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whatcourtneyreads's review against another edition
5.0
Punch Me Up to the Gods is not a memoir for the sake of writing a memoir, where an author writes 250 pages about their life from start to finish in an act of self-indulgence. Rather, Broome has something really profound to say about the intersections of racism in America, Black masculinity, and sexuality.
Broome takes the reader to some dark places, dwelling long enough that we feel uncomfortable, but there is always a point; a lesson to be learned, rather than simply being a story of a life of trauma. As a white person I feel like there’s always opportunity for learning, and I had a lot of moments of reflection on how sometimes without meaning to, we can become complicit just by saying or doing nothing, usually because we don’t *know* what to say or do.
As well as the power of Broome’s message, he is an exceptional writer. I understand that this book has won several awards, and I’m honestly not surprised. His words are like poetry, and at times I almost forgot that what I was reading was non-fiction. I found myself hoping by the end that one day he will write fiction, as his beautiful prose would serve it well.
I’m yet to read anything but glowing reviews for this book, and here’s another one to add to the pile!
Broome takes the reader to some dark places, dwelling long enough that we feel uncomfortable, but there is always a point; a lesson to be learned, rather than simply being a story of a life of trauma. As a white person I feel like there’s always opportunity for learning, and I had a lot of moments of reflection on how sometimes without meaning to, we can become complicit just by saying or doing nothing, usually because we don’t *know* what to say or do.
As well as the power of Broome’s message, he is an exceptional writer. I understand that this book has won several awards, and I’m honestly not surprised. His words are like poetry, and at times I almost forgot that what I was reading was non-fiction. I found myself hoping by the end that one day he will write fiction, as his beautiful prose would serve it well.
I’m yet to read anything but glowing reviews for this book, and here’s another one to add to the pile!
savvystory's review against another edition
5.0
I don’t think I’ve read a memoir like this before. Brian Broome manages to be honest about painful and embarrassing moments without being melodramatic. Heart wrenching without being cheesy. Inspiring and deep without relying on platitudes. His descriptions of things hit you in the gut, and you can imagine exactly how things felt. This is a perfect portrait of intersectionality. His empathy opens up the story to include the experience of his mom and Black women, his dad and Black men surviving white America, all while holding the edges of his unique experience as a gay, Black man.
journeytoreader's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
acechemicals's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
samantha_refvik's review against another edition
5.0
I do believe this was the best memoir I have ever read
erinthelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fantastic and devastating memoir. Broome is GenX so his younger years grappling with his developing homosexuality was very rough all around, within his family and amongst his fellow Black students. His particular exclusionary life is heart breaking and eye opening. The intersection of race, masculinity and sexuality is very challenging in the Black community - especially due to how important religion is. I learned a lot and Brian's voice was strong and inspiring.
imchelsi's review
challenging
informative
reflective
4.0
I don't read very much nonfiction but this was a heartwrenching and critical look at what it means to be black and gay, the the concept of masculinity as a whole. I really enjoyed the format and the culmination was very effective.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent