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by Vivek Shraya

5 Stars

I’m absolutely not someone who generally reads non-fiction and enjoys it — and honestly, who can blame me when fiction is so much more entertaining than reality? — but if you do not read (or place a hold on) this amazing non-fiction book you are transphobic, misogynistic and racist. I don’t make the rules *sniffs nose and looks haughtily down on you*. OK, fine. Maybe you’re not those things but seriously: GET. THIS. BOOK.

It’s a 96-page book mainly about misogyny affecting Vivek Shraya, the author, and her struggle with inner (and outer) misogyny as a trans woman who was raised and perceived as a gay man. The story follows Vivek throughout different stages of her life and shares short stories of transphobia, over-sexualization and misogyny she’s faced. I’m not going to lie… this book had me on the verge of tears multiple times, which doesn’t happen often. This was an own-voices book (literally a mini life story of the author) so rating it seems somewhat trivial and disrespectful (I can’t exactly say their life was 1 star respectfully) but if I had to give it a rating it would be 5/5, 10/10, 100/100. The writing was beautiful- lyrical — and interacted wonderfully with the reader by asking probing questions that left you dumbfounded and deep in thought. It was a phenomenal queer-feminist read and gave the perspective of someone who was ‘not raised a woman’ (Vivek experienced the oppressor side and does not share the same experiences AFAB women are more prone to) but has experienced both sides of misogyny. Again, 5/5 stars.

Age rating: Mature people
 Trigger warnings: Transphobia, homophobia, misogyny, over-sexualization, mentions of biphobia/bi-erasure, cheating, mentions of sex, body dysmorphia, self-loathing, mentions of (sexual) assault and more. Check for more if you’re sensitive!

Jazleen H.

View in Library Catalogue: Print

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A Long Way Gone

Ishmael Beah

The book A Long Way Gone is an exciting nonfiction story about the life of Ishmael Beah during the civil war in Sierra Leone. With this book being a nonfiction story the entirety of its contents are all from the author Ishmael Beah. The book starts out with Ishmael leaving his village with his brother and friends to go to a talent show. They plan to perform a rap song that they found while watching TV. When they reach the town, things do not go as planned as the RUF (the rebels) attack the town and send all of its inhabitants in every direction. Ishmael does meet up with his brother and friends and continues to travel from town to town to look for his father, but eventually Ishmael Beah is forced to become a child soldier.   

 

A Long Way Gone portrays loss and discovery in amazing and clear detail. From simple scenery to the most sentimental of moments, this book focuses mainly on Ishmael Beah and his struggle with being forced to become a child soldier and how his redemption and eventual reintroduction to society goes. Ishmael Beah did a great job by writing this book and releasing it in a way that both children and adults alike can relate to the stresses and situations portrayed. If you want a great quick read with only twenty one chapters, that will leave you satisfied, then this is the book choice for you. – Michael S. 

View in Library Catalogue: Print l Audio Book