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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
informative
inspiring
funny
reflective
medium-paced
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Although we are definitely obsessed with different media, we both use media as a means to analyze and interpret our lives/transitions, with various levels of tongue-in-cheek thinking. So while I know very little about Arthurian legend, I enjoyed the general framework of the book, which is quite refreshing especially compared to what little there is of masculine transition literature. And, of course, having sufficient background to understand some parts of the book made them all the more enjoyable-- never have I been so thankful to have written an exegesis on Jacob wrestling with God. I guess if you like the Toast, you'd like this, or if you want some out-of-the-box transition literature that touches on more nuanced aspects than what is typical for the genre, you'd like this. If you think you would be bothered immensely by not getting all of Lavery's references, don't read this.
I love this book. It’s funny, witty, and deeply interesting. Is it going to be everyone’s cup of tea to reimagine Apollo and Hyacinthus in the context of ultimate frisbee? No. Is it very much mine? Yes. I was also pleasantly surprised by how interwoven and connected the book is, I think of Lavery as being a discrete short story style author. Overall, a joy. Also, a really beautiful articulation of gender. The ways Lavery described certain alienating and disembodying aspects of being a woman (and alcohol and obsessive thoughts) really spoke to me. I’m down for anything Lavery writes because his style is so deeply funny and compelling to me, so there’s some bias here, but strongly recommend this to all weirdos.
Truly unlike any memoir I've ever read – but very much like The Toast, for interested parties. Daniel Lavery's ability to weave classic literature, biblical allusion and pop culture with the fibers of his transition is something else. The Golden Girls essay made me cry. Sir Gawain made me laugh. Every essay made me think. While I may not be trans, I found Lavery's dissection of his own mindset during transition fascinating and compelling. And I think just about anyone can identify with the themes of identity, anxiety and self-doubt that pervade this collection.
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Now known as Daniel M. Lavery. Memoir and pop culture essays. I read about 2/3, and a bit more of a few more. Thoughtful at times, seeking meaning through religious connection at others, profundity found in certain cultural references, and these last were hit-and-miss for me, an old with different references.
"I first came to experience transition as a series of structural collapses. Before I had any sense of what I wanted, or what I believed or nor need, I experienced a falling-away, a loss of social and physical fluency, a sense of foundationlessness."
"I first came to experience transition as a series of structural collapses. Before I had any sense of what I wanted, or what I believed or nor need, I experienced a falling-away, a loss of social and physical fluency, a sense of foundationlessness."
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
I enjoyed the unique perspective and metaphors that this book is filled with. Some of the chapters were a bit nonsensical especially if you dont have a previous understanding of biblical references.