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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
funny
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
If it weren't that this is Leah Vernon's story the way she wanted to tell it, I would give this two stars.
Let me first say, I am not the audience for this book and I understand that others will find it powerful. It is Vernon's story and so her heterosexuality is one of the centers. However, the heteronormativity continually distanced me.
I came out as a lesbian in the 1980s into a community that welcomed and celebrated bodies of all sizes. I have long believed every good person is also a beautiful person. I am also entirely uninterested in fashion.
Perhaps because of those things, I found much of the narrative tedious. And then, toward the end of the book, I came across this paragraph which is meant to be loving and inclusive and non-judgmental, but....
"As Muslims, we are taught to be perfect. In front of our peers, in the media, at work, at the nearby coffee shop. We are taught that we are being watched by not only God, but others, and that we need to be amazing individuals who aren't touched by mental illness, sexual abuse, or homosexuality. We've created created these ridiculous ideologies that we can only fit nicely into these frames" (180).
While trying to say, "I don't find these things taboo to write about," putting the core of my identity into a category with sexual abuse reminds me of the decades I have been arguing with homophobes that queer sexuality is not abuse or pedophilia or bestiality.
Let me first say, I am not the audience for this book and I understand that others will find it powerful. It is Vernon's story and so her heterosexuality is one of the centers. However, the heteronormativity continually distanced me.
I came out as a lesbian in the 1980s into a community that welcomed and celebrated bodies of all sizes. I have long believed every good person is also a beautiful person. I am also entirely uninterested in fashion.
Perhaps because of those things, I found much of the narrative tedious. And then, toward the end of the book, I came across this paragraph which is meant to be loving and inclusive and non-judgmental, but....
"As Muslims, we are taught to be perfect. In front of our peers, in the media, at work, at the nearby coffee shop. We are taught that we are being watched by not only God, but others, and that we need to be amazing individuals who aren't touched by mental illness, sexual abuse, or homosexuality. We've created created these ridiculous ideologies that we can only fit nicely into these frames" (180).
While trying to say, "I don't find these things taboo to write about," putting the core of my identity into a category with sexual abuse reminds me of the decades I have been arguing with homophobes that queer sexuality is not abuse or pedophilia or bestiality.
you don’t sound confident or assertive by swearing over and over, you just sound like you don’t know how to speak. so much for that creative writing degree.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
From the moment I opened her book and, page by page, experiencing Leah's life, I was engaged with the unfolding events and how she overcame so many adversities. Such a great read! Thankful, I picked up this book and learned more about a woman of color who is also a Muslim in the US.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
So I had no clue who Leah Vernon was. Yes, I had a vague recollection of seeing her somewhere, but I cannot say I am part of her fans. Fashion isn't really my thing, and though I appreciate what she does, I cannot say that I understand this artistic avenue as much as I understand writing.
And, masha Allah, she can write. I was intrigued, I had all the feels. This book is outstanding in the way that it showcases a Muslim life and experience that is more common than we often want to admit. Without holding back she shares all the good AND the bad, and the difficulties she had to overcome to become who she is today: an influencer. And by God, she deserves it all.
And, masha Allah, she can write. I was intrigued, I had all the feels. This book is outstanding in the way that it showcases a Muslim life and experience that is more common than we often want to admit. Without holding back she shares all the good AND the bad, and the difficulties she had to overcome to become who she is today: an influencer. And by God, she deserves it all.
An honest memoir of one young woman's journey through life. An interesting and thought provoking read.
reflective
slow-paced
I bought this because the blurb talked about body positivity, but the book is actually just a kind of shallow person saying mean things about other women and blaming everyone else for her own shortcomings. It was brave to publish something so vulnerable but it might have been good to do a bit more work in therapy first.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Toxic relationship, Blood, Excrement, Religious bigotry, Abortion
Minor: Child abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, Infidelity, Sexual violence