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thejuliebookshelf's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
5.0
At times harrowing and at times inspiring, A TWO-SPIRIT JOURNEY is a powerful recounting of the challenges, traumas, perseverance, and achievements of the life of a queer Indigenous elder and foremother.
This read is important though by no means easy. Chacaby’s story involves alcoholism and drug addiction, domestic violence, assaults of all types, homophobia, misogyny, anti-Indigenous racism, and other traumas. Though undeniably an academic text, it is written in a way that is accessible to a larger audience.
Chacaby recounts the abuse, the addiction, and the violence the plagued her childhood growing up in a remote Ojibwa community and that followed her throughout her life.
Her story is also one of persistence, determination, and overcoming great adversity. Chacaby is an activist, an artist, an elder. She was involved early on in the HIV/AIDS movement and was involved in the expansion of Alcoholics Anonymous to Indigenous communities.
This read is important though by no means easy. Chacaby’s story involves alcoholism and drug addiction, domestic violence, assaults of all types, homophobia, misogyny, anti-Indigenous racism, and other traumas. Though undeniably an academic text, it is written in a way that is accessible to a larger audience.
Chacaby recounts the abuse, the addiction, and the violence the plagued her childhood growing up in a remote Ojibwa community and that followed her throughout her life.
Her story is also one of persistence, determination, and overcoming great adversity. Chacaby is an activist, an artist, an elder. She was involved early on in the HIV/AIDS movement and was involved in the expansion of Alcoholics Anonymous to Indigenous communities.
becomingmari's review against another edition
4.0
Really good. Some really painful, hard to read parts, but a very well done job on an autobiographical memoir. I kind of wish there was more nuance or sharing of Two Spirit meaning and language - the latter part of the book felt very gendered to me? - but I'm not sure if that comes from translation and/or Ma-Nee's own viewpoint / experience. I still really enjoyed it.
babyfacedoldsoul's review against another edition
This was probably the most difficult memoir I've ever read. I can't imagine what it would be like to experience it first hand. I am grateful to the author for sharing her story.
cantfindmybookmark's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Addiction, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Child death, Drug use, Child abuse, Death of parent, and Forced institutionalization
megan_prairierose's review against another edition
5.0
This book is giving me all the feels. This woman is incredible. To be able to survive and thrive through tremendous physical/sexual/emotional abuse is a testament to how strong she is. I can only hope to have a sliver of her strength. This book hurts my heart to read but there is so much hope and love as well. This is one of the best books I've read this year.
lucaisapenguin's review against another edition
challenging
informative
medium-paced
valancysnaith's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Domestic abuse
egmamaril's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Drug use, Homophobia, Child death, Death of parent, Alcoholism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Racism