A review by emilyinherhead
Another Word for Love: A Memoir by Carvell Wallace

4.0

I loved listening to Carvell Wallace interviewed on The Stacks this past May when the book was coming out, and I knew I needed to get a copy after several of my favorite online book people started calling it one of their favorites of the year. It’s pretty weighty, but that isn’t a surprise; the first sentence of the publisher’s synopsis refers to “the struggles and beauty of growing up Black and queer in America.” And this is kind of how the book is laid out: the first part, “Stories About Loss,” focuses on the struggles and injustices Carvell faced as a young person, and then the second and third, “Stories About God” and “Stories About Reunion,” dig into the beautiful aspects glimmering amidst the hardship. And Carvell’s writing! My god. It’s gorgeous.

Every day someone tries to teach me that we are ugly. Every day I have to remember that we are not. This is why I spend so much time with my eyes closed and my face dappled by the afternoon sun. I am remembering that we are beautiful. (38-39)

Parts of this book gave me Ross Gay vibes, which is maybe the highest compliment I can offer? It’s thoughtful and genuine and meaty, and begs to be pondered and savored—the type of work that will reveal more of itself with repeated readings. I’m happy to have a copy on my shelf to revisit over time.