March 15, 2023
The husband of the first out gay presidential candidate to win a statewide election during the presidential nomination process describes the difficulties he faced growing up as a gay kid in conservative Northern Michigan. Born in 1989 and raised near Traverse City with no gay role models except the ones he saw on TV, Buttigieg was steeped in a rural, Christian, predominantly White Republican culture in which being gay was considered evil and disgusting. Although his teachers called him "eccentric" and "unique," it wasn't until middle school that Buttigieg began to realize he was gay. As a teen, he endured bullying--name-calling and physical assault--despite trying hard to meet the standards of acceptable masculinity in his community. It wasn't until a life-changing year in Germany as an exchange student that he began to learn self-acceptance. Buttigieg's voice is clear and honest as he recounts the shame he internalized, his struggle to claim a proud, gay identity, and the challenges he faced while completing his college degree. In this adaptation of his 2020 memoir for adult readers, Buttigieg focuses mostly on his youth and not on his adult life with Mayor Pete. Scenes of both trauma and happiness come to life through his descriptive prose. Throughout, Buttigieg offers advice, such as how to resist comparisons that make us feel inadequate, think about supporting others by being an ally, and choose a post-high school path. A hopeful memoir for teens struggling to fit in and feel safe. (photographs, reflection questions, Trevor Project information) (Memoir. 12-18)
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August 1, 2023
Gr 6 Up-In this YA adaptation of advocate and teacher Buttigieg's memoir, he recounts growing up in rural, conservative northern Michigan where he was simply different. From a quick stint on the basketball team to studying abroad in Germany, he relays stories of how he grew confident in himself and came out as gay, sprinkling tips for navigating the cruel world of adolescents along the way. Buttigieg, husband of former presidential candidate and current U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, discusses his foray into politics and how it helped him realize his voice might be helpful to young people. His advice spans topics of being bullied and teased to how to use one's voice for good, woven seamlessly into each story and never preachy. While nothing new, the vignettes from his youth that accompany these tidbits are entertaining with his flair for humor, while simultaneously touching and can help any reader feel not alone. Each chapter is brief, keeping the pace quick and conversational. Back matter includes a collection of photos spanning Buttigieg's childhood and career. VERDICT A solid pick for any collection where memoir is popular or any growing LGBTQIA+ collection.-Kaitlin Malixi
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