Reviews

Leaving Isn't the Hardest Thing by Lauren Hough

Only show reviews with written explanations

leducgrace2's review

3.0

It was good for what it was. I am not really a fan of essays but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and learning more about Lauren’s story. However, there were parts where I wish she would have gone into more depth and elaborated on what was happening in certain parts of her story. Instead, the reader is left kind of piecing things together as the story jumps around through different time frames. I felt that the story was empty at key moments that would have had a more last impression on the reader if it were to be followed more acutely.

ela_lee_'s review

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4.0

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. The beginning was a little slow and I can’t remember much, but ended with (by far) the two best essays, “Cable Guy” and “Everything That’s Beautiful Breaks My Heart.” And her essay about taking ecstasy for the first time. I found "Cable Guy" particularly interesting as it discussed the author’s 10+ year career as a cable tech in a male dominated, working class industry. Her bizarre stories of visiting dozens of peoples’ homes per day, sexual harassment at work, less pay, judgment from clients, and how something as simple as needing an official bathroom break threw off her entire work day.

I don’t think I realized what this book was about when I added it to my wish list, but it was less about escaping a cult and more about being a closeted lesbian for many years, partially due to being raised in a religious sex cult, joining the military, and living in the South Western US.

Especially when read in her own voice, Hough has a very sarcastic, dead pan, and pessimistic sense of humor. I didn’t always look forward to picking this book up, but when I started reading I was into it. I like how Hough admires her own strength as a child for never fully giving in to the church and her superiors: she didn’t allow the other members to sexual assault her the way I’m sure they did with many others, and she always knew she deserved the same rights as males.

Overall, a very unique and often sinister look into a real LGBTQ+ person's confusing and depressing life...with a glimmer and reminder of hope.

biscuithead's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

ignore the people who gave it 1 or 2 star reviews they have worms for brains. This is an incredibly nuanced and interesting collection of essays about a lesbian ex-military ex-cult former incarcerated who lived in many countries. My "favorite" bits were about her bouncer and blue collar job days and dealing with her mental health. And hearing her describe her past relationships. I haven't read Stone Butch Blues yet but based on vibes this feels like it's in conversation with that.

Content Warnings

moxiemin's review

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dark emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

3.5

Content Warnings

aylise's review against another edition

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challenging dark slow-paced

2.5

i hope this was cathartic for the author because it was frankly traumatizing for me

beardedbarista's review

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4.0

This book was pretty devastating. Gritty. Honest. And while there is some drama with the author this is the rating I would give this book without it. Seems like there must have been a laspse of judgement and we all do that. This book is a book folks should read and learn from. I kinda hate that it's rating is being marred by those that have not read it and are just hate-rating. Would love to discuss further with anyone willing?
Thanks to the all powerful PRHAUDIO for allowing me to listen to this complimentary from their VolumesApp.