In 1959, when he was just five years old, Harvey Fierstein earned his first theatrical role, in a grade-school production of Sleeping Beauty.

But he wasn’t happy to be typecast as the king.

He wanted to be the wicked witch, with her bright red lips, green skin, and tall, pointy hat.

Even then, he had a flair for the dramatic, and a natural talent for vamping it up.

Today, as an actor, playwright, and screenwriter, Harvey is a legend of Broadway and Hollywood. In this memoir, he shares his remarkable story.

When a book starts with an acknowledgement to all the “radical fairies” that flew before, you know it’s going to be a book of delights.

It’s equally rich with insights, as Harvey takes us on a journey through some of the most transformative and difficult parts of his life, including the complexities of a young man discovering his sexuality.

The book also touches on AIDS and conversion therapy, and Harvey’s encounters with the rich, the famous, and the extraordinary.

It takes a lot of talent to write a book so bright, so swift, so tight, but Harvey does this with apparent effortlessness.

Included throughout are anecdotes and photos that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure, and in-depth looks at his experiences on stage and screen.

This book is proud. Of sexuality, of choices, of life. It’s the perfect book with which to celebrate Pride.