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Holy moly did Ma-Nee live through some terrible terrible shit. Her empathy, compassion, and generosity shine through. I found the tough parts really tough to listen to and so it‘s my third pick for #CanadaReads winner this year.

3 ⭐. #CanadaReads2025
Triggers: physical and sexual abuse

Might be my top pick for Canada Reads this year. The trauma and devastation this woman survived, yet the way she turned the pain into empathy and compassion, is the most exceptional show of defiance. “Even today, when I am grateful to lead a peaceful and happy life, there are moments when I feel anger, bitterness, and regret. But those feelings only make me miserable, and I don't want to live like that.” Not the best writing, but worth the read.

This is not an easy read but it is an inspiring one. Ma-Nee experienced multiple episodes of violence and abuse, racism, homophobia, and homelessness. Her ability to forgive and to release the bitterness and anger towards those who caused her harm is beautiful and hard won. This may not be the best written narrative but it is an amazing one. #CanadaReads

First book completed for #CanadaReads 2025

The title suggests that this memoir will focus on Ma-Nee Chacaby's journey as a Two-Spirit person, but that is only one part of the much larger story of her life. Born in the 1950s in a tuberculosis sanitorium, this powerful memoir tells an (almost*) complete story of life as an Indigenous woman in Ontario, with all the traumas and triumphs therein.

Cont'd in commments

A really well done and engaging memoir retelling a life filled with pain, hardship, and triumph. I highly recommend this read, but it comes with strong content warnings for alcoholism, drug use, child abuse, rape, assault, homophobia, racism, torture, domestic abuse, child death, and other content that may be difficult for some readers. #LGBTQ #FirstNations #Memoir #Nonfiction #Disabilities

Did some audio painting today! Yes, I‘m still working on this project. I‘m not great at getting things done 😅 #AudioCrafting #LitsyCrafters #Painting

Trigger warning for everything. This is Ma-Nee Chacaby's memoir not just of her life as a lesbian Indigenous woman but also as a survivor of horrific abuse and addiction. It's an important read, but you'll want to proceed with caution if you've lived through anything similar.

The book also includes a detailed afterward about Indigenous told-to memoirs and how this particular account fits into the genre. #canada150 #queerbooks