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A review by notesbynnenna
How We Fight For Our Lives by Saeed Jones
5.0
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the free book that I won in a giveaway! | You know when you follow someone online and you feel like you know them a little? Well I'm not saying that I know him at all, but I've followed Jones on Twitter for years, and I've always thought he was hilarious and insightful. I was excited to learn that he was writing a memoir and even more excited when I won a copy in a giveaway!
HOW WE FIGHT FOR OUR LIVES is a memoir about growing up gay, black kid in the South. Let me just start by saying that I thought it was beautifully written. Jones is a poet and he carries that lyricism over into his prose as well. The way he was able to recapture this moments during his childhood and young adulthood was really impressive. He paints such a clear picture of his life that I felt like I was right there in the moment with him. He also writes about his relationship with his mom. I really enjoyed hearing about her- she seems like such a lovely and formidable woman.
He has not lived an easy life and he tackles some difficult topics, including abuse, shame, coming out, and finding yourself. I was heavily invested in learning every detail that he wanted to share. I also appreciated his openness and vulnerability as I imagine it was not an easy story to live and tell and write. It's also not an easy story to read and there were a few parts that had me going "phewwwww" and pausing to gather myself and reflect on what I'd just read.
I just thought this was a really beautiful and touching coming-of-age story. I could see how hard he'd fought and struggled to become the person he is today. If you're a fan of memoirs, I'd highly recommend that you pick this one up.
HOW WE FIGHT FOR OUR LIVES is a memoir about growing up gay, black kid in the South. Let me just start by saying that I thought it was beautifully written. Jones is a poet and he carries that lyricism over into his prose as well. The way he was able to recapture this moments during his childhood and young adulthood was really impressive. He paints such a clear picture of his life that I felt like I was right there in the moment with him. He also writes about his relationship with his mom. I really enjoyed hearing about her- she seems like such a lovely and formidable woman.
He has not lived an easy life and he tackles some difficult topics, including abuse, shame, coming out, and finding yourself. I was heavily invested in learning every detail that he wanted to share. I also appreciated his openness and vulnerability as I imagine it was not an easy story to live and tell and write. It's also not an easy story to read and there were a few parts that had me going "phewwwww" and pausing to gather myself and reflect on what I'd just read.
I just thought this was a really beautiful and touching coming-of-age story. I could see how hard he'd fought and struggled to become the person he is today. If you're a fan of memoirs, I'd highly recommend that you pick this one up.