Book Review - Gay Like Me by Richie Jackson

 

Richie Jackson and his first husband had twins boys by a surrogate mother.  They were born 3 months premature and one boy died.  Some years later the dad’s separated and Richie remarried Jordan.  Together they continued to raise their first son and then another.

This book is from Richie to their son explaining life in America from one gay man to another.  Their son is off to college and Dad wants to impart some knowledge to help along the way.  

The writing is very honest and direct.  Dad is very proud to know his son is gay but wants him also to know that America doesn’t see him as an equal…yet.

I appreciated the honesty of this book and Richie’s spirited perspective.

Gay Like Me is available from the Ottawa Public Library.

Book Review - The Story of Silence by Alex Myers

The Story of Silence takes place in England in the 13th century.  It is about a boy named Silence, who is a girl.  Their father raised him as a boy because there was a royal decree that family’s possessions could not be passed to a female.

This book is for those who love fantasy with dragons, wizards and serpents.  I enjoyed reading a transgender story from centuries ago.

The Story of Silence is available at the Ottawa Public Library as a book and as an e-book.

Book Review - Over the Top by Jonathan Van Ness

 

Jonathan Van Ness is a hairstylist, podcaster, comedian and television personality living in New York City.  

As a boy growing up in Midwest USA, he constantly felt he didn’t fit in, was bullied and had to fight to find safety.  Then as a teen and adult he moved into self-destruction mode.  He needed great courage and determination to be himself.  

Jonathan is definitely an extrovert, very outlandish and loves every minute of it.  I enjoyed his stories as they are wild and let you in on a very different perspective.  His perspective helped me to learn and understand. 

Over The Top is available from the Ottawa Public Library as a book, e-book and an audio book.

Book Review - She's My Dad by Jonathon S. Williams

 

 

The author of this book, Jonathan S. Williams, is a pastor at a church in Brooklyn N.Y.  His Dad, Paula Stone Williams, is also a pastor.

 

As a married man, with a young son, Jonathan’s father Paul announces to all the family that he can no longer live as a man.  Paul first told his wife, then his grown daughters and last made the trip from Denver to Brooklyn to speak with his son, Jonathan.

 

All Jonathan’s life he has looked up to his father and followed in his Dad’s footsteps to become a pastor.   His father is his most trusted confidante.  While both men are open to the concept of LGBTQ, this news is devastating to Jonathan. 

 

She’s My Dad includes letters between father and son and describes Jonathan’s grief over losing his Dad and learning to accept his father, Paula.

 

I recommend this book for its insight into transition and how one’s transition affects oneself and each member of a family. 

She's My Dad is available in the Kanata United Church Library.