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carriepond's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
In Hijab Butch Blues, author Lamya H intermingles stories from the Quran and their own experiences growing up queer and Muslim, first in the Middle East and then, as an adult, in the United States after moving for college.
This was a great memoir. The author very eloquently discusses the feeling that persisted throughout their life of not quite fitting-- not quite fitting in growing up in the Middle East with dark brown skin and less wealth than schoolmates, and not quite fitting with the queer communities and Muslim communities after moving for the United States. There are also a lot of great reflections on coming out, the risks and rewards of that decision, and whether queer people need to be out to live, as someone told the author, "an authentically gay life." And along with these great reflections, we hear Lamya's own story, which is earnest and honest.
Recommend for folks who like memoirs, especially queer or coming-of-age memoirs.
This was a great memoir. The author very eloquently discusses the feeling that persisted throughout their life of not quite fitting-- not quite fitting in growing up in the Middle East with dark brown skin and less wealth than schoolmates, and not quite fitting with the queer communities and Muslim communities after moving for the United States. There are also a lot of great reflections on coming out, the risks and rewards of that decision, and whether queer people need to be out to live, as someone told the author, "an authentically gay life." And along with these great reflections, we hear Lamya's own story, which is earnest and honest.
Recommend for folks who like memoirs, especially queer or coming-of-age memoirs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia
Moderate: Racism, Transphobia, and Homophobia
Minor: Physical abuse, Child abuse, and Infidelity
notartgarfunkel's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Islamophobia, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Racial slurs, Suicidal thoughts, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Transphobia
Minor: Ableism and Classism
caseythereader's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Thanks to The Dial Press for the free copy of this book.
- HIJAB BUTCH BLUES is a landmark work of queer memoir. Lamya H. weaves her own experiences as a queer person of color in with stories from the Quran, reframing the ancient stories into new contexts.
- It’s rare to see the story of a queer person who holds onto their faith after coming out, and it’s quite a breath of fresh air to follow Lamya as she builds her life and her faith into a shape that works for her.
- Honestly, nothing I say here can do this book justice. It’s a must read for anyone interested and invested in queer lives.
- HIJAB BUTCH BLUES is a landmark work of queer memoir. Lamya H. weaves her own experiences as a queer person of color in with stories from the Quran, reframing the ancient stories into new contexts.
- It’s rare to see the story of a queer person who holds onto their faith after coming out, and it’s quite a breath of fresh air to follow Lamya as she builds her life and her faith into a shape that works for her.
- Honestly, nothing I say here can do this book justice. It’s a must read for anyone interested and invested in queer lives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Racism, Classism, Suicidal thoughts, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Cursing, Islamophobia, Misogyny, Transphobia, and Xenophobia
yesmarisareads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
5.0
What an honor it is that Lamya H shared their story with us in this beautiful and vulnerable memoir. She is a gifted storyteller, bringing to life numerous friends, family members, and bad dates alongside figures from the Quran. Lamya's journey navigating their faith and queerness resonated strongly with me, particularly her complex relationship with her family and community. Their writing style is both sharp and warm, witty and earnest. Hijab Butch Blues was a delight to read and I already want more!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Racism
Minor: Domestic abuse and Transphobia
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