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nickscoby's review against another edition
4.0
There are times when Meredith is downright unlikable: she is snobby, bratty, catty and narcissistic. At one point (early on), I gave her an ultimatum otherwise I was going to quit the book. (I listened to it). And I asked: does the world need yet ANOTHER memoir by a Harvard graduate??? But the narrative is so incredibly complex and nuanced that I put my scorn and side eye away and just listened patiently. I often complain that narratives about first-gen college students stop right before the protagonist goes to school or skip the experience altogether. I am pleased to report that Talusan shares her college experiences and walks us through the complexities of being a Golden Child--one who was praised for being smart. And white. These are not easy things to reveal and I applaud her honesty even if comes at the risk as coming across as a jerk. The book's major themes are undeniable and compelling making it, in my opinion, a must-read for gender & sexuality classes in addition to Asian American Studies.
thisboricuareader's review against another edition
5.0
Honestly, this was such an interesting memoir. I had to read it in one sitting!
alexandriaslibrary's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
4.5
A perfectly crafted memoir in my opinion! Meredith Talusan is an albino, trans woman from the Philippines who immigrated to the US as a teen and attended Harvard in the 90s.
Interesting on so many levels: what does being albino mean in a colonized country that idolizes whiteness? How can you separate your own talent and intelligence with your perceived experience? What is the cost of beauty? What was queer life like at an Ivy League college in the aftermath of the AIDs epidemic?
Incredibly well-written, funny and alarmingly honest. Talusan is not afraid to reveal her insecurities or her less proud moments. All on the journey of coming out as a woman at the turn of the century.
Interesting on so many levels: what does being albino mean in a colonized country that idolizes whiteness? How can you separate your own talent and intelligence with your perceived experience? What is the cost of beauty? What was queer life like at an Ivy League college in the aftermath of the AIDs epidemic?
Incredibly well-written, funny and alarmingly honest. Talusan is not afraid to reveal her insecurities or her less proud moments. All on the journey of coming out as a woman at the turn of the century.
jenamatic's review against another edition
3.0
Meredith’s story is interesting but her storytelling is not. At times, she sounded as bored with her retelling of events as I was reading them. Her story itself is the only thing getting this book to 3 stars.
mrssmithslibrary's review against another edition
I really enjoyed this memoir! It was very fascinating to follow Meredith’s journey becoming a woman!