Reviews tagging 'Racism'

Punch Me Up to the Gods by Brian Broome

38 reviews

remimicha's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

4.75


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kalifer's review against another edition

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challenging reflective medium-paced

3.5


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pucksandpaperbacks's review against another edition

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CW: Domestic and emotional abuse, f-slur, racism, racial slurs, death of a parent, grease + house fire, child abuse, drug use (cocaine), alcohol, alcoholism, misyogny, toxic masculinity, religious bigotry, homophobia, bullying, sexual harassment, internalized racism, internalized homophobia, fatphobic comments

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aus10england's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

4.75

Wow, did this hit. What a brilliant memoir about black queer identity. 

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caitlancole's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

The heaviest, rawest memoir I’ve ever read — and I think the most important. The audiobook was exquisitely done and moved me to tears. I am in awe of Brian Broome. 

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honeyvoiced's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad

4.0


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planning2read's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

4.5


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ladydi412's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative reflective medium-paced

5.0


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d0505's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

4.0


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jrosebartoli415's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

This was such a beautiful memoir. Broome writes about his life growing up as a queer Black boy in Ohio and his coming of age story in Ohio and Pittsburgh. The way he details his specific emotions throughout these different life experiences was really powerful. The theme throughout was really one of trying to be what everyone else wants you to be, striving to meet those expectations (spoken or unspoken), and finally resolving to rest confidently in himself as he is. "I knew I could never be what they all needed me to be" was such a turning point and really resonated with me. In addition to that section, there were two moments in the story that really stood out to me and made me tear up: earlier in the novel, Broome tells a story about a coworker named Denise who supported him and she's one of several in "the mosaic of Black women who have saved my life." It was beautiful to hear him reflect back on his life to see the women that were important throughout his life even if he didn't necessarily see their significance at the time. My favorite part though was his short description of laughing when crying. It was poetry and very emotive: "laughing through a deep ache," the mix of joy and sadness. 

Would definitely recommend this memoir, and the audiobook was great. 

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