Thanks Knopf and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!

Available May 28th 2024.

Searing and vulnerable, KB Brookins' Pretty is an exploration of what it means to be a Black trans male in the American South today. Told through prose essays and bursts of poetry, the memoir follows KB from childhood in Fort Worth to adulthood in Austin, TX. Alongside personal experiences, KB meditates on a range of subjects such as hospital care for trans people, working in the nonprofit industry, and pursuing an MFA. One of the most powerful parts of this book was when KB takes accountability for past abusive behavior - it showed true vulnerability with the audience.

Written from a transmasculine nonbinary perspective, this memoir is an exploration of what it means to grow up Black and queer. Very raw, authentic, and thought provoking, with an incredible amount of illuminating information, including a lot of good commentary on socially ascribed gender roles—with particular emphasis on Black expectations—and the difficulties involved in growing up/being trans.

Eye-opening in the extreme.

Pretty is a raw and moving memoir by KB Brookins, a Black trans poet. They highlight the intersections between race, gender, and size. They were adopted relatively young and much of their childhood in Texas is spent in the church. Much of their community revolved around the church, but they were consistently being told they were not acting enough like a girl. KB is sexually abused starting at a very young age, which is not acknowledged by others. Interspersed throughout this memoir are poems. As Brookins is a poet, these are a great addition to the overall arch of the book. While much of the book is focused on their interactions with the world, they also highlight challenges going through the world as a fat, black, trans individual. Each identity comes with their own oppression and stereotypes. They talk about how the publishing world is not properly highlighting these stories and individuals. They write about how masculinity is embodied by others and how it is learned. A moving (and frustrating section) is about them trying to navigate the world of reproductive health as someone who still needs to see a ob/gyn- are there gender specific bathrooms? no, I am calling for an appointment for myself. That is my legal name, but please use my preferred name (and still proceeds to be called by their dead name). It is infuriating, but not surprising.

Thank you to Knopf via NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for honest review.

First drawn to this book by the cover and title, I found such an incredibly story inside. KB Brookins tells us the story of their life growing up in a body that didn’t fit. People are expected to fit neatly into this box or that box and Brookins is working hard to discourage that notion. Love that!

Being let in for the story they have let us into, being a spectator of sorts to a an experience so personal is a powerful thing. They give the good, the bad, and the messy in between.

The message Brookins wants to get across pertaining to the Black community, the trans community was so informative. There was so much compassion in this memoir, and a lot of really hard truths.

I had such a unique time reading this book. There were moments that brought me to tears, and moments that I was cheering. Memoirs are personal and this was deeply personal! I am so grateful to KB Brookins for sharing their story. Pictures and resources are included that just made it even more of an experience.

I could not recommend this one more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Wow what can I say this really is a deep insite to ever day struggles of the trans community. Everyone should read this.

I loved the way this memoir was written and how it felt like the author was talking to you. There were poems mixed in, and I can’t wait to get my finished copy, because the formatting of the arc was wonky and made the sections and poems had to differentiate. I made so many highlights, too.

This book has a unique structure. It’s part memoir, part poetry and part social commentary/essay about life as a Black trans masculine person. My biggest takeaway about this book is that there need to be more books written by, about and for Black trans folks. KB is an undeniably talented writer. I appreciated how freely they shared their growth and their journey to becoming the person they are today. I believe KB largely wrote this book to help those who are living similar difficult lives in communities (which are unfortunately most) that invalidate, ignore and harm them. Everyone should read this book in order to be a better person. Black trans folks should read it to feel and be seen and for emotional support.