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I found Kate Bornstein's journey fascinating, but I wish she'd talked more about her time as a Scientologist. I can also understand why members of various LGBTQ communities find her writing offensive, but I think that reading about her experiences could also help people who are struggling with their own gender identity.

I‘m on a streak of queer memoirs today, it seems. Kate Bornstein is just a phenomenal writer with a completely unique voice. That is all my sleep deprived brain can articulate at the moment. Someone tell my insomnia to take a smoke break or something.

I think what Kate does for gender-norms/issues/understanding is an amazing thing! I didn‘t realize how apropos this books would be right now. The Scientology bit was a tad crazy, but Kate has had an interesting life, which makes them an amazing individual that fights for those that are still treated as unequal.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I‘ve been enjoying my pile of #LGBTQ+ books and I‘m finishing off with an #ebook. The cover drew me in. ❤️#currentlyreading

I‘m not sure why but my hatred for this book was strong. Not sure why I bothered finishing it. Still bitter I spent good money on it.

This was an enjoyable memoir. I didn‘t really know what to expect as I didn‘t know of Kate Bornstein before. The subtitle is what made me read it. It‘s dark and funny a little slow at times but overall enjoyed it! I also learned a little bit about Scientology and some new perspectives. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Week 1 goals met! Because of audiobooks I‘m crushing my book goal. Not sure if I‘ll finish my fourth book tonight but will by tomorrow night.

Finishing the week with a fire and looking forward to my rest day tomorrow!
#BFC #bookfitnesschallenge #week1 #checkin @wanderinglynn @mcipher @BeckyB @DebbieGrillo @Lucy_Anywhere @okthislooksbad @twohectobooks @Books.Bottles.and.Babies

June has been a great month! I joined this awesome community which has inspired me to read more! I think the world would be a better place if we all read more. Still finishing up Queer and Pleasant Danger but hoping to finish before July!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The subtitle says it all! Bornstein is a darkly humorous & enchanting storyteller. She‘s been through some shit & is so brave, but at times, self destructive. In a world that generally doesn‘t understand her, she persists & succeeds. This isn‘t like any memoir I‘ve read before & I‘ve truly gained some perspective. Isn‘t that the beauty of reading? Learning about other people‘s experiences is vital. Empathy is cool. Empathy is necessary.

▶️? Listing to the tagged book while prepping for my son‘s Pokémon party this weekend. Can‘t believe my first baby will be 7 Friday!! I made these easy, but time-consuming Pikachu treat bags for his little buds. ?

Wow this book was a ride. Although, of course, the title warned me about that. So, thoughts:

First of all, this is a book to go into with prior experience with trans terminology, theory, other authors and perspectives. Bornstein is a FANTASTIC writer but that doesn‘t mean she doesn‘t have flaws. I can‘t say I agree with all of her politics, but the fun she has with gender and life in general makes this worth a pick.
#lgbtbooks #queerlit

Workin my way through this rn, really enjoying it!
#transpride #lgbtbooks #queerlit

Subtitled: The True Story of a Nice Jewish Boy Who Joins the Church of Scientology and Leaves Twelve Years Later to Become the Lovely Lady She is Today. This sounds fascinating! #startswithq #maybookflowers

Hi folks, I wanted to see if any Litsy people are interested in starting up a #litsygoespostal group specifically focussed on queer and trans books? If you're interested let me know in the comments and/or email me at bibliogeekery@gmail.com. I'd also love some insight on how to organize one of these groups as I've not done one ( @MrBook @BookishFeminist @Soubhiville etc). #queerbooks #transbooks

I took the #readharder challenge, stepped out of my box and read more diverse books this year. For 2017, I already have many more on my #tbr. Keep those recommendations coming, Litsy! #weneeddiversebooks #seasonsreadings2016 @RealLifeReading

"Do whatever it takes to make your life more worth living, just don't be mean."

I quickly took this photo when I met Kate Bornstein at Temple in 2009 and she gave me one of her "Get Out of Hell Free" cards. She's just as funny and fiery as you'd expect.

I squealed a little bit when I read that Auntie Kate's first apartment in Philly (after leaving Scientology, ending a third marriage, beginning her transition, and in the middle of this badass trailblazing memoir) was across the street from my favorite dive, 2 blocks from my workplace! #phillyreads #Philadelphia

Bornstein chronicles her time spent in (and escape from) Scientology, her exploration of her own gender identity, and the darker aspects of her life (addiction, anorexia, sadomasochism, suicide attempts). It's candid, gritty, dark; yet Bornstein's humor often has you laughing where you feel like you shouldn't. Provides lots of first-person insight into early feminist and trans rights movements. #TheLiteraryOthers #transgender #lgbT #queer #memoir