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Something That May Shock and Discredit You

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( 3,482 ratings, 695 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
Something That May Shock and Discredit You by Daniel Mallory Ortberg is a witty and insightful collection of essays that blend personal anecdotes with cultural critique. The author delves into themes of identity, gender, and transformation, using humour and literary references to explore the complexities of self-discovery and change. The book offers a unique perspective on navigating life's transitions with grace and intelligence.
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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 appreciate witty essays and sharp cultural analysis. It offers a blend of humour, personal anecdotes, and insightful commentary on various topics, making it a compelling read for fans of clever, thought-provoking prose.

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Something That May Shock and Discredit You

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
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.

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?

Something That May Shock and Discredit You by Daniel Mallory Ortberg is widely praised for its witty and insightful exploration of identity, gender, and pop culture. Reviewers commend Ortberg's humorous, heartfelt, and at times surreal writing style, which blends personal anecdotes with sharp observations. The book's inventive narrative format and thought-provoking themes have resonated deeply with readers.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781922310040

Publisher: Scribe Publications

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 April 2020

Country: Australia

Imprint: Scribe Publications

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 136.0mm

Height: 209.0mm

Weight: 274g

Pages: 256

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About the Author

Daniel Mallory Ortberg is the 'Dear Prudence' advice columnist at Slate, the co-founder of The Toast, and the New York Times bestselling author of Texts From Jane Eyre and The Merry Spinster.

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