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A review by ambershelf
Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H
5.0
HIJAB BUTCH BLUES is a stunning and powerful memoir chronicling Lamya's journey as a queer Muslim growing up in the Middle East and living in America. From realizing she's gay at 14, immigrating to the US, to struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts, Lamya's story is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
One of the most poignant aspects of the memoir is Lamya's discussion of racism & colorism and how it affected her growing up. As a brown-skinned woman who wears a hijab, she was often viewed as a threat and struggled with hating herself and her skin color. Her experiences are heartwrenching, and I feel so much empathy for her experience.
One of the most significant themes of the memoir is how religion helped Lamya gain strength and power. The discussions of her faith are a refreshing change from the often-negative portrayals of Muslims in the media. The memoir is a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to religion and that it can be a source of strength and comfort for people from all walks of life.
Another fascinating aspect of the memoir is Lamya's discussion of gender and religion. She explores gender nonconformity and how it relates to her faith & finding her God. Her interpretations of the Quran and her questions about why these stories are interpreted a certain way are thought-provoking and engaging.
Finally, the memoir also delves into the harmful effects of people telling others how to be "authentically" gay or queer. Lamya recounts instances of people giving her unsolicited advice on transitioning or coming out to her parents. These moments are a reminder that the LGBTQIA+ community is not a monolith and that people's experiences & identities are unique.
HIJAB BUTCH BLUES is not chronological, and I had to pay extra attention when listening to the audiobook. But Lamya does a fantastic job blending the biography and essays. It feels natural and seamless to shift from her exploration of gender and identity to the stories in the Quran.
HIJAB BUTCH BLUES is a poignant and powerful memoir that sheds light on the experiences of a queer Muslim in America. It's an essential own-voice work that challenges stereotypes and provides a much-needed perspective on religion, identity, and community.
One of the most poignant aspects of the memoir is Lamya's discussion of racism & colorism and how it affected her growing up. As a brown-skinned woman who wears a hijab, she was often viewed as a threat and struggled with hating herself and her skin color. Her experiences are heartwrenching, and I feel so much empathy for her experience.
One of the most significant themes of the memoir is how religion helped Lamya gain strength and power. The discussions of her faith are a refreshing change from the often-negative portrayals of Muslims in the media. The memoir is a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to religion and that it can be a source of strength and comfort for people from all walks of life.
Another fascinating aspect of the memoir is Lamya's discussion of gender and religion. She explores gender nonconformity and how it relates to her faith & finding her God. Her interpretations of the Quran and her questions about why these stories are interpreted a certain way are thought-provoking and engaging.
Finally, the memoir also delves into the harmful effects of people telling others how to be "authentically" gay or queer. Lamya recounts instances of people giving her unsolicited advice on transitioning or coming out to her parents. These moments are a reminder that the LGBTQIA+ community is not a monolith and that people's experiences & identities are unique.
HIJAB BUTCH BLUES is not chronological, and I had to pay extra attention when listening to the audiobook. But Lamya does a fantastic job blending the biography and essays. It feels natural and seamless to shift from her exploration of gender and identity to the stories in the Quran.
HIJAB BUTCH BLUES is a poignant and powerful memoir that sheds light on the experiences of a queer Muslim in America. It's an essential own-voice work that challenges stereotypes and provides a much-needed perspective on religion, identity, and community.