Be a Creator. Video Narrative Documentary. Music How To. Visual Photo. Lifestyle Life Health Beauty. Culture Music Art Fashion. Be a Creator Join. He eloquently writes about coming out to his mother; growing up in Houston, Texas; being approached for the priesthood; his obstacles in embracing intimacy that occasionally led to unfortunate fights with fire ants and maybe fleas; and the persistent challenges of young people who feel marginalized and denied the chance to pursue their dreams.
Over the course of 17 pieces, Arceneaux explores his experiences as a black, gay man and Catholic Southerner identities frequently at odds with each other. Arceneaux recalls praying to Jesus to "cure" him of his homosexuality as a teenager in Houston, and later being "recruited" for priesthood as a college student at Howard University, noting at that period in his life he saw his future self as "something more along the lines of Katie Couric with a dick.
At other times I couldn't quite identify, since while I faced my share of bullying and disapproval related to my sexuality when I was growing up and moving into adulthood, those feelings weren't also couched in the expectations of an entire race or the devotion of religion.
Arceneaux's voice is so vivid in this book; it almost felt like he was reading the essays to me at times. I'd imagine if he reads his own audiobook it would be quite fun to listen to.
While he has faced many challenges in his life, in part, they made him the insightful, emotionally astute, and funny-as-hell person he is today, and I'm thankful he was willing to share his story with us. See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria. View all 23 comments. Jan 15, Jenna rated it really liked it Shelves: lgbtqia , memoir-biography.
When I saw the title of this book, before even reading the synopsis, I knew i had to read it. I'd never heard of Michael Arceneaux prior to this book, and so I wasn't familiar with his writing.
He's hysterical! I really enjoyed reading this memoir; his sarcastic and dry humor made this a very fun memoir to read. A couple of times, I go When I saw the title of this book, before even reading the synopsis, I knew i had to read it. A couple of times, I got bored reading about the men he dated and would have preferred hearing more about his childhood and his thoughts on religion and politics instead of dick that's not a homophobic thing -- that's a lesbian thing; just not interested in hearing about them!
However, it was still enjoyable to read. Michael was raised by a devout Catholic mother and an abusive father. His wit and sarcasm are prevalent throughout, inducing many chuckles and outright belly laughs. It is an insightful book as well, shedding light on the particular issues and obstacles placed in the path of an African American gay man. All in all, this is an informative and fun book to read. Jul 25, Jennifer rated it really liked it Shelves: adult-content , male-pov , rdn , lgbtq , memoir-biography-autobiography , read , reviewed-per-request , stand-alone-novel , arc-atria-books , essays.
Although Arceneaux is a seasoned writer, this is his first published book and it is filled with life experiences related to family, race, sexuality, religion, politics, culture, LGBTQ community From childhood to adulthood, it's there.
Honest, funny, sensitive, heartbreaking, perspective-altering, and unapologetically in your face. I did say funny, right? It's worth mentioning again. His humor generously takes the edge off all the emotional scarring he has endured. Arceneaux shares that it wasn't easy growing up as Black and gay with no support system, and having his very identity translated into damaging messages that had to be unlearned. Well, being a Houston, Texas native herself, and an individual who stands firm in who she is regardless of any opposition, Arceneaux has gained strength from her strength.
After reading the essay he devoted to her, I can completely understand why. With fifteen essays plus an engaging introduction and epilogue , Arceneaux covers a variety of topics that will surely provide readers with validation, hope, and a sense of community. This was my first experience with Michael Arceneaux's writing but it certainly won't be my last.
Talent, perspective, and smiles. It's a winner! View 1 comment. May 26, Erin rated it liked it Shelves: netgalley , kindle , non-fiction.
Contender for fave memoir title of Although not familiar with the work of Michael Arceneaux, I was intrigued to explore this collection of memoir essays. Even though this book didn't have me rolling on the floor with belly laughs, I enjoyed the feel of the book.
But I guess if we were really having coffee I would probably be shushing him to stop talking about his blowjobs. Book will be published in July Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review.
View all 4 comments. Dec 19, Patrick Hackett rated it it was ok. Honestly, this book read like a cross between a long-winded gchat conversation and a celebrity memoir. Being that the author is both not famous and not my friend, I really struggled to get through this one. Michael Arceneaux grapples with these questions very thoughtfully on many levels: as a "recovering Catholic," as a gay child of a religious mother, as an adult child of an alcoholic and abusive father, as a black gay man in a white dominated gay culture, etc.
I found this to be very moving, and I admire how he unfolded the story, adding layers and nuances as each chapter progressed. This book is definitely funny at times, but I would say that is not the overall tone of the book.
If that is your expectation, I think you would be disappointed or confused, so I wanted to clarify that despite the comedic tone of the title itself which is great, btw , this is not a humorous memoir or an ironic take on pop culture. Rather, there are funny moments and observations about pop culture that are incorporated into the larger personal story he is telling. All told, I really enjoyed this, particularly the religious aspects, and am excited to read more from him in the future.
Also, big cosign on a wholesale rejection of Beytheism. Life is too short. You need not be black, gay, or a man to enjoy the keen observations noted in Michael Arceneaux's book. However, if you are either or all three of these attributes, the better the ride. In his memoir, he digs into the daily nuances, joys, and hypocrisies granted in one's life as those attributes add spice. He knocks down hypersexual stereotypes placed upon gay men of color. He embraces his obsession with Beyonce.
He faces the challenge of a religion that refuses to acknowledge his existence, even You need not be black, gay, or a man to enjoy the keen observations noted in Michael Arceneaux's book. He faces the challenge of a religion that refuses to acknowledge his existence, even in the eyes of his religious mother.
While he's humorous, do not think for a moment that the story's a laugh a minute. He's earnest. He's true, and sometimes, his discussions, especially his relationship with his father, breaks one's heart I related all too well. As a former Catholic, like him, I too grappled with my sexuality and the church. But, unlike him, I came out later than him and I'm grateful he found his voice and refused to silence it.
This uplifting and thought-provoking collection provides an excellent introduction to the anti-racist movement. It's a useful resource for students of civil rights, educators, and librarians, and makes a perfect gift for activists and allies inspired by Black Lives Matter. Hidden Mercy Author : Michael J.
A young priest sees himself in the many gay men dying from AIDS and grapples with how best to respond, eventually coming out as gay and putting his own career on the line. A gay Catholic with HIV loses his partner to AIDS and then flees the church, focusing his energy on his own health rather than fight an institution seemingly rejecting him. Set against the backdrop of the HIV and AIDS epidemic of the late twentieth century and the Catholic Church's crackdown on gay and lesbian activists, journalist Michael O'Loughlin searches out the untold stories of those who didn't look away, who at great personal cost chose compassion--even as he seeks insight for LGBTQ people of faith struggling to find a home in religious communities today.
This is one journalist's--gay and Catholic himself--compelling picture of those quiet heroes who responded to human suffering when so much of society--and so much of the church--told them to look away. These pure acts of compassion and mercy offer us hope and inspiration as we continue to confront existential questions about what it means to be Americans, Christians, and human beings responding to those most in need.
Summer has come to Atlantic City but the boardwalk is empty of tourists, the casino lights have dimmed, and two Jane Does are laid out in the marshland behind the Sunset Motel, just west of town. Meanwhile, Clara, a young boardwalk psychic, struggles to attract clients for the tarot readings that pay her rent. When she begins to experience very real and disturbing visions, she suspects they could be related to the recent cases of women gone missing in town.
When Clara meets Lily, an ex-Soho art gallery girl who is working at a desolate casino spa and reeling from a personal tragedy, she thinks Lily may be able to help her. But Lily has her own demons to face. Can they break the ill-fated cycle, or will they join the other victims? Evocative, eerie, and compelling, Please See Us is a fast-paced psychological thriller that explores the intersection of womanhood, power, and violence.
In high school they were the perfect couple—until the day Georgia left Leo in the cold Hockey player Leo Trevi has spent the last six years trying to do two things: get over the girl who broke his heart, and succeed in the NHL.
Georgia is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional, but when a press conference microphone catches Leo declaring his feelings for her, things get really personal, really fast The College Adventure Handbook provides what every college student needs most: practical tips blended with spiritual commentary designed to help faith-filled students stay on track.
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