Reviews with content warning for Homophobia - Naturally Tan: A Memoir

Reviews tagging 'Homophobia'

Naturally Tan: A Memoir by Tan France

19 reviews

chandle5's review against another edition

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inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.75

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louise010's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

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leahlovesloslibros's review

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emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

5.0

Tan France makes up 1/5 of the team as the fashion expert on the new Queer Eye series on Netflix, which I recently fell in love with. In this book, Tan shares his thoughts and experiences on a variety of topics, including growing up gay and South Asian in England, relationships (both platonic and romantic), fame and being in the press/public eye, style/fashion tips, and more.

I listened to the audio book, which is narrated by Tan himself, and I really loved it. I typically try to find memoirs that are read by the author, as I find the experience of listening to them tell their own story to be more personal than hearing it told by someone else. Hearing Tan recall childhood memories, especially painful ones such as being bullied for being brown (his word), are so powerful and heart-wrenching. Coming out was also something that was difficult for him, as there were certain cultural expectations placed on him by his traditional Muslim Pakistani family and culture.

Listening to Tan tell the story of starting and running his own businesses, as well as meeting his husband and the progression of their relationship, was both interesting and inspiring. Among his own story, Tan would insert advice on career, love, and just being authentically you. I really enjoyed that this book was not necessarily told completely in chronological order; rather, it was broken up by topics. Sometimes reading memoirs that are told chronologically gets a little dry, in my opinion. This book was told loosely in chronological order, but each chapter read as its own section, which made it almost like short stories. Personally, I love reading memoirs told in this way, so that was a big win for me.

I love Queer Eye, and I absolutely plan to read the book written by the Fab Five as well, but hearing Tan's story individually with bits of the show sprinkled in here and there was such a wonderful way to start my Pride Month 2021 reading.

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thatsssorachael's review against another edition

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funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

3.5

I came off JVN's audiobook on a really high note and renewed love for Queer Eye. I was so excited to jump into Tan's books, but it just wasn't what I wanted it to be. I didn't really need for there to be fashion tips, and maybe because it was on audio, but it came across as a little judgemental. While there was LOL moments, a lot of it was pretty repetitive and the book could have been quite a bit shorter. While JVN really was no holds barred, Tan was a lot more conservative with what he let his readers/listeners know. I understand that he's a private person, but a memoir should have a little bit of grit to it IMO. I finished feeling vaguely unsatisfied and wanting more.

I did have a lot of fun, especially listening to that accent. I recommend the audiobook, for the bonus content alone. It has Antoni in it, do yourself a favour and listen.

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smithy361's review against another edition

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Tan is a beautiful person but the autobiography did not meet my expectations. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Tan’s life pre-Queer Eye. However, it was odd how he linked pivotal moments with clothing. This method seemed to force the stories to fit rather than allowing them to flow naturally.

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