A review by nordstina
Pretty: A Memoir by KB Brookins

4.0

Pretty is a raw and moving memoir by KB Brookins, a Black trans poet. They highlight the intersections between race, gender, and size. They were adopted relatively young and much of their childhood in Texas is spent in the church. Much of their community revolved around the church, but they were consistently being told they were not acting enough like a girl. KB is sexually abused starting at a very young age, which is not acknowledged by others. Interspersed throughout this memoir are poems. As Brookins is a poet, these are a great addition to the overall arch of the book. While much of the book is focused on their interactions with the world, they also highlight challenges going through the world as a fat, black, trans individual. Each identity comes with their own oppression and stereotypes. They talk about how the publishing world is not properly highlighting these stories and individuals. They write about how masculinity is embodied by others and how it is learned. A moving (and frustrating section) is about them trying to navigate the world of reproductive health as someone who still needs to see a ob/gyn- are there gender specific bathrooms? no, I am calling for an appointment for myself. That is my legal name, but please use my preferred name (and still proceeds to be called by their dead name). It is infuriating, but not surprising. 

Thank you to Knopf via NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for honest review.