Voices Carry: A Story of Teaching, Transitions, & Truths by Raven OakMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, and I won a copy via a Goodreads giveaway, as always my opinions are my own.
I always find hard to to rate and review a biography or memoir because it feels weird to rate review someone's life experience. I want to be careful to not give opinions on the person's life and choices, but more about the writing style, personal enjoyment, and if I learned anything from the book and if I got to know the person the book is about. I will attempt to do that here.
I previously read 2 of Oak's short story collections and really enjoyed them. When I saw that they were coming out with a memoir I was intrigued, as most authors use their life experiences in their writing. This doesn't hold back and really lets you into Oak's life. There are some tough parts to get through but the author puts appropriate trigger warnings in the book so as not to harm the reader, should you need to skip a section to protect yourself due to your own experienced trauma. The author has been through some things, between having a rough (understatement) childhood, quite a few medical issues, growing up during a time and place where anything but heterosexual identity was acceptable, and so many more things (go read the book). I feel like I really got to know the author.
I actually really enjoyed reading this. Oak pours their heart into this book when they talk about their time as a teacher and the trauma they experienced throughout their life. Despite all of their hardships, Oak has still become a successful writer and a survivor. I completely related to the struggles they experienced with getting a diagnoses when it comes to a medical condition no one can figure out and being passed from doctor to doctor until you find a competent one who cares and actually knows what they are doing. I think there is something everyone can relate to in this book.
View all my reviews
No comments:
Post a Comment