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rballenger's review
4.0
Type of read: Commuter Read.
What made me pick it up: Everyone can benefit from learning about those who made our world the way it is today.
Overall rating: I like that Funk manages expectations at the start of the book by explaining their process of starting, creating, and finishing this project. This section explains why they chose who they did (America vs. Global), how they found their subjects, how they went through gathering the info, and how it worked with the interviews done with Outward Magazine. I also really liked how the book was set up. With the number of short stories that were included, it could have been very easy to get lost and not have a way of making sense of how these amazing stories fit into a cohesive narrative (other than having a shared culture/experience), categorizing the stories into groups and building off of that was a great way to take in 'The Book of Pride.'
I did see some reviews that mentioned how the author uses the deadname of some of the individuals in their stories when introducing them. I can absolutely see where these concerns come from; however, I have hope that the author got approval from those they interviewed to include those pieces of their story.
'The Book of Pride' is a tiny glimpse into the lives of absolutely amazing individuals who have helped make and change history. I enjoyed that the book featured, for lack of a better way to put it, average people doing extraordinary things. Quite honestly, there were only a few individuals included that I'd heard of before reading 'The Book of Pride' and I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to learn more about the people who make up this strong and powerful community.
What made me pick it up: Everyone can benefit from learning about those who made our world the way it is today.
Overall rating: I like that Funk manages expectations at the start of the book by explaining their process of starting, creating, and finishing this project. This section explains why they chose who they did (America vs. Global), how they found their subjects, how they went through gathering the info, and how it worked with the interviews done with Outward Magazine. I also really liked how the book was set up. With the number of short stories that were included, it could have been very easy to get lost and not have a way of making sense of how these amazing stories fit into a cohesive narrative (other than having a shared culture/experience), categorizing the stories into groups and building off of that was a great way to take in 'The Book of Pride.'
I did see some reviews that mentioned how the author uses the deadname of some of the individuals in their stories when introducing them. I can absolutely see where these concerns come from; however, I have hope that the author got approval from those they interviewed to include those pieces of their story.
'The Book of Pride' is a tiny glimpse into the lives of absolutely amazing individuals who have helped make and change history. I enjoyed that the book featured, for lack of a better way to put it, average people doing extraordinary things. Quite honestly, there were only a few individuals included that I'd heard of before reading 'The Book of Pride' and I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to learn more about the people who make up this strong and powerful community.
cogowno's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia and Homophobia
hilaryj10's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Amazing stories about wonderful people throughout the years. A great way to learn about queer activists
lillimoore's review
4.0
This book was woven together like a glorious, fabulous tapestry showcasing so many amazing LGBTQIA+ leaders that I had never before heard of, and people in positions or that have made contributions that might not always be recognized for their greatness. I really enjoyed listening to this book and the many interviews, and feel like I am only just scratching the surface of an astounding, oftentimes bewildering history of a diverse community in our country that has overcome so much.
My only complaint about this book is that it so often left me wanting more. I understand keeping the interviews shorter to accommodate more people while also maintaining a certain level of readability, but I would like to have seen these stories expanded more; every person interviewed could easily have their own full-length memoir and I would want to read next to all of them, and I personally wouldn't have minded this book being twice as long so I could get more, or divided into anthologies. Hearing so many perspectives from such a diverse group of older queer, gay, lesbian, trans, intersex, and bisexual people—and especially hearing them during Pride month—left me with so much hope, admiration, and love.
My only complaint about this book is that it so often left me wanting more. I understand keeping the interviews shorter to accommodate more people while also maintaining a certain level of readability, but I would like to have seen these stories expanded more; every person interviewed could easily have their own full-length memoir and I would want to read next to all of them, and I personally wouldn't have minded this book being twice as long so I could get more, or divided into anthologies. Hearing so many perspectives from such a diverse group of older queer, gay, lesbian, trans, intersex, and bisexual people—and especially hearing them during Pride month—left me with so much hope, admiration, and love.
crabbytaco's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Transphobia
kice7788's review against another edition
5.0
Such a great read!! I loved this! Of course if your interested in activism for the LGBTQ community then this is great for you because it tells you so many amazing stories of some of the greats you don't know about!! It is such a must read!
bettylooksatbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0