, to protect yourself. This book gave an interesting glimpse into the culture of a Russian Orthodox family. They were depicted so well you could feel their love, high expectations and how hard it would be, to be different in such a family. I found myself rooting for the young Judy and the middle aged Judy, as she navigated the expectations of her family and the journey she went through to find self-exceptance and true love.
    Danita Ross
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Yvonne Carole
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I have to say that this beautifully written book kept me entranced from the very first page.It also made me cry many times.The descriptions of the family took me back to my childhood in the U.K with all the aunties and uncles.Probably the best book I have read for a while.Thoroughly recommend it.
    Report
  • Holly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Such a relateble read!
    Reviewed in Canada on March 11, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    What a great story. Very real and so inpiring. I wish I had this book to read 40 years ago when I craved answers to so many of my own questions. Thanks for sharing your journey!
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report