Biography & Memoir

Moraga is one of the most powerful voices of Xicana feminism. In this biography of her mother Elvira, she grapples with the struggles and erasure of women (especially of indigenous women) in the Mexican diaspora. Elvira is the strong, difficult backbone in Moraga’s life journey from the mixed-race Los Angeles household of her childhood to the hard-won “queer familia” of her present. A beautiful reclamation of language, memory, and culture. - Clara

The Honey Bus is immersive and gripping, a heart-soaking experience. May tenderly lays forth the intricacies of bees and beekeeping (just as her grandpa presented them to her); the glories of Big Sur are delicately rendered; and the girl saved by bees is courageous, lovable, and fierce in the face of heart-piercing pain. May has written a page-turner for all readers. - Chorel

Kidnapped in northeast Africa as a boy and sold off into slavery in the 16th century, the man who would later be known as Yasuke made a long and brutal journey across the world. He served as a soldier in India and later as a bodyguard to Jesuit priests, who brought him to the place he would eventually call home, Japan. Told with the insight of a historian and the skill of a seasoned author, The African Samurai is the perfect historical tale for any modern-day warrior thriving in a foreign land. - Aric

Ani fans new and old will delight in this personable, powerful, truth-telling memoir from one of our most vital musicians and social activists Focusing specifically on her life to age 30, she takes us from emancipated teenager to working artist to independent record label pioneer. As in her songs, DiFranco writes with refreshing honesty and hard-won insight, and it’s empowering to watch her come into her own as a feminist, a singer/songwriter, an entrepreneur, and a force of wisdom. - Melinda

The world is not black and white, so why do we approach gender as a binary? In Me, Myself, They, Joshua Ferguson breaks down on historical, scientific, and societal bases why a two-gender outlook ignores reality. The world is filled with so many colors and the idea that we all fit into one of two boxes is preposterous. This unflinchingly honest memoir made me rethink everything I know about gender and I can’t wait to give it to everyone I know. - Ivy

While working in a large hospital in Philadelphia, Dr. Virji realized that due to the number of his patients he was assigned, he was practicing “turnstyle” medicine. Upon hearing of a shortage of doctors in rural communities, he and his family moved to a town of 1400 people in Minnesota, where he opened a clinic. After a few years, he was finally practicing personable medicine in a community that seemed warm and welcoming. Then the 2016 elections hit. Virji, a devout Muslim, woke to find a swastika on his sidewalk. The atmosphere in the town seemed to shift overnight and things got dangerous and intense. At the verge of leaving entirely, a town meeting was called and Virji found himself in the burdened position of having to educate and explain his religion to a less-than-open crowd. Love Thy Neighbor offers a view of the bravery that is required and the shifts that can take place when compassion and faith are used to combat fear. - S.M.C.

I am such a fan of Queer Eye that I jumped on the chance to read France’s biography. It is such a fun book. This was like sitting down with a friend and sharing your life’s highs and lows while getting the best fashion advice. I love how France relates certain articles of clothing to a moment in his life. He made me laugh and contemplate (and consider whether my jewelry collection could use just one more piece). - Karena

This beautiful collection of essays covers a wide array of topics, from feminism to infertility to aging parents. Pine writes in a way that resonates in your soul and is completely devoid of bullshit. I was honored by her honesty and found her words a salve on my soul for all the nonsense I’ve gone through the last couple years. - Ivy

Going into Rough Magic already knowing the outcome didn’t affect the reading experience for me at all. In fact, it made it an even better book, as I spent most of my time reading it shaking my head in disbelief and wonder at the shenanigans Lara was able to get up to. Starting with her impulsive joining of the Mongol Derby (622 miles in 10 days on 25 different half-wild ponies), she pushes herself along, drawing on a wild restlessness that bypasses any sort of training or preparation that she should have had. Rough Magic is travelogue and memoir, with a harsh, fond look at her childhood and a bittersweet exploration of how to find oneself in the world. - Rachel

Non-binary (NB), gender queer, and gender fluid folks have long been left behind as the queer community has grown louder. Here, shouting at the top of their fabulous lungs, comes Jacob Tobia. Their story is one that many other NB folks have had, and one that needs to be heard just as badly as any other queer experience. No journey of self-discovery is an easy road, but Tobia manages to shepherd us through their ups and downs with immense narrative grace. This book belongs in every queer studies course, and I hope it inspires other NB folks to tell their stories. - J