After hearing about his straight best friend Dale's upcoming summer adventure at a Marine Corps boot camp, Greg's ears perk up, only hearing "summer camp" in his friend's description of what he will be doing during the summer. Against his better judgement (and not realizing the enormity of his commitment), he impulsively decides to join the Marines and goes to a base in Parris Island, South Carolina, to complete his training. But how will he survive boot camp as an underweight, out-of-shape, gay man in a situation in which being gay is too progressive (not to mention illegal)? At first a fish out of water, Greg forms a deep bond with the men around him, despite their oftentimes stark differences and his unpreparedness for the situation. Likewise, he discovers the importance of brotherhood, strength, being true to oneself, and fighting against a world that oftentimes only wants to bring you down because you're unique. It is a memoir about identity and finding courage and strength from within and the story of a boy who turns into a man.
Reflecting the memoir's important themes, the memoir was turned into a television series called Boots on streaming giant Netflix. Like the memoir on which it was based, the series garnered critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of Cope's life, struggles, and his decisions. In a glowing review of the novel, Kirkus Reviews wrote the book is: "An inspiring memoir that displays a balanced, surprisingly reverent view of the Marine Corps and military service."
