Justin Nacarato - Author

  When I sat down to name my memoir,  Shades of Purple: A Boy’s Journey Between the Lines , I wanted a title that represented not just my story, but the complexities of identity, growth, and everything in between. Purple, as a color, holds deep meaning for me, both symbolically and personally. Between Blue and Pink From a young age, I felt like I existed in an in-between space—somewhere between the expectations of traditional masculinity and the person I was discovering myself to be. In many ways, purple is the perfect representation of that. It’s the blend of blue and pink, colors that have often been arbitrarily assigned to gender roles. But purple? Purple is neither one nor the other. It’s its own shade, its own identity. Much like my journey, purple doesn’t fit neatly into a box—it lives in the middle, unapologetically bold yet still soft, vibrant yet complex. It represents fluidity, individuality, and the courage to exist outside of society’s rigid expectations. A Color o...

  It’s a question every LGBTQ+ person has been asked at least once.  When did you know? For some, the realization comes later in life, like a lightbulb moment. For others—like me—it was always there, an unspoken truth that lived in the background of my childhood. I didn’t have the words for it, but I  felt  it. My earliest memories of attraction weren’t big, dramatic realizations. They were small moments—things I brushed off as normal because I didn’t have a reference point to tell me otherwise. In  first grade , I had my first crushes on boys in my class. I didn’t know it was a  crush  at the time, but I knew I liked being around them. I knew my heart beat a little faster when we played together, when we sat next to each other, when they smiled at me. By  fourth grade , I had a more intense attraction to one of my baseball teammates. This time, it was different. I thought about him constantly. He was funny, kind, athletic—everything I admired and...

  When I think back to my time in the  Teacher Education Exploration  (TEE) program, the memories aren’t just of the classrooms or the inspiring lessons—it’s the little rituals, the friendships, and the fast-food runs that truly stand out. Ashley and I were a dynamic duo during our TEE days, and our weekly fast-food routine became a cornerstone of that time. Monday through Thursday, without fail, we’d head to the McDonald’s in LaGrange. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the experience. Reba, one of the kindest staff members there, became part of our little tradition. She had our orders memorized like clockwork. I’d roll up and get my number 9—a glorious ten-piece chicken McNugget meal with fries and a drink. My sauces? Always sweet and sour and BBQ. Reba would have it ready with a smile, and it was like seeing an old friend every day. But Fridays? Fridays were  Taco Bell day.  Ashley and I would shake things up by heading to Taco Bell with a couple of ...

  When I first started writing  Shades of Purple: A Boy’s Journey Between the Lines , I didn’t think of myself as a writer. Writing had always felt like a chore—something I avoided when I could and endured when I couldn’t. But this book wasn’t just about putting words on a page; it was about honoring my story, reliving the moments that shaped me, and creating something that might resonate with others who feel like they don’t quite fit in. Along the way, the process of writing taught me more than I ever expected. 1. Vulnerability is Strength The first draft of my memoir wasn’t just words—it was pieces of me, my heart, and my memories laid bare. Reliving some of the most challenging moments of my life was emotionally draining, but it also taught me that vulnerability isn’t a weakness. In fact, it’s one of the bravest things you can embrace. Sharing my story forced me to face emotions I’d buried and gave me the courage to say,  This is who I am, take it or leave it. 2. Heali...

  They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I’ve come to realize just how true that is. Writing  Shades of Purple: A Boy’s Journey Between the Lines  reminded me of the incredible “village” that shaped me into the person I am today. Every memory I wrote about, every chapter I finished, brought the faces of the people who inspired me front and center in my mind. This book wouldn’t exist without them. Family: The Foundation of My Story From the very beginning, my family played a pivotal role in my life. My dad’s unwavering support and quiet strength, my mom’s dedication and sacrifices, Grandma Gayle’s comforting presence, and Grandpa George’s wisdom—all of them helped me navigate the highs and lows of growing up. They were the foundation of my village, even when life wasn’t perfect. I still hear Grandpa George’s voice reminding me to be patient or Grandma Gayle’s calm reassurance when my anxiety felt overwhelming. These moments, though small at the time, became the ...

  When I first sat down to write  Shades of Purple: A Boy’s Journey Between the Lines,  I had no idea just how much of myself I’d be pouring into those pages. Writing has never been my favorite activity, to be honest. It’s always felt more like a chore than a creative outlet. But with this book, I knew it was something I  needed  to do—not just for myself, but for anyone out there who’s ever felt like they didn’t quite belong. The Exhaustion of Recalling Memories The process of digging through my memories was both exhausting and cathartic. Some moments were joyful, like reliving the summer nights with my childhood friends or hearing Grandma Gayle’s comforting words in my mind. But others—like the pain of losing my dad—were like reopening a wound that I thought had scarred over. Writing forced me to sit with those feelings, to confront parts of my past that I’d spent years trying to forget or push aside. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Each word felt like a ...

  Hey everyone, I’m so excited (and a little nervous!) to share that my memoir,  Shades of Purple: A Boy’s Journey Between the Lines , is finally becoming a reality. What started as a personal project—something that felt so big and intimidating at first—has transformed into a book that I hope will resonate with so many of you. This journey has been anything but easy. Writing about your life means revisiting the highs and lows, the laughter and tears, and putting it all out there for the world to see. But what’s driven me through this process is the thought that my story might help someone feel a little less alone. Shades of Purple  is more than just a book; it’s a deep dive into identity, resilience, and the people who shape us. It’s a collection of memories—some funny, some heartbreaking, and some downright embarrassing (looking at you, middle school me). It’s about growing up on Kipton Nickel Plate, navigating the complexities of being “different” in a small town, and f...