What does it take to live authentically, pursue meaningful relationships, and change the lives of others? William J. Pelle Jr.'s moving memoir is a heartwarming story about charting one's own path to happiness and fulfillment.

"I, in turn, wanted to be a black sheep. I did not want to be a white sheep that follows other white sheep." -Chapter 1, OUT-LIER

For as long as William James "Bill" Pelle Jr. remembers, he has been different than others. His difference, as far as he was concerned, was an asset. Going with the crowd felt shallow, inauthentic, and a waste of a good life.

Trained to be a perfectionist and compelled to push the boundaries of what was possible, Bill led an extraordinary life and career. Perhaps the most inspiring was his inner drive to connect with others sourced by the solitude he experienced most of his life.

Bill was the first federal civil service executive to come out when it was not cool to be gay. His brave, authentic decision gave Bill the freedom and courage to challenge conventional thought in every part of his life-and to create a better common good.

In OUT-LIER, travel with Bill through over five decades as he reflects on the moments that mattered and experiences that shaped his life. The memoir is broken up into five parts, including:

• Childhood Reflections
• My Wild Twenties
• My Workaholic Thirties
• My Forties
• Introspection After Fifty

In Bill's memoir, readers will find actionable life lessons that teach the values of virtue ethics over success ethics, connections over attention, and the pure joy of getting beyond yourself. Bill shares how he used his own solitude to transform weaknesses into strengths and to experience new dimensions to reality.