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Special Topics in a Being Human

A Queer and Tender Guide to Things I've Learned the Hard Way about Caring For People, Including Myself
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( 721 ratings, 124 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Special Topics in Being Human by S. Bear Bergman explores personal and societal experiences through the lens of identity, relationships, and cultural challenges. The authors delve into contemporary issues with wit and insight, focusing on how these topics influence everyday human interactions and societal structures. This engaging book offers readers a thoughtful perspective on the complexities of modern life.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in exploring diverse perspectives on identity, culture, and social justice. With a blend of thoughtful essays and engaging storytelling, it offers insightful discussions on human experience, making it a compelling read for those curious about the complexities of modern life.

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Celebrated trans author S. Bear Bergman's illustrated guide to practical advice for the modern age, filtered through a queer lens.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

As an author, educator, and public speaker, S. Bear Bergman has documented his experience as, among other things, a trans parent, with wit and aplomb. He also writes the advice column Ask Bear, in which he answers crucial questions about how best to make our collective way through the world.

Featuring disarming illustrations by Saul Freedman-Lawson, Special Topics in Being a Human elaborates on Ask Bear's premise: a gentle, witty, and insightful book of practical advice for the modern age. It offers Dad advice and Jewish bubbe wisdom, all filtered through a queer lens, to help you navigate some of the complexities of lifeβ€”from how to make big decisions or make a good apology, to how to get someone's new name and pronouns right as quickly as possible, to how to gracefully navigate a breakup.

With warmth and candor, Special Topics in Being a Human calls out social inequities and injustices in traditional advice-giving, validates your feelings, asks a lot of questions, and tries to help you be your best possible self with kindness, compassion, and humour.

'Sweet, soulful, and deeply humane. Bear at his best.' Alison Bechdel, author of Fun Home

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

S. Bear Bergman's Special Topics in a Being Human is highly praised for its heartfelt and humane approach. The book is described as offering life advice with warmth, humour, and pragmatism, akin to guidance from a wise, supportive family member. It provides insights on becoming a kinder, more thoughtful and compassionate person in today's world.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781551528540

Publisher: Arsenal Pulp Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 16 December 2021

Country: Canada

Imprint: Arsenal Pulp Press

Illustration: 256 Illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 178.0mm

Height: 254.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 256

About the Author

S. Bear Bergman is a writer, storyteller, activist, and the founder and publisher of the book press Flamingo Rampant, which makes feminist, culturally diverse children's picture books about LGBT2Q+ kids and families. He writes creative non-fiction for grown-ups, fiction for children, resolutely factual features for various publications, and the advice column "Asking Bear." His books include The Nearest Exit May Be Behind Us and Blood, Marriage, Wine & Glitter, and he was the co-editor along with Kate Bornstein of Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation.

Saul Freedman-Lawson is an illustrator, student, zine-maker, babysitter, and educator. He makes art about queerness, transness, Judaism, and childhood. His comic Naturally is forthcoming from Old Growth Press. He likes to draw excitingly gendered people with big noses. This is his first full-length book.

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