A review by nordstina
Handsome: Stories of an Awkward Girl Boy Human by Holly Lorka

emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

4.0

Handsome is a lively collection of essays from Holly Lorka, ranging from incredibly poignant to laugh out loud funny (which is quite the balance to strike!). From an early age, she felt like something was missing- namely a penis. She was attracted to girls, but wanted to be a boy with them. She chronicles her journey to self-acceptance, highlighting relationships and experiences she's had along the way. With essays that can be about a rather serious topic, she will drop a one-liner, that is just perfect and hilarious. I also appreciated her clear enjoyment with being a nurse: how challenging, but rewarding the profession can be. The standout essay of Handsome is a transcript of her talk at Bedpost Confessions where she calls the baggage she carries through her life as loose change- something you would not think about all the time, but it is always there. One can imagine why she received a standing ovation after reading it. Highly recommend this joyous and moving essay collection. 

Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for providing me with an advance reader copy for review.