What is the author's tone in Stranger at the Gate: To Be Gay and Christian in America by Mel White?

The tone of Stranger at the Gate mixes despair, hope, resentment and righteousness. The book begins by discussing White's struggles in the closet growing up. Most of the book is filled with White's disappointments, despairs, confusion, depression, self-hatred and fear. Accordingly, most of the book has a tone of despair and sadness. The despair and sadness he expresses is, however, marked by some happiness. For instance, White is able to develop some homosexual connections in his life that are of great solace to him. His relationship with God is in many ways positive and Lyla and White's children bring great joy into his life. Further, White's professional successes are substantial, from his youth leadership as a young adult, to his successful Christian films to his career ghostwriting for prominent Christian leaders.