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thelittlethingsandmore 's review for:
Surviving the White Gaze: A Memoir
by Rebecca Carroll
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada and NetGalley for my advanced readers copies of [b:Surviving the White Gaze: A Memoir|42198554|Surviving the White Gaze A Memoir|Rebecca Carroll|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1601137185l/42198554._SY75_.jpg|65807938] by [a:Rebecca Carroll|276671|Rebecca Carroll|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] in exchange for my honest review.
A powerful memoir recounting Rebecca’s experience as the only Black person in rural New Hampshire. Surviving the White Gaze examines racism and racial identity in America today, while highlighting Rebecca’s resilient story.
Another tough one, but another must-read memoir to add to your list. Carroll’s writing style is both easy-to-read and engaging. Without sharing the whole story, Carroll’s relationships and tough upbringing ultimately showcase the story of her resiliency and strength, as she heals with the support of her chosen Black family.
(potential spoilers ahead)
A lot of this memoir shares background stories of the relationships she shared with both her romantic partners and parents (adoptive and birth). As Carroll grows up and yearns to meet her birth parents, after her reunion with her birth mother, Tess, and time spent together, my heart aches for the toxicity and lack of support Carroll received from Tess. It was also tough to read about the lack of support and education her parents provided to learn about Black culture; as well as the microaggressions and racism she faced growing up as one of/the only Black people in her small town.
Content warning: shooting, suicide, child molestation allegation, self-harm, emotional abuse, manupulation, sexual assault and harrassment, depression, substance abuse, 9/11 mention, adoption, racism, body triggers
A powerful memoir recounting Rebecca’s experience as the only Black person in rural New Hampshire. Surviving the White Gaze examines racism and racial identity in America today, while highlighting Rebecca’s resilient story.
Another tough one, but another must-read memoir to add to your list. Carroll’s writing style is both easy-to-read and engaging. Without sharing the whole story, Carroll’s relationships and tough upbringing ultimately showcase the story of her resiliency and strength, as she heals with the support of her chosen Black family.
(potential spoilers ahead)
Spoiler
A lot of this memoir shares background stories of the relationships she shared with both her romantic partners and parents (adoptive and birth). As Carroll grows up and yearns to meet her birth parents, after her reunion with her birth mother, Tess, and time spent together, my heart aches for the toxicity and lack of support Carroll received from Tess. It was also tough to read about the lack of support and education her parents provided to learn about Black culture; as well as the microaggressions and racism she faced growing up as one of/the only Black people in her small town.
Content warning: shooting, suicide, child molestation allegation, self-harm, emotional abuse, manupulation, sexual assault and harrassment, depression, substance abuse, 9/11 mention, adoption, racism, body triggers