Something That May Shock and Discredit You

Something That May Shock and Discredit You by Daniel Mallory Ortberg is a sparkling memoir that traverses the complex landscape of gender transition, blending it seamlessly with cultural critique, literary exploration, and startling wit. Ortberg, a New York Times bestselling feminist author and the beloved voice behind The Toast and Slate's 'Dear Prudence' column, presents a collection of essays that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. Ortberg's journey of self-discovery and transition is narrated with a unique blend of humour and poignancy. From the whimsical to the profound, each essay encapsulates reasons for transitioning that range from the desire to impress an ex to more playful motivations like wanting to sing both parts of a duet at karaoke or simply having cheaper haircuts. These reflections not only entertain but also offer insight into the broader experience of gender and identity. Few authors can traverse such diverse terrain with the ease and charm of Ortberg. The memoir revisits beloved cultural and literary figures, examining them through the lens of Ortberg’s transition. The essays delve into popular culture, literature, religion, and sexuality, making unexpected but satisfying connections between the author's experiences and iconic characters from mythic Greece, contemporary pop culture, and beyond. From beautifully imagined conversations to humorous scripts, each chapter stands out with Ortberg's trademark magical thinking. One might find themselves exploring House Hunters, Golden Girls, or even the works of Lord Byron, Lacan, and Rilke through Ortberg's fresh and engaging perspective. The memoir is filled with vulnerable yet confident writing, anchored in specificity that never feels narrow, effortlessly shifting from the literal to the lyrical. At last, we have the work of transgender bathos that we didn't know we needed but very much do. Ortberg deftly combines bathos and devotional elements into a delightful revelation. By expanding the boundaries of what a transgender memoir can achieve, Ortberg stands alongside figures like Viviane Namaste, challenging autobiographical norms and offering a narrative that is both comic and transcendent. Ortberg's playful yet profound takes on pop culture will leave readers both laughing and reflecting deeply. As Kirkus Reviews aptly puts it, "Ortberg's writing is vulnerable but confident, specific but never narrow, literal and lyrical. The author is refreshingly unafraid of his own uncertainty, but he's always definitive where it counts." This memoir not only entertains but also provides a candid and compassionate window into the myriad facets of gender transition. Something That May Shock and Discredit You by Daniel Mallory Ortberg is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the nuances of identity with humour and heart. Whether you're well-versed in Ortberg's previous work or discovering him for the first time, this collection of essays promises to leave a lasting impact. Timely, innovative, and utterly compelling, it’s a book that resonates on multiple levels and is bound to become a touchstone for readers from all walks of life.