This coming-of-age story of a "normal boy" will resonate with many. Its author, Miloslav Chemodanov, was a prominent figure in the media in the 2010s: editor-in-chief of The Village and Kinopoisk, editor at Afisha, Time Out, and Playboy, organizer of the popular CHERTi Party, and DJ. In February 2022, Miloslav left Russia and now lives and works as a barista in New York City.

"Normal Boy: How I Was Gay in Russia" is a frank account of the long journey to self-acceptance. It tells the story of growing up in a closed town in the Urals, of school bullying, of complex feelings forced to be hidden. Even the freedom of the capital doesn't relieve the instilled fear and self-doubt. The author reveals aspects of life that are usually not discussed: vulnerability, shame, first sexual experiences, and painful and complicated relationships. There's room for self-irony, humor, and behind-the-scenes tales of social life.

In a homophobic society, where individuality provokes cruelty and feelings are considered weakness, the author concludes: happiness lies not in becoming convenient for others, but in stopping betraying oneself.