First of all, I have to give props to Colton because this could not have been an easy memoir to write, but I believe it is a necessary one.
The first half (or so) of the book focuses on his childhood which reads like a family drama, and I had to keep reminding myself this was an actual person’s memoir because I couldn’t believe some of the things that occurred.
Colton discovers sex at a young age and quickly develops an unhealthy relationship with sex. This evolves into an adult Colton who gives us a very eye-opening account of just how much ‘sex sells’ in Hollywood.
As someone who’s been a fan of Colton for years (and yes, was a celeb crush of mine, I’ll admit it), I had no idea that he came out as gay as a teenager and was even engaged to a man upon starting his modeling career. However when he began pursuing acting he was told to go back into the closet, and to tone down his voice and mannerisms to appear ‘straighter’. Sex, alcohol, and drug addictions were secretly deteriorating him behind the scenes as he had to keep his authentic life hidden.
Haynes gives us a very real portrait of what it’s like to be LGBT in Hollywood, and some of its realities will shock you.

I'm sure writing this book was very important and cathartic for Haynes to write, but it was really tough to read. Even going in knowing that he'd been through a lot of difficult stuff I was not prepared.

Colton's autobiography Miss Memory Lane will be released on May 31, 2022. The publisher Atria Books graciously provided me an early galley in exchange for an honest review.

I was first introduced to Colton when he played the role of "Roy Harper" on the CW's Arrow series in 2014. During that time, I heard bits and pieces about his past, but I did not pick up on too much. I knew he was a gay actor who had modeled and later got into a variety of substances. This book is my first indepth look into his life for which we get a lot - from his childhood and teen years, through his time modeling. The chapters that cover his TV time are not as detailed; I suspect that might have been intentional. Where other biograpies might go indepth on the name-dropping and "then we did this", he shies away from a lot of those aspects. It is refreshing.

I have to say that Colton is a phenomenal writer. Just from the opening prologue, readers will have to recognize that he has a way with words and knows how to craft a powerful narrative. A number of times I had to remind myself that I was not reading fiction; his writing style so suits itself to that genre which I think he would do very well at.

This was so brutally honest and raw, I could not put it down. Colton's writing is so beautiful and vulnerable. Though many parts felt difficult and absolutely heartbreaking to read, there was an underlying theme of hope that you could not turn away from. I am not typically a memoir reader, but have followed Colton on social media for many years and was intrigued to hear what he had to say and this was well worth a read. Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC.

I am so grateful to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC.

I've been a fan of Colton Haynes since Teen Wolf, so as soon as this book was announced I knew I needed to read it. I had no idea what Haynes had been through (which, after reading this book I see was by design).

This is one of the most poignant, eloquent, and moving memoirs I've read in a very long time. Haynes tells his story with hard-won self-awareness that shows just how hard he's worked to heal from the hardest parts of this story.

I have to applaud Haynes' bravery in sharing his story. In giving us such a compelling memoir, he shows us how childhood trauma trickles into the rest of a person's life, along with the reality that celebrities are just as vulnerable as we are. 12/10, will definitely be recommending this to my friends.

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read this advanced copy. I could not put it down and read the entire book in one sitting!

I have been a fan of Colton Haynes for many years. This last September I even had the chance to meet him, we talked briefly, and I got a chance to let him know what an inspiration he has been. This was before this book was even announced.. So I already knew a little about his story and his life from various interviews over the years. Before this book was even a thing, I already considered him an inspiration. When I received my advanced copy of this book, everything I thought about Colton Haynes was confirmed to be true.

In this book, Colton bares his soul as he recounts dark moments in his life that lead him down an even darker path. The book is beautifully written and very reflective as he tells his story of what lead him to where he is today! I am proud that he had the courage to share this story. I am sure it was not easy writing this book and it brought up many emotions but I think it is a story that deserves to be told. It can help provide healing for people who may have had similar experiences.

I would recommend this book anyone who is a fan of memoirs, a fan of Colton, or anyone who has their own demons that they are facing. His could provide the necessary inspiration to face your own demons head on!

WOW just wow... This was one of the most powerful and emotional & vulnerable memoirs i have ever read part of me loves memoirs for this reason when you can see the persons raw emotions being put into the book. Some of the things in this book i read was alot but colton being so vulnerable and sharing his story was beautiful and i think colton should make other novels because his writing was beautiful. I love that this book went by years and told his life story because i didnt know much about colton but im so glad i read his story because i give him so much credit for going through all of these things and being so strong enough to share them with the world. I got this ARC from netgalley and im so glad i did.

Memoir fans you will love this one.

Colton had so many dark moments in his life which he shared and i am happy that he faced them head on and got the help he needed and knew what he needed to do for himself... Regarding alcoholism, drug usage, struggling with himself and his sexuality he just has overcame so so much.

Reading about his mother was so sad in so many different ways and i cried like a baby just the vulnerability in those chapters and sentences ugh. She sounded like such a beautiful woman who had alot of struggles and it hurt to read. But im so glad he shared her story as well as his.


I do really hope writing this book also inspires colton to write more novels like i said because i would love to read another novel by him because like i stated earlier his writing is beautiful i hope the release of the book makes you so proud because this book was alot but it was such a vulnerable powerful read.


An amazing book all around. Also love the cover.

Great work colton king! ❤️

Miss Memory Lane is a poignant memoir that I couldn't put down. Colton Haynes bares his soul in a way that is brutally honest and yet healing. One of the most powerful memoirs that I have read!

When I hear/see the name Colton Haynes, I am immediately brought back to my teenage years. I remember seeing him on a show called 'The Gates' and just being drawn to him. Of course, you can't help but notice how gorgeous he is and that just pulled me in. I continued to follow his career and have been a fan ever since. He always brought such a light onscreen and I feel like that only made it easier for people to gravitate towards him.

As I started reading the book, I was heartbroken. Colton opens up about how he sees himself in a way that is 'replaceable' or 'worthless' and it broke my heart. How could a person who is so special feel this way about themselves?

If anything, his memoir reminds us that celebrities are just people like the rest of us. Sure they may have more fame or money, but it doesn't mean they are immune to feelings and emotions. I appreciated how honest Colton was throughout. From his childhood to his adulthood, he bared it all. His life is really like a beautiful disaster. There are ups and downs and even more ups and downs.

This is filled with so many moments in his life and really gives me a sense of Colton as a person. To say that he has gone through it would be an understatement. But in all the sadness and tragedy, there is hope. I am so happy that Colton decided to make a change in his life. Colton, if you are reading this I hope you know that you are worth it. You are strong, you are loved, and you are one-of-a-kind.

I give Miss Memory Lane 5 stars. I guarantee readers will be in tears after they finish reading. I said this earlier and I will say it again. This book is one of the most affecting memoirs that I have read! Colton Haynes talks about it all; his childhood, sexuality, career, drug abuse, and mental health. But there is hope. Every storm in life is followed by a rainbow. I appreciate Colton's honesty and authenticity. I know that he didn't have to tell his story, but he did and it is affecting!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books.

Wow, this memoir is impressive! There are some parts where I was legitimately reading with a lump in my throat.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants an inspiring memoir.