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tinusreads's review
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
The Queer Musings of a One-Time Skater Boy tells the story, or rather musings as the title says of Joe Bainbridge. He was kind enough to send me his book awhile ago and i finally sat down to read it. Thanks again for allowing me to read this.
A deeply personal dive into the ups and downs of his past in ice skating. The Queer Musings is sharp and funny and full of (queer) references. Ofcourse i had to Google a lot, because i just don't really know a lot about famous sports people or ice skating. But that's also what makes it interesting to me.
I never did sports when i was younger because i always felt like i did not belong there. But who knows what would have happened if i had just tried. Dared to explore something and maybe i would have found a safe space too. I had the right support system, it was just my inner saboteur.
Back to the book. It's a short, but fun read. A glimpse into a world unkown to me written from a deeply personal perspective. I especially liked the chapter about the sister and the longest hair horror strategy. How evil. But also the power of having support in the right places.
A deeply personal dive into the ups and downs of his past in ice skating. The Queer Musings is sharp and funny and full of (queer) references. Ofcourse i had to Google a lot, because i just don't really know a lot about famous sports people or ice skating. But that's also what makes it interesting to me.
I never did sports when i was younger because i always felt like i did not belong there. But who knows what would have happened if i had just tried. Dared to explore something and maybe i would have found a safe space too. I had the right support system, it was just my inner saboteur.
Back to the book. It's a short, but fun read. A glimpse into a world unkown to me written from a deeply personal perspective. I especially liked the chapter about the sister and the longest hair horror strategy. How evil. But also the power of having support in the right places.
thisgayreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
5 ⭐️'ˢ
“The Queer Musings of a One-Time Boy Skater” By Joe Bainbridge @jbainbr
📕 Edition: eBook
🌈⛸️ As someone with limited knowledge of ice skating, this book brought back a flood of memories from my childhood, where many of my summers were spent at Lloyd Center mall gliding around on the same rink where Tonya Harding once honed her skills and I often saw her skating there. ⛸️
Bainbridge's essays are a candid reflection of his own life, offering a unique blend of humor and honesty. The narrative is not solely about figure skating; rather, it extends beyond, serving as an exploration of the challenges faced by a young gay man coming of age. The author doesn't shy away from sharing both the triumphs and traumas of his experiences, creating a relatable and touching narrative with some humor. 🏳️🌈💔
For those who may not be familiar with the intricacies of figure skating, fear not—Bainbridge weaves a story that transcends the ice rink, making it accessible and engaging for readers from all walks of life. Whether you're a fan of the sport or simply enjoy heartfelt memoirs, give this one a read. 📖✨
Thank you @jbainbr for providing me with this copy (though I did also buy a copy on kindle) in exchange for my honest review.
scott_thelibrarian's review
5.0
I had the best time reading this book! I know this is a memoir, but I truly think that it is a great representation of what it was like growing up as a gay kid in the 90s. I didn't skate, but I grew up hating myself for being gay; some of the hate sprouting from my religious upbringing, but also from toxic masculinity that belittled us gay teens/kids. I was taught that boys don't cry and with the "be a man and rub sum dirt in it" mentality. Growing up, you start to feel like you are the only one experiencing these struggles, so hearing other stories like Joe's just warms my heart. This is why it's so important for gay people to write books and tell their stories to give the next generation a map to find their people and to let them know that they are never alone.
With all of this said, I think the Joe has created something special. It's amazing how his therapeutic journaling turned into such a great resource for queer readers. His humor is fantastic and sprinkled throughout the book. I found myself laughing out lout multiple times during each chapter. There are some serious moments that discuss anxiety, depression, toxic masculinity, coming out, etc., but these elements just make this story so much more authentic and inspiring.
This is definitely a book that I would recommend. It's also a story that I think every gay male millennial should read because I think a majority of us will relate to Joe's story. Also, the 90s references are just top notch. Thank you for sharing your story, Joe!
With all of this said, I think the Joe has created something special. It's amazing how his therapeutic journaling turned into such a great resource for queer readers. His humor is fantastic and sprinkled throughout the book. I found myself laughing out lout multiple times during each chapter. There are some serious moments that discuss anxiety, depression, toxic masculinity, coming out, etc., but these elements just make this story so much more authentic and inspiring.
This is definitely a book that I would recommend. It's also a story that I think every gay male millennial should read because I think a majority of us will relate to Joe's story. Also, the 90s references are just top notch. Thank you for sharing your story, Joe!
danskireads's review
This is the cute memoir of a Millennial ice skater. It’s a wistful, nostalgic love letter to a sport, but it’s also a story about the relationships that make us who we are, the people who believe in us, society’s demands and expectations of us, and how we fight our way through it all. It reads like a journal (probably because it is). It’s written in an entertaining way. The author, Joe, is a teacher and I’m glad that he is. We need people like Joe teaching our kids. And our kids need people like Joe.
This is a light, short and fun read.
This is a light, short and fun read.
lisam0183_bookworm's review
5.0
I picked this up after feeling down in the dumps from having covid - I'm so glad I did! It was just the breathe of fresh air that I needed and made me feel 'much betta'. As the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine.
There was a vulnerabilty to the book, but this made the successes seem so much better. I grew up in the 90's myself, so loved all the pop references. (I'm also hoping all the Spice Girls will talk again - maybe in a different universe eh?)
Thank you for dropping in my DM's to promote this Joe - definitely glad I purchased it.
There was a vulnerabilty to the book, but this made the successes seem so much better. I grew up in the 90's myself, so loved all the pop references. (I'm also hoping all the Spice Girls will talk again - maybe in a different universe eh?)
Thank you for dropping in my DM's to promote this Joe - definitely glad I purchased it.
bellaroobookworm's review
4.0
First of all, HUGE thank you to Joe for sending me a copy as a wedding gift!!
Joe's writing is plucky and quirky, but more than anything, it's honest. This is raw and emotional. I laughed, I smirked, I cried. Joe writes in a way that makes you feel like he's right there with you, telling you his story. Reading Queer Musings is like sitting down with a friend.
Also - the entire time I was reading, I was itching to lace up my skates.
(four stars because more pls)
Joe's writing is plucky and quirky, but more than anything, it's honest. This is raw and emotional. I laughed, I smirked, I cried. Joe writes in a way that makes you feel like he's right there with you, telling you his story. Reading Queer Musings is like sitting down with a friend.
Also - the entire time I was reading, I was itching to lace up my skates.
(four stars because more pls)
after_hours_reader's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced