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Recommend this book:
Bent Is Not Broken
MJ Buckman
2024 Gold Medal
359 Pages
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Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Bent Is Not Broken, penned by author MJ Buckman, is a work of non-fiction in the LGBTQ+, social issues, and slice-of-life subgenres. It is best suited to adult readers owing to its topical discussion of abuse, suicide, and suicide attempts. The work is a heartfelt exploration of the LGBTQ+ experience, offering solace and understanding to those who have ever felt alienated, fragile, or out of place. Through a mix of memoirs, interviews, and research, Buckman delves into the challenges and triumphs of LGBTQ+ life, highlighting the importance of tolerance, inclusivity, and self-acceptance. From her own experiences thriving in London's gay subculture to reflections on turning sixty and finding belonging, Buckman's narrative is both uplifting and impassioned. By blending personal stories with a deep examination of societal representation, Buckman unveils the resilience of the human spirit and the power of acceptance, reminding readers that despite adversity, we can remain true to ourselves.
Author MJ Buckman has crafted a deeply moving work with a candid exploration of her own journey and the broader LGBTQ+ experience through the ages is both poignant and empowering. As she reflects on her time in London's gay subculture in the 1980s and her search for identity amidst societal pressures, I found myself drawn into her world with a mixture of empathy and admiration. The narrative style is concise and confident, but also teeming with warmth and the tone of a wise friend recounting valuable life lessons to us all. The interviews with LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages add richness and a more well-rounded viewpoint, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of finding one's place in a world that often marginalizes differences. Most important of all, Buckman's message of self-acceptance and resilience shines through every page, offering a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or excluded. Overall, Bent Is Not Broken celebrates the strength and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, and I would highly recommend it to fans of heartfelt memoirs and activist writing everywhere.
Bent Is Not Broken, penned by author MJ Buckman, is a work of non-fiction in the LGBTQ+, social issues, and slice-of-life subgenres. It is best suited to adult readers owing to its topical discussion of abuse, suicide, and suicide attempts. The work is a heartfelt exploration of the LGBTQ+ experience, offering solace and understanding to those who have ever felt alienated, fragile, or out of place. Through a mix of memoirs, interviews, and research, Buckman delves into the challenges and triumphs of LGBTQ+ life, highlighting the importance of tolerance, inclusivity, and self-acceptance. From her own experiences thriving in London's gay subculture to reflections on turning sixty and finding belonging, Buckman's narrative is both uplifting and impassioned. By blending personal stories with a deep examination of societal representation, Buckman unveils the resilience of the human spirit and the power of acceptance, reminding readers that despite adversity, we can remain true to ourselves.
Author MJ Buckman has crafted a deeply moving work with a candid exploration of her own journey and the broader LGBTQ+ experience through the ages is both poignant and empowering. As she reflects on her time in London's gay subculture in the 1980s and her search for identity amidst societal pressures, I found myself drawn into her world with a mixture of empathy and admiration. The narrative style is concise and confident, but also teeming with warmth and the tone of a wise friend recounting valuable life lessons to us all. The interviews with LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages add richness and a more well-rounded viewpoint, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of finding one's place in a world that often marginalizes differences. Most important of all, Buckman's message of self-acceptance and resilience shines through every page, offering a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or excluded. Overall, Bent Is Not Broken celebrates the strength and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, and I would highly recommend it to fans of heartfelt memoirs and activist writing everywhere.
Recommend this book:
Collect Call to My Mother
Essays on Love, Grief, and Getting a Good Night's Sleep
Lori Horvitz
2024 Silver Medal
226 Pages
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Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite
In Collect Call to My Mother: Essays on Love, Grief, and Getting a Good Night's Sleep, author Lori Horvitz has written a very poignant memoir about how relationships affect our lives from the time that we are small children to adulthood. In each essay, the author opens her soul, leaves some of herself in the narrative, and gives the reader a gentle message and guidance to help themselves in this topsy-turvy world we live in. The author takes the reader's hand and gently leads them through the book with laughter, tears, love, anger, and great wonder at how much a soul can take before it breaks. Each story in its own way will give the reader courage, faith, hope, and the energy to continue living and moving forward in this crazy world.
In Collect Call to My Mother, Lori Horvitz shows how fragile relationships can be and how easily they can be broken when only one person is trying. This is a book that the reader will find themselves wandering back to time and again to get inspiration to continue fighting to survive in a world that the human race has created, with all the dos and don’ts of society that are enforced on us whether we approve, accept, or not. The author shows the reader that it is all right to be different. This memoir is a must-read and I enjoyed delving into the stories and the author's life. Thank you, Lori, for a wonderful read.
In Collect Call to My Mother: Essays on Love, Grief, and Getting a Good Night's Sleep, author Lori Horvitz has written a very poignant memoir about how relationships affect our lives from the time that we are small children to adulthood. In each essay, the author opens her soul, leaves some of herself in the narrative, and gives the reader a gentle message and guidance to help themselves in this topsy-turvy world we live in. The author takes the reader's hand and gently leads them through the book with laughter, tears, love, anger, and great wonder at how much a soul can take before it breaks. Each story in its own way will give the reader courage, faith, hope, and the energy to continue living and moving forward in this crazy world.
In Collect Call to My Mother, Lori Horvitz shows how fragile relationships can be and how easily they can be broken when only one person is trying. This is a book that the reader will find themselves wandering back to time and again to get inspiration to continue fighting to survive in a world that the human race has created, with all the dos and don’ts of society that are enforced on us whether we approve, accept, or not. The author shows the reader that it is all right to be different. This memoir is a must-read and I enjoyed delving into the stories and the author's life. Thank you, Lori, for a wonderful read.
Recommend this book:
She Had Been A Tomboy
Raising A Transgender Child, A Mother's Journey
Sandra Bowman
2024 Bronze Medal
300 Pages
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Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
She Had Been a Tomboy: Raising A Transgender Child, A Mother’s Journey by Sandra Bowman is a powerful and moving memoir that offers insight into the challenges and triumphs of raising a transgender child. With raw honesty and a deeply personal touch, Bowman takes readers on a journey through her life and that of her child, revealing the complexities and heartaches of a story that spans over two and a half decades. From the moment her "son" was born in 1987, Bowman found herself navigating uncharted waters. At a time when society's understanding of transgender identities was minimal, Bowman was tasked with deciphering her child's anguish and identity. Her child, perceived as a typical boy in both body and behavior, concealed a secret that would only be understood through years of persistent searching and heartfelt conversations.
Sandra Bowman’s She Had Been a Tomboy is poetic and emotional, capturing the essence of a mother's love and relentless pursuit of answers. The memoir delves into the tumultuous pubescent years, where confusion and misunderstanding often overshadow the reality of a child's true self. It is a narrative marked by uncertainty, fear, and heartache but also one of resilience and eventual recovery. Bowman does not shy away from expressing her struggles, guilt, and determination to "fix" her child, making the story relatable to parents grappling with similar issues. Her journey from confusion to acceptance is portrayed with such authenticity that it resonates deeply with readers, offering a sense of hope and solidarity. This is a book you’ll read cover to cover in one sitting as Bowman offers a beacon for those navigating similar paths into the often misunderstood experiences of transgender individuals and their families.
She Had Been a Tomboy: Raising A Transgender Child, A Mother’s Journey by Sandra Bowman is a powerful and moving memoir that offers insight into the challenges and triumphs of raising a transgender child. With raw honesty and a deeply personal touch, Bowman takes readers on a journey through her life and that of her child, revealing the complexities and heartaches of a story that spans over two and a half decades. From the moment her "son" was born in 1987, Bowman found herself navigating uncharted waters. At a time when society's understanding of transgender identities was minimal, Bowman was tasked with deciphering her child's anguish and identity. Her child, perceived as a typical boy in both body and behavior, concealed a secret that would only be understood through years of persistent searching and heartfelt conversations.
Sandra Bowman’s She Had Been a Tomboy is poetic and emotional, capturing the essence of a mother's love and relentless pursuit of answers. The memoir delves into the tumultuous pubescent years, where confusion and misunderstanding often overshadow the reality of a child's true self. It is a narrative marked by uncertainty, fear, and heartache but also one of resilience and eventual recovery. Bowman does not shy away from expressing her struggles, guilt, and determination to "fix" her child, making the story relatable to parents grappling with similar issues. Her journey from confusion to acceptance is portrayed with such authenticity that it resonates deeply with readers, offering a sense of hope and solidarity. This is a book you’ll read cover to cover in one sitting as Bowman offers a beacon for those navigating similar paths into the often misunderstood experiences of transgender individuals and their families.
Recommend this book:
Late Bloomer
Finding My Authentic Self at Midlife
Melissa Giberson
2024 Honorable Mention
256 Pages
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Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by Zahid Sheikh for Readers' Favorite
Late Bloomer: Finding My Authentic Self at Midlife by Melissa Giberson is a heartfelt and relatable exploration of self-discovery and personal growth during a pivotal phase of life. With honesty and vulnerability, Giberson takes readers on her transformative journey of embracing her true identity and passions later in life. Through candid anecdotes, introspective reflections, and poignant storytelling, the author navigates the complexities of self-acceptance, shedding light on the universal struggle to break free from societal expectations and find genuine fulfillment. Her journey of self-discovery resonates with anyone who has felt the tug between conforming to external norms and pursuing their inner desires. By openly sharing her challenges, doubts, and triumphs, the author invites readers to reflect on their own paths and consider the potential for transformation, no matter their age or circumstances. Her love for her children is an incredible aspect of her memoir.
Giberson's writing is both engaging and poignant, allowing readers to connect deeply with her experiences and emotions. The book's strength lies in its relatability and its emphasis on the power of self-acceptance. Giberson's insights on embracing change, cultivating resilience, and overcoming self-doubt are not only inspiring but also grounded in practical wisdom. The narrative is a testament to the notion that it's never too late to blossom into one's authentic self and pursue passions with vigor and enthusiasm. Late Bloomer is an empowering and thought-provoking read that offers encouragement to those who are navigating midlife or contemplating a shift in their life's direction. Melissa Giberson's ability to articulate the internal struggles and triumphs of her journey makes this book an engaging and comforting companion for anyone seeking to connect with their true selves and embark on a journey of self-discovery later in life.
Late Bloomer: Finding My Authentic Self at Midlife by Melissa Giberson is a heartfelt and relatable exploration of self-discovery and personal growth during a pivotal phase of life. With honesty and vulnerability, Giberson takes readers on her transformative journey of embracing her true identity and passions later in life. Through candid anecdotes, introspective reflections, and poignant storytelling, the author navigates the complexities of self-acceptance, shedding light on the universal struggle to break free from societal expectations and find genuine fulfillment. Her journey of self-discovery resonates with anyone who has felt the tug between conforming to external norms and pursuing their inner desires. By openly sharing her challenges, doubts, and triumphs, the author invites readers to reflect on their own paths and consider the potential for transformation, no matter their age or circumstances. Her love for her children is an incredible aspect of her memoir.
Giberson's writing is both engaging and poignant, allowing readers to connect deeply with her experiences and emotions. The book's strength lies in its relatability and its emphasis on the power of self-acceptance. Giberson's insights on embracing change, cultivating resilience, and overcoming self-doubt are not only inspiring but also grounded in practical wisdom. The narrative is a testament to the notion that it's never too late to blossom into one's authentic self and pursue passions with vigor and enthusiasm. Late Bloomer is an empowering and thought-provoking read that offers encouragement to those who are navigating midlife or contemplating a shift in their life's direction. Melissa Giberson's ability to articulate the internal struggles and triumphs of her journey makes this book an engaging and comforting companion for anyone seeking to connect with their true selves and embark on a journey of self-discovery later in life.
Recommend this book:
Exodai
A Shockingly Honest Memoir of Love, Obsession and Torture
Elizabeth Hendrick
2024 Finalist
341 Pages
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Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite
Exodai, a memoir by Elizabeth Hendrick, shows how everyone goes through a period of self-discovery, and Elizabeth is no different. Her attraction to other females was evident at a young age. Her daydreams about rescuing the damsel-in-distress turned to fantasies of bondage and torture after seeing a picture in a textbook at school. Her fantasies became a reality when she found pleasure in being dominated. The glee and the laughter in the voice of the woman inflicting the pain on her gave Elizabeth a sense of excitement and love. She also discovered that in some S&M relationships, her needs were not being met because she was doing all the work and not receiving the punishment she craved in return.
Exodai is an unusual kind of memoir that highlights the lifestyle of a different kind of relationship. I enjoyed the way Elizabeth Hendrick chose to explore her own wants and needs in such a bold and deliberate way. This will help readers realize that everyone has different needs in a relationship and that it’s okay to voice these needs and have them met. I also found it courageous of Hendrick to open up and write this book so that others can see that not everything in a relationship has to be based on physical intimacy. This will encourage readers to strive for better communication and understanding, regardless of the desires in the relationship. I recommend Exodai to readers who are interested in exploring their own identity and learning the importance of having a meaningful relationship.
Exodai, a memoir by Elizabeth Hendrick, shows how everyone goes through a period of self-discovery, and Elizabeth is no different. Her attraction to other females was evident at a young age. Her daydreams about rescuing the damsel-in-distress turned to fantasies of bondage and torture after seeing a picture in a textbook at school. Her fantasies became a reality when she found pleasure in being dominated. The glee and the laughter in the voice of the woman inflicting the pain on her gave Elizabeth a sense of excitement and love. She also discovered that in some S&M relationships, her needs were not being met because she was doing all the work and not receiving the punishment she craved in return.
Exodai is an unusual kind of memoir that highlights the lifestyle of a different kind of relationship. I enjoyed the way Elizabeth Hendrick chose to explore her own wants and needs in such a bold and deliberate way. This will help readers realize that everyone has different needs in a relationship and that it’s okay to voice these needs and have them met. I also found it courageous of Hendrick to open up and write this book so that others can see that not everything in a relationship has to be based on physical intimacy. This will encourage readers to strive for better communication and understanding, regardless of the desires in the relationship. I recommend Exodai to readers who are interested in exploring their own identity and learning the importance of having a meaningful relationship.
Recommend this book:
Making the Rounds
Defying Norms in Love and Medicine
Patricia Grayhall
2023 Gold Medal
342 Pages
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Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
What makes a successful memoir, one that others outside your immediate family might want to read? In my experience as a memoir writing coach, it takes the courage to bare your soul, tell the truth, and, above all, have a story to share to which strangers can relate because their untold secrets may be similar to yours, or at least as difficult to tell. That is exactly what Patricia Grayhall has done with Making The Rounds.
Writing under a pen name, Patricia gave me an insider’s look at a lifestyle I have always been curious about - lesbianism. With all the political and religious arguments and media sensationalism surrounding gay pride, those of us who aren’t part of that lifestyle get such a distorted view of the realities. We have no idea of the painful struggles those belonging to the LGBTQ community have faced, both historically and currently. Thanks to Patricia’s raw honesty about how early in her life she recognized her attraction to females, her mother’s expectations of her as a pretty female, and her desperate attempts with men to be “straight” that resulted in an abortion, I am vastly enlightened. Even more mind-blowing for me was what Patricia experienced in her career…medicine. Her grueling schedule was one thing, but what she encountered thanks to homophobic attitudes truly angered me.
What was most touching about Patricia’s story was her unrelenting, heartbreaking search for a life partner. It took years of painful relationships and breakups to realize she didn’t know what she was looking for. In her unpretentious, conversational style, she placed her often jumbled emotions on the table for us all to read. But as we memoir readers always hope, Patricia gave us her happy ending. Bravo! Congratulations, Patricia Grayhall, on writing a most successful memoir.
What makes a successful memoir, one that others outside your immediate family might want to read? In my experience as a memoir writing coach, it takes the courage to bare your soul, tell the truth, and, above all, have a story to share to which strangers can relate because their untold secrets may be similar to yours, or at least as difficult to tell. That is exactly what Patricia Grayhall has done with Making The Rounds.
Writing under a pen name, Patricia gave me an insider’s look at a lifestyle I have always been curious about - lesbianism. With all the political and religious arguments and media sensationalism surrounding gay pride, those of us who aren’t part of that lifestyle get such a distorted view of the realities. We have no idea of the painful struggles those belonging to the LGBTQ community have faced, both historically and currently. Thanks to Patricia’s raw honesty about how early in her life she recognized her attraction to females, her mother’s expectations of her as a pretty female, and her desperate attempts with men to be “straight” that resulted in an abortion, I am vastly enlightened. Even more mind-blowing for me was what Patricia experienced in her career…medicine. Her grueling schedule was one thing, but what she encountered thanks to homophobic attitudes truly angered me.
What was most touching about Patricia’s story was her unrelenting, heartbreaking search for a life partner. It took years of painful relationships and breakups to realize she didn’t know what she was looking for. In her unpretentious, conversational style, she placed her often jumbled emotions on the table for us all to read. But as we memoir readers always hope, Patricia gave us her happy ending. Bravo! Congratulations, Patricia Grayhall, on writing a most successful memoir.
Recommend this book:
Boy Wander
A Coming of Age Memoir
Jobert E Abueva
2023 Silver Medal
216 Pages
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Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Boy Wander: A Coming of Age Memoir is a work in the autobiography, LGBTQ+, and coming of age subgenres. It is best suited to mature readers owing to the mention of explicit sexual situations and the use of explicit language throughout. Penned by Jobert E Abueva, this incredible journey of growth and personal development explores the duality of Jobert as a young Filipino man in an all-boys Catholic school in Tokyo. An all-star athlete, and a popular and successful academic, Jobert made his fortune in the clandestine world of sex work by night at Tokyo's world-renowned Imperial Hotel. This duality and secret-keeping in his youth put him on a path moving forward that would make the two halves of himself harder to bring together but all the more essential to do so.
Jobert E Abueva pulls no punches in this emotionally raw and interesting work. There are so many different layers and levels to it that I adored, from the exploration of life as a teen exploring sexuality despite the strict shadows of religion and culture looming over his world to Jobert’s views on the sex industry and the cultural differences between East and West. Jobert’s narrative style really lends itself to this kind of intricate exploration, as it feels like a wise and experienced friend is exploring the well-considered points rather than a cold, clinical academic. His journey to acceptance in the outside world and within himself is emotionally stirring to read. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Boy Wander to memoir fans everywhere.
Boy Wander: A Coming of Age Memoir is a work in the autobiography, LGBTQ+, and coming of age subgenres. It is best suited to mature readers owing to the mention of explicit sexual situations and the use of explicit language throughout. Penned by Jobert E Abueva, this incredible journey of growth and personal development explores the duality of Jobert as a young Filipino man in an all-boys Catholic school in Tokyo. An all-star athlete, and a popular and successful academic, Jobert made his fortune in the clandestine world of sex work by night at Tokyo's world-renowned Imperial Hotel. This duality and secret-keeping in his youth put him on a path moving forward that would make the two halves of himself harder to bring together but all the more essential to do so.
Jobert E Abueva pulls no punches in this emotionally raw and interesting work. There are so many different layers and levels to it that I adored, from the exploration of life as a teen exploring sexuality despite the strict shadows of religion and culture looming over his world to Jobert’s views on the sex industry and the cultural differences between East and West. Jobert’s narrative style really lends itself to this kind of intricate exploration, as it feels like a wise and experienced friend is exploring the well-considered points rather than a cold, clinical academic. His journey to acceptance in the outside world and within himself is emotionally stirring to read. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Boy Wander to memoir fans everywhere.
Recommend this book:
To Find a Killer
The Homophobic Murders of Norma and Maria Hurtado and the LGBT Rights Movement
Doug Greco
2023 Honorable Mention
136 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
After numerous threats, Jose kills Norma Hurtado and her mother. Norma had spoken openly about her sexuality and was supported by her family. Was this a hate crime? The rights of the LGBTQ community have come a long way, from being openly persecuted to the legalization of same-sex marriage. But much more work needs to be done since more people are still vulnerable to persecution and targets for hate crimes, as seen by the murder of Norma and Maria despite being in an area that we can consider tolerant. Is there a connection between race, class, and family structure in the fight for LGBTQ rights? To find out more about the journey of LGBTQ rights, their connection to human rights, and the role of institutions in advancing these rights, get a copy of To Find a Killer by Doug Greco.
To Find a Killer by Doug Greco is a thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective regarding LGBTQ rights. The book got me thinking about the role of economic inequalities and how other vulnerabilities predispose minorities to harm. The book also covered an interesting aspect of religion and how various rights groups and institutions can work together. The steady narration and the warm tone adopted by Greco as he makes the case for equality are very welcoming. Greco has also gone out of his way to provide other resources for further reading, making the book a wealth of information and a possible guide for more exploration of the LGBTQ rights issue. I cannot wait to read something else by this author.
After numerous threats, Jose kills Norma Hurtado and her mother. Norma had spoken openly about her sexuality and was supported by her family. Was this a hate crime? The rights of the LGBTQ community have come a long way, from being openly persecuted to the legalization of same-sex marriage. But much more work needs to be done since more people are still vulnerable to persecution and targets for hate crimes, as seen by the murder of Norma and Maria despite being in an area that we can consider tolerant. Is there a connection between race, class, and family structure in the fight for LGBTQ rights? To find out more about the journey of LGBTQ rights, their connection to human rights, and the role of institutions in advancing these rights, get a copy of To Find a Killer by Doug Greco.
To Find a Killer by Doug Greco is a thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective regarding LGBTQ rights. The book got me thinking about the role of economic inequalities and how other vulnerabilities predispose minorities to harm. The book also covered an interesting aspect of religion and how various rights groups and institutions can work together. The steady narration and the warm tone adopted by Greco as he makes the case for equality are very welcoming. Greco has also gone out of his way to provide other resources for further reading, making the book a wealth of information and a possible guide for more exploration of the LGBTQ rights issue. I cannot wait to read something else by this author.
Recommend this book:
Thirty-Seven-Year Abduction
Memoir of a Gay Mississippi Author Finding Himself Again
Milan Sergent
2023 Finalist
284 Pages
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Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
As a victim of childhood sexual abuse and someone who has mentored other abuse victims as they struggled to write their painful memoirs, I thought I'd heard it all. I believed that nothing else could shock me. Then I read Thirty-Seven-Year Abduction by Milan Sergent. If Sergent had written a horror novel, he couldn't have horrified and saddened me more than this, his memoir of child and adult abuse. I’m not talking about what we usually think of as rape or sexual molestation. Milan’s rape was the long-term violation of a human being, his essence, and his right to be who he was born to be; a gay man. His 37 years of rape began as a result of what, for me, are the archaic religious beliefs of his parents. They continued when a desperate Milan tried to redeem himself in his and everyone else’s eyes through a regular male-to-female marriage and by joining a Pentecostal church.
Thirty-Seven-Year Abduction rivals the best impossible-to-put-down books I have ever read. Milan Sergent has a superb command of language and beautiful control of his pacing and characterization. How he absorbs us into his emotions and makes us feel his deep, ongoing pain is powerful. What Sergent endured for 37 years makes me glad I wasn’t born into an evangelical religion in the deep south. Sergent tried suicide twice. I might have succeeded if his experience had been mine. Sergent spends time at the end of his memoir presenting enlightening information about what I see as a warped practice that began in the early 1900s and continued for decades; that of making boys on swim teams swim in the nude. Did you know that? I was shocked: “Any boy who tried to cover himself was made to feel unmanly or like a nerd.” As Milan shares his closing thoughts on the current narrow attitudes toward LGBTQ, I find myself agreeing whole-heartedly with his statement that “…child abuse is telling children they were born inadequate and sinful and God is watching their every intimate moment and will torture them for eternity in the flames of Hell if they don’t let Him possess them.” My final thoughts on this poignant, gut-wrenching memoir are that I will never forget it. Read it!
As a victim of childhood sexual abuse and someone who has mentored other abuse victims as they struggled to write their painful memoirs, I thought I'd heard it all. I believed that nothing else could shock me. Then I read Thirty-Seven-Year Abduction by Milan Sergent. If Sergent had written a horror novel, he couldn't have horrified and saddened me more than this, his memoir of child and adult abuse. I’m not talking about what we usually think of as rape or sexual molestation. Milan’s rape was the long-term violation of a human being, his essence, and his right to be who he was born to be; a gay man. His 37 years of rape began as a result of what, for me, are the archaic religious beliefs of his parents. They continued when a desperate Milan tried to redeem himself in his and everyone else’s eyes through a regular male-to-female marriage and by joining a Pentecostal church.
Thirty-Seven-Year Abduction rivals the best impossible-to-put-down books I have ever read. Milan Sergent has a superb command of language and beautiful control of his pacing and characterization. How he absorbs us into his emotions and makes us feel his deep, ongoing pain is powerful. What Sergent endured for 37 years makes me glad I wasn’t born into an evangelical religion in the deep south. Sergent tried suicide twice. I might have succeeded if his experience had been mine. Sergent spends time at the end of his memoir presenting enlightening information about what I see as a warped practice that began in the early 1900s and continued for decades; that of making boys on swim teams swim in the nude. Did you know that? I was shocked: “Any boy who tried to cover himself was made to feel unmanly or like a nerd.” As Milan shares his closing thoughts on the current narrow attitudes toward LGBTQ, I find myself agreeing whole-heartedly with his statement that “…child abuse is telling children they were born inadequate and sinful and God is watching their every intimate moment and will torture them for eternity in the flames of Hell if they don’t let Him possess them.” My final thoughts on this poignant, gut-wrenching memoir are that I will never forget it. Read it!
Recommend this book:
Beyond Diversity
12 Non-Obvious Ways To Build A More Inclusive World
Rohit Bhargava, Jennifer Brown
2022 Gold Medal
288 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
Beyond Diversity by Rohit Bhargava and Jennifer Brown is a collaborative effort directed at steering the world toward acceptance for all regardless of differences. It all started in early 2021, when more than 200 reputable specialists met online to discuss diversity and look for ways to curb injustice and discrimination. This book includes 12 topics that are carefully selected and compiled from this virtual event. Beyond Diversity is not only made up of opinions of different prominent figures but also compiled and reviewed by dozens of people who are passionate about equality. How can we look beyond diversity in storytelling, the workplace, government, and the future? Find out in Beyond Diversity as it reveals conversations, conversation starters, and stories about different people who are already making commendable moves in the world of diversity.
"This is a book about being more than a bystander." Beyond Diversity sows the seeds of change and acceptance through its thoughtful conversation starters and inspiring examples from different amazing people. It includes several quotable, punchy lines that make it easier to remember its messages. The book's design makes it a joy to read and navigate through with its eye-catching titles, subtitles, and highlighted points. I was quite impressed by the level of effort put into Beyond Diversity as it contains several elements that improve assimilation and increase engagement: quotes, reports, action steps, and more. As a Nigerian who has been discouraged from experiencing new cultures in different continents as a result of countless news of racist actions against Blacks, I'm quite excited about Beyond Diversity and recommend it to all readers. The world needs more changemakers like Rohit Bhargava, Jennifer Brown, and everyone that contributed to creating this phenomenal book!
Beyond Diversity by Rohit Bhargava and Jennifer Brown is a collaborative effort directed at steering the world toward acceptance for all regardless of differences. It all started in early 2021, when more than 200 reputable specialists met online to discuss diversity and look for ways to curb injustice and discrimination. This book includes 12 topics that are carefully selected and compiled from this virtual event. Beyond Diversity is not only made up of opinions of different prominent figures but also compiled and reviewed by dozens of people who are passionate about equality. How can we look beyond diversity in storytelling, the workplace, government, and the future? Find out in Beyond Diversity as it reveals conversations, conversation starters, and stories about different people who are already making commendable moves in the world of diversity.
"This is a book about being more than a bystander." Beyond Diversity sows the seeds of change and acceptance through its thoughtful conversation starters and inspiring examples from different amazing people. It includes several quotable, punchy lines that make it easier to remember its messages. The book's design makes it a joy to read and navigate through with its eye-catching titles, subtitles, and highlighted points. I was quite impressed by the level of effort put into Beyond Diversity as it contains several elements that improve assimilation and increase engagement: quotes, reports, action steps, and more. As a Nigerian who has been discouraged from experiencing new cultures in different continents as a result of countless news of racist actions against Blacks, I'm quite excited about Beyond Diversity and recommend it to all readers. The world needs more changemakers like Rohit Bhargava, Jennifer Brown, and everyone that contributed to creating this phenomenal book!
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