Psst! #ReadWithPride is a new series here on The Nerd Daily where we strive to regularly highlight #ownvoices authors and their queer stories! This series aims to shed more light on diverse, unique reads; we want to make sure that everyone can find themselves represented in books! If you have a suggestion for a book you would love to gain more attention, drop us a line! In the words of Raymond Holt from Brooklyn Nine-Nine: “Every time someone steps up and says who they are, the worlds becomes a better, more interesting place.” We appreciate your help in doing our part to create that place!
The quote that will convince you to pick this book up:
I call myself black.
I call myself queer.
I call myself beautiful.
I call myself eternal.
I call myself iconic.
I call myself futuristic.
Review:
He is me, who I have been,
who I am, who I hope to become.
Someone fabulous, wild and strong.
With or without a costume on.
I know that we have been blessed with covers this year but can we just take a moment to thank the stars for this one? It is beyond beautiful!
We follow Michael, a half Jamaican, half Greek-Cyprian growing up in the UK. Preferring to play with barbies than roughing around with the guys, Michael knows from a young age that he isn’t like everybody else. As the poems progress, we learn how Michael tries to find his place but feels like his two identities – gay and black – work against each other. Only at university does he finally meet his tribe when he discovers the Drag Society. As Michael finds his voice, he goes through heartbreak and epiphanies, first loves and changing family dynamics, and he only becomes more evocative and empowered and I wanted to cheer him on all the way.
The Black Flamingo captures so many themes, spanning from learning what intersectionality is and how you fit into the world to the force of the patriarchy in shaping who you have to perform as and to. The poems oscillate between light-hearted stories about Michael’s love for his sister to others that feature deeper emotions and truths that hurt because they feel so final, like your first time being tainted by the one you trusted. Nevertheless, Michael shines and encapsulates the black flamingo on stage in drag as well as off it when he confronts his first heartbreak. Touching and authentic, Michael’s story is one that needs to be heard by everyone who ever felt like the black sheep…or black flamingo and now wants to claim that title proudly.
A love letter to understanding and owning your identity, The Black Flamingo will remind readers that they are in charge of who they are – no matter the voices who tell them to fit into boxes.
The Black Flamingo is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers as of May 26th 2020.
Will you be picking up The Black Flamingo? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Stonewall Book Award Winner!
A fierce coming-of-age verse novel about identity and the power of drag, from acclaimed UK poet and performer Dean Atta. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo, Jason Reynolds, and Kacen Callender.
Michael is a mixed-race gay teen growing up in London. All his life, he’s navigated what it means to be Greek-Cypriot and Jamaican—but never quite feeling Greek or Black enough.
As he gets older, Michael’s coming out is only the start of learning who he is and where he fits in. When he discovers the Drag Society, he finally finds where he belongs—and the Black Flamingo is born.
Told with raw honesty, insight, and lyricism, this debut explores the layers of identity that make us who we are—and allow us to shine.
