Reviews

A Place for Us: A Memoir by Brandon J. Wolf

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candicanepdx's review

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

5.0

This book is a must-read for anyone who lives in this country. Brandon‘s vulnerable storytelling as he takes us through his journey of loss and tragedy is so powerful. His story teaches us how to find help, strength, and purpose in the darkest of hours. I hope everyone who reads it is just as inspired as I am to carry on Drew and Juan’s legacy of making this world something to be proud of (to quote the author).

I knew Brandon in high school, but we were just acquaintances. He was a year younger than me and we were both in plays and drama class. We both quit the play Footloose in 2003, most likely for different reasons.

Reading about his experience in our shared high school, it was gut-wrenching, but I can now say that it is not surprising to me at all. Years ago it would’ve been, but ever since I started learning about how Black people are treated in America; the police brutality and subsequent protests in Ferguson (and many more places since), I’m no longer shocked by how he was treated. I’m more shocked that I’ll lived in Canby, Oregon for so long without noticing how racist everyone was/is.

Content Warnings

ramblingbard's review

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

3.0

A brief and at times moving coming-of-age story framed by a horrible tragedy. The narrative flows fairly well, although the reader may want to know the individuals introduced in more layers than the ones shared by the author. It is a good book.

amandadinga's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

kathleenesson's review against another edition

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5.0

Brandon, thank you for taking us on your journey and for sharing your story. This memoir was one of the rawest pieces of work I have ever read. I highlighted quote after quote because you so accurately articulated the harsh reality of living with guilt for who you are and life after trauma. I cannot recommend this memoir enough.