jenniferbbookdragon's review
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
An introspective series of essays on gender, sexuality, nature, relationships, and life in the Midwest, this book is honest and raw. As a fellow Wisconsin native, I recognize the deep connection to the earth, the stoic nature of the culture, and the fish fries and potlucks that are much of life in communities across our state. The challenge of being different from the expectations in a small town, and how that upbringing followed the author into larger, more liberal cities ties reflections on everything from guns, moths, to the choice to have children.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Homophobia, Dysphoria, Lesbophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Drug use, and Sexual content
BDSMbrandi_an's review
5.0
This one really got to me. It’s so beautifully written and the way each essay comes together is so moving. Definitely recommend.
sam_griffin's review
informative
medium-paced
3.5
Interesting essay topics. After this and stick season really feeling robbed having no Midwest American moment
caedocyon's review
2.0
Yeah, I'm done with this. Not interesting, not as novel as she thinks she is, too fucking long. One little idea has been pulled like taffy into a thin 35-page essay, over and over.
I read:
"The Finger of God"
"Tomboy" - ok, like, as a fellow bisexual genderqueer butch, I *get* it, but this doesn't even get to the level of a good twitter thread. Stop moping and change your fucking name, your pain and ambivalence isn't that profound.
"Switch-Hitter"
Half of "Meat and Potatoes" - good description of being flogged, but this is impressively boring for being a personal essay about BDSM.
I read:
"The Finger of God"
"Tomboy" - ok, like, as a fellow bisexual genderqueer butch, I *get* it, but this doesn't even get to the level of a good twitter thread. Stop moping and change your fucking name, your pain and ambivalence isn't that profound.
"Switch-Hitter"
Half of "Meat and Potatoes" - good description of being flogged, but this is impressively boring for being a personal essay about BDSM.
chamilton3396's review
3.0
With the exception of the tornado and moth exposition, remarkable. Speaks beautifully of the Drift less area from which I was also raised.
sarahjudithweiss's review
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
This book helped me unlocked so many parts of myself. Melissa’s essays are both deeply personal and SO relatable.
While sharing her evolution as a queer person growing up in the Midwest - from a beautiful place based perspective- I found the authors invitation to explore, honor, grieve and find joy in my own evolution.
While sharing her evolution as a queer person growing up in the Midwest - from a beautiful place based perspective- I found the authors invitation to explore, honor, grieve and find joy in my own evolution.