What an incredible debut for Matt Ortile. The Groom Will Keep His Name will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think. I love every second of it.

Through its pages, Ortile's work unpacks what it means to be part of intersecting—and sometimes conflicting—identities and communities and the struggle to find oneself in the midst of them. All of his essays were strong, but two of my favorites were those on his construction of the Vassar Girl and his complicated, evolving views on marriage. And while Ortile is obviously speaking to his own experiences, his work is as much about coming of age in this particular era and not really knowing what you're doing in the process.

Such a beautiful book.

An excellent memoir. Ortile tells his story in a way that makes him feel like you're friends. Especially appreciated his pieces on the marriage industrial complex.