Norman Mathews’ autobiography, The Wrong Side of the Room: A Life in Musical Theater, is a multidimensional masterpiece that reminds readers there is hope, no matter what. In the book, Mathews shares his fascinating life story. It’s a tale of a small-town boy who grew up to be a dancer on Broadway and movies, and after a severe back injury, he reinvented himself to become a composer and playwright. It’s rich with compelling and at times heart wrenching details about coming of age, coming out, and becoming a respected artist.