2021: An excellent perspective on growing up while never feeling comfortable with yourself, from a person who is not finished growing up yet.

Here's the deal - I'm not ready to read any memoirs that have been written by anyone younger than me. A twenty-seven year old is barely scraping past the acceptable "let me tell you what I've learned" age. So much of this book revolves around Tobia's time in college, and they've barely just made it past their five year reunion. That's not enough reflection time!

That being said, I think this might be the first book I've ever read by a non-binary author. We all have blind spots, and Tobia definitely helped me investigate some of mine. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to add more trans authors to their TBR lists.

Tobia was thoughtful and thorough in their renditions of what it was like growing up genderqueer - I really felt like I had a glimpse into what they were feeling. But they ultimately missed the mark on some of their takes on their academic journey (I'm ... sorry? that you got into Harvard and ... didn't go?!) and I'm still a little uncertain on what Tobia actually DOES (outside of just walking about in high heels).

What was crazy was the ending and how firmly Tobia reestablished that being a part of their church was better for them than moving away from a community that really never brought them much comfort / acceptance / love. That all sounds a little brainwashy to me, but I have my own issues with the Church and living in the South anyway.

+1 for the Tough Mudder roasts, they made me LAUGH OUT LOUD.