I picked this book up kind of at random because I just needed an audiobook to get through at work, and I am so so glad I did. This is by far one of the best things I've read (listened to) this year. Usually I only listen to audiobooks when I'm working or driving, but I found myself picking this up whenever I had time because I was always so excited for more.

This is a travel memoir of Samantha Allen's experience driving across America to specific LGBT+ havens in red states that went for Trump in 2016. I think I expected a bit more travel and less memoir, but I thought it was so wonderfully done. Every place she went was fascinating and it's so obvious she's a journalist. Each location almost felt like an individual article, although part of a collective whole.

One thing I liked about this book was how happy and optimistic it was. Allen definitely discusses serious topics and doesn't shy away from that. There is a lot of negativity directed at transwomen and Allen covers bathroom bills and Trump's military ban, among many others, but she's focused on the positive in this book. She's focused on houses that support LGBT+ youth and clubs where everyone is welcome and coffee shops run by caring transwomen. She showcases the positivity and support of these places that a lot of people might not expect in conservative America.

I'm struggling to get down my thoughts on this book in part because it's been a few weeks since I read it, but also because it was just good. Like this was just one of those all around good books. Well written and interesting and so worth your time. I really can't recommend this enough. It's not a difficult or dark read (although definitely trigger warnings for prejudice against LGBT+ people). It's just good journalism. Good writing. Good stories. A really, really good book.