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mpayne18's review against another edition
3.0
read a LOT faster than Zami, and frankly the text actually read like a memoir. not to shit on Zami, Lorde is a wonderful writer, but i just think nonfiction is NOT the genre for me.
manda2491's review against another edition
4.0
Karla Jay’s memoir provides a portrait of a number of early political movements erupting in 1969 and 1970 for feminist, leftist/student, civil rights, gay liberation, and sexual liberation causes in New York and Los Angeles. She describes early tactics such as consciousness raising groups and dances that were designed to bring about social change through sharing stories and experiences. Yet she also is critical of the movements, detailing how some felt politics justified violence or how sexual freedom pushed the boundaries of consent. Most often, she describes how the ruptures and contradictions in radical groups often sidelined or silenced others (like women, LBT, and POCs). The portraits she provides of many activists and lovers can seem judgmental and even cruel at times, but the memoir serves as an essential glimpse into the radical politics of this era of American history.
finnthehuman217's review against another edition
4.0
I truly love the history of the book but the content is quite dated. I feel like if they did an Edition with audio, that Karla should’ve written about the 20 year gap between the original publication and this recording. It was an okay book.
lancre's review against another edition
3.0
interesting little snapshot, imo, even if kinda outdated in how it talks abt like. trans ppl
strawbrey's review against another edition
4.0
Picked this up from a box of queer literature in Park Slope on a visit to Brooklyn before I moved here. It was a perfection introduction to the history I'm seeking to engage with. Flawed, human stories of flawed humans doing their best to make the world a better place. I know it's only one small slice of what's happened to get us where we are today & where we're going in terms of queer liberation, but Jay never acts as if she's doing anything more than just showing us her small slice of the experience.
mauraco's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
Really fascinating read! Jay recounts both personal and internecine dynamics of the queer liberation movement. Her insights on activism and society were really interesting in light of the current fragmented landscape of radicalism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Police brutality and Mental illness
wentzthisway's review against another edition
I was reading it for a class but didn't finish it in time. It was an interesting read though, and I plan to come back to it.
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